FIRST FLIGHT OF NEW RUSSIAN ATTACK HELICOPTER.

The Ka-52 "Alligator" multi-role helicopter — under development for 18 years — made its first flight yesterday, at the Kamov airfield near Moscow. The craft is a two-seat version of the Ka-50 gunship, and the company hopes to sell it both in Russia and abroad as a night/all-weather attack helicopter, a trainer, and as a naval helicopter. It will be built at the Progress factory in Arseneev, in Primorsky krai. (Russian agencies and Reuter, July 1)

Kremlin Defends Dyachenko Appointment.