Military aircraft of the air forces of Russia and the world watch videos, photos, pictures. Aviation military Russian military aircraft and their characteristics
Story military aviation began almost immediately after the first flight of the aircraft of the American brothers Wright, which took place in 1903 - after a few years, the military of most armies of the world realized that the aircraft could become an excellent weapon. With the outbreak of the First World War, military aviation as a branch of service was already quite a serious force - first, reconnaissance aviation was used, which made it possible to obtain complete and operational data on the movements of enemy troops, followed by bombers, first improvised, and then specially built. Finally, fighter aviation was created to counter enemy aircraft. Air aces appeared, about the success of which films were made and newspapers wrote with admiration. Soon the fleet also acquired its own Air Force - naval aviation was born, the first air transports and aircraft carriers began to be built.
Indeed, military aviation proved to be one of the main branches of the military with the outbreak of World War II. Luftwaffe bombers and fighters became one of the main instruments of the German blitzkrieg, which predetermined the success of Germany in the first years of the war on all fronts, and Japanese naval aviation, as the main strike force of the navy, set the course of hostilities in the Pacific Ocean with an attack on Pearl Harbor. British fighter aircraft were the decisive factor in preventing the invasion of the islands, and Allied strategic bombers brought Germany and Japan to the brink of disaster. The legend of the Soviet-German front was the Soviet attack aircraft.
Not a single modern armed conflict can do without military aviation. So, even in the event of the slightest tension, military transport aircraft carry out the transfer military equipment and manpower, and army aviation, armed with attack helicopters, provides support to ground troops. Modern aviation technology is developing in several directions. More and more wide application find UAVs - unmanned aircrafts, who, like 100 years ago, first became scouts, and now they are increasingly performing strike missions, demonstrating spectacular training and live firing. However, so far, drones are not able to completely replace traditional manned combat aircraft, the emphasis in the design of which today is on reducing radar visibility, increasing maneuverability and the ability to fly at supersonic cruising speed. However, the situation is changing so rapidly that only the most daring science fiction writers can predict in which direction military aviation will develop in the coming years.
On the Warspot portal, you can always read articles and news on aviation topics, watch videos or photo reviews on the history of military aviation from its inception to the present - about airplanes and helicopters, about the combat use of the air force, about pilots and aircraft designers, about auxiliary military equipment and equipment used in the Air Force different armies peace.
MILITARY AVIATION
The history of military aviation can be counted from the first successful flight hot air balloon in France in 1783. The decision of the French government in 1794 to organize an aeronautical service was recognized as the military significance of this flight. It was the world's first aviation military unit. In 1909, the US Army Signal Corps for the first time in history adopted a military aircraft. Like its prototype, the Wright brothers' machine, this craft was powered by a piston engine (located behind the pilot, in front of the pusher propellers). Engine power was 25 kW. The aircraft was also equipped with skis for landing, and its cockpit could accommodate a crew of two. The plane took off from a monorail catapult. Its maximum speed was equal to 68 km / h, and the flight duration did not exceed an hour. The cost of manufacturing the aircraft amounted to 25 thousand dollars. Military aviation progressed rapidly on the eve of the First World War. So, in the period 1908-1913, Germany spent 22 million dollars on research and development in the field of aviation, France - approx. 20 million dollars, Russia - 12 million dollars. Over the same period, the United States spent only 430 thousand dollars on military aviation.
First World War (1914-1918).
Some of the military aircraft built during these years are quite famous today. The most famous, probably, should be recognized as the French fighter "Spud" with two machine guns and the German single-seat fighter "Fokker". It is known that in just one month of 1918 Fokker fighters destroyed 565 aircraft of the Entente countries. In the UK, a two-seat reconnaissance fighter-bomber "Bristol" was created; British aviation was also armed with a Camel single-seat front-line fighter. The French single-seat fighters Nieuport and Moran are quite well known.
The MOST FAMOUS German fighter aircraft in World War I was the Fokker. It was equipped with a Mercedes engine with a power of 118 kW and two machine guns with synchronized firing through the propeller.
