Kamov Ka-27

{{Short description|Naval military helicopter}} {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}  {{Infobox aircraft | name = Ka-27 | image = A Russian Helix KA-27 (cropped).jpg | caption = A Russian Navy Ka-27 flying by {{USS|Vella Gulf|CG-72|6}} over the Gulf of Aden. | type = Anti-submarine warfare helicopter (Ka-27/Ka-28) Attack helicopter with transport capabilities (Ka-29) Civilian utility helicopter (Ka-32) | national_origin = Soviet Union / Russia | manufacturer = Kamov | designer = | first_flight = 24 December 1973<ref name="Brassey">Taylor 1996, pp.316–317</ref> | introduction = 1982 | retired = | status = In service | primary_user = Soviet Navy (historical) | more_users = Russian Navy Ukrainian Navy Indian Navy | produced = 1979–2010<ref name="modernisation red samovar" /> | number_built = | developed_from = Kamov Ka-25 | variants = Kamov Ka-31 }}

The '''Kamov Ka-27''' (NATO reporting name ''''Helix'''') is a military helicopter developed for the Soviet Navy, and as of 2024 is in service in various countries including Russia, Ukraine, Vietnam, China, South Korea, and India. Variants include the '''Ka-29''' assault transport, the '''Ka-28''' downgraded export version, and the '''Ka-32''' for civilian use.

==Design and development== The helicopter was developed for ferrying and anti-submarine warfare. Design work began in 1969 and the first prototype flew in 1973. It was intended to replace the decade-old Kamov Ka-25, and had to have identical or smaller external dimensions than its predecessor. Like other Kamov military helicopters it has coaxial rotors, removing the need for a tail rotor. In total, five prototypes and pre-series helicopters were built. Series production started at Kumertau in July 1979, and the new helicopter officially entered service with the Soviet Navy in April 1981.<ref name="modernisation red samovar">{{cite web |title=[Actu] Modernisation des Kamov Ka-27PL |url=https://redsamovar.com/2017/03/03/dossier-modernisation-des-kamov-ka-27/ |website=Red Samovar |date=3 March 2017}}</ref>

The Ka-27 has a crew of three with a pilot and navigator both stationed in the cockpit, and a sonar operator seated behind them. It has a four-leg fixed landing gear. The Ka-27 is equipped with two lateral buoys, that can be inflated in the case of a forced landing on water.<ref name="modernisation red samovar"/>

The Ka-27PL anti-submarine version is equipped with a radar, and either a dipping sonar or a magnetic anomaly detector. It can also carry either up to 36 sonobuoys, or a torpedo, or between six and eight conventional depth charges, or a single nuclear one. Ka-27PLs generally operate in pairs as hunter-killer teams.<ref name="modernisation red samovar"/>

The Ka-27PS search and rescue helicopter can carry 12 folding seats or four stretchers in its cabin, and is equipped with a {{cvt|300|kg|lb}} winch. Its fuel capacity of {{convert|3450|L|usgal}} is greater than the {{convert|2940|L|usgal|adj=on}} capacity of the Ka-27PL.<ref name="modernisation red samovar"/>

Ka-32 variants, e.g. the Klimov-powered Ka-32A11BC, have been certified for commercial operations throughout the world, notably in Canada and Europe. The Ka-32 has been certified for the newer Klimov VK-2500PS-02 engine.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.helicoptersmagazine.com/uec-launches-mass-production-of-vk-2500p-engines/|title = UEC launches mass production of VK-2500P engines|date = 26 May 2021}}</ref>

== Operational history == thumb|left|Ka-27s aboard the aircraft carrier {{ship|Soviet aircraft carrier|Novorossiysk||2}} in 1984 A Russian Navy Ka-27 helicopter from the Russian {{sclass|Udaloy|destroyer}} ''Severomorsk'' conducted interoperability deck landing training on board the US command ship {{USS|Mount Whitney|LCC-20|6}} on 22 July 2010.<ref name="rhKa27">{{cite web |last=Nealy |first=Sylvia |url=http://www.shephard.co.uk/news/rotorhub/russian-navy-conducts-flight-training-aboard-us-ship/6842/ |title=Russian Navy conducts flight training aboard US ship |work=Rotorhub |date=27 July 2010 |access-date=4 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929104814/http://www.shephard.co.uk/news/rotorhub/russian-navy-conducts-flight-training-aboard-us-ship/6842/ |archive-date=29 September 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Ka-32A11BC multipurpose helicopters have been successfully operated in Portugal for over five years. In 2006, Kamov won the tender for the supply of Ka-32A11BC firefighting helicopters, to replace Aérospatiale SA 330 Pumas.{{cn|date=August 2022}}

