Editing Kamov Ka-50 (section)

==Development==
The Ka-50 is the production version of the [[Kamov V-80|V-80Sh-1]] prototype. Production of the attack helicopter was ordered by the [[Government of the Soviet Union|Soviet Council of Ministers]] on 14 December 1987.<ref name=Donald_p310-11/> Development of the helicopter was first reported in the West in 1984, while the first photograph appeared in 1989.<ref name=JAWA_Ka-50>"Kamov Ka-50 Chernaya Akula". ''Jane's All the World's Aircraft''. Jane's Information Group, 2009. ([http://www4.janes.com/K2/doc.jsp?t=B&K2DocKey=/content1/janesdata/yb/jawa/jawa0789.htm@current&Prod_Name=JAWA& subscription article]{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=Redalert2fan |fix-attempted=yes}}, dated 14 September 2009).</ref> During operational testing from 1985 to 1986, the workload on the pilot was found to be similar to that of a [[fighter-bomber]] pilot, such that the pilot could perform both flying and navigation duties.<ref name=Donald_p310>Donald and March 2004, p. 310.</ref>

Like other Kamov helicopters, it features Kamov's characteristic [[Contra-rotating|coaxial contra-rotating]] rotor system, which removes the need for the entire [[tail rotor]] assembly and improves the aircraft's aerobatic qualities—it can perform loops, rolls and "the funnel" ([[Circle strafing|circle-strafing]]), where the aircraft maintains a line-of-sight to the target while flying circles of varying altitude and airspeed around it.<ref>{{Cite conference |last=Teplitz |first=Jerome |title=SAE Technical Paper Series |date=1971-02-01 |chapter=The FAA Flying and Handling Qualities Program |volume=1 |conference=National Business Aircraft Meeting and Engineering Display |chapter-url=http://dx.doi.org/10.4271/710372 |publisher=SAE International |doi=10.4271/710372 |via=FAA Gov}}</ref> The omission of the tail rotor is a qualitative advantage, because the torque-countering tail rotor can use up to 30% of engine power. The Ka-50's entire transmission presents a comparatively small target to ground fire.<ref name="airforce-technology.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/ka50-black-shark-helicopter/ |title=Ka-50 Black Shark (Hokum) Attack Helicopter |work=Airforce Technology |access-date=14 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131208080722/http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/ka50-black-shark-helicopter/ |archive-date=8 December 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>

For improved pilot survivability the Ka-50 is fitted with a [[NPP Zvezda]] (transl. Star) K-37-800 [[ejection seat]], which is a rare feature for a helicopter.<ref name="Donald_p308">Donald and March 2004, p. 308.</ref> Before the rocket in the ejection seat deploys, the rotor blades are blown away by explosive charges in the rotor disc and the canopy is jettisoned.<ref name="Russian Helicopters" />

[[File:Ka-50 NTW 7 8 93.jpg|thumb|left|Kamov Ka-50 "Black Shark" on display]]
Following initial flight testing and system tests, the Council ordered the first batch of helicopters in 1990. The attack helicopter was first described publicly as the "Ka-50" in March 1992 at a symposium in the United Kingdom.<ref name="Donald_p310-11">Donald and March 2004, pp. 310–11.</ref> The helicopter was unveiled at the Mosaeroshow '92 at [[Ramenskoye Airport|Zhukovskiy]] in August 1992. The following month, the second production example made its foreign debut at the [[Farnborough Airshow]], where it was displayed with an image of a [[werewolf]] on its rudder—gaining the popular nickname "Werewolf". The fifth prototype, painted black, played the title role in the movie ''Чёрная акула'' (Black Shark), which made the Ka-50 known by its current nickname.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Babič|first=Saša|date=2011-10-17 |title=Lingvistična antropologija in etnolingvistika<br>Linguistic Anthropology and Ethnolinguistics |journal=[[Studia mythologica Slavica]] |volume=14 |pages=169 |doi=10.3986/sms.v14i0.1607 |issn=1581-128X |doi-access=free}}</ref>

