Russian Helicopters Holding (part of the Rostec State Corporation) announced the first flight of a prototype of the newest modernised Ka-52 helicopter took place. This machine will use all the best technical solutions previously tested on helicopters produced both within the framework of the State Defense Order and for export.

The new Ka-52M helicopter has an upgraded optoelectronic system with an increased target detection and recognition range, a new digital drive, which will improve the aiming accuracy when firing a cannon. The modernised Ka-52 also received a new radar system with an active phased antenna array and a guided missile with an increased range.

The Ka-52M main rotor blades are equipped with a more powerful heating element, which will allow the helicopter to operate over the entire temperature range, including Arctic conditions. The helicopter is equipped with landing gear wheels with a higher load-bearing capacity and wear resistance, as well as lighting equipment based on LEDs. The modernised Alligator also has a new cockpit interior, which will ensure the fulfillment of modern ergonomic requirements, including when piloting in the dark with night vision goggles.

"Large-scale reconstruction and technical re-equipment of production within the framework of the federal target program allowed us to significantly expand the technological capabilities of AAK Progress and start producing more advanced and reliable military equipment - modernised Ka-52 helicopters for Russian armed forces. The enterprise has created new production facilities. "Bottlenecks" were eliminated, worn-out equipment was replaced, the range was expanded and the labour intensity of manufacturing products was reduced. Thanks to the achieved increase in production efficiency, labour productivity and the quality of products, the enterprise has reached a new level today, "said the Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, Denis Manturov.

"On behalf of the Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation, last year we started development work on the modernisation of the Ka-52 helicopter, taking into account the experience of its combat use. In broad cooperation with the enterprises of the aviation cluster of the State Corporation Rostec, we have created a virtually new machine, which has improved characteristics. The missile armament of the Ka-52M is unified with the armament of another new helicopter, the Mi-28NM, which has made it possible to significantly increase the range of engagement of targets, "said Andrey Boginsky, General Director of the Russian Helicopters Holding .

Flight tests of the Ka-52M will be carried out by specialists from the developer - JSC NCV Mil and Kamov, together with specialists from AAK Progress. Part of the test stages will be carried out on the territory of the manufacturer, and then the machines will be transferred to the developer. At the end of the preliminary acceptance tests, state joint tests will begin.