Over 240 Ka-32 have been built as of 2019 and have been exported to more than 30 countries;<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2020/january/5838-russian-helicopters-unveils-ka-32-upgrade.html|title=Russian Helicopters unveils Ka-32 upgrade|access-date=17 January 2020|archive-date=22 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022102644/https://airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2020/january/5838-russian-helicopters-unveils-ka-32-upgrade.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> South Korea operates some 60 Ka-32s.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Russian Helicopters and South Korean RH Focus Corp. are creating a service center|url=https://rostec.ru/en/news/4518169/|access-date=2021-08-13|website=rostec.ru|archive-date=12 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812162116/https://rostec.ru/en/news/4518169/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Russian Helicopters visit South Korea|url=https://www.helicopterinvestor.com/articles/russian-helicopters-visit-south-korea-666/|access-date=2021-08-13|website=www.helicopterinvestor.com}}</ref> In the mid-1990s Russia offset debt to South Korea through supplies of weapons.<ref>{{Cite journal|title=Understanding Russian–South Korean Arms Trade|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/48608917|access-date=2021-08-13|journal=Armed Forces & Society|jstor=48608917|last1=Ahn|first1=Se Hyun|year=2009|volume=35|issue=3|pages=421–436|doi=10.1177/0095327X08330817|s2cid=220899100|url-access=subscription}}</ref>

The Ka-32A11BC features a high power-to-weight ratio and ease of handling, owing to its coaxial rotor design. The rotors' diameters are not restricted by the presence of a tail rotor and associated tail boom; this facilitates maneuvering near obstacles and helps assure exceptional accuracy when hovering in heavy smoke and dust conditions. The Ka-32A11BC may be equipped with the Bambi Bucket suspended fire-fighting system of up to five tons capacity. The service life has been extended to up to 32,000 flight hours.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://oporquedetudo.omundodaprogramacao.com/?tag=forca-aerea-portuguesa |title= KAMOV Ka-32 |publisher= omundodaprogramacao.com |access-date= 6 June 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140413155522/http://oporquedetudo.omundodaprogramacao.com/?tag=forca-aerea-portuguesa |archive-date= 13 April 2014 |url-status= live |df= dmy-all }}</ref>

Since the 1990s, China has purchased the Ka-28 export version and Ka-31 radar warning version for the PLAN fleet. Ka-31 purchases were first revealed in 2010. It is believed that Chinese Ka-28s have been equipped with more enhanced avionics compared to Ka-28s exported to other countries.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.airforceworld.com/pla/ka28-naval-helicopter-china.htm |title= Ka-28 Ka-31 in Chinese navy |publisher= AirForceWorld.com |access-date= 7 June 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130501081649/http://www.airforceworld.com/pla/ka28-naval-helicopter-china.htm |archive-date= 1 May 2013 |url-status= dead |df= dmy-all }}</ref>

In 2013, Russia tested the new Kamov Ka-27M with an active electronically scanned array radar. The basis of the modernization of the Ka-27M is installed on the helicopter airborne radar with an active phased array antenna FH-A. This radar is part of the command and tactical radar system that combines several other systems: acoustic, magnetometric, signals intelligence and radar. All the information on them is displayed on the display instrumentation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://airrecognition.com/index.php/focus-analysis-photo-report-aviation-defence-industry/aviation-defence-industry-technology/5929-russia-creates-new-generation-of-shipborne-helicopter-radars.html|title=Russia creates new generation of shipborne helicopter radars|access-date=18 February 2020|archive-date=21 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021115732/https://airrecognition.com/index.php/focus-analysis-photo-report-aviation-defence-industry/aviation-defence-industry-technology/5929-russia-creates-new-generation-of-shipborne-helicopter-radars.html |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Ka-32s are used for construction of transmission towers for overhead power lines, as it has somewhat higher lift capacity than the Vertol 107.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.verticalmag.com/news/article/PoweringUp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151004113042/http://www.verticalmag.com/news/article/PoweringUp |title=Powering Up – Vertical Magazine|archive-date=4 October 2015|work=verticalmag.com |access-date=4 October 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> In Canada, the Ka-32 is used for selective logging as it is able to lift selective species vertically.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vih.com/Services/vihhelicopters.html|title=VIH Aviation Group – Pride in Service since 1955|website=www.vih.com|access-date=12 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107044945/http://vih.com/Services/vihhelicopters.html|archive-date=7 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

