Ukraine destroys Russian Ка-27 'submarine hunter' helicopter in Crimea
Illustrative photo: Ka-27 helicopter (Getty Images)
Ukrainian forces struck a Russian Ka-27 naval helicopter overnight in the temporarily occupied territory of Crimea. Several of the Russian drone control points were also hit, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Read also: Unknown drones strike Sochi and Crimea; port possibly targeted
Ka-27 helicopter destroyed
On the night of February 17, Ukrainian forces hit a multi-purpose Ka-27 naval helicopter near the settlement of Kamyshly in the temporarily occupied territory of Crimea. A direct hit on the target was recorded.
About the Ka-27 helicopter
The helicopter prototype 252 first took to the air on August 8, 1973. Two main modifications were developed for the Navy: the anti-submarine Ka-27 and the search-and-rescue Ka-27PS. Later, the Ka-29 transport-combat helicopter for the Marine Corps and the civilian multi-purpose Ka-32 were also developed.
The Ka-27 is designed to detect, track, and destroy submarines moving at depths of up to 500 meters at speeds up to 75 km/h in search areas up to 200 km from the base ship, in sea conditions up to 5 points, both day and night, in simple and complex weather conditions.
Key specifications of the Ka-27
- Engines: 2 × TV3-117VK (2,200–2,225 hp each)
- Maximum takeoff weight: 12,000 kg (normal: 10,600–10,700 kg)
- Speed: maximum 270 km/h, cruising 220 km/h
- Flight range: 800–900 km
- Service ceiling: 5,000 m
- Dimensions: length 12.25 m, height 5.4 m, rotor diameter 15.9 m
The helicopter can carry out tactical missions both individually and in a group, in coordination with ships, across all geographic latitudes. It can operate from both shore airfields and ship decks.
Drone control points destroyed
Besides, on February 16, Ukrainian Defense Forces hit three Russian military drone control points:
- In the area of Huliaipole (temporarily occupied territory of the Zaporizhzhia region)
- In the area of Anatoliivka (Kursk region, Russia)
- Near the settlement of Zatyshshia (temporarily occupied territory of the Zaporizhzhia region)
Strikes on key Russian targets continue
Russian losses and the extent of damage are being clarified. The General Staff notes that Ukrainian forces will continue to systematically strike targets that control Russian troops, aviation, and drone units.
Overnight, residents of the Krasnodar region reported a drone attack and a fire at an oil facility. Numerous photos and videos of the aftermath appeared on social media.
The fire was later officially confirmed at the Ilsky oil refinery, where a tank of petroleum products was hit, causing a large-scale fire. Ilsky refinery, one of the largest in southern Russia with a capacity of about 138,000 barrels per day, has repeatedly been targeted by drone attacks.
In temporarily occupied Sevastopol, authorities reported one of the longest attacks in recent times. Russian media also reported a nighttime drone strike on the Metafrax chemical plant in the Perm region, which led to a fire after the attack.