In November 1993, four production helicopters were flown to the Army Aviation Combat Training Centre at [[Torzhok (air base)|Torzhok]] to begin field trials. The president of the Russian Federation authorized the fielding of the Ka-50 with the [[Russian Ground Forces]] (army) on 28 August 1995. The collapse of the [[Soviet Union]] led to a severe drop in defense procurement. This resulted in only a dozen Ka-50s delivered, instead of the planned several hundred to replace the [[Mil Mi-24]].<ref name="Andrey_Fomin" />

The single-seat configuration was considered undesirable by NATO. The first two Ka-50 prototypes had false windows painted on them,<ref>Eden, Paul. ''Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft'', p. 223, Amber Books, 2004. {{ISBN|1-904687-84-9}}.</ref> which successfully misled the first western reports of the aircraft in the mid-1980s,<ref>Encyclopedia of World Air Power, 1985, {{ISBN|978-0517537541}}.</ref> to the point of some analysts even concluding that its primary mission was as an air superiority aircraft for hunting and killing NATO attack helicopters, an alarming but expected Soviet move by NATO planners following the recent [[J-CATCH]] program evaluation.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Baribeau |first=Stephen R |date=1985-12-02 |title=Soviet Attack Helicopters and Their Implications for U.S. Army Division Operations.|url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/citations/ADA167200 |language=en |journal= |access-date=10 October 2021 |archive-date=10 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211010203413/https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/citations/ADA167200 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The Ka-50 and its modifications have been chosen as the special forces' support helicopter, while the [[Mil Mi-28]] has become the main army's gunship. The production of Ka-50 was recommenced in 2006. In 2009, the Russian Air Force received three units built from incomplete airframes dating from the mid-1990s.<ref name=Alexander_Mladenov >Alexander Mladenov. September 2010. "Reforming a formidable foe". ''Air Forces Monthly''. Issue 269, pp. 62–68.</ref>

===Ka-50N "Night Shark" and Ka-50Sh===
From the time the Ka-50 was ordered in 1987, it was known that the limited night-time capability of the original version would have to be upgraded to meet night attack requirements.<ref name=Donald_p311-14/> Initially, Ka-50N was meant to be fitted with the Merkury Low-Light TV (LLTV) system. Due to lack of funding, the system was late and experienced reliability and capability issues. As a result, focus shifted to [[forward looking infrared]] (FLIR) systems.<ref name=Ka-50N_kamov.net/> Kamov drafted a design in 1993 that included the Shkval-N sighting system with an infrared sensor.<ref name=Donald_p311-14>Donald and March 2004, pp. 311–314.</ref> Many variants were tried. On some, the original Shkval was supplemented by a thermal imaging system, while others saw a complete replacement by the Samshit day-and-night system (also used on Ka-52). Some of the imagers included in the trials were manufactured by the French [[SAGEM]] and [[L.H. Thomson|Thomson]] companies. Kamov was forced to consider foreign analogues as a temporary replacement for domestic imaging systems because of their slow development.<ref name=Ka-50N_kamov.net>[http://www.kamov.net/kamov-army/ka-50n/ "Ka-50N".] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111208110119/http://www.kamov.net/kamov-army/ka-50n/ |date=8 December 2011}} ''kamov.net''.</ref>

Trials led to two "final" versions: Ka-50N "Night Shark" ({{langx|ru|link=no|Ночная акула}}, "[[velvet belly lanternshark]]")<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Mazepov |first1=A. |last2=Mikheev |first2=A. |last3=Zenkin |first3=V. |last4=Zhirnov |first4=A. |last5=Fomin |first5=A. |date=1997 |title=Night Shark and Alligator |journal=Ka-50, Ka-52, Ka-50N – Combat Helicopters |series=Polygon |edition=2 |pages={{nowrap|126–127}} |isbn=5-7656-0005-0}}</ref> and Ka-50Sh ({{langx|ru|link=no|'''Ш'''ар|translit='''Sh'''ar}}, "ball"; because of the spherical FLIR turret). The first Ka-50Sh, which was the eighth pre-production aircraft, Bort 018, first flew on 4 March 1997. The Kamov company and Black Shark logos were displayed on the endplate fins and the vertical tail. It featured the Samshit-50 system installed within a 640&nbsp;mm (25&nbsp;in) diameter sphere under the nose. Shkval system was moved to the nose cone area.<ref name=Andrey_Fomin/> Neither of the Ka-50 night-attack versions has entered full production.<ref name=Ka-50N_kamov.net/>

