New Sovietskiy Modified Kamov Ka-29 Helix Assault Helicopter:

The Mi-24 Hind attack helicopter was considered too large a helicopter to operate from ships so the Ka-29 was developed as a shipboard assault and transport helicopter. The design was largely based on the Ka-27 design. Far less Ka-29 were built than Ka-27. As with the Ka-27, the Ka-29 is a coaxial rotor design which eliminated the need for a tail rotor. The helicopter was designed to be able to transport up to sixteen troops. They continued to serve the Russian Navy after the fall of the Soviet Union. The helicopter was primarily operated by Soviet naval forces but unarmed versions were also exported in limited numbers.

Communists eventually took control of the country once again. At around the same time, there was a revolution in composite and alloy materials. Unlike the Ka-27, there was a very real chance of the Ka-29 being shot at. As such, it was decided to refit the surviving helicopters with new armor materials. It was also slightly better armored. Still, this would be more of a stop-gap solution. It was decided to build new helicopters of the Ka-29 design. It was far quicker to just modify the Ka-29 design than to develop an all new design. It also shared many of the same components as the Ka-27. There were plans to vastly increase the size of the Soviet navy and VTOL aircraft, mostly helicopters, were needed. In addition to the new materials, the weaponry was modified to allow it to deal damage to modern armor and new engines replaced the original engines. While the performance was similar, they were more reliable than older versions of the engines.

A second revolution soon followed the revolution in high strength composite alloys. This revolution was in micro fusion plants including fusion aircraft engines. It was the long awaited ability to generate clean power. Even though a new aircraft design was being developed to replace the Ka-29, it was decided to simply develop a fusion powered version of the Ka-29. The fusion plants were identical to the power plants used in the fusion powered versions of the Ka-27 and Ka-31. Compared to conventionally powered models, they had almost unlimited range and were slightly faster. There was not much interest outside of the New Soviet state and initially few of these new helicopters were exported.

Two aircraft replaced the Ka-29. These are the Yak-228 Minstrel and the Mi-221 Firefly. The Yak-228 was similar in many respects to the American V-22 Osprey and the Mi-221 Firefly is a thrust based design. Still, the Ka-29 operated in front line service for several decades before being assigned to second line duties. Some were retained while others were sold off to allies, some stripped of weaponry while others remained armed. As an effort to sell off the Ka-29, they were sold for far less than they were originally offered for.

Due to their advanced alloys and composite, the new built Ka-29 were virtually immune to corrosion and normal wear. They were also slight heavier armored than the Ka-27 and Ka-31. Few Ka-29 that were not lost due to accidents had been retired and scrapped, chief among those scrapped were the ones that were refitted older helicopters. Few of the refitted versions were still remaining by the time of the Rifts. Unfortunately, many of the Ka-29 helicopters were destroyed with the coming of the Rifts. Still, many survived. Many of these can be found in the remnant of New Soviet naval bases, well preserved. Due to having almost unlimited range, fusion powered versions are far more popular than non-fusion powered models.

Compared to the Ka-27, the Ka-29 is pretty well armed. Initially, it was armed with a four barrel 7.62 mm Gatling gun that mounts outside of the starboard door and feeds ammunition through the same door. The weapon though similar did not do enough damage to be considered effective. As a result, it was soon replaced by a lightweight 12.7 mm machine gun based on the Kord-12.7 mm design. Has similar performance to the American 2.7 mm machine gun although ammunition is not interchangeable. was attempted to mount a 14.5 mm heavy machine gun but the mount was simply too heavy. Payload though is reduced from 1,800 rounds to 600 rounds. This was later replaced by a 5 mm medium rail gun in most fusion models although few were exported. These rail guns have payload of 2400 rounds. The mount is able to angle 28 degrees to port and 30 to starboard. It can also depress up to 31 degrees.

As secondary weaponry, the helicopter has four pylons for additional ordnance. A 30 mm 2A42 auto cannon can be mounted on the port side with 250 rounds of ammunition although it uses both pylons to support it. Instead, a 2UPK-23-250 23 mm auto cannon pods can be mounted with one on each pylon. These can be mounted on either side as well. Instead of the 23 mm cannons, 20 rail gun pods can be fitted with each having a payload of 500 rounds. Due to the lack of propellant, far more rounds could be carried. Again, these are most frequently carried on fusion powered models. In addition, missiles car be carried on these pylons. Two medium range missiles, four short range missiles, or a single mini-missile pod can be carried. While rarely carried, bombs are also able to be carried.

The Ka-29 is fitted with a varied of self defense measures in addition to the weaponry. This includes chaff and flares and a powerful electronic jammer. It also has forward looking infrared and add a radar system although rarely used. Unlike the Mi-24, the Ka-29 is operated by a crew of two instead of three.

