RuAF aviation, news and development thread

[TR1]

Isnt it better to refer to it as Il-214 not as MTA? After all, I doubt HAL will make any design input.

Yeah, it will undoubtedly be called Il-214 in service, will change that.

HAL may not provide a large amount of design input, but I suspect they will be present in sub-systems and production set up.

[TR1]

http://www.toz.khv.ru/newspaper/nash...t_let_polyeta/

Flight of first serial Su-27 took place 30 years ago .

[JSR]

Transport aviation plans:

http://www.sukhoi.ru/forum/showthread.php?t=76013
http://vif2ne.ru/nvk/forum/0/co/2330325.htm

100 Il-214
10 An-140s already ordered, highly likely there will be follow on.
60 An-70
41 Il-76MDM (modernization). In 2011, 12 Il-76s were repaired, while in 2009 and 2010, only 2-3 planes were repaired yearly.
40 Il-476
An-124: 1st stage 2011-2015, 11 to be modernized, 2nd stage 2016-2020 another 10 slated for modernization. They will be ordering new build planes as well, and goal is to have "25 combat ready An-124s by 2020".

Now, even accounting for time-table changes and likely force re-organization, that seems very ambitious, and a sizable number considering the size of the RuAF as a whole, in 2020.
I'd like to see more modest plans for Transport aviation in exchange for a MiG-35 batch.
Also looks like An-70 and MTA commitments are firm.

This fairly modest transport size of about 200. it was mentioned transport fleet orders will be 300.
I will add another 100 An-124/IL-476/IL96T orders for Volga/Polet that can also be used.

[Teer]

Can someone help me with this image of a cockpit? I would like to know which version of Su-27 it belongs to?



It looks like Su-35BM cockpit but it's different: there are no buttons around the MFD and panels are painted black.

Yep, I think this is an Irkut company Su-30MKI cockpit installation tester for the 'Super 30' upgrade, with large touch screen LCDs (you can see the function icons in horizontal rows).
Remember, IN MiG-29K cockpits are also black.

Jo, you are most probably right. The IAF Super 30 upgrade does follow the Super 35 layout!

See: http://forum.keypublishing.co.uk/sho...&postcount=102

There is a DRDO document with the same layout on their Super 30 avionics integration rig.

[Berkut]

Cool research Teer. *thumbsup*

[Freehand]

Hello,

If one were to shoot an R-27R/AE (AA-10 'Alamo') from either a MiG-29 or Su-27, would the shooting aircraft have to stay on target until impact? Sorry if this seems like an inane question, but finding a Russian pilot to ask is tough, where I am.

[MSphere]

Hello,

If one were to shoot an R-27R/AE (AA-10 'Alamo') from either a MiG-29 or Su-27, would the shooting aircraft have to stay on target until impact? Sorry if this seems like an inane question, but finding a Russian pilot to ask is tough, where I am.

Yes for the R-27R/ER (SARH), no for the R-27T/ET (IR) or R-27AE (ARH with 9B-1103M seeker).

[totoro]

I've yet to find a source confirming that active version of r27 went into production. So far, i'd say evidence suggests AE version never left the drawing board/testing grounds.

[Freehand]

Yes for the R-27R/ER (SARH), no for the R-27T/ET (IR) or R-27AE (ARH with 9B-1103M seeker).

Thanks

[Zare]

I've yet to find a source confirming that active version of r27 went into production. So far, i'd say evidence suggests AE version never left the drawing board/testing grounds.

That's a reasonable assumption, however R-27 is a modular platform. Seeker, explosives and guidance/propulsion are different units. They can fit active radar seekerhead, as easy as they fitted longer (bigger) propulsion section on 'E' models, to increase range.

[Teer]

Cool research Teer. *thumbsup*

Thanks Berkut!

Any reports in the Russian press regarding the Sukhoi upgrade with India?

