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The Russian army’s ground forces are poorly equipped, its main battle tanks are obsolete and its missiles are inaccurate – these and other statements have repeatedly made headlines in recent months. In fact, the Russian army has struggled to show ground success against the Ukrainians, who are also supported by the West.
It’s different in the air. Many units of the Ukrainian Air Force have been disabled here. In addition, there is a powerful opponent for the Ukrainians on the Russian side: the Russian Kamov Ka-52 helicopter.
The Ka-52, also known by the nickname Alligator, is considered one of the best combat helicopters in the world, writes the “Spiegel”. It can now fully exploit its strengths, says the magazine Gustav Gressel. “Because of the many minefields, the movements of the Ukrainians are severely restricted,” says the expert for Eastern Europe at the European Council on Foreign Relations in Berlin. This would make them an easier target for the Russians.
Time and again the Ukrainian advance comes to a halt – be it because of minefields or other roadblocks. Then the troops are easy to attack. The alligator offers Putin’s soldiers the advantage that the pilots sit next to each other and not behind each other. This is not possible in a fighter jet, for example.
Heavy armament and modern systems
In addition, the Ka-52 has state-of-the-art sensors. A system has been installed directly under the landing gear, housing various cameras and measuring equipment. Laser target illumination is also integrated, as is a radar device. In addition, the “Alligators” can be equipped with an additional system. With the help of this multifunctional radar, called “FH01 Arbalet”, air, ground and sea targets can be located up to a distance of 15 kilometers. This also enables target guidance of guided missiles.
The cabin has a special reinforcement that protects the pilots against incoming bullets. The so-called coaxial rotor is also clearly visible from the outside. Two rotors are mounted one above the other, rotating in opposite directions. This means that the tail rotor can be omitted. With this system, a particularly smooth hover flight is possible – on the battlefield this can be a decisive advantage. The maximum range of the heli is 1200 kilometers and it can reach top speeds of 310 km/h.
In addition, the alligator has heavy armament. A Schipunov 2A42 submachine gun is permanently installed on board. This offers space for almost 500 cartridges. The machine can also be upgraded with infrared guided air-to-air missiles, as well as air-to-surface missiles. The helicopter also offers space for cluster or incendiary bombs.
Long distance becomes a problem for Ukraine
What makes the alligator particularly dangerous is that it can also load Wichr missiles. These have a range of 10 kilometers. As the “Spiegel” writes, advancing Ukrainian units are accompanied by mobile anti-aircraft systems. However, these usually only have a range of about five kilometers.
The alligator is out of range. Theoretically, expert Gressel tells the magazine, the Ukrainians could move their large anti-aircraft systems to the front. For example, it would be possible to use the Patriot system. But: “As soon as these systems turn on their radar equipment, Lancet drones hunt them down.”
The Lancet drones are used again and again by Russia. Videos on social media are said to show kamikaze drones chasing Leopard 2 tanks in Ukraine. They are considered very effective and can also destroy larger systems.
According to the expert, the deployment of F-16 fighter jets would probably help the Ukrainians. The first Western countries want to deliver the fighter jets to Ukraine, there are talks about that. And: The first Ukrainian pilots are already being trained on the machines. (zis)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
