MOSCOW. March 13 (Interfax-AVN) - A commission has been formed to investigate Monday's crash of a Russian Air Force Kamov Ka-52 helicopter near the town of Torzhok in the Tver region, Defense Ministry spokesman Col. Igor Konashenkov told Interfax-AVN.
"A commission made up of representatives of the Russian Defense Ministry's Flight Safety Service has been set up to investigate the reasons surrounding the accident," he said.
"There was no ammunition on board" the helicopter, which was conducting a practice flight, he added.
Ka-52 Alligator helicopters, designed by the Kamov firm, have been produced by Arsenyev Aircraft Co Progress, which is a member of the Russian Helicopters Holding.
Coaxial-type Ka-52 helicopters are equipped with pilot ejection seats, and both pilots are able to operate the helicopter without any restrictions. The pilot cockpit is armored. The helicopter can be used as a trainer. Its advanced flight qualities allow the Ka-52 helicopter to perform combat maneuvers within a limited area and the shortest time to gain an advantageous attack position.
Each Ka-52 helicopter is capable of carrying 12 Vikhr supersonic anti-tank laser-guided missiles, container-type gun ammunition, as well as 80 rockets and air-to-air missiles.