Ka25 Question

Mopar Madness

What are the items attached to the wheels on this helicopter? What’s their primary function? Thanks!

They're 'emergency rapid inflation flotation collars.' Standard on the navy versions.

It's worth saying again.....

The breadth of knowledge here never ceases to amaze me.

gregbale

 

 

Mopar Madness

What are the items attached to the wheels on this helicopter? What’s their primary function? Thanks!

 

 

They're 'emergency rapid inflation flotation collars.' Standard on the navy versions.

 

Okay, I'd love to see a photo of that helicopter sitting on the water with those things.  I'm sure Russian pilots are less risk-averse than US Navy pilots, but I still don't think I'd trust those to keep my helicopter out of the drink long enough for rescue or takeoff.

LonCray

Okay, I'd love to see a photo of that helicopter sitting on the water with those things.  I'm sure Russian pilots are less risk-averse than US Navy pilots, but I still don't think I'd trust those to keep my helicopter out of the drink long enough for rescue or takeoff.

Funny you should mention that.

I've been unable to find any photos of that sort of float actually deployed, so it's all a guess.

I assume the intention is merely to give the crew a few extra moments to try to get out. But...given the aircraft's shape and center of gravity, relative to the gear...it looks like such floats would more likely inevitably 'turn turtle' and drown the crew with the efficiency that was a hallmark of the old Soviet Union.

gregbale

 

 

LonCray

Okay, I'd love to see a photo of that helicopter sitting on the water with those things.  I'm sure Russian pilots are less risk-averse than US Navy pilots, but I still don't think I'd trust those to keep my helicopter out of the drink long enough for rescue or takeoff.

 

 

 

Funny you should mention that.

I've been unable to find any photos of that sort of float actually deployed, so it's all a guess.

I assume the intention is merely to give the crew a few extra moments to try to get out. But...given the aircraft's shape and center of gravity, relative to the gear...it looks like such floats would more likely inevitably 'turn turtle' and drown the crew with the efficiency that was a hallmark of the old Soviet Union.

 

After I read loncray's comment, I too started searching.  I found nada. 

T e d

Hello!

That's because you didn't do any search in Russian!

I have searched for: ka-25 вертолет (Google translate!)

And here's what have turned up:

Interestingly, the link to it would contain Russian characters and so the picture wouldn't link - I had to host it on my server with another name to show it to you!

I hope you like it - have a nice day

Paweł

PS. BTW, this helo also has a very mysterious "electrooptic sensor" under the tail boom and a top secret dipping sonar under the rear hull - try googling some info on that!

Pawel

That's because you didn't do any search in Russian! I have searched for: ka-25 вертолет (Google translate!)

Pawel, I happily (and humbly) stand corrected (and bow to your superior Googling acumen!)

Nice find!

So I assume that on the Airfix art those things are not deployed.

Interestingly, when a helicopter is cruising in the higher speed ranges and the decision is made to deploy the floats, one must slow the aircraft to a specified lower speed before inflating them. They inflate via highly compressed air and the action is practically instantaneous, at higher speeds the aerodynamic drag is sufficient to cause a SUDDEN dangerous nose down attitude, rotor/fuselage damage could occur, with possible loss of control.

When equipped with what are called "pop out floats," the flight manual specifies the operation and aircraft speed restrictions involved. The floats are regularly tested at annual inspection time, when they are activated it is amazing how fast the action happens.

The precaution is to have no one near the un- inflated device, if they were near they would quickly be on their way to some place else, when the float is activated for the testing.

Patrick

Well I feel silly now because I thought those on the box art were already deployed!  I was WAY off!

Pawel wins! 

Great find! 

T e d

Yeah, Pawel is a precious commodity here. Our man behind the Iron Curtain.

Oh wait...

Well, he is an example of what makes this forum really special.

I had read that before.  There a similar device's on choppers with skids.  Google helicopter deployable floats 

Yes, thank you Pawel!  The deployed picture on the water is way more plausible than what's on the box art, which looked like miniature rafts.  

Hello!

Glad I could help you out here, Gennulmen! Thanks a lot for the kind words!

Paweł