How well did Kamov coaxial helicopters perform in their naval role?
Short answerThey were capable and stable, but their rotor wash created distinctive challenges for dipping sonar and ASW operations.
NotesKamov's coaxial rotor layout provided useful stability at sea. Its concentrated downwash could interfere with dipping-sonar performance because much contemporary sonar practice assumed conventional rotor airflow. Soviet crews gradually learned how deployment and pressure effects changed the sonar's operation. The problem became less restrictive as sonobuoys played a larger part in anti-submarine work.