===Ka-50-2 "Erdogan"===
In 1997, [[Israel Aerospace Industries]] (IAI) in cooperation with the Kamov bureau entered the Ka-50-2 ''Erdoğan'' in a Turkish design competition for a $4&nbsp;billion contract for 145 (later changed to 50) combat helicopters.{{citation needed|date=February 2023}}

The Ka-50-2 is a [[tandem]] cockpit variant of the Ka-50. It featured a modern, Israeli-made "[[glass cockpit]]" avionics and a turret-mounted folding (for landing clearance) 30&nbsp;mm cannon instead of the fixed cannon on the Ka-50. It features combat-proven avionics and advanced anti-tank guided missiles for a high level of combat effectiveness. It is equipped with IAI's flexible modular avionics suite, which can be readily tailored to meet the TLF's operational requirements and provides growth potential.<ref name="glob_sec_Ka-50-2">[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/ka-50-2.htm Ka-50-2 Erdogan] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100219221449/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/ka-50-2.htm |date=19 February 2010}}. globalsecurity.org, 9 November 2008.</ref>

IAI and Kamov performed flights of the variant with IAI's Core Avionics. These flights demonstrated the helicopter's "glass cockpit" with multifunctional displays and Control and Display Unit (CDU) driven by centralized mission computers. Also tested were its flight navigation and the operation of the Helicopter Multi-Mission Optronic Stabilized Payload (HMOSP) targeting system. The demonstration flights included night mission capability demonstrations using [[Night Vision Goggles]] (NVG) and the day/night targeting system.<ref name="glob_sec_Ka-50-2"/>

Turkey initially selected an improved version of the [[Bell AH-1 SuperCobra]] over the Erdogan, [[Eurocopter Tiger]], [[AH-64 Apache]], [[Denel Rooivalk]], and [[A129 Mangusta]]. In the end, the contract was awarded to the A129 in 2007.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2007/04/10/213155/turkey-picks-a129-in-delayed-attack-helicopter-competition.html "Turkey picks A129 in delayed attack helicopter competition"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100822160917/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2007/04/10/213155/turkey-picks-a129-in-delayed-attack-helicopter-competition.html |date=22 August 2010}}. Flight International, 10 April 2007.</ref>

===Ka-52 "Alligator"===
[[File:Ka-52 at MAKS-2009.jpg|thumb|Ka-52 "061", Zhukovski, 2009]]

In the early 1980s, while comparative tests of the V-80 (Ka-50 prototype) and the Mi-28 were being conducted, the Kamov design team came up with a proposal to develop a dedicated helicopter to conduct battlefield reconnaissance, provide target designation, support and coordinate group attack helicopter operations based on the [[Kamov Ka-60|Ka-60]]. However, the economic hardships that hit the nation in the late 1980s hampered this new development program. This prompted Kamov's Designer General to choose a modified version of Ka-50 on which to install the reconnaissance and target designation system. The modified "Black Shark" required a second crew member to operate the optotronics/radar reconnaissance suite. Kamov decided to use side-by-side seating arrangement, due to the verified improvements in co-operation between the crew members. This twin-seat version was designated Ka-52.<ref name=Andrey_Fomin />

