Russian Ka-52 Alligator scout-attack helicopters were captured on video in Syria while striking terrorist targets with rockets.
© Sputnik / Mikhail VoskresenskiyFor the first time ever, Ka-52 gunships were captured on video near the Christian town of Al-Qaryatayn, recently liberated from Daesh.
![Enter the Ka-52: Russian 'Alligators' Ripping Daesh Apart in Syria Enter the Ka-52: Russian 'Alligators' Ripping Daesh Apart in Syria - Sputnik International](https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/103749/13/1037491345_0:0:3000:2048_600x0_80_0_1_9a4725376a9bf920fad2cad109376547.jpg)
1/7
© Sputnik / Mikhail Voskresenskiy
For the first time ever, Ka-52 gunships were captured on video near the Christian town of Al-Qaryatayn, recently liberated from Daesh.
© Sputnik / Mikhail VoskresenskiyThe “Alligators” were engaging terrorist targets with air-to-surface rockets. The vehicle bears a 30-mm automatic cannon, and can carry laser-guided anti-tank missiles, short-range air-to-air missiles and other missiles or bombs.
![Enter the Ka-52: Russian 'Alligators' Ripping Daesh Apart in Syria Enter the Ka-52: Russian 'Alligators' Ripping Daesh Apart in Syria - Sputnik International](https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/103749/13/1037491372_0:0:3130:2046_600x0_80_0_1_f0a6063c33edaedd6ccb599a4619b4b8.jpg)
2/7
© Sputnik / Mikhail Voskresenskiy
The “Alligators” were engaging terrorist targets with air-to-surface rockets. The vehicle bears a 30-mm automatic cannon, and can carry laser-guided anti-tank missiles, short-range air-to-air missiles and other missiles or bombs.
© Sputnik / Mikhail VoskresenskiyReports about Ka-52 helicopters operating in Syria appeared on March 16.
![Enter the Ka-52: Russian 'Alligators' Ripping Daesh Apart in Syria Enter the Ka-52: Russian 'Alligators' Ripping Daesh Apart in Syria - Sputnik International](https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/103749/13/1037491399_0:0:3321:2047_600x0_80_0_1_13f0a0bcf1c7f8a50bc91d9c80b8a5c3.jpg)
3/7
© Sputnik / Mikhail Voskresenskiy
Reports about Ka-52 helicopters operating in Syria appeared on March 16.
© Sputnik / Mikhail VoskresenskiyThe Ka-52 Alligator is a modified version of the Ka-50 Black Shark, an attack helicopter.
![Enter the Ka-52: Russian 'Alligators' Ripping Daesh Apart in Syria Enter the Ka-52: Russian 'Alligators' Ripping Daesh Apart in Syria - Sputnik International](https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/103749/14/1037491426_0:0:2938:2048_600x0_80_0_1_06269a1340093b57e1c4e095b160b96d.jpg)
4/7
© Sputnik / Mikhail Voskresenskiy
The Ka-52 Alligator is a modified version of the Ka-50 Black Shark, an attack helicopter.
© Sputnik / Mikhail VoskresenskiyThe helicopter is designed to perform reconnaissance tasks, locate mobile and stationary objects, and destroy armor vehicles, choppers and low-flying enemy aircraft.
![Enter the Ka-52: Russian 'Alligators' Ripping Daesh Apart in Syria Enter the Ka-52: Russian 'Alligators' Ripping Daesh Apart in Syria - Sputnik International](https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/103749/14/1037491453_0:0:1867:1251_600x0_80_0_1_ecd1c9ad5032a4eafaa33ea6f3ef7ef9.jpg)
5/7
© Sputnik / Mikhail Voskresenskiy
The helicopter is designed to perform reconnaissance tasks, locate mobile and stationary objects, and destroy armor vehicles, choppers and low-flying enemy aircraft.
© Sputnik / Mikhail VoskresenskiyThe Ka-52K is a navalized derivative of the gunship. To fit the standards of a ship-borne helicopter, this version got folding rotor blades and could be stationed in a vessel’s hangars.
![Enter the Ka-52: Russian 'Alligators' Ripping Daesh Apart in Syria Enter the Ka-52: Russian 'Alligators' Ripping Daesh Apart in Syria - Sputnik International](https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/103749/14/1037491480_0:0:3240:2048_600x0_80_0_1_867f0896a2e8665860b2d70eca1f0e34.jpg)
6/7
© Sputnik / Mikhail Voskresenskiy
The Ka-52K is a navalized derivative of the gunship. To fit the standards of a ship-borne helicopter, this version got folding rotor blades and could be stationed in a vessel’s hangars.
© Sputnik / Mikhail VoskresenskiyThe Ka-52 has a distinctive coaxial rotor system which enables incredible maneuvering and aerobatics beyond the capabilities of other helicopters. It can fly at a speed of over 180 miles per hour and reach an operational ceiling of nearly 3.5 miles.
Above: Syrian Army soldiers and a Ka-52 helicopter pictured during a military operation on the outskirts of liberated Al-Qaryatayn.
Above: Syrian Army soldiers and a Ka-52 helicopter pictured during a military operation on the outskirts of liberated Al-Qaryatayn.
![Enter the Ka-52: Russian 'Alligators' Ripping Daesh Apart in Syria Enter the Ka-52: Russian 'Alligators' Ripping Daesh Apart in Syria - Sputnik International](https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/103749/15/1037491507_0:0:2891:2048_600x0_80_0_1_0e6317a2bd390da5d0f6e3d808f6613f.jpg)
7/7
© Sputnik / Mikhail Voskresenskiy
The Ka-52 has a distinctive coaxial rotor system which enables incredible maneuvering and aerobatics beyond the capabilities of other helicopters. It can fly at a speed of over 180 miles per hour and reach an operational ceiling of nearly 3.5 miles.
Above: Syrian Army soldiers and a Ka-52 helicopter pictured during a military operation on the outskirts of liberated Al-Qaryatayn.
Above: Syrian Army soldiers and a Ka-52 helicopter pictured during a military operation on the outskirts of liberated Al-Qaryatayn.