The period between the First and Second World Wars (1918-1938). During the First World War, special attention was paid to reconnaissance fighters. By the end of the war, several heavy bomber projects were being developed. The best bomber of the 1920s was the Condor, which was produced in several versions. The maximum speed of the "Condor" was 160 km / h, and the range did not exceed 480 km. Aircraft designers were more fortunate with the development of interceptor fighters. The PW-8 Hawk fighter, which appeared in the mid-1920s, could fly at a speed of 286 km / h at altitudes up to 6.7 km and had a range of 540 km. Due to the fact that the fighter-interceptor in those days could make a circular flight of bombers, the leading design bureaus abandoned the design of bombers. They transferred their hopes to low-altitude attack aircraft designed to directly support the ground forces. The first aircraft of this type was the A-3 Falcon, capable of delivering a bomb load of 270 kg over a distance of 1015 km at speeds up to 225 km/h. However, in the late 1920s and early 1930s, new, more powerful and lighter engines were created, and bomber speeds became commensurate with those of the best interceptors. In 1933, the US Army Aviation Administration awarded a contract to develop the B-17 four-engine bomber. In 1935, this aircraft covered a record distance of 3400 km without landing from average speed flight 373 km / h. In the same 1933, the development of an eight-gun fighter-bomber began in the UK. In 1938, Hurricanes, which formed the basis of the RAF, began to leave the production lines, and Spitfires began to be produced a year later. They were widely used in World War II.
World War II (1939-1945). Many other aircraft of the Second World War are well known, such as the British four-engine Lancaster bomber, the Japanese Zero aircraft, the Soviet Yaks and Ils, the German Ju-87 Junkers dive bomber, Messerschmitt fighters and "Focke-Wulf", as well as American B-17 ("Flying Fortress"), B-24 "Liberator", A-26 "Invader", B-29 "Super Fortress", F-4U "Corsair", P-38 Lightning, P-47 Thunderbolt and P-51 Mustang. Some of these fighters could fly at altitudes over 12 km; of the bombers, only the B-29 could fly long enough at such a high altitude (thanks to the pressurization of the cockpit). Except for the jet aircraft that appeared by the end of the war with the Germans (and a little later with the British), the P-51 fighter should be recognized as the fastest: in level flight, its speed reached 784 km / h.
R-47 "THUNDERBOLT" - the famous US fighter during the Second World War. This single-seat aircraft had a 1545 kW engine.
Immediately after the Second World War, the first US jet aircraft, the F-80 Shooting Star fighter, was put into production. The F-84 Thunderjets appeared in 1948, as did the B-36 and B-50 bombers. The B-50 was an improved version of the B-29 bomber; He has increased speed and range. The B-36 bomber, equipped with six piston engines, was the largest in the world and had an intercontinental range (16,000 km). Subsequently, two additional jet engines were installed under each wing of the B-36 to increase speed. The first B-47 Stratojet bombers entered service with the US Air Force in late 1951. This medium jet bomber (with six engines) had the same range as the B-29, but much better aerodynamic characteristics.
War in Korea (1950-1953). B-26 and B-29 bombers were used in combat operations during the Korean War. The F-80, F-84 and F-86 fighters had to compete with the enemy MiG-15 fighters, which had in many respects the best aerodynamic characteristics. The Korean War stimulated the development of military aviation. By 1955, the B-36 bombers were replaced by the huge "stratospheric fortresses" B-52 "Stratofortress", which had 8 jet engines each. In 1956-1957, the first fighters of the F-102, F-104 and F-105 series appeared. The KC-135 jet tanker was designed for in-flight refueling of B-47 and B-52 bombers during their intercontinental operations. The C-54 and other aircraft of the World War II period were replaced by aircraft specially designed for the transport of goods.
Vietnam War (1965-1972). Air duels in the Vietnam War were relatively few in number. To support the operations of the ground forces, aircraft of the most various types- from jet fighters to transport aircraft armed with cannons. US Air Force B-52 bombers were used for carpet bombing in the implementation of scorched earth tactics. Great amount helicopters were used for the transfer of landing units and fire support for ground forces from the air. Helicopters could operate in areas where there were no landing sites. See also HELICOPTER.
US Air Force Aircraft
Tasks. Military aviation is used to perform the following four main tasks: supporting strike forces during strategic operations; protection of troops, strategic facilities and communications from air attacks; tactical air support for active ground forces; long-distance transportation of troops and cargo.
Basic types. Bombers.