Here is another interesting image. This is the new Sukhoi 30 EW fit. The picture is from DARE (DRDO) exhibit at Aero India 2011.

http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/media/..._0504.JPG.html

Now it could be they are developing something new locally or going with what exists already, in which case these are Russian jammers - SAP 14, SAP518

See ARES BLOG AWST: http://sitelife.aviationweek.com/ver...338a9.Full.jpg

The SAP 14 has already been exported, according to a Knirti brochure. The brochure shows the pod fitted to what it describes as an Su-30MKI (pictured below). The aircraft, side number 02, is believed to have been involved in the Su-30MKI development for India, suggesting that the SAP 14 may have at least been on offer.

http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-Su-35S-Flanker.html

http://www.ausairpower.net/KNIRTI-SA...Pod-VVK-1S.jpg
http://www.ausairpower.net/KNIRTI-SA...Pod-VVK-1S.jpg

The heavyweight high power KNIRTI SAP-14 Support Jammer ECM pod is a Russian analogue to the US ALQ-99E pod carried on the EA-6B Prowler and EA-18G Growler. It was developed for Flanker family aircraft and is carried on a large centreline pylon. To date little has been disclosed about this design, but it has been observed on the Su-30MK Flanker G/H and Su-34 Fullback. It operates between 1 GHz and 4 GHz (© 2009 Vitaliy V. Kuzmin).

The KNIRTI SAP-518 ECM pod is a new technology replacement for the established L005 Sorbstiya series wingtip ECM pods. It operates between 5 GHz and 18 GHz (© 2009 Vitaliy V. Kuzmin).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_spectrum#IEEE_US

1-18 Ghz covers the bulk of most deployed military surveillance, fire control radars and seekers as well. Those large apertures suggest high ERP and coverage.

Any ideas? Has KNIRTI released anything in the press?

[mrmalaya]

what do you guys make of this?

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/art...nister-372687/

Sincere apologies if its been discussed already. Does this mean that they are looking to more survivable methods like missiles and UCAVs or is it a ruse?

Thanks for your patience.

[Trident]

Sounds like Rogozin thinking out loud more than anything else, so I'd be wary of assigning too much importance to the statement. Generally, taking such comments by Russian officials at face value without corroborating evidence is not advisable, industry sources have a better track record but even there you have to be careful about agendas and turf wars.

Best to adopt a wait and see attitude.

[haavarla]

what do you guys make of this?

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/art...nister-372687/

Sincere apologies if its been discussed already. Does this mean that they are looking to more survivable methods like missiles and UCAVs or is it a ruse?

Thanks for your patience.

This is interesting.
Lets do debate this!
Never mind what the Russian MoD and millitary says at this point.

Now, do Russia really need a new super expensive strategic bomber?

Cant they build a few more Tu-160 and do a deep upgrade on the remaining fleet, like more efficiant and reliable engines, and cram in all the latest comunication and EW gear for a starter??

[Freehand]

I'll bet the Russians feel that relinquishing their strategic bomber fleet is a sign of their declining military capability. They, themselves, may see it as a sign of weakness to the rest of the world. Does any nation really "need" a manned strategic bomber force? I would like to say 'no' to that question, but the world is not that kind of place. What kind of strategic capability does the Su-34 offer? I am not trying to say that it can compare to the Tu-22, Tu-160, or Tu-95/142 in capacity, but may offer strategic capability without the price.

[mrmalaya]

Well if they have concluded that a long range bomber is the best platform for launching lots of advanced cruise missiles or stand off weapons, then a new platform is not what is needed is it?

[WinterStars]

Russia probably does not need the PAK-DA long-range manned bomber destined to replace the Tupolev Tu-160 and Tu-95 aircraft in service, according to deputy prime minister Dmitry Rogozin.

If they are planning to decommission all their strategic ALCMs when the Rocket carriers reach EOL then perhaps a new bomber is not needed anymore. What a shame, we have not even seen those Kh-101/102 in good measure. Who will drop the FOAB now?
On the other, it makes me wonder if they are planning something else. A true interplanetary multirole craft that can bomb, fight, and transport? :diablo:

[haavarla]

But seriously.
If the Tu-160 get upgraded, they could last well into 2020.
What then?
An huge bomber, stealth or no stealth. Its true what Rogozin says.
Any Heavy bomber at that stage/time will see its effective role sink.
This due to more network and sat obs, AWACS platforms out of this world.

