Kamov Ka-26 "Hoodlum"
Kamov · Soviet Union · first flew 1965 · helicopter
The Kamov Ka-26 is a Soviet light utility helicopter using Kamov's characteristic coaxial contra-rotating rotor system, eliminating the need for a tail rotor. Its modular rear section could accept an enclosed cabin, an open agricultural hopper, or a cargo hook.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Twin piston engines on stub wings each side of fuselage |
| T — Tail | No tailplane |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Coaxial contra-rotating rotor — no tail rotor
- Modular pod-and-boom with interchangeable rear sections
- Twin piston engines on stub wings each side of fuselage
The coaxial rotor with no tail rotor, twin piston engines on side-mounted stub wings, and the characteristic Kamov twin-fin tail boom with the modular rear fuselage pod make the Ka-26 instantly distinctive among light helicopters.
Specifications
- The Kamov Ka-26 has a length of 7.75 m (25 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 13 m (43 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 170 km/h (106 mph).
- Typical crew: 1–2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1965, the Ka-26 entered Aeroflot service in 1970 for agricultural spraying, survey, and light utility work. Romania manufactured the type under licence as the IAR 316 and later IAR 317 Airfox. Over 800 Ka-26s were built at the Kumertau plant.
Variants
The Ka-126 and Ka-226 are turbine-powered descendants of the same coaxial design philosophy. The Romanian IAR-316/317 were licensed Ka-26 variants. The Ka-26 itself had agricultural, passenger, and cargo-hook versions via interchangeable rear sections.
Where you'll see it
Widely used across the Soviet Union for crop dusting, geological survey, and utility work. Romania operated them with the air force and civil authorities. Several remain active in Eastern Europe and Russia today.
Related aircraft
- Kamov Ka-25
- Kamov Ka-27 Helix
- Kamov Ka-18
- Ka-29
- Aérospatiale SA 330A Puma
- Bell AH-1 Cobra
- SA 330 Puma
- Bell 205A-1
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 5,024 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.