[[File:Kamov Ka-52.jpg|thumb|Serial Ka-52 at Torzhok Air Base]]
In comparison to the original Ka-50, the Ka-52 has a new radome with a nose-mounted radar system for targeting giving the Ka-52 a rounder nose profile. A day-and-night TV/thermal sighting system is fitted in a spherical turret under the nose (some examples have an additional mast radar for aerial targets and a second sighting system above the cockpit). The Ka-52 has the side-mounted cannon of the original Ka-50.<ref name="Ka-52_prod">[http://www.kamov.ru/en/production/ka52/ Ka-52 product page] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101107181714/http://www.kamov.ru/en/production/ka52/ |date=7 November 2010}}. Kamov.</ref> It features six wing-mounted [[hardpoint]]s compared to four on the Ka-50. To keep the weight and performance on par with that of the Ka-50, the armor and the capacity of the cannon magazine/feed were reduced. Also some flight parameters deteriorated: rate of climb dropped from 10 to 8&nbsp;m/s and maximum positive load factor became 3.0 g. Most of the problems were solved by installing the new [[VK-2500]] engine.<ref name="Russian Helicopters"/> The Ka-52 is approved for day, night and adverse weather conditions.<ref name=Ka-52_kamov.net>[http://www.kamov.net/kamov-army/kamov-ka-52/ "Ka-52".] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120225551/http://www.kamov.net/kamov-army/kamov-ka-52/ |date=20 January 2012}} ''kamov.net''.</ref>

Manufacturing of the first Ka-52 airframe began in mid-1996.<ref name=Andrey_Fomin /> Series production was started in autumn 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://lenta.ru/news/2008/10/29/alligator/ |script-title=ru:Началось серийное производство вертолетов Ка-52 |work=lenta.ru |language=ru |trans-title= Serial production of Ka-52 helicopters has begun |access-date=5 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081101025231/http://www.lenta.ru/news/2008/10/29/alligator/ |archive-date=1 November 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2010|September}}, the 696th Instructor and Research Helicopter Regiment, based at [[Torzhok (air base)]], is operating eight helicopters, in varying degrees of capability and/or modification, for research and development.<ref name=Alexander_Mladenov /> In December 2010, four new, series-production Ka-52s were delivered to the Air Base<ref>Sergy Aleksandrov. April 2011. "Four new Ka-52s delivered to Torzhok". ''Air Forces Monthly''. Issue 277, p. 29.</ref> of the 344th Centre for Combat Training and Aircrew Conversion.<ref>"More Ka-52s for Russian AF". ''Combat Aircraft''. Vol. 12, No. 4, p. 16.</ref>