But one thing the VVS need.
And that is to re-work their current assets like Tu-22M3 and T-160 into a more convential role as well, with the ability to carry other stuff then those massive clubs..

[Trident]

Interesting fact on the Su-30MKM: they have been flying with their MAWS and LWR sensors installed since at least early 2010 - previously blank covers were fitted in the corresponding appertures.

http://bigdogdotcom.wordpress.com/20...-right-choice/

[JSR]

This is interesting.
Lets do debate this!
Never mind what the Russian MoD and millitary says at this point.

Now, do Russia really need a new super expensive strategic bomber?

Cant they build a few more Tu-160 and do a deep upgrade on the remaining fleet, like more efficiant and reliable engines, and cram in all the latest comunication and EW gear for a starter??

Maybe he is scalling down the stealth requirements of new bomber by saying level of SAM development is such that getting close to the target will become impossible and cruise missile will reliably shoot down. see 2nd part anti-missile defense.

"Look at the level of development of anti-aircraft and anti-missile defences: all these planes will never get near their targets," he added.

but creating such dense mobile airdefense network in third world with sufficient train crews. not possible.
UCAV cannot replace manned bomber. UCAV neither has the engine power for radar/electronics nor the supersonic lunch speeds for missiles.

[TR1]

This is interesting.
Lets do debate this!
Never mind what the Russian MoD and millitary says at this point.

Now, do Russia really need a new super expensive strategic bomber?

Cant they build a few more Tu-160 and do a deep upgrade on the remaining fleet, like more efficiant and reliable engines, and cram in all the latest comunication and EW gear for a starter??

Building a few more Tu-160s would outweigh the benefit.

I tend to agree with Trident, Rogozin just thinking out loud.
Kh-101 program is proof bombers will be around for a long time in RuAF.

[TR1]

http://topwar.ru/15152-istrebitel-mi...kazahstan.html

Kazakhstan showing serious interest in MiG-29M2.

[a89]

Kazakhstan showing serious interest in MiG-29M2.

Interesting, I would expect such a big country to be interested in Flanker derivatives.

[Berkut]

Interesting fact on the Su-30MKM: they have been flying with their MAWS and LWR sensors installed since at least early 2010 - previously blank covers were fitted in the corresponding appertures.

http://bigdogdotcom.wordpress.com/20...-right-choice/

That is simply not true. They have always had them fitted, it is just that they almost always had covers on.

[Trident]

The LWRs possibly - but the MAWS sensors were almost certainly absent. Their lenses are not flush with the housing, whereas the previous blank was. Besides, why would they suddenly start flying without covers in situations (airshows etc.) where the lenses were formerly considered worth protecting?

http://i729.photobucket.com/albums/w...mg_9654_sm.jpg

http://cdn-ak.f.st-hatena.com/images...1210111630.jpg

EDIT: Note the back seater in the second photo apparently wearing TopSight-E!

[Berkut]

The LWRs possibly - but the MAWS sensors were almost certainly absent. Their lenses are not flush with the housing, whereas the previous blank was. Besides, why would they suddenly start flying without covers in situations (airshows etc.) where the lenses were formerly considered worth protecting?

I can agree on MAWS, since i honestly don't know situation there. But LWR's has been there from the start.

[TR1]

http://bmpd.livejournal.com/255241.html

Something interesting. The D-18 series 5, made by Motor-Sich, will be 60% Russian in origin.

[TR1]

[haavarla]

Cool pics. Probably somewhere south in North-Kaucasus region.

One of the pics could have fooled me, looks to be in the Grand Canyon.

[WinterStars]

UCAV cannot replace manned bomber. UCAV neither has the engine power for radar/electronics nor the supersonic lunch speeds for missiles.

Not currently, but in the not so distant future, UCAV will have everything that manned aircrafts had and then some. Even B2/Tu95 is not supersonic but they launch missiles.

http://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/6112/81237179.b3/0_75b60_b03bf67_XXL.jpg

http://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/6213/...68f66b_XXL.jpg

Brilliant pics. Just come down from above and rain some rockets down below.