Improvement of bombers goes along the path of increasing speed, range, payload and flight altitude ceiling. A notable achievement of the late 1950s was the giant B-52H Stratofortress heavy bomber. Its takeoff weight was approx. 227 tons with a combat load of 11.3 tons, a range of 19,000 km, an altitude ceiling of 15,000 m and a speed of 1,050 km / h. It was designed for nuclear strikes, but nevertheless found wide application in the Vietnam War. The 1980s saw a second life for the B-52 due to the advent of cruise missiles that can carry a thermonuclear warhead and can be accurately aimed at a distant target. In the early 1980s, Rockwell International began developing the B-1 bomber to replace the B-52. The first serial copy of the B-1B was built in 1984. 100 of these aircraft were produced, each costing $ 200 million.
SUPERSONIC BOMBER V-1. Variable sweep wings, crew of 10, maximum speed 2335 km/h.
Cargo and transport aircraft. The C-130 Hercules transport aircraft can carry up to 16.5 tons of cargo - field hospital equipment or equipment and materials for other special tasks, such as high-altitude aerial photography, meteorological surveys, search and rescue, in-flight refueling, delivery fuel to forward-based airfields. The C-141A "Starlifter", a high-speed swept-wing aircraft with four turbofan engines, was designed to carry cargo weighing up to 32 tons or 154 fully equipped paratroopers over a distance of 6500 km MILITARY AVIATION at a speed of 800 km / h. The US Air Force C-141B aircraft has a fuselage lengthened by more than 7 m and is equipped with an in-flight refueling system. The largest transport aircraft C-5 "Galaxy" can carry a payload weighing 113.5 tons or 270 paratroopers at a speed of 885 km/h. The range of the C-5 at maximum load is 4830 km.
Fighters. There are several types of fighters: interceptors used by the air defense system to destroy enemy bombers, front-line fighters that can engage in air combat with enemy fighters, and tactical fighter-bombers. The US Air Force's most advanced interceptor is the F-106A Delta Dart, which has a flight speed of twice the speed of sound, M = 2. Its standard armament consists of two nuclear warheads, air-to-air missiles, and a variety of projectiles. The front-line all-weather F-15 Eagle fighter, with the help of a radar installed in the bow, can direct air-to-air Sparrow missiles at the target; for close combat, he has Sidewinder missiles with a thermal homing head. The F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter-bomber is also armed with Sidewinders and can win a fight against almost any opponent. To combat ground targets, the F-16 carries bomb cargo and air-to-ground missiles. Unlike the F-4 Phantom it replaced, the F-16 is a single-seat fighter.
SINGLE ALL-WEATHER F-104 "Starfighter" US Air Force front-line fighter.
One of the most advanced front-line fighters is the F-111, which can fly at supersonic speeds at sea level and reach M = 2.5 when flying at high altitudes. The maximum takeoff weight of this all-weather two-seat fighter-bomber is 45 tons. It is equipped with a radar missile control system, a locator that ensures the aircraft follows the terrain, and sophisticated navigation equipment. Distinctive feature The F-111 is a variable geometry wing whose sweep angle can be varied from 20° to 70°. At low sweep angles, the F-111 has a long cruising range and excellent takeoff and landing characteristics. At large sweep angles, it has excellent aerodynamic characteristics at supersonic flight speeds.
Refueling aircraft. In-flight refueling makes it possible to increase the range of non-stop flights of fighters and bombers. It also excludes the need for intermediate operational air bases in the performance of strategic missions and is limited only by the range and speed of the tanker aircraft. The jet tanker KC-135A "Stratotanker" has top speed flight 960 km / h and a ceiling height of 10.6 km.
Targets and unmanned aerial vehicles. The flight of the aircraft can be controlled both from the ground and in the air; the pilot can be replaced by an electronic "black box" and specially designed autopilots. Thus, the unmanned version of the QF-102 interceptor fighter is used as a fast-moving target in missile tests and to gain shooting experience. For the same purpose, the QF-102 Firebee unmanned target with jet engines was specially designed, which develops a maximum speed of 925 km / h at an altitude of 15.2 km with an hourly flight duration at this altitude.
