Kamov Ka-18
Kamov · Soviet Union · first flew 1956 · helicopter
The Kamov Ka-18 was a Soviet light utility helicopter featuring Kamov's signature coaxial contra-rotating rotor system, eliminating the need for a tail rotor. It was used for agricultural spraying, medical evacuation, and general utility duties.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 7.03 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | No tailplane |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Soviet coaxial rotor light helicopter
- No tail rotor — Kamov trademark
- Used for agricultural and medical roles
A small coaxial helicopter with two three-blade contra-rotating rotors stacked above a compact fuselage, fixed quadricycle undercarriage, and no tail rotor — a characteristic Kamov signature.
Specifications
- The Kamov Ka-18 has a length of 7.03 m (23 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10 m (33 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 150 km/h (93 mph).
- Typical crew: 1-2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1956 as a light civil helicopter, the Ka-18 was developed to serve agricultural and medical roles in the Soviet Union where short-field operations were essential. It flew in competition with the Mil Mi-1 for similar roles and was produced in modest numbers.
Variants
The Ka-18 was developed from the earlier Ka-15; variants included different equipment fits for agricultural and medical missions.
Where you'll see it
Operated by Soviet civil aviation (Aeroflot) and agricultural agencies during the late 1950s and 1960s; not widely exported.
Related aircraft
- Kamov Ka-15
- Kamov Ka-25
- Kamov Ka-10
- Kamov Ka-26
- Bell UH-1 Iroquois (Huey)
- Hughes TH-55A Osage
- Hughes/Schweizer 269/300
- Kaman HH-43F Huskie
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