Instead of carrying troops, the Ka-29 is able to carry up to four litters and eight sitting casualties "walking wounded" and/or medical personnel. It can also be used to transport cargo and has the ability to sling cargo under the helicopter. Up to 2,000 kilograms can be carried internally and 4,000 kilograms can be carried externally.

Model Type:	Kamov Ka-29-M	Upgraded pre-M.D.C. Versions
	Kamov Ka-29-P	New Material Versions
	Kamov Ka-29-R	Nuclear Powered Versions

Class: Assault / Transport Helicopter
Crew: Two (Pilot and Co-Pilot)
Troop Payload: Sixteen (Twelve human sized Cyborgs). Can also carry four stretchers and eight other seated passengers (either sitting casualties or medical attendants)

M.D.C. By Location:

Upgraded Models:

New Construction:

NUV-1UM Gun Mount	20	30
Ordnance Racks (2):	25 each	40 each
[1] Main Rotors (2, one above the other):	30 each (10 each Blade)	60 each (20 each Blade)
[1] Tail:	25	40
Side Doors (2)	20 each	40 each
Landing Gear (4):	5 each	10 each
Reinforced Cockpit:	50 each	75
[3] Main Body:	140	170

Notes:
[1] indicated hit locations are small and/or difficult targets to hit. An attacker must make a called shot and has a -3 penalty as well.
[2] Destroying the rear rotor or one of the main blades will cause the helicopter to fly at half speed, wobble and is -6 to parry, -3 to strike, and -40% on piloting skill/maneuvers. Smart pilots will land as soon as possible. Destroying the main top rotor will knock the helicopter out of the sky! Roll under the piloting skill -30% for a successful crash landing (due to the reinforced nature of the Striker, crew takes only half damage from an impact.
[3] Destroying the main body knocks the helicopter out of the sky and renders it completely useless.

Speed:
Driving on Ground (Taxiing): Only possible for take offs and landings as well as for parking and storage. Speed is 40 mph (64 kph) when traveling and not on take off or landing.
Flying: Conventional: Hover to 174 mph (151 knots / 280 kph) with 146 mph (127 knots / 235 kph) cruise speed and has a ceiling of 14,108 feet (4,300 meters). The helicopter has great maneuverability and VTOL capabilities.
Nuclear: Hover to 186.4 mph (162.0 knots / 300 kph) with 149.1 mph (129.6 knots / 240 kph) cruise speed and has a ceiling of 19,685.0 feet (6,000 meters). The helicopter has great maneuverability and VTOL capabilities.
Range: Conventional: The Ka-29 has a range of 460 miles (400 nautical miles / 740 kilometers). Loaded with sixteen troops (or cargo), range is 286 miles (248 nautical miles / 460 kilometers.) Can operate for a maximum of 2.5 hours without needing to be refueled.
Nuclear: Effectively Unlimited but does overheat when operated for long periods of time. The Ka-29 engines will overheat after 4 hours of continuous operation when running at top speed and 8 hours when run at under 93.2 knots (81 knots / 150 kph)

Statistical Data:
Height: 17 feet 10 inches (5.44 meters)
Length: 40 feet 2 inches (12.25 meters)
Rotor Span: 52 feet 2 inches (15.90 meters)
Weight: 12,170 lbs (5,520 kg) empty and 25,353 lbs (11,500 kg) fully loaded.
Power Source: Conventional: Two Isotov TV3-117VMAR turboshaft each rated at 2,220 hp, Nuclear: Nuclear Fusion turboshafts, Should have an average life-span of 8 years.
Cargo: 4,409 lbs (2,000 kg) internally and 8,818 lbs (4,000 kg) externally.
Black Market Cost: Kamov Ka-29-M (Converted Conventional): 1.25 to 2.5 million credits, Kamov Ka-29-P ( New Material Conventional): 4.5 to 5.5 million credits, Kamov Ka-29-R (Nuclear Version): 10 to 15 million credits.
Assumes fully armed models. Reduce cost by half for unarmed models. All prices can be as much as double normal prices under some conditions.