Reconnaissance aircraft. Almost all reconnaissance aircraft are modifications of high-speed front-line fighters; they are equipped with a telescopic camera, receiver infrared radiation, radar tracking system and other necessary devices. The U-2 is one of the few aircraft specifically designed for reconnaissance missions. It could operate at very high altitudes (about 21 km), well above the ceiling of fighter-interceptors and most ground-to-air missiles of the time. The SR-71 Blackbird aircraft can fly at a speed corresponding to M = 3. Various artificial satellites are also used for reconnaissance purposes.
See MILITARY SPACE; STAR WARS.
US Air Force F-117 "Stealth" ATTACK AIRCRAFT.
Training aircraft. For primary pilot training, a twin-engine T-37 aircraft with a maximum speed of 640 km/h and an altitude ceiling of 12 km is used. To further improve flight skills, the supersonic T-38A "Talon" aircraft with a maximum Mach of 1.2 and an altitude ceiling of 16.7 km is used. The F-5 aircraft, which is a modification of the T-38A, is operated not only in the United States, but also in a number of other countries.
Aircraft to fight the rebels. These are small light aircraft designed for reconnaissance, ground attack and simple support operations. An aircraft of this type should be easy to operate and allow the use of small unprepared areas for takeoff and landing. For reconnaissance tasks, it is necessary that these aircraft have good flight characteristics at low flight speeds and were equipped with equipment for advanced detection of active targets; at the same time, in order to destroy passive ground targets, they must be armed with various guns, bombs and missiles. In addition, such aircraft must be suitable for the transport of passengers, including the wounded, and various equipment. To fight the rebels, the OV-10A "Bronco" aircraft was created - a light (4.5 t) aircraft equipped not only with the necessary weapons, but also with reconnaissance equipment.
U.S. Army Aircraft
Tasks. Ground forces use aircraft to military intelligence and tracking, as flying command posts, and for transporting military personnel and equipment. Reconnaissance aircraft have a light, fairly simple design and can operate from short, unprepared runways. For larger command communications aircraft, improved runways are needed in some cases. All these aircraft must be of rigid construction and easy to operate. As a rule, it is necessary that the aircraft of the ground forces require a minimum of maintenance and be able to be used in heavily dusty air in battle conditions; it is also necessary that these aircraft have good aerodynamic characteristics at low flight altitudes.
Basic types. Transport helicopters. Rotary-wing aircraft are used to transport soldiers and supplies. The CH-47C Chinook helicopter, equipped with two turbines, has a maximum level flight speed of 290 km/h and can carry a payload weighing 5.4 tons over a distance of 185 km. The CH-54A "Skycrane" helicopter can lift a payload weighing more than 9 tons. See also HELICOPTER.
Attack helicopters. Helicopter "flying guns" created by order of army specialists were widely used during Vietnam War. The AH-64 "Apache" attack aircraft helicopter can be considered one of the most advanced, which is an effective means of destroying tanks from the air. Its armament includes a rapid-fire 30mm cannon and Helfire missiles.
Communication aircraft. The army uses both helicopters and planes to maintain communications. A typical example is the U-21A Ut support aircraft, which has a maximum speed of 435 km/h and an altitude ceiling of 7.6 km.
Aircraft surveillance and reconnaissance. Aircraft intended for surveillance should be able to operate from small unprepared areas in the front line. Such devices are used mainly by infantry, artillery and tank units. An example is the OH-6A Cayuse, a small (weighing approx. 900 kg) observation helicopter with gas turbine engine, which is designed for two crew members, but can accommodate up to 6 people. The OV-1 Mohawk aircraft, designed for surveillance or reconnaissance, can reach speeds of up to 480 km / h. Various modifications of this aircraft are equipped with a set of reconnaissance equipment, in particular, cameras, side-looking radars and infrared target detection systems in conditions of poor visibility or enemy camouflage. In the future, high-speed unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with television cameras and transmitters will be used for reconnaissance. See also OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS; RADAR.
Auxiliary aviation aircraft. Auxiliary aviation vehicles (both helicopters and airplanes) are, as a rule, multi-seat means of transporting military personnel over short distances. They involve the use of fairly flat unprepared sites. The UH-60A Blackhawk helicopter has found the widest use in army operations, which can carry a unit of 11 people with full equipment or a 105-mm howitzer with a calculation of 6 people, as well as 30 boxes of ammunition in one flight. The Black Hawk is also suitable for the transport of casualties or general cargo.
