Kamov ka-52. Photo: Wikimedia
A Russian Kamov ka-52 helicopter survived an attack by a short-range air defense missile, the Starstreak, in an impressive incident.
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The incident was captured on video, where the Kamov 52, also known as the “Alligator,” became the target of the British missile Starstreak, renowned for its supersonic speed, exceeding Mach 3, and its laser beam guidance system.
The Starstreak missile uses a unique combination of kinetic energy on direct impact and secondary fragmentation, which occurs with a slight delay after the initial hit. This dual mechanism aims to cause severe damage to the aircraft’s structure, increasing the likelihood of destroying the target.
However, the Kamov 52 is equipped with sophisticated defense systems that allowed it to survive the attack. Depending on the model, such as the basic version or the upgraded Kamov 52M, the helicopter is equipped with the Missile Proximity Warning System (MAWS), which detects the thermal signature of enemy missiles using ultraviolet sensors, and a laser lock-on warning system, fitted with four detectors on the sides of the helicopter.
These systems are designed to increase the chances of evasion and protection against attacks by detecting the missile before it reaches the target and activating defensive countermeasures. Thanks to this advanced technology, the Kamov 52 managed to avoid being shot down, emerging almost unscathed from the confrontation.
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Source and images: Telegram @SNTankograd / Wikimedia / flick/ defenceimages. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
