Russian Helicopters produces first Ka-52 Alligator of 2017

Feb. 2 (UPI) -- Rostec subsidiary Russian Helicopters has completed production for 2017's first Ka-52 Alligator combat and reconnaissance rotorcraft.

The aircraft's completion followed a round of ground and flight tests in accordance with government contracts. According to the the state-owned defense contractor, several more Ka-52 units are scheduled to be transferred to operators by the end of February.

The first batch of Alligators scheduled for delivery in 2017 were already transferred to the Russian Ministry of Defense in December 2016. Company leaders say production plans for the aircraft will be more than doubled for the year.

"We took all necessary organizational and technological steps at Progress to expand production in view of the forthcoming volume increase," Russian Helicopters Deputy CEO for Sales Vladislav Savelyev said in a press release. "Today, the plant is ready to produce world-class Ka-52 helicopters in a timely manner, for the Ministry of Defense, as well as for foreign customers."

The Ka-52 Alligator is marketed as a next-generation reconnaissance and combat helicopter, and is designed to engage armored and non-armed targets such as tanks and enemy infantry. The rotorcraft is able to provide target acquisition for helicopter teams and ground-level troops.

Weapons include a 30mm caliber 2A42-1 aircraft gun and a Strelets missile system capable of launching guided missiles such as the Ataka and Vikhr-1.