In August 2013, a Kamov Ka-32, C-GKHL operating in Bella Coola, British Columbia, Canada, experienced failure of one of its Klimov TV3-117BMA engines (manufactured by Motor Sich in Ukraine). The subsequent technical investigation indicated that there was poor quality control in the assembly of the compressor turbine, leading to failure of the complete unit after several compressor blades separated.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tsb.gc.ca/eng/rapports-reports/aviation/2013/a13p0163/a13p0163.asp |title=Aviation Investigation Report A13P0163 – Transportation Safety Board of Canada |website=Government of Canada, Transportation Safety Board of Canada, www.tsb.gc.ca |date=7 January 2015 |access-date=11 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407164047/http://tsb.gc.ca/eng/rapports-reports/aviation/2013/a13p0163/a13p0163.asp |archive-date=7 April 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Ka-27s were used by the Ba'athist Syrian Navy during the Syrian Civil War.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://syria.liveuamap.com/en/2016/2-november-s-damascus-rare-insight-of-a-syrian-navy-ka27 |title=S. Damascus: rare insight of a Syrian Navy Ka-27 dropping bombs on Khan As-Sheih pocket - Map of Syrian Civil War - Syria news today - syria.liveuamap.com |website=Map of Syrian Civil War - Syria news today - syria.liveuamap.com |access-date=3 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161103141004/http://syria.liveuamap.com/en/2016/2-november-s-damascus-rare-insight-of-a-syrian-navy-ka27|archive-date=3 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 21 June 2024, a Ka-29 was reportedly shot down over Crimea, by a Russian Pantsir-S1, during a Ukrainian drone attack involving both air and naval drones, killing the crew of four.<ref>{{cite news |title= Russia reportedly loses Ka-29 helicopter to friendly fire |url= https://defence-blog.com/russia-reportedly-loses-ka-29-helicopter-to-friendly-fire/?amp |access-date=21 June 2024 |publisher=Defence Blog|author= Dylan Malyasov |date=21 June 2024 |language=en}}</ref>

On 15 May 2026 a Ka-27 was destroyed during a Ukrainian drone attack on the Yeysk airport, Krasnodar oblast. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Ukrainian drones destroy Be-200 amphibious aircraft and strike Ka-27 helicopter in Yeysk, Russia |url=https://www.ukrinform.net/amp/rubric-ato/4123610-ukrainian-drones-destroy-be200-amphibious-aircraft-and-strike-ka27-helicopter-in-yeysk-russia.html |access-date=2026-05-15 |website=www.ukrinform.net}}</ref>