[[File:Russian Air Force Kamov Ka-52 cockpit (19604206626).jpg|thumb|Russian Aerospace Forces Kamov Ka-52 cockpit]]
The first phase of the official tests (ГСИ) was completed in December 2008 and after that permission was given for the production of an experimental batch for phase 2 (ГСИ, including fire tests and the search for targets)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rnd.cnews.ru/army/news/line/index_science.shtml?2008/12/30/333682 |title=Новости науки |work= R&D.CNews |access-date=17 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230234656/http://rnd.cnews.ru/army/news/line/index_science.shtml?2008%2F12%2F30%2F333682 |archive-date=30 December 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Serial production of the Ka-52 began at the Progress Arsenyev Aviation Company plant in [[Arsenyev]], [[Primorsky Krai]] by end of the 2008.<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/1049820 |title="Аллигатор" поддержит экономику "Прогресса" |trans-title="Alligator" will support the economy of "Progress" |journal=[[Kommersant]] |date=30 October 2008 |access-date=4 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105061815/https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/1049820 |archive-date=5 November 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=How the Ka-52 Alligator is made: A guided tour of the helicopter factory |url=http://en.ria.ru/video/20110907/166497435.html |newspaper=RIA Novosti |date=2011-09-07 |access-date=2014-02-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227070112/http://en.ria.ru/video/20110907/166497435.html |archive-date=27 February 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> After the completion of the state trials, the Ka-52 entered service in May 2011 with first operational units joining the Russian Air Force the same month. Under previous State Defense Procurement Plans, the Russian Armed Forces was to receive 2 experimental and 24 serial Ka-52s by 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bmpd.livejournal.com/3083434.html |title=Министерством обороны России планируется закупка еще 114 вертолетов Ка-52 |website=bmpd.livejournal.com |date=7 February 2018 |access-date=4 November 2018 |archive-date=18 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918072000/https://bmpd.livejournal.com/3083434.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The second long-term contract signed in 2011 worth 120 billion rubles is to provide the Russian Aerospace Forces with 146 Ka-52 helicopters in total until 2020. In February 2018, the [[Ministry of Defence (Russia)|Russian Ministry of Defence]] expressed an interest to purchase 114 Ka-52s of a new version within the new State Armament Program for 2018–2027.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12161921@egNews |title=Минобороны намерено закупить 114 вертолетов Ка-52 в рамках новой Госпрограммы вооружений |website=mil.ru |date=6 February 2018 |access-date=4 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105012451/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12161921@egNews |archive-date=5 November 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Ka-52 "Nile Crocodile"===
In 2015, Egypt signed a deal for the purchase of 46 Ka-52 helicopters, with a stated completion year of 2020.<ref name="tass.ru">{{cite news |url= http://tass.ru/en/defense/847966 |title= Russian Helicopters confirms agreement with Egypt for 46 Kamov Ka-52 aircraft |date= 30 December 2015 |language= ru |access-date= 23 January 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160126095058/http://tass.ru/en/defense/847966 |archive-date= 26 January 2016 |url-status= live}}</ref> [[Russian Helicopters]] started producing its first export models in early 2017, the overall production was doubled in order to meet new demands.<ref name="russianhelicopters.aero">{{cite news |url= http://www.russianhelicopters.aero/ru/press/news/first_alligator_2017/ |title= "Russian Helicopters" produced the first "Alligator" in 2017 |date= 31 January 2017 |language= ru |access-date= 6 May 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170219013837/http://www.russianhelicopters.aero/ru/press/news/first_alligator_2017/ |archive-date= 19 February 2017 |url-status= live}}</ref> The first batch of 3 Ka-52 attack helicopters was delivered to Egypt in July 2017, with a second batch of another 3 helicopters being delivered in August. By year-end 2017, Egypt had received 19 Ka-52s,<ref name="ria.ru">{{cite news |date=5 March 2018 |script-title=ru:Российское оружие удержало свое место |language=ru |trans-title=Russian weapons held their place |url=https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/3566087 |url-status=live |access-date=9 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206085011/https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/3566087 |archive-date=6 December 2018}}</ref> but these early units came with issues related to power, night vision, navigation systems, and other avionics equipment.<ref>{{cite web |title=Egypt snaps up the 'Nile Crocodile' {{!}} Times Aerospace |url=https://www.timesaerospace.aero/features/defence/egypt-snaps-up-the-nile-crocodile |website=Times Aerospace |access-date=24 October 2023 |archive-date=29 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229225039/https://www.timesaerospace.aero/features/defence/egypt-snaps-up-the-nile-crocodile |url-status=live}}</ref> On 6 December 2018, it was announced at the [[Egypt Defence Expo|Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX)]] that Ka-52s had officially entered service with the Egyptian Air Force.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lake |first1=John |title=Kamov Ka-52 in service in Egypt |url=https://www.asianmilitaryreview.com/2019/01/kamov-ka-52-in-service-in-egypt/ |website=Asian Military Review |date=30 January 2019 |access-date=24 October 2023 |archive-date=4 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104173603/https://www.asianmilitaryreview.com/2019/01/kamov-ka-52-in-service-in-egypt/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

Egypt's helicopter is a modified version of the basic Ka-52 Alligator that serves in the Russian Aerospace Forces. Unlike the basic model, the Egyptian Ka-52 utilizes anti-corrosion materials and has a reinforced fuselage structure. It received new landing gear and wheels, designed for the increased takeoff weight of the helicopter. The Egyptian model features updated avionics and a new cooling system for operating in hot climate. [[Dmitry Rogozin]], Deputy Prime Minister of Russia on defense and space industry, proposed to name it the "Nile Crocodile".<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.aex.ru/news/2017/9/8/174761/|title= Foreign pilots appreciated the Ka-52 helicopter|language= ru|access-date= 9 September 2017|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170909100108/https://www.aex.ru/news/2017/9/8/174761/|archive-date= 9 September 2017|url-status= live}}</ref>

