Russian Carrier Aircraft
  This section describes some of the other aircraft not covered in the Kuznetsov file. The most notable is the Ka-87 "Hanger" ASW helos and the Tu-500 "Color" transport aircraft.
  Ka-87 "Hanger"
  The Ka-87 "Hanger" is the current CIS ASW helicopter embarked on Russia’s ships. Using Kamov’s traditional coaxial rotor design. The key features are that it can perform several missions at once using it’s suite of sensors and weapons. Typically carried are 24 sonobouys in the bottom hull of the helicopter, and two hardpoints for MADCAP torpedoes, or depth charges, or anti-ship missiles, as well as outboard mountings for self defense AAMs and an internal dipping sonar. The dipping sonar is a Zveska Design Corporation N55M3 Dipping Sonar, with a detection range of 80 kilometers, effectively making the Ka-87 and underwater AWACS Nominal crew is three, with two riggers flying the helicopter, with one weapons operator, who is also trained in rescue operations. The helicopter’s layout is fairly standard to the original predecessors, the Ka-25 "Hormone" and follow on variants. The nose features a search radar that is good up to 50 kilometers and has a targeting mode to allow it to designate targets for other ships, or for it’s own missiles. Mounted on the left side of the helicopter is a towed MAD (Magnetic Anomaly Detector) that is deployed when the helicopter is doing a search pattern. The system can be towed 50 meters behind the aircraft, to allow the helicopters body not create a false target. This cannot be used while the aircraft is hovering, due to the misreading it would give to the weapons operator.
  Other than that, the helicopter has a full "glass cockpit" and the weapon operator’s console is equipped with the most modern sensor displays that the Russian industry can produce. Mounted on the right hand side is a rescue winch for SAR missions, in which the Ka-87 plays a dual role. Two benches are mounted in the rear of the spacious cabin, which can hold comfortably six people excluding the weapons operator. Small lockers are installed for survival gear, for sailors or pilots that are coming out of the Arctic Sea. Also, in case of the helicopter being used for boarding actions (rarely, but it happens), two pintle mounts are also fitted for mountable weapons if needed. Armor protection is also fairly good, with the "Hanger" well protected for it’s class, with the use of APPS to protect the passengers during rough landings, and normal operations in the sea. The cabin including the cockpit is sealed against NBC attacks, and has a total of ten man hours life support for all crew, including passengers.
  Tu-500 "Color"
  The Tu-500 is a carrierborne transport aircraft that is designed for carrier resupply and other faculties. The aircraft is equivalent to the USN C-2A "Greyhound" but that’s it’s only similarity. The Tu-500 is a jet plane that has overwing engines with salt spray covers during carrier operations. The Tu-500 is a STOL capable airplane that allows the exhaust to blow over the ailerons, creating better lift. It is powered by two Layuka AM5-F turbojets, that allows the aircraft to achieve a maximum speed of 400 km/h. Crew complement of the plane is a pilot and a copilot, the loadmaster. The Loadmaster has a video camera mounted in the cockpit to allow him to periodically check on the cargo. All cockpits have MFDs for the various functions, and features a HUD to allow the pilot to concentrate on landing the aircraft on the carrier deck. However, this HUD can also facilitate weapons usage, and most Tu-500s are armed with at least some self protection missiles, as well as a rear mounted heavy machine gun to prevent attacks from close behind. To allow this, the Tu-500 mounts the N023 radar. This can perform navigation, and other functions, such as targeting. When in targeting mode, the radar can track up to 10 targets and engage 4 simultaneously. As this is not a pure combat aircraft, such limited targeting is common for these aircraft.
  Crew comfort is provided by APPS and restraining straps. The crew also has ejection seats in case of an emergency, and there is provision in the cargo bay for an escape pod that is separate from the aircraft, and is typically inserted into the aircraft when carrying only personnel. This self-destructs the airplane, and allows the module to escape, with parachutes installed to prevent the module from hitting the ocean too fast. It can seat up to 20 fully equipped soldiers and all have APPS protection built in for each soldier. Life support is nominally 20 man hours per person, in case they land in a hostile environment, as well as the flight crew. Toilets are installed for long flights, as well as three foldable cots when a long flight in friendly territory is expected and the pilots will usually set the Autonav on and rest. A mini refrigerator is also installed to provide the flight crew with some food. Communications equipment is standard on the Tu-500, with a satlink to contact the ship, or HQ if the need arises. Other key features include a basic RWR, chaff and flare dispensers mounted on the body, conformally to prevent any unnecessary drag during flight.
  The aircraft features a high wing, with a tail developed for carrier use. It’s as well as the wings to fold allowing it to fit in the hangar deck. The cargo bay features a roomy interior suitable of carrying light trucks up to a Body 4 Rating. It can also of course carry troops for rapid deployment as well. The bay features standard strapdown ties, and hooks for tying up cargo as well as having a ramp in the rear of the aircraft to facilitate rapid unloading as well. Folding wings and a tailhook are of course standard on the plane, and the wheels are height adjustable, allowing it to land with them fully extended, then "squat" if needed to offload cargo.
  Weaponry consists of two hardpoints on each wing, as well as a heavy machine gun mounted in the tail "stinger". The turret is a retractable version, designed to prevent damage from carrier landings, and has is belt fed from a bin of 2000 rounds.
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