==Variants== ===Military=== [[File:Kamov Ka-27PS.JPEG|thumb|right|A Russian Navy Ka-27PS]] [[File:День ВМФ 2020 СПб. Вертолёты Ка-27м.jpg|thumb|right|Three Russian Navy Ka-27M]] ;Ka-252: First prototype.<ref name="modernisation red samovar" /> ;Ka-27K: Anti-submarine warfare prototype. ;Ka-27PL: (Helix-A) Anti-submarine warfare helicopter.<ref name="modernisation red samovar" /> ;Ka-27PS: (Helix-D) Search and rescue helicopter, ASW equipment removed and winch fitted.<ref name="modernisation red samovar" /> Fitted with {{Convert|300|kg|lb|abbr=on}} rescue hoist and hooks under fuselage for loads up to {{Convert|5000|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=December 2011 |title=Worldwide Equipment Guide. Volume 2: Airspace and Air Defense Systems |url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/AD1117055.pdf |access-date=9 November 2024 |website=Defense Technical Information Center}}</ref> ;Ka-27PV: Armed version of the Ka-27PS. ;Ka-27M: The latest modification of the helicopter, equipped with radar and tactical command systems that include the following systems: acoustic sensors, magnetometric sensors, signals intelligence, and FH-A radar with active phased array antenna. The radar is mounted under the fuselage and provides all-around vision in the search and detection of surface, air, and ground targets. Serial upgrading of Ka-27Ms to the level of combatant helicopters was planned to begin in 2014. By the end of 2016, 46 Ka-27PLs had been scheduled for modernization, commissioned by the Russian Navy. The first eight serial Ka-27M were transferred in December 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tass.com/defense/923825|title=Russia's naval aviation receives 8 upgraded Ka-27M deck-based helicopters|access-date=9 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170110014718/http://tass.com/defense/923825|archive-date=10 January 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Mass production approved in June 2017 and started in early 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aviationnews.eu/news/2017/08/modernized-ka-27m-helicopters-russian-ministry-defense/|title=Modernized Ka-27M helicopters for the Russian Ministry of Defense|date=22 August 2017|access-date=23 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823204705/http://aviationnews.eu/news/2017/08/modernized-ka-27m-helicopters-russian-ministry-defense/|archive-date=23 August 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://tass.com/defense/984289|title=Russian Helicopters deliver upgraded Ka-27Ms to Defense Ministry|access-date=10 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180110174359/http://tass.com/defense/984289|archive-date=10 January 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://eng.mil.ru/en/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12161954@egNews|title=Naval aviation to receive about 50 modernised Ka-27 helicopters : Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation|website=eng.mil.ru|access-date=9 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180209182702/http://eng.mil.ru/en/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12161954@egNews|archive-date=9 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> A new delivery of 5 helicopters arrived in October 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2018/1005/095049014/detail.shtml |title=ЦАМТО / Новости / Морская авиация Балтийского флота получила на вооружение модернизированные вертолеты Ка-27М |access-date=6 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006154910/http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2018/1005/095049014/detail.shtml |archive-date=6 October 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2018/1019/100049206/detail.shtml |title=ЦАМТО / Новости / На аэродроме Черняховск провели облет первого модернизированного вертолета Ка-27М |access-date=19 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181019205554/http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2018/1019/100049206/detail.shtml |archive-date=19 October 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> Half of the fleet is modernized as of December 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.janes.com/article/85237/russia-upgrades-naval-aviation |title=Janes | Latest defence and security news |access-date=15 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215184917/https://www.janes.com/article/85237/russia-upgrades-naval-aviation |archive-date=15 December 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> ;Ka-28: (Helix-A){{cn|date=August 2022}} Export version of the Ka-27PL.<ref name="modernisation red samovar" /> Max takeoff weight increased to {{Convert|12000|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, as well max fuel and range also increased.<ref name=":0" /> thumb|right|Ka-29 ;Ka-29TB: (Helix-B) Assault transport armored helicopter, operated from amphibious landing ships or aircraft carriers, with accommodation for two pilots and 16 troops. 4 suspensions carry rockets, guns, bombs and anti-tank missiles. Production begun in the circa 1984 and over 60 were produced. It entered Soviet service in 1987. Other provisions include a single four-barreled 7.62 mm machine gun or 30 mm Shipunov 2A42.<ref name=":0" /> Currently under re-activation and upgrade with changed engines and installed modern arms and electronics, among others.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2020/july/6406-russia-upgraded-kamov-ka-29-helicopters-to-operate-in-arctic.html |title = Russia: Upgraded Kamov Ka-29 helicopters to operate in Arctic |website=www.airrecognition.com}}</ref> ;Ka-31: Early-warning helicopter.<ref>{{cite web |title=[Actu] Le Kamov Ka-31(R) |url=https://redsamovar.com/2020/03/21/actu-le-kamov-ka-31r/ |website=Red Samovar |date=21 March 2020}}</ref>