The helicopter is equipped with the new OES-52 electro-optical observation and laser targeting system, replacing the standard GOES-451 mounted under the nose.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://newstes.ru/2017/05/14/russkie-alligatory-na-eksport-podrobnosti-bolshoy-sborki-ka-52.html|title= Russian "Alligators" for export: the details of a large assembly of the Ka-52|date= 14 May 2017|language=en|url-status= dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170909100011/http://newstes.ru/2017/05/14/russkie-alligatory-na-eksport-podrobnosti-bolshoy-sborki-ka-52.html|archive-date= 9 September 2017}}</ref> The new optronic system began development in 2011 as a collaboration between [[Kamov]] and [[Safran|Sagem]], and is based on the French company's STRIX sighting System.<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.safran-electronics-defense.com/media/20130828_kamov-and-sagem-team-ka-52-alligator-attack-helicopter|title= Kamov and Sagem team up on Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopter|date= 28 August 2013|language= en|access-date= 15 May 2017|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170909095956/https://www.safran-electronics-defense.com/media/20130828_kamov-and-sagem-team-ka-52-alligator-attack-helicopter|archive-date= 9 September 2017|url-status= live}}</ref> The OES-52 provides greater range of target detection and recognition.

The helicopter features the Arbalet-52 dual-band coherent pulse radar, which has an Earth mapping range of 32&nbsp;km and a detection range of 25&nbsp;km for ground targets and 15&nbsp;km for aerial targets.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://oblik.msk.ru/en/product/arbalet/about|title= Arbalet / Arbalet-D Technical Characteristics|language= en|access-date= 15 May 2017|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170909095842/http://oblik.msk.ru/en/product/arbalet/about|archive-date= 9 September 2017|url-status= dead}}</ref>

The ''Nile Crocodiles'' use President-S airborne defense systems for protection against guided missiles.<ref name="butowski p76">{{harvnb|Butowski|2022|page=76}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Perry2016-04-11T14:18:55+01:00 |first=Dominic |title=Russian Helicopters integrates new defensive aids suite |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/russian-helicopters-integrates-new-defensive-aids-suite/120250.article |access-date=2023-01-29 |website=Flight Global |language=en |archive-date=25 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225222413/https://www.flightglobal.com/russian-helicopters-integrates-new-defensive-aids-suite/120250.article |url-status=live}}</ref> The system includes both [[Radar warning receiver|radar]] and [[Laser warning receiver|laser]] warning receivers, [[Missile approach warning system|MAW]] sensors, chaff/flare dispensers, in addition to [[Electronic countermeasure|ECM]] and [[Directional Infrared Counter Measures|DIRCM]] jammers.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://niiekran.ru/prod_president.php |title= airborne defense system President-S |language=ru |access-date= 7 May 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170507215158/http://niiekran.ru/prod_president.php |archive-date= 7 May 2017 |url-status= dead}}</ref> Egyptian Ka-52s feature two new DIRCM sets installed on either side of the fuselage, which are different from the standard L370-5 sets.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1= Butowski |first1= Piotr |last2= Angrand |first2= Antony |date= 12 May 2017 |title= Le Ka-52 égyptien vole |url= http://www.journaux.fr/air-cosmos_avions_auto-moto-transport_157438.html |magazine= Air & Cosmos N° 2547 |publisher= journaux.fr |access-date= 15 May 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170506092840/http://www.journaux.fr/air-cosmos_avions_auto-moto-transport_157438.html |archive-date= 6 May 2017 |url-status= live}}</ref> Moreover, the laser-warning system present on the Russian variants of the Ka-52 has been removed, and a L-150 Pastel radar warning receiver has been installed instead.<ref name="butowski p76" />

Egypt plans to arm its Ka-52s with Russian [[anti-tank guided missiles]]. The Air Force has chosen two types of missiles; namely the laser-guided [[9K121 Vikhr|Vikhr]] and the radar-guided [[9M120 Ataka|Ataka]] [[beam riding|beam-riding]] missiles.<ref name="auto1">{{cite news |url= http://www.armyrecognition.com/february_2016_global_defense_security_news_industry/egypt_first_international_customer_for_russian_9a1472_vikhr-1_at-16_scallion_anti-tank_guided_missile_tass_12402167.html |title= Egypt first international customer for Russian 9A1472 Vikhr-1 AT-16 Scallion anti-tank guided missile |date= 24 February 2016 |language= en |access-date= 25 February 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160227061753/http://www.armyrecognition.com/february_2016_global_defense_security_news_industry/egypt_first_international_customer_for_russian_9a1472_vikhr-1_at-16_scallion_anti-tank_guided_missile_tass_12402167.html |archive-date= 27 February 2016 |url-status= live}}</ref>

