Getting into some of the more esoteric subjects, the Red Star series #29 concentrates this time on the newer members of the Kamov helicopter family. These can be easily recognized by the co-axial rotor system the uses contra-rotating blades instead of having a tail rotor. They are also such that the body of the helicopter fits under the total arc of the blades.

These helos are all under the code name 'Helix' and are larger versions of the very successful 'Hormone' naval helicopter. In fact, these have replaced the Ka-25 in nearly all respects since the type first flew in 1973. They entered service with the Soviet Navy in 1980 and have been improved into a number of variants since then. What is probably most interesting is that the civil version, the Ka-32, has found quite a bit of acceptance world wide for such varied duties as fire fighting and forestry use.

Authors Gordon and Komissarov are probably the best known for producing books on Russian aviation. They seem to have access to a lot of materials that were previously considered classified and so have produced another in-depth look at a Russian aircraft.

Starting with a background on the designer and his early work, the book then goes into the development of the 'Helix', followed by a section on the many variants. There is then an excellent details section that describes the various components and systems on the helicopter, including weapons. This is followed by a detailed listing of the various operators, including the US, Cuba and Vietnam among the more exotic.

There is then a 'Helix in Action' section, which is understandably not as extensive as it would be for say, the MiG-17, but of interest nonetheless. The book is then concluded with several pages of full color photos of different versions.

In all, yet another excellent book on an interesting aircraft. To my knowledge, this is the most comprehensive book on the type yet done and a real 'must have' for the helicopter or Russian aviation enthusiast.

October 2006

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