===Civil=== [[File:Ka-32-installs-digital-tv-antenna-in-aarhus.jpg|thumb|right|Heliswiss Ka-32 installs digital-TV transmitter in Århus, Denmark.]] * Ka-32 ** Ka-32 pre-production prototype (1985): Exhibited at the 36th Paris Airshow in 1985.<ref>{{cite web |author=United States. Congress. House. Committee on Science and Technology |date= 1985|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EGB_Gv0ucEwC|title=European Oversight Trip: Report of the Committee on Science and Technology, U.S. House of Representatives, Ninety-ninth Congress, First Session|quote=The 36th Paris Air Show once again vividly demonstrated the growing international character and competitiveness of the aero-space industry. [...] Among the aircraft appearing for the first time at Paris were two from the Soviet Union, the Antonov AN-124 heavy-lift proto-type transport and the Kamov Ka-32 civil helicopter. |publisher= U.S. Government Printing Office|page=67}}</ref> ** Ka-32C (198x): Little-known custom version.{{cn|date=April 2025}} ** Ka-32T (1987): (Helix-C) Utility transport helicopter, with accommodation for two crew and 16 passengers. *** Ka-32A (1990): Civil transport helicopter. Initial production version. **** Ka-32A1 (1994): Fire fighting helicopter, equipped with a helicopter bucket. **** Ka-32A2 (1994): Police version, equipped with two searchlights and a loudspeaker. Can carry 11 passengers.<ref name=":0" /> **** Ka-32A7 (1994): Armed version of the Ka-27PS. Can carry 13 passengers. Has provisions to carry 2 x GSh-23L 23mm cannons, B-8V-20 rocket pods, 2 x Kh-35 anti-ship missiles or Kh-25 air-to-air missiles.<ref name=":0" /> **** Ka-32A12 (1996): Swiss-registered and approved version. **** Ka-32A11BC (1997): Canadian, Chinese, European-certified version with Klimov TV3-117MA engines and Glass Cockpit. Used by Pegasus Air Services, Indonesia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kahelicopter.com/ka-32/|title=Ka helicopters for sale. Ka 32, Ka 62, Ka 226. Buy ka helicopter in Russia and World|website=kahelicopter.com|date=23 February 2015|access-date=13 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701053938/http://kahelicopter.com/ka-32/|archive-date=1 July 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> ***** Ka-32A11M (2012) **** Ka-32A4 (1999): Special search and rescue, salvage and evacuation version. *** Ka-32K (1991): Flying crane helicopter, fitted with a retractable gondola for a second pilot. * Ka-32S (1987): (Helix-C) Maritime utility transport, search and rescue helicopter, fitted with an undernose radar. Designed for arctic environments. * Ka-32M: Projected development with 1839kW TV3-117VMA-SB3 engines. Probably{{vague|date=January 2026}} replaced by the ''Ka-32-10'' project. [[File:Kamov Ka-32S Omega Hc Moscow 2004.jpg|thumb|right|Kamov Ka-32S of Omega Helicopters at Moscow Bykovo airfield in 2004]]

==Operators== [[File:Ukrainian Ka-27PS on USS Taylor (FFG 50), 2010-A.jpg|thumb|A Ukrainian Naval Aviation Ka-27 preparing for take off from {{USS|Taylor|FFG-50|6}}]] thumb|Ka-32 of Korea National Park Service thumb|Map with military/government operators in blue, civilian operators in red, and operators in both fields in purple.