===Ka-52K "Katran"===
[[File:Russian Navy, Kamov, Ka-52K (21444723505).jpg|left|thumb|Ka-52K "Katran" of the Russian Navy]]

The [[Mistral-class amphibious assault ship|''Mistral''-class]] [[amphibious assault ship]]s, ordered by the Russian Defense Ministry,{{citation needed|date=February 2023}} were to contain rotary-wing assets, formed into aviation groups. Each of these groups was planned to include eight attack and eight assault/transport helicopters. The Ka-52K "Katran" ({{langx|ru|link=no|Катран}}, '[[mud shark]]'), a navalised derivative of the Ka-52, has been selected as the new ship-borne attack type for the [[Russian Naval Aviation]]. Its features include folding rotor blades, folding wings, and reinforced landing gear. Since its wings are shorter than those of the land-based variants, the Ka-52K only has four weapons pylons, instead of six on the land-based Ka-52. There are plans to install a new radar in the Ka-52K, with longer range compared to the Ka-52's radar. The Ka-52K will also be able to use [[Kh-35]] and [[Kh-38]] missiles. However, they haven't yet been integrated in the helicopter's mission suite.<ref name="auto">{{harvnb|Butowski|2022|pages=79–80}}</ref> Russian Naval Aviation will need at least 40 Ka-52Ks, the first of which was tentatively slated to enter squadron service by early 2015, coinciding with the delivery of the first carrier.<ref>Mladenov, Alexander. "Force Report: Russian Navy". ''Air Forces Monthly''. Issue 286, p. 80, January 2012.</ref>

However, following the [[Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation|Russian annexation of Crimea]] the sale of the Mistrals was cancelled and they have since been sold to Egypt.<ref>{{Cite news |title= Egypt agrees to buy warships built for Russia from France |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-34335224 |access-date= 2015-10-01 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180916214611/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-34335224|archive-date= 16 September 2018|url-status= live|date= 23 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title= Egypt to Equip its New Mistral-Class Helicopter Carriers With 50 Russian Made Ka-52K Alligators|url= http://defense-update.com/20150924_mistral-2.html#.Vg18Msv0q_Q|website= defense-update.com|access-date= 2015-10-01|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150929054946/http://defense-update.com/20150924_mistral-2.html#.Vg18Msv0q_Q|archive-date= 29 September 2015|url-status= live|date= 24 September 2015}}</ref> Later, Egypt bought 46 Ka-52s, with deliveries lasting from 2017 to 2019. These helicopters have been deployed on the Mistrals originally built for Russia; however, Egyptian Ka-52s are regular land-based variants, not Ka-52Ks.<ref name="Butowski 2022 page=74">{{harvnb|Butowski|2022|page=74}}</ref>

