Ka-29
Kamov · Soviet Union · first flew 1976 · helicopter
The Kamov Ka-29 is a coaxial-rotor naval assault and transport helicopter, developed from the Ka-27 to support Soviet marine landings.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 11.6 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Coaxial naval assault helicopter
- Wide glazed troop cabin
- Stub wings with weapon pylons
Look for the tail-rotor-less coaxial main rotors, a broad multi-pane cockpit, stub wings with weapon pylons and the compact folding-rotor layout typical of shipborne Kamovs.
Specifications
- The Ka-29 has a length of 11.6 m (38 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 15.9 m (52 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 280 km/h (174 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in the late 1970s and identified in the West in the mid-1980s, the Ka-29 married the Ka-27's coaxial rotor system to a widened, more heavily glazed and armoured forward fuselage. It was built to carry marines and provide fire support from amphibious ships.
Variants
The main Ka-29TB assault version carries troops, guns and stub-wing weaponry, and airframes have been reworked for other duties including the Ka-31 radar-picket derivative. Small numbers were also adapted for over-the-horizon targeting.
Where you'll see it
The Ka-29 served exclusively with Soviet and Russian naval aviation and has no UK service history, the Royal Navy fielding the Sea King and later Merlin in comparable roles. It continues in limited Russian use.
Related aircraft
- Kamov Ka-27 Helix
- Ka-32
- Ka-50 Chernaya Akula (Black Shark)
- Ka-31
- Bell 222
- Hughes MD 500D
- Kamov Ka-29TB
- MD 500 Defender
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