Weapon Systems:

One (1) NUV-1UM Gun Mount: The helicopter has a gun mount on the starboard side with the ammunition loaded through the starboard door. Can angle downwards 31 degrees, port side 28 degrees, and starboard side 30 degrees. Originally a GshG-7.62 four barrel Gatling machine gun was fitted. Found to be ineffective so replaced by a Kord-12.7 mm heavy machine gun. Later replaced on fusion models with a 5 mm rail gun. The rail gun is refitted to some of the newer conventionally powered versions as well.
1. 7.62 mm GshG-7.62 four barrel Gatling machine gun: Carried originally on the Ka-29. Considered underpowered and was unpopular with crews due to low penetration. Special ammunition was developed but still considered ineffective.
  Maximum Effective Range: 2,000 feet (609.6 meters)
  Mega Damage: One round does 1 M.D.C. to M.D.C. targets or 3D6x10 S.D.C. to soft targets. Twenty round bursts do 2D4 M.D.C. Forty round bursts inflict 4D4 M.D.C.
  Rate of Fire: Equal to combined hand to hand attacks of gunner
  Payload: Carries 1,800 rounds total
2. 12.7 mm Kord-12.7 mm heavy machine gun: Modified to be a lightweight model of the standard machine gun. Replaced the 7.62 mm machine gun in most helicopters. Similar in performance to the American 12.7 mm machine gun round using special ammunition. The American and Soviet ammunition is not interchangeable however.
  Maximum Effective Range: 3,000 feet (914.4 meters)
  Mega Damage: Single shot does 1D4 and 40 round burst does 5D6.
  Rate of Fire: Equal to combined hand to hand attacks of gunner (Commander)
  Payload: 600 rounds (15 bursts) for mount
3. 5 millimeter GSR-05 Medium Rail-Gun: Finally developed as a replacement for the medium machine-gun for Soviet service. Replaces previous 7.62 Gatling machine gun and 12.7 mm heavy machine gun
  Maximum Effective Range: 2,000 feet (609.6 meters)
  Mega Damage: One round does 1D4 M.D.C. to M.D.C. targets or 6D6x10 S.D.C. to soft targets. Twenty round bursts do 4D6 M.D.C.; Forty round full bursts do 1D4x10
  Rate of Fire: Equal to combined hand to hand attacks of gunner (Commander)
  Payload: Carries 2,400 rounds total (120 full bursts or 60 half-bursts)
Four (4) Ordnance Pylons: The helicopter has four ordnance pylons. The 30 mm 2A42 auto cannon requires both port pylons. Instead though, each pylon can mount the 2UPK-23-250 23 mm auto cannon pods or the 20 mm rail gun pod (maximum of four of either pod.) As well, missiles, bombs, and mini-missile packs can be carried. Two medium range missiles or medium bombs or four short range missiles or light bombs can be carried on each pylon.
1. Bombs and Missiles: The only restriction is that a pylon must carry all the same type of missiles or bombs. Both unguided and guided bombs can be carried. Missile / bomb racks are controlled by either the pilot or the co-pilot / weapons officer.
  Maximum Effective Range: Varies by missile or bomb type (See revised bomb and missile tables for details.)
  Mega Damage: Varies by missile or bomb type (See revised bomb and missile tables for details.)
  Rate of Fire: Missiles can be fired one at a time per hard point. Multiple hard points can be linked as one attack but must be the same range missiles.
  Payload: Two (2) medium range missiles / medium bombs, four (4) short range missiles / light bombs per each hard point.
2. Mini-Missile Pod: Large capacity mini-missile pod. The mini missile pods are normally carried for ground strafing, anti-troop, and anti-emplacement attacks. Normal missile used are armor piercing, plasma, or fragmentation mini-missiles. Mini missile pods are controlled by either the pilot or copilot.
  Maximum Effective Range: Varies with missile types, mini-missiles only (See revised bomb and missile tables for details.)
  Mega-Damage: Varies with mini-missile types (See revised bomb and missile tables for details.)
  Rate of Fire: Each pod can fire missiles one at a time or in volleys of two (2), four (4), eight (8), or ten (10) and can be linked with other mini missile pods for greater number of missiles (Counts as one attack no matter how many missiles in volley.)
  Payload: Each pod carries twenty (20) mini-missile [Maximum total of eighty (80) mini-missiles.]
3. Shipunov 2A42 30 mm cannon: Takes the place of both weapon systems carried on the port pylons. They have replaced the standard ammo with M.D., depleted uranium ramjet ammunition which allows the helicopter to hold it's own and inflict damage on modern, M.D.C. targets. The gun is unique in that is has a very long range, but it also uses ramjet shells with a powerful charge, degrading the life expectancy of the barrel of the autocannon and limiting the gun's payload. Standard ramjet shells can be used, but reduce the range of the weapon by half and keep the number of shells the same.
  Maximum Effective Range: 6,560 feet (2,000 meters / 2 kilometers). But can be fired at up to 13,200 feet (4,000 meters) with a -4 penalty