Still, the first of four Ka-52Ks ordered for the Russian Navy flew on 7 March 2015; the Navy also had an option for a further 28 helicopters.<ref>{{cite journal|journal=[[Flight International]]|date=17 March 2015|title=First flight edges Ka-52K towards maritime debut|page=15|volume=187|issue=5480|issn=0015-3710}}</ref> As of 2017, 4 pre-series Ka-52Ks were operated and used for testing by the Russian Navy.<ref name=Ka-52K_ref1>{{cite web|url=https://ria.ru/defense_safety/20171013/1506746789.html|title="Вертолеты России" обсуждают с ВМФ поставки машин Ка-52К|website=ria.ru|date=13 October 2017|access-date=16 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916055838/https://ria.ru/defense_safety/20171013/1506746789.html|archive-date=16 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Ka-52K_ref2>{{cite web|url=http://www.heliopsmag.com/heliops-frontline/ka52k-katran-for-the-russian-navy|title=KA52K Katran for the Russian Navy|website=heliopsmag.com|access-date=16 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916060100/http://www.heliopsmag.com/heliops-frontline/ka52k-katran-for-the-russian-navy|archive-date=16 September 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> After a period of uncertainty, the Ka-52K's future with the Russian Navy now appears clearer. In July 2020, [[Keel laying|the keel was laid]] for two new [[Project 23900 amphibious assault ship]]s in the [[Zalyv Shipbuilding yard]]. Each ship will be able to carry up to 18 helicopters, including Ka-52Ks.<ref>{{harvnb|Butowski|2022|pages=82–83}}</ref> The Ka-52K has passed all tests and was ready for serial production as of September 2020.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2020/0917/105559640/detail.shtml |title= Морские вертолеты Ка-52К "Катран" прошли все испытания и готовы к серийному производству |date= 17 September 2020 |access-date= |archive-date= 25 November 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201125194622/https://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2020/0917/105559640/detail.shtml |url-status= live}}</ref>

According to the [[SCMP]], China is considering the purchase of 36 Ka-52Ks to be used aboard the [[Type 075 landing helicopter dock|Type 075 helicopter carrier]], which would fulfil the role of a heavy attack helicopter. These helicopters are necessary to equip the carrier with powerful attack weapons, which it currently lacks.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-09-21 |title=PLA in market for Russian Ka-52K heavy attack helicopters |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3149462/china-military-pla-market-russian-ka-52k-heavy-attack |access-date=2022-04-05 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en |archive-date=1 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220501033159/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3149462/china-military-pla-market-russian-ka-52k-heavy-attack |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Ka-52M===
The new version announced by the Russian Ministry of Defence in 2018 eventually crystalized into the Ka-52M; 114 helicopters of this new version are to be acquired. Additionally, older Ka-52s are to be upgraded to Ka-52M standard. The contract for the first 30 Ka-52Ms was signed in August 2021.<ref>{{harvnb|Butowski|2022|pages=85–86}}</ref> A new contract was signed in August 2022.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/mainnews/2022/0817/084269022/detail.shtml | title=ЦАМТО / Главное / На форуме «Армия-2022» подписаны 7 и вручены 29 госконтрактов с 26 предприятиями ОПК | access-date=27 August 2022 | archive-date=22 August 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822120727/https://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/mainnews/2022/0817/084269022/detail.shtml | url-status=live}}</ref> Upgrades embodied in the Ka-52M include a modernized GOES-451M electro-optical targeting turret with an increased range, stronger undercarriage wheels, and improved cockpit ergonomics, with better adaptation to the use of [[night-vision goggles]]. The [[LMUR]] missile is added to the helicopter's armament options.<ref>{{harvnb|Butowski|2022|page=86}}</ref> Several new radar types are being considered for the Ka-52M.<ref>{{harvnb|Butowski|2022|page=87}}</ref> A new self-protection system will also be fitted to the Ka-52M, replacing the current L370-5 Vitebsk. Lastly, the Ka-52M is adapted to work within a new battlefield [[command and control]] system.<ref>{{harvnb|Butowski|2022|page=93}}</ref> The Russian military received its first 10 modified Ka-52M helicopters on 9 January 2023. The state defense order for the helicopters was doubled in 2023.<ref name="airrecognition.com">{{Cite web |title=Russian army receives 10 upgraded Ka-52M attack helicopters |url=https://airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2023-news-aviation-aerospace/january/8857-russian-army-receives-10-upgraded-ka-52m-attack-helicopters.html |access-date=2023-11-16 |website=airrecognition.com |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011014656/https://airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2023-news-aviation-aerospace/january/8857-russian-army-receives-10-upgraded-ka-52m-attack-helicopters.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=ЦАМТО / / Гособоронзказ на ААК «Прогресс» в Приморье в 2023 году вырос вдвое |url=https://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2023/0915/102075278/detail.shtml |access-date=2023-11-16 |website=armstrade.org |archive-date=1 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001211611/https://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2023/0915/102075278/detail.shtml |url-status=live}}</ref>