===Military and government operators=== ;{{DZA}} *Algerian Air Force- 12<ref name="World Air Forces 2018">{{cite web|url =https://www.flightglobal.com/asset/21905/waf/|title =World Air Forces 2018|publisher =Flightglobal Insight|year =2018|access-date =16 June 2018|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20180206123925/https://www.flightglobal.com/asset/21905/waf/|archive-date =6 February 2018|url-status =live|df =dmy-all}}</ref> ;{{AZE}} *Azerbaijani Air Forces<ref name="caspian amphibians">{{cite web |last1=Mitzer |first1=Stijn |last2=Oliemans |first2=Joost |title=Caspian Amphibians - Azerbaijan's Elusive Fleet Of Beriev Amphibious Aircraft |url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2020/12/caspian-amphibians-azerbaijans-elusive.html |website=Oryx |date=9 December 2020}}</ref> *Ministry of Emergency Situations<ref name="caspian amphibians"/> ;{{CHN}} *People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/> ;{{IND}} *Indian Navy- 20<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/> ;{{LAO}} *Lao People's Liberation Army Air Force<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/> ;{{PRK}} *Korean People's Army Air Force<ref>{{cite web |last1=Oliemans |first1=Joost |last2=Mitzer |first2=Stijn |title=In aid of Juche: how Cuban anti-submarine helicopters ended up in North Korea |url=https://www.nknews.org/2020/05/in-aid-of-juche-how-cuban-anti-submarine-helicopters-ended-up-in-north-korea/ |website=NK News |date=13 May 2020}}</ref> ;{{RUS}} *Russian Naval Aviation<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/> *Border Service of Russia<ref name="AI511 p112">Mladenov ''Air International'' May 2011, p. 112.</ref> ;{{SRB}} *Serbian Police<ref>{{cite news |last1=Banković |first1=Živojin |title=Ruski protivpožarni helikopter Ka-32 isporučen Srbiji: Drugo predstavljanje javnosti ispred Kule Beograd, bez pominjanja drugog helikoptera |url=https://tangosix.rs/2022/26/10/ruski-protivpozarni-helikopter-ka-32-isporucen-srbiji-drugo-predstavljanje-javnosti-ispred-kule-beograd/ |access-date=26 October 2022 |work=Tango Six Portal |date=26 October 2022 |ref=Tango Six 2022-10|language=Serbian}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2023/0920/154575386/detail.shtml | title=ЦАМТО / / Сербия получила второй пожарный вертолет Ка-32 из России |website=armstrade.org}}</ref> ;{{flag|South Korea}} *Republic of Korea Air Force<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/> *Republic of Korea Coast Guard<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ebook.kcg.go.kr/src/viewer/download.php?host=main&site=20121107_111250&no=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105195515/http://ebook.kcg.go.kr/src/viewer/download.php?host=main&site=20121107_111250&no=1 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-11-05 |title=Korea Coast Guard 2012 White Paper |access-date=2013-06-06}}</ref> *National Fire Agency<ref>{{Cite web |title=소방항공대 헬기 현황 |url=https://www.nfa.go.kr/nfa/releaseinformation/beforehand/officiallist/?boardId=bbs_0000000000000022&mode=view&cntId=21&category=%EC%86%8C%EB%B0%A9%EC%82%B0%EC%97%85&pageIdx= |access-date=2021-08-04 |website=www.nfa.go.kr |language=ko}}</ref> *Korea Forest Service (29 in service)<ref>{{Cite web |title=산림항공기 |url=https://fao.forest.go.kr/kfsweb/kfi/kfs/cms/cmsView.do?mn=UFAO_02_02_01&cmsId=FC_003166 |access-date=2021-08-04 |website=fao.forest.go.kr |language=ko}}</ref> *Korea National Park Service<ref>{{Cite web |title=항공대 창설과 헬기 도입 |url=http://www.knps.or.kr/history/exhibition/view?eidx=124 |access-date=2021-08-04 |website=www.knps.or.kr |language=ko}}</ref> ; {{THA}} *Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation − 4 Ka-32A11BC variant.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mgronline.com/indochina/detail/9600000085484|title=รัสเซียปูดข่าวไทยซื้อ "ปักเป้า" Ka-32 ฮ.สุดทันสมัย สำหรับค้นหากู้ภัย-ดับเพลิง|date=21 August 2017}}</ref> ;{{UKR}} *Main Directorate of Intelligence − Ka-32 variant<ref>{{cite news |title=Ukraine's HUR aircraft used to tackle aftermath of overnight attack in Kyiv |url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/4002766-ukraines-hur-aircraft-used-to-tackle-aftermath-of-overnight-attack-in-kyiv.html |access-date=11 June 2025 |work=Ukrinform |date=10 June 2025 |language=en}}</ref> *Ukrainian Naval Aviation<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/> − operated by 10th Naval Aviation Brigade ;{{VNM}} *Vietnam People's Navy<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/>

thumb|right|alt=Photo of KA-32 Helicopter on temporary display at Aviation Museum of BC|KA-32A11BC

===Civilian operators=== [[File:KamowK32A.jpg|thumb|right|Ka-32 A12 of Heliswiss]] [[File:UR-CIW (26502672279).jpg|thumb|Kamov Ka-32T of BNPB]] ;{{BRA}} * Helicargo<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.helicargo.com.br/?page_id=440&lang=en |title= Helicargo Services |publisher= helicargo.com.br |access-date= 5 April 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131105210056/http://www.helicargo.com.br/?page_id=440&lang=en |archive-date= 5 November 2013 |url-status= dead |df= dmy-all }}</ref> ;{{BUL}} *BH Air<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bhairlines.com/|title=BHAirlines|website=BHAirlines|access-date=25 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126142704/http://bhairlines.com/|archive-date=26 January 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> ;{{CAN}} *Vancouver Island Helicopters<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.helicoptersmagazine.com/content/view/3891/61/ |title=From Russia With Love |publisher=Annex Business Media |access-date=5 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105185443/http://www.helicoptersmagazine.com/content/view/3891/61/ |archive-date=5 November 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ;{{INA}} *Pegasus Air Services (Leased by BNPB) Ka-32A11BC variant.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indomiliter.com/kamov-ka-32a-11bc-dari-padamkan-api-sampai-guyur-massa-di-kerusuhan-22-mei/|title=Kamov Ka-32A 11BC: Dari Padamkan Api Sampai Guyur Massa di Kerusuhan 22 Mei – Indomiliter.com|date=23 May 2019|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.russianhelicopters.aero/en/helicopters/civil/ka-32a11bc.html|title=Ka-32A11BC|website=www.russianhelicopters.aero|access-date=2019-12-23}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tribunnews.com/nasional/2019/05/22/spesifikasi-helikopter-kamov-ka-32-pembawa-water-bombing-demi-redam-aksi-ricuh-di-petamburan|title=Spesifikasi Helikopter Kamov Ka-32, Pembawa Water Bombing untuk Redam Aksi Ricuh di Petamburan|website=Tribunnews.com|language=id-ID|access-date=2019-12-23}}</ref> *Dimonim Air{{cn|date=November 2025}} ;{{JPN}} *Akagi Helicopter<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.akagi-heli.co.jp/line_up.htm |title= Aircraft fleet |publisher= akagi-heli.co.jp |access-date= 5 April 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130411003256/http://www.akagi-heli.co.jp/line_up.htm |archive-date= 11 April 2013 |url-status= live |df= dmy-all }}</ref> ;{{ROK}} *Helikorea<ref>{{Cite web|title=FLEET|url=http://eng.helikorea.co.kr/|access-date=2021-08-04|website=www.eng.helikorea.co.kr|archive-date=4 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804073147/http://eng.helikorea.co.kr/|url-status=dead}}</ref> *UB Air<ref>{{Cite web|title=FLEET|url=http://www.ubair.co.kr/default/Product/product2.php?m=3&sm=31|access-date=2021-08-04|website=www.ubair.co.kr}}</ref> *UI Helijet<ref>{{Cite web|title=FLEET|url=http://www.uihelijet.com/page/helicopter.html|access-date=2021-08-04|website=www.uihelijet.com}}</ref> ;{{CHE}} *Heliswiss<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.heliswissinternational.ch/index.php?lang=19&idcat=30 |title= Heli Swiss Fleet |publisher= heliswissinternational.ch |access-date= 5 April 2013 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160303211642/http://www.heliswissinternational.ch/index.php?lang=19&idcat=30 |archive-date= 3 March 2016 |df= dmy-all }}</ref>

