Ka-15 family

The Ka‑15 family, developed in the early 1950s by the Soviet design bureau led by Nikolay Kamov, was the first series of light, single‑engine helicopters built in a coaxial rotor configuration. Kamov’s aim was to create a compact, reliable machine suitable for liaison, observation and training duties on the expanding Soviet air‑force and naval fleets. The prototype, designated Ka‑15, first flew on 14 July 1952 and entered limited production the following year. Its twin‑rotor system eliminated the need for a tail rotor, providing superior lift efficiency, reduced ground‑footprint and greater maneuverability in confined spaces such as ship decks or forest clearings. Powered by a 240‑horse‑power Ivchenko AI‑14M radial engine, the Ka‑15 could reach a maximum speed of 180 km/h, a service ceiling of 3 500 metres and a range of roughly 530 kilometres. Variants such as the Ka‑15B introduced a modified cabin for two crew members and a small cargo compartment, while the Ka‑15V served as a basic trainer. Though production numbers were modest, the Ka‑15 demonstrated the practicality of coaxial rotors and laid the technical groundwork for Kamov’s later iconic models like the Ka‑27 and Ka‑50, influencing both Soviet and worldwide rotorcraft design.

Nikolay Kamov

Classification

Production & History

Design & Classification