Kamov Ka-18 (Hog)

History of the Kamov Ka-18 (Hog)

The Kamov Ka-18 (Hog), a development of the previous Ka-15 model, was a light utility helicopter during the Cold War. The aircraft first flew in 1955 and remained in existence throughout the Cold War until the series was finally abandoned in 1973.

In total, about 120 factories were built, serving only the Soviet Union.

The Ka-15 served as a mature starting point for the new Ka-18, resulting in a longer fuselage while carrying a more powerful engine, this was the Ivchenko AI-14VF 9-cylinder, air-cooled, radial piston 280 hp rotor with typical Kamov arrangement, a coaxial configuration in which one twin blade unit sits on top of the other, eliminating the need for a tail rotor to counteract the inherent torque effects. The rotors are 32.7 feet in diameter, while the fuselage itself is 23 feet long and 11 feet high.

The fuselage has an awkward spherical appearance, with crew and passengers sitting in a 2x2 formation. The engine is mounted at the rear of the aircraft and powers the pair of overhead main rotors. The rear wing is a conical component covered by a horizontal plane with two ribs.

For ground operation, four-point fixed landing gear with wheels was installed - a feature inherited from the previous Ka-15.

In terms of performance, this light four-seater helicopter can reach speeds of 93 mph, fly at 75 mph, and have a range of 103 miles. Service is capped at 10,660 feet.

By the early 1970s, the Ka-18 had more versatile and economical alternatives, so it was phased out of front-line service.

Specification

BASIC

Years in Service

1957

Origins

Soviet Union

Status

retirement

does not work.

Crew

1

Production

120

Manufacturer

Kamov - USSR

Carrier

Soviet Union

Roles

Close Air Support (CAS)

Designed to operate near active ground elements with a wide range of air-to-surface weapon and ammunition options.

nautical/navy

Water mobility capability for a variety of land-based or ship-based maritime missions, supported by Allied Naval Surface Forces.

Transportation

General transport function for moving supplies/cargo or people (including casualties and VIPs) out of range.

Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR), reconnaissance

Monitor ground targets/target areas to assess surrounding threat levels, enemy strength, or enemy movement.

Notable Features

Vertical Takeoff/Landing (VTOL)

The

series has the tactical capability of vertical take-off and/or landing, a characteristic usually associated with helicopters.

Coaxial main rotor

The twin main rotors are assembled coaxially, negating the traditional torque neutralizing tail rotor unit.

High-speed performance

Can accelerate to higher speeds than the average aircraft at the time.

High performance

The ability to fly and operate at higher altitudes than the average aircraft of the day.

Seaport

Able to operate over the ocean and survive certain harsh marine environments.

Closed crew room

There are partially or fully enclosed crew work areas.

Dimensions and Weight

Length

23. 1 ft

(7.05m)

Width/span

32.6 feet

(9.95m)

Height

11. 0 feet

(3.35m)

Cured weight

2,337 lbs

(1,060 kg)

MTOW

3,263 lbs

(1,480 kg)

Wgt Difference

+926 lbs

(+420kg)

Performance

Installed:

1 x Ivchenko AI-14VF 9-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engine, 280 hp, driving 2 x three-blade coaxial main rotors.

Maximum speed

93 km/h

(150 km/h | 81 kn)

Cruising speed

75 km/h

(120 km/h | 65 kn)

Maximum speed difference

+19 km/h

(+30 km/h | 16 kn)

Maximum

10,663 feet

(3,250 m | 2 km)

Area

103 km

(165 km | 306 nautical miles)

Range (MPH) Subsonic: < 614mph | Transonic: 614-921 | Supersonic: 921-3836 | Hypersonic: 3836-7673 | Hypersonic: 7673-19180 | Reentry: > 19030

ARMAMENT

None.

VARIANTS

Ka-18 (Hog) - Base Series Designation.