The design process started in 1969, with the prototype first flown on 24 December 1973, replacing the Ka-25 Hormone ship-borne helicopter, the Ka-27 Helix entered service in 1980 and was first observed on the Soviet destroyer Udaloy in September 1981, entering operational service in 1983 aboard the Admiral Kuznetsov Aircraft Carrier or the Peter the Great Nuclear Cruiser.
The design of the Ka-27 is very similar in its external appearance to the previous Ka-25, as it must be accommodated in the same hangars as its predecessor.
The blades of the main rotors have three blades each. It has two Isotov turbines of 2,225 HP each, mounted on the upper part of the pilot’s cabin. In the event that a turbine fails, it has a transmission mechanism, which is coupled with the turbine shaft that maintains its power and allows the two rotors to rotate at the same time for a few minutes, in order to land.
The rear of the fuselage features two tail stabilizers.
It has a four-wheel landing gear, the front wheels free to rotate so that it can be easily maneuvered on the deck and the two rear wheels can also rotate, making it easier to handle in the internal hangars. During flight the landing gear is retracted and in the Templar alert versions, a large rotating antenna is deployed in the lower part of the fuselage.
It also has an external winch.
The Ka-27 retains the Hormone’s coaxial counter-rotating rotor arrangement for com¬pactness, but features an enlarged fuselage, increased fuel, two 1,660kW (2,170 s.h.p.) Isotov TV3-117BK turbo-shafts, a redesigned tail, and all-weather avionics. Broadly based on the Ka-25, the Ka-27 features redesigned broader chord rotor blades, strengthened transmissions and undercarriage, and two tail fins.
At least 16 were observed on the former ‘Kiev’ class carrier/cruiser Novorossiysk 1983, during replacement of Ka-25s with Ka-27s.
Three versions of the Ka-27 were initially identified; Helix A, the ASW variant with under-nose search radar, dipping sonar, sonobuoys, and towed MAD; Helix B, an infantry assault version; and Helix C, a SAR helicopter with additional fuel tanks and rescue hoist.
Manufactured by KUMAPE, the Ka-27 came in four versions, the Ka-27, 28, 29, and 32. The Ka-27 is a naval helicopter, having two variants, the Ka-27PL which are used in pairs for anti-submarine use, and the Ka-27PS which is used for search and rescue. The Ka-28 is an (ASW) export version of the
ka-27PL. The Ka-29 and Ka-29TB are assault transport helicopters. The Ka-32T is a utility transport helicopter, and the 32S is a utility version for operating in adverse weather. The 32K is a flying crane version of the Ka-27.
Modern variants include the Ka-31 airborne early warning helicopter equipped with the E801M Oko (Eye) air and sea surveillance radar
A crew of three are pilot, tactical coordinator, and ASW systems operator and most versions have a ventral weapons bay for two torpedoes, four depth charges, or other stores.
Variants:
Ka-27K
Prototype for anti-submarine warfare.
Ka-28 Helix-A
Ka-27PL for export customers with 1,618kW / 2170shp TV3-117BK turboshafts and 3,680kg of fuel in 12 tanks. Ka-32 type broad cockpit door and bulged windows.
Ka-27E
Version for exploration in areas of radioactive contamination.
Ka-27PL Helix-A
Ka-27 for anti-submarine missions with extended cockpit with additional windows and three crew, enlarged belly weapons bay for four torpedoes and upgraded electronics suite. Russian navy Ka-27PLs carry Kh-35 anti-ship missiles. Normally operated in pairs, one tracking hostile submarine, other dropping depth charges.
Ka-27PS Helix-D
ASR version of Ka-27, As Ka-27PL without weapons bay, rescue winch, external fuel tanks, searchlight and other rescue equipment.
Ka-27PSD
PS version with extended range.
Ka-27PV
Armored version of the 27PS.
Ka-28
Export version of the Ka-27PL.
Specifications:
Ka-27
Engines: 2 × Isotov, 1,660 kW (2,225 HP)
Rotor diameter: 15.8m
Empty weight: 6,500kg
Loaded weight: 11,000kg
Useful load: 4,000kg
Maximum operating speed: 270km/h
Cruising speed: 205km/h
Range: 980km
Service ceiling: 5,000m
Machine guns:1 × GShG-7.62 rotary four-barrel, 1,800 rounds.
Cannons: 1 × 2A42 30mm
External supports: 4
Ka-27
Engine: 2 x Klimov TV3-117.
Instant pwr: 1642 kW.
Rotor dia: 15.9 m.
Fuselage length: 11.3 m.
Height: 5.4m
No. Blades: 2 x 3.
Disc Area: 199 sq.m
MTOW: 12,600 kg.
Payload: 4000 kg.
Max speed: 146 kt / 270km/h
Max cruise: 124 kts.
Cruising speed: 230km/h
HOGE: 12,131 ft.
Service ceiling: 19,672 ft / 4300m
Range: 850 km.
Endurance: 4.5h
Crew: 2-3
Pax: 16.
KA-27PS
Engine: 2 x Klimov TV3-117.
Instant pwr: 1642 kW.
Rotor dia: 15.9 m.
MTOW: 11,000 kg.
Max speed: 146 kts.
Max cruise: 124 kts.
Max range (max pax): 750 km.
HOGE: 12,131 ft.
Service ceiling: 19,672 ft.
Crew: 1.
Pax: 12.
All Aero 