  Mega Damage: 2D6x10 for a 20 round burst, 3D6 for each round.
  Rate of Fire: Equal to the combined hand to hand attacks of the pilot (usually 5 or 6).
  Payload: 250 rounds (12 bursts).
  Notes: Normally the barrel of the autocannon has to be replaced after firing 1,200 rounds (Usually it's replaced after going through two full ammo loads, or 1,040 rounds/52 bursts.). Normal 30mm Ramjet ammunition can be used in place of the standard Soviet type; This halves the range of the weapon (Only for as long as that ammo is used), however, without any increases in ammo payload.
4. UPK-23-250 23 mm Autocannon in hard point pod: Carried on most earlier models and on most export models instead of the 20 mm rail gun. This is essentially the UPK-23-250 pod with the GSh-231- 23-mm cannon, simply firing Ramjet ammunition. The pods are fixed to the hard points of the Ka-29 when used, in place of missiles or rockets, but are excellent for strafing.
  Maximum Effective Range: 5,000 feet (1,524 meters)
  Mega-Damage: 2D4+2 per round, 1D6x10 for a half-burst of 25 rounds, and 2D6x10 for a full burst of 50 rounds. Cannons can be tied together (and with the main gun) to be fired as a single burst which counts as one attack.
  Rate of Fire: Equal to the combined hand to hand attacks of the pilot (usually 5 or 6).
  Payload: 250 rounds (10 half-bursts or 5 full bursts) per each pod; Up to 1,000 rounds total for up to four pods that can be carried (Maximum).
5. Standard 20 mm Railgun in hard point pod: Used mostly on Soviet Navy models of the Ka-29, especially later models. These are the standard New Soviet air to air weapons mounted on virtually all fighters and attack helicopters and with a secondary use for ground strafing and tank-busting. The cannon is mounted in a bomb-shaped completely independent unit that can be attached to the hard point of the Mi-24 and many other Soviet aircraft and helicopters. The cannon mount is fixed to the hard points when used, in place of missiles or rockets. They are 20 mm, but very high velocity even for rail guns, using solid slugs, and have extreme range. They sacrifice some of their hitting power (Compared with 1D6x10+10 for a 20 round burst from a 10 mm Soviet railgun), however, for the range, which is still quite good by railgun standards.
  Maximum Effective Range: 6,560 feet (2,000 meters / 2 kilometers).
  Mega Damage: 1D4x10 for a half-burst of 10 rounds, 2D4x10 for a full burst of 20 rounds. Rail guns can be tied together (and with the main rail gun) to be fired as a single burst which counts as one attack.
  Rate of Fire: Equal to the combined hand to hand attacks of the pilot (usually 5 or 6).
  Payload: 500 rounds (50 half-bursts/25 full bursts) per gun pod. Up to four gun pods and 2,000 rounds, total, though of course each gun pod is separate.
One (1) Anti-Missile Chaff/Flare Dispenser: Use the same effects as the TRIAX model. However, each time the system is engaged, the system fires off one chaff and 1D4 flares. Rifts Earth decoys systems are assumed to not operate against Phase World missiles due to technological difference. Reduce effects by 20% against smart missiles (Add +20% to rolls for smart missiles.)
Effect:
Also note that the chaff cloud will also blind flying monsters that fly through cloud. They will suffer the following penalties: reduce melee attacks/actions, combat bonuses, and speed by half.
Duration: 1D4 melee rounds.
Payload: 20 chaff, 40 flares. Each time the system is engaged, the system fires off one chaff and 1D4 flares.

Special Equipment:
The equipment of the Ka-29 has been upgraded but many of the original systems are still on the helicopter. Consider the helicopter to carry all standard equipment that robot vehicles carry (not including loudspeaker and microphone) plus the following extra systems:

Internal Active Jamming Gear: Causes -25% to detection but when it is active, other vehicles/ bases can detect that it is jamming, and some missiles will home in on jamming signals. Jamming also causes a -4 penalty to all radar guided weapons.
E.S.M.: Radar Detector, Passively detects other radars being operated.
Radar System: Range of 30 miles (48 km); Capable of tracking up to 48 targets simultaneously, this radar serves to provide early warning of incoming aircraft and missile attacks and to provide targeting for both carried missiles and the gun. The radar also has terrain following features. The radar can be programmed to shut off immediately if it detects an aircraft firing a missile on a heading towards the Ka-29, in case the missile is a radar-homing HARM type.
Full Infared viewing mode and FLIR system: Range of 4 miles (6.4 km), with IR searchlight (+3 to detecting targets with IR when in use, however, +3 to detecting the Mi-24 with active IR equipment when in use, as well.)

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Writeup by Kitsune (E-Mail Kitsune).

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