File image.
Russian Ka-52 “Alligator” attack helicopters continue to hunt down the vehicles and positions of Ukrainian forces with guided missiles.
On April 2, a video showing a Ka-52 helicopter targeting two Ukrainian military vehicles, presumably battle tanks, with 9K121 Vikhr guided missiles surfaced online. On April 3, the Russian Ministry of Defense released a video showing Ka-52 helicopters targeting fortified Ukrainian military positions with S-8 guided rockets and Vikhr missiles.
9K121 Vikhr long range (12km) ATGMs fired from #Russian #helicopters hit #Ukrainian tanks at Kamenka, #Izyum Front. pic.twitter.com/oWrPgFFIzr
— Ninjamonkey 🇮🇳 (@Aryan_warlord) April 3, 2022
MD russo mostra helicópteros K-52 eliminando posições secretas do exercito ucraniano, usando mísseis guiados Vikhr. pic.twitter.com/2cJuSDTKdD
— Hugo Borges (@HugoBor73884636) April 3, 2022
The Vikhr missile, which was developed by the KBP Instrument Design Bureau, is guided by laser-beam riding. The missile’s unique guidance system makes immune to known jamming systems and counter measures.
The 380 mm missile has a range of up to 12 kilometers. The missile carries a 8–12 kg tandem HEAT [high-explosive anti-tank] charge that can defeat reactive armour and penetrate 1,000 mm of rolled homogeneous armour.
The Vikhr can be fired singly or in pairs at the same target to increase lethality. The missile’s high flight speed, up to 1.8 Mach, allows it to engage targets rapidly.
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Ka-52 helicopters taking part in the ongoing Russian special military operation in Ukraine were spotted before with other types of guided missiles like the 9M120 Ataka, which is guided via radio command. The missile has a range of up to six kilometers.
The Russian military has been relaying on attack helicopters, like the Ka-52, to provide its troops in Ukraine with close air support since day one of its special operation.
