Black Shark Helicopter Gunship (Unusual Aircraft Collection)

The Ka-50 Black Shark (NATO reporting name "Hokum") is a Russian helicopter which hasn't entered full production and perhaps never will.

The Black Shark has two main rotors which turn in opposite directions, an unusual configuration which has always been favored by the Kamov design bureau, and is found in most of their helicopters, including the Ka-27 "Helix" and Ka-226 Sergei.   The Black Shark was designed as a replacement for the aging Mi-24 "Hind" attack helicopter, which became famous during the Russian invasion of Afghanistan.

Like the Bo-105 helicopter, the Black Shark is fully aerobatic, able to do loops and barrel rolls and even to fly backwards or sideways at more than 60 miles per hour.   It has the same head-up display as the MiG-29 fighter and can operate in complete darkness when the pilot is using the built-in forward-looking infrared display and wearing night vision goggles.   In addition to a 30 mm cannon on the side of its fuselage, the stub wings allow it to carry a lot of firepower, comprising up to 12 anti-tank missiles and 20 unguided rockets.

The Black Shark is unique among helicopter gunships for having only one crew member, and many people doubt whether it's possible to effectively fly a helicopter and operate its weapons at the same time.