===Former operators=== ;{{POR}} *National Civil Protection Authority − Replaced by 6 Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk firefighting helicopters.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gabriel |first1=Centeno |title=Portugal buys six Black Hawk helicopters for firefighting |url=https://www.aeroflap.com.br/en/portugal-buys-six-black-hawk-helicopters-for-firefighting/ |access-date=8 September 2024 |work=Aeroflap |date=31 August 2022}}</ref> 6 Ka-32s transferred to Ukraine in September 2024<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pavliuk |first1=Oleh |last2=Petrenko |first2=Roman |title=Portugal completes delivery of 6 Ka-32 helicopters to Ukraine |url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/09/8/7473984/ |access-date=8 September 2024 |work=Ukrainska Pravda |date=8 September 2024 |language=en}}</ref> ;{{USSR}} ;{{ESP}} * Ministerio para la Transición Ecolológica y el Reto Demográfico<ref>{{Cite web |title=Helicópteros bombarderos |url=https://www.miteco.gob.es/es/biodiversidad/temas/incendios-forestales/extincion/hk/default.aspx#prettyPhoto |access-date=2021-07-18 |website=www.miteco.gob.es |language=es |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20260114031603/https://www.miteco.gob.es/es/biodiversidad/temas/incendios-forestales/extincion/hk.html#prettyPhoto/ |archive-date= 14 January 2026 |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Spain stops flying Kamov KA32s |url=https://www.heliopsmag.com/airattack/news/spain-stops-flying-kamov-ka32s/ |publisher= Heliops Magazine |date= 8 February 2025 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20260412214434/https://www.heliopsmag.com/airattack/news/spain-stops-flying-kamov-ka32s/ |archive-date= 12 April 2026 |url-status= live }}</ref> ;{{SYR}} * Syrian Arab Air Force. The Syrian government of Al-Assad fell to rebels in late 2024, and the Syrian Arab Air Force was dismantled. It was re-established as Syrian Air Force, but the revolution, and the Israeli air strikes that followed it, wrecked havoc in the inventory of the Air Force. In late 2025, the World Air Forces publication by FlightGlobal, which tracks the aircraft inventories of world's air forces and publishes its counts annually, removed all Syrian Air Force's aircraft from their World Air Forces 2026 report. It is thus questionable if the Syrian Air Force has any flying aircraft in their inventory, and in particular, any Ka-27, as of December 2025.<ref name="World Air Forces 2026">{{cite report |last=Hoyle |first=Craig |year=2025 |title=World Air Forces 2026 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=113841 |access-date=20 December 2025 |publisher=FlightGlobal }}</ref> ;{{YEM}} *Yemeni Air Force<ref name="World Air Forces 2021">{{cite web |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=75345|title = World Air Forces 2021|publisher= FlightGlobal |date= 4 December 2020 |access-date= 10 August 2021}}</ref><ref name="World Air Forces 2026"/> ;{{YUG}} *Yugoslav Air Force<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1997/1997%20-%202331.html|title= World Air Forces 1997 pg. 71|publisher= flightglobal.com|access-date= 5 April 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516065938/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1997/1997%20-%202331.html|archive-date= 16 May 2013|url-status= live|df= dmy-all}}</ref>

