Kamov

Kamov, officially OKB Kamov, is a Russian helicopter design bureau founded in 1948 by Nikolai Ilyich Kamov. Based near Moscow, it specializes in rotary-wing aircraft and is renowned for employing coaxial rotor configurations, which use two counter-rotating main rotors and no tail rotor. This layout provides compact dimensions, reduced noise, and enhanced stability in hover and low-speed flight, making the designs well-suited to shipboard operation and confined environments.

Kamov's portfolio ranges from light utility to attack and naval helicopters. Its best-known aircraft include the Ka-50 Black Shark, a single-seat attack helicopter, and its successor, the Ka-52 Alligator, a two-seat, all-weather combat rotorcraft. In naval aviation, Kamov has produced the Ka-27 Helix family (anti-submarine and transport variants), the Ka-29 Helix for on-board transport and search-and-rescue tasks, and the Ka-31 airborne early warning helicopter. Civil and utility models include the Ka-26 and Ka-32 series, which have seen service in various roles worldwide.

Organization and status: Kamov operates as part of Russia's Russian Helicopters holding company under Rostec. Throughout the 21st century it has continued development of coaxial rotor technology and pursued modernization programs, including updates to the Ka-52 lineup and naval variants such as Ka-52K Katran. As with other Russian defense designers, Kamov's programs are influenced by broader strategic and geopolitical developments.