Kamov Ka-31
Kamov helicopter / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Kamov Ka-31 (NATO reporting name Helix) is a military helicopter originally developed for the Soviet Navy and currently in service in Russia, China, and India in the naval airborne early warning and control role.
Ka-31 | |
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Ka-31 in 2005 | |
Role | Airborne early warning and control |
Manufacturer | Kamov |
First flight | 1987 |
Introduction | 1995 |
Status | In service, In production |
Primary users | Russian Navy Indian Naval Air Arm People's Liberation Army Navy |
Produced | 1985–present |
Number built | 28[1] |
Developed from | Kamov Ka-27 |
As with all Kamov helicopters except the Ka-60/-62 family, the Ka-31 has co-axially mounted contra-rotating main rotors. The airframe of the Ka-31 is based on the Kamov Ka-27. One visually distinctive feature of the Ka-31 is the large antenna of the early-warning radar, which is either rotating or folded and stowed under the fuselage. The second is the reduction of the bulky electro-optical sensory suite beneath the cockpit. The landing gear retracts in order to prevent interference with the radar.