==Specifications (Ka-27)== {{Aircraft specs |ref=<ref name="helis">{{cite web|url=http://www.helis.com/70s/h_ka27.php|title=Kamov Ka-27 Helix|publisher=helis.com|access-date=9 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120522074008/http://www.helis.com/70s/h_ka27.php|archive-date=22 May 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="combair">{{cite web|url=http://www.combataircraft.com/en/Military-Aircraft/Kamov/KA-27-Helix/|title=Kamov KA-27 Helix|publisher=combataircraft.com|access-date=9 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120613171329/http://www.combataircraft.com/en/Military-Aircraft/Kamov/KA-27-Helix/|archive-date=13 June 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> |prime units?=met  |crew=one-three, plus two-three specialists (Ka-27)400px|right|class=skin-invert |capacity= {{convert|4000|kg|lb|abbr=on|0}} payload (Ka-32), or up to 16 troops (Ka-29). |length m=11.3 |height m=5.5 |empty weight kg=6,500 |gross weight kg=11,000 |max takeoff weight kg=12,000  |eng1 number=2 |eng1 name=Isotov TV3-117V |eng1 type=turboshaft engines |eng1 kw=1,660

|rot number=2 |rot dia m=15.8 |rot area sqm=392.2 |rot area sqft= |rot area note=3-bladed contra-rotating rotors  |max speed kmh=270 |cruise speed kmh=205 |range km=980 |ceiling m=5,000  |armament= '''''Ka-27''''' * 1 × torpedoes (AT-1M, VTT-1, UMGT-1 Orlan, APR-2 Yastreb) or 36 RGB-NM & RGB-NM-1 sonobuoys '''''Ka-29TB''''' * 1 × mobile forward firing GShG-7.62 machine gun with 1800 rounds, * 1 × 30 mm 2A42 cannon with 250 rounds (flexible semi-rigid mount, optional/removable with ammunition carried in cabin) * four external hardpoints for bombs, rockets, gunpods, munitions dispensers, special four round missile launchers for the 9K114 Shturm

|avionics= * Radar, MAD or dipping sonar, sonobuoys }}

==See also== {{aircontent |see also= |related= * Kamov Ka-25 * Kamov Ka-31 |similar aircraft= * Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite * Eurocopter AS565 Panther * Harbin Z-20 * SH-60 Seahawk * Westland Lynx * Mitsubishi H-60 |lists= * List of military aircraft of the Soviet Union and the CIS * List of rotorcraft }}

==References== ;Notes {{Reflist}}

;Bibliography {{Refbegin}} *{{cite magazine |last=Mladenov |first=Alexander | title= Fighting Terrorism & Enforcing the Law in Russia |magazine= Air International| date=May 2011 |volume=80 |issue=5 |pages = 108–114|issn=0306-5634}} *{{cite book|last= Taylor|first= Michael J. H.|title= Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory|year= 1996|publisher= Brassey's|location= London, England|isbn= 1-85753-198-1|url-access= registration|url= https://archive.org/details/brasseysworldair0000unse}} {{Refend}}

==External links== {{Commons}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20081103114424/http://www.ka27.info/eng/ Kamov Ka-27 - Information Resource (eng/rus)] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20150712020145/http://www.airforceworld.com/pla/ka28-naval-helicopter-china.htm Ka-28 helicopters in Chinese navy (zh-cn)] * [http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/ka272829-helix-helicopters/ Ka-27 Helix Multirole Naval Helicopters Images & Information] * [http://kahelicopter.com/ka-32/ Ka-32 Information Resource (eng) on kahelicopter.com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701053938/http://kahelicopter.com/ka-32/ |date=1 July 2017 }}

Category:Aerial firefighting helicopters Category:Kamov aircraft Category:Military helicopters Category:1970s Soviet anti-submarine aircraft Category:Amphibious helicopters Category:Coaxial rotor helicopters Category:1970s Soviet helicopters Category:Twin-turbine helicopters Category:Aircraft first flown in 1973 Category:Anti-submarine helicopters Category:Twin-tail aircraft Category:Aircraft with fixed quad landing gear