Enter the Ka-52: Russian 'Alligators' Ripping Daesh Apart in Syria

For the first time ever, Ka-52 gunships were captured on video near the Christian town of Al-Qaryatayn, recently liberated from Daesh.

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.

Reports about Ka-52 helicopters operating in Syria appeared on March 16.

The Ka-52 Alligator is a modified version of the Ka-50 Black Shark, an attack helicopter.

The helicopter is designed to perform reconnaissance tasks, locate mobile and stationary objects, and destroy armor vehicles, choppers and low-flying enemy aircraft.

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.

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.