Ka-31
Kamov · Soviet Union · first flew 1987 · helicopter
The Kamov Ka-31 is a shipborne airborne early-warning helicopter, distinguished by a huge rotating planar radar antenna slung beneath its fuselage.
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 rotor AEW helicopter
- Large flat rotating radar under belly
- Retracting undercarriage
Identify it by the coaxial main rotors, the absence of a tail rotor, and above all the large flat radar panel that rotates under the belly in flight and folds flat when stowed.
Specifications
- The Ka-31 has a length of 11.6 m (38 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 15.9 m (52 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 250 km/h (155 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed from the Ka-29 airframe, the type first flew in 1987 and carries the E-801M Oko radar to give naval task groups over-the-horizon air and surface warning. It provides a helicopter-based AEW capability from ships too small for fixed-wing aircraft.
Variants
The core Ka-31 has been supplied in slightly differing standards to export customers, and an upgraded Ka-31R with improved radar and avionics has been offered. All retain the folding radar antenna and coaxial rotors.
Where you'll see it
Russia and India are the principal operators, flying the Ka-31 from carriers and destroyers; it has no UK service, the Royal Navy using Sea King ASaC and Crowsnest Merlin for the same mission. Its unusual radar makes it instantly recognisable.
Related aircraft
- Ka-50 Chernaya Akula (Black Shark)
- Ka-32
- Kamov Ka-226
- Kamov Ka-52 Alligator
- Leonardo AW101 Merlin
- SH-60J/K
- Mil Mi-34
- Schweizer 330
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