US Navy AIRCRAFT
Tasks. With the exception of the coastal patrol service, naval aviation is always based on aircraft carriers and coastal airfields located in the combat zone. One of its most important tasks is the fight against submarines. At the same time, naval aviation must protect ships, coastal installations and troops from air raids and attacks from the sea. In addition, it must attack sea and land targets when conducting landing operations from the sea. The tasks of naval aviation also include the transportation of goods and people and the conduct of search and rescue operations. When designing aircraft operating from aircraft carriers, the limited space on the ship's deck must be taken into account. The wings of such devices are made "folding"; It also provides for the strengthening of the landing gear and fuselage (this is necessary to compensate for the force impact of the catapult and the brake landing hook of the deck arrester). Basic types.
Stormtroopers. The range of a ship's radar is limited by the horizon line. Therefore, an aircraft flying at low altitude above the sea surface remains practically invisible until the moment when it is close to the target. As a result, when designing an attack aircraft, the main attention should be directed to achieving good tactical performance when flying at low altitudes. An example of such an aircraft is the A-6E "Intruder", which has a speed close to the speed of sound at sea level. It has a modern fire control system and means of attack. Since 1983, the operation of the F / A-18 Hornet aircraft began, which can be used as both an attack aircraft and a fighter. The F/A-18 replaced the A-9 Corsair subsonic aircraft.
Fighters. If a successful layout of a fighter aircraft is obtained, then various modifications are usually developed on its basis, designed to perform special tasks. These can be fighter-interceptors, reconnaissance aircraft, fighter-bombers and night attack aircraft. Good fighters are always different high speed. Such a ship-based fighter is the F / A-18 Hornet, which replaced the F-4 Phantom. Like its predecessors, the F / A-18 can also be used as an attack aircraft or reconnaissance aircraft. The fighter is armed with air-to-air missiles.
Patrol aircraft. Both seaplanes and conventional aircraft are used as patrol aircraft. Their main tasks are mining, photographic reconnaissance, as well as the search and detection of submarines. To perform these tasks, the patrol aircraft can be armed with mines, cannons, conventional and depth charges, torpedoes or rockets. The P-3C "Orion" with a crew of 10 has special equipment for detecting and destroying submarines. In search of targets, he can move away from his base for 1600 km, stay in this area for 10 hours, after which he returns to base.
Anti-submarine aircraft. The advent of nuclear submarines armed nuclear missiles, gave impetus to the development of anti-submarine aviation. It includes seaplanes, aircraft operating from aircraft carriers and land bases, as well as helicopters. The standard ship-based ASW aircraft is the S-3A Viking. It is equipped with a powerful computer for processing information from the on-board radar, infrared receiver and from sonobuoys dropped from an aircraft by parachute. The sonobuoy is equipped with a radio transmitter and microphones that are submerged in water. These microphones pick up the noise from the submarine's engine, which is transmitted to the aircraft. Having determined the location of the submarine from these signals, the Viking drops depth charges on it. Helicopters are also involved in anti-submarine operations; they can use sonar buoys or lower sonar equipment on a cable and listen to underwater noises with it.
SH-3 "SEA KING" is an anti-submarine helicopter with a watertight hull that allows landing on the surface of the water (NASA modification is shown in the picture).
Special search aircraft. Long-range aircraft are also suitable for long-range detection. They conduct round-the-clock surveillance of the airspace in the controlled area. In solving this problem, they are assisted by aircraft with a shorter flight range and ship-based helicopters. Such a helicopter is the E-2C Hawkeye with a crew of 5 people. Like its predecessor, the E-1B Tracer, this helicopter is equipped with equipment that allows it to detect enemy aircraft. Long-range aircraft operating from coastal bases are also useful in this respect. Such an assistant is the E-3A Sentry aircraft. This modification of the Boeing 707 aircraft with a radar antenna mounted above the fuselage is known as AWACS. Using on-board computers, the aircraft crew can determine the coordinates, speed and direction of movement of any ships and aircraft within a radius of several hundred kilometers. Information is immediately transmitted to aircraft carriers and other ships.
DEVELOPMENT TRENDS
Organization of engineering works. The