What do the AH-64 Apache, AH-1Z Viper and the KA-52 Alligator have in common? Not a thing. They all represent differing design philosophies and approaches to the Attack Helicopter. I became interested because of the announcement that the Russians would be placing the KA-52 on the Mistral class LHD they'll be building soon. First a comparison of the 3 helicopters via Wikipedia.
AH-1Z Viper/General characteristics
- Crew: 2: pilot, co-pilot/gunner (CPG)
- Capacity: 6,661 lb (3,021 kg)
- Length: 58 ft 3 in (17.8 m)
- Rotor diameter: 48 ft (14.6 m)
- Height: 14 ft 4 in (4.37 m)
- Disc area: 1,808 ft² (168.0 m²)
- Empty weight: 12,300 lb (5,580 kg)
- Useful load: 5,764 lb (2,620 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 18,500 lb (8,390 kg)
- Powerplant: 2× General Electric T700-GE-401C turboshaft, 1,800 shp (1,340 kW) each
- Rotor systems: 4 blades on main rotor, 4 blades on tail rotor
Performance
AH-64D Apache/General characteristics
- Crew: 2 (pilot, and co-pilot/gunner)
- Length: 58.17 ft (17.73 m) (with both rotors turning)
- Rotor diameter: 48 ft 0 in (14.63 m)
- Height: 12.7 ft (3.87 m)
- Disc area: 1,809.5 ft² (168.11 m²)
- Empty weight: 11,387 lb (5,165 kg)
- Loaded weight: 17,650 lb (8,000 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 23,000 lb (10,433 kg)
- Powerplant: 2× General Electric T700-GE-701 and later upgraded to T700-GE-701C (1990–present) & T700-GE-701D (AH-64D block III) turboshafts, -701: 1,690 shp, -701C: 1,890 shp, -701D: 2,000 shp (-701: 1,260 kW, -701C: 1,490 kW, -701D: 1,490 kW) each
- Fuselage length: 49 ft 5 in (15.06 m)
- Rotor systems: 4 blade main rotor, 4 blade tail rotor in non-orthogonal alignment
Performance
- Never exceed speed: 197 knots (227 mph, 365 km/h)
- Maximum speed: 158 knots (182 mph, 293 km/h)
- Cruise speed: 143 knots (165 mph, 265 km/h)
- Range: 257 nmi (295 mi, 476 km) with Longbow radar mast
- Combat radius: 260 nmi (300 mi, 480 km)
- Ferry range: 1,024 nmi (1,180 mi, 1,900 km)
- Service ceiling: 21,000 ft (6,400 m) minimum loaded
- Rate of climb: 2,500 ft/min (12.7 m/s)
- Disc loading: 9.80 lb/ft² (47.9 kg/m²)
- Power/mass: 0.18 hp/lb (0.31 KW/kg)
KA-52 Alligator/General characteristics
- Crew: One (for Ka-52: two)
- Length: 13.50 m (44 ft 3 in)
- Rotor diameter: 2x 14.50 m (2x 47 ft 7 in)
- Height: 5.4 m (17 ft 9 in)
- Disc area: 330.3 m² (3,555 ft²)
- Empty weight: 7,800 kg (17,200 lb)
- Loaded weight: 9,800 kg (21,600 lb)
- Max takeoff weight: 10,800 kg (23,810 lb)
- Powerplant: 2× Klimov TV3-117VK turboshafts, 1,660 kW (2,226 shp) each
- For Ka-52:
- Loaded weight: 10,400 kg (22,930 lb)
Performance
I'm not sure how I would rank them but it appears that heavy weight, heavily armored helicopters are as passe' as wheeled personnel carriers. The Russians have practically said so with the adoption of the KA-52 over its rival, the Mi-28.
And how does fit the western European designs in this comparison (Italian or Franco-German for example) ?
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure that they will abandon the Mi-28 design, I think they will go both ways as the US did with the Cobra and Apache. Once more, Russia get's the upper hand in people's choices because everyone wants a contender for the US.
ReplyDeleteI think Bryaxis has a point here, a comparison should include Western European designs such as the Tiger and the Mangusta which are supposed to provide real competition for the Apache and Russian designs.
In this instance the Apache (especially in Block III form) has the advantage. It offers the best 'bang for the buck' so to speak. The Cobra is a wonderful design and the Marine's clearly love it. The KA-50/52 is a completely unproven design, and with Russian tech being in the shambles it is in I don't think it will be a significant threat.
ReplyDeleteAs for the other European designs:
- The Tiger is a good design...on paper. The inception and integration of the aircraft has been nothing short of a fiasco, especially with the Germans. Someday with significant changes in design and more investment ( Yes I know...) it MIGHT become a world beater. As of now and in the near future I'm afraid its a laughing stock.
- The Mangusta has never been designed as an Apache or MI-28 competitor. Its main role is to offer a cheaper alternative to second and third tier militaries who simply want a nice easy to use, off the shelf anti-tank and close support capability . In tech terms its more like the early generation Cobra's with some more advanced systems but basically the same weaponry.
Are we forgetting the UK Apache here
ReplyDeleteIt might look superficially different to the US and Israeli versions but is a much different aircraft.
Rotor fold, full deicing kit, improved avionics, common engine with the Merlin which provides greater power (allows us to keep the Longbow in Afghanistan for example) and a very very capable DAS
It can also carry the CRV-7 rocket which many think is the nest 70mm rocket available. We use them a lot in Afghanistan
It should be better than anything, it cost nearly double the price of a normal Apache!!
Interesting cannon preferences.
ReplyDeleteCobra 20x102mm Gatling (750 rds)
Apache 30×113mm single (1200 rds)
Gator 30x165mm single (460 rds)