Russia has 3 export orders for Ka-52 helicopters - manufacture
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A new-generation Ka-52 Alligator combat helicopter making a demonstration flight over the airfield at the Progress Aviation Plant in Arsenyev. The multi-role Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopter is an improved derivative of the two-seat mass-produced Ka-50 Black Shark attack helicopter (Photo Yuri Maltsev @ RIA Novosti)MOSCOW, January 13 -- Russia has received export orders for the delivery of Ka-52 Hokum-B combat helicopters from three countries, the manufacturer said on Tuesday.
The Ka-52 is a twin-seat derivative of the Ka-50 Hokum-A attack helicopter, and is designed primarily for reconnaissance and target designation purposes. It is similar to the U.S. AH-64 Apache attack helicopter.
"We have received orders for these helicopters from three countries," said Yury Denisenko, general director of the Progress aircraft manufacturing company.
"We are studying these orders and will provide the names of the countries that ordered the aircraft if the contracts are signed," he added.
Denisenko also said that the Russian Defense Ministry would remain the key customer for Ka-52 helicopters, although he refused to disclose the number of aircraft ordered by the military, citing confidentiality.
The Russian government approved the production of Ka-52 attack helicopters at the Arsenyevsk plant in Russia's Far East in December last year.
According to Russia's Air Force chief, Col. Gen. Alexander Zelin, deliveries of the first 12 Ka-52 Hokum-Bs to the Russian Air Force will start in 2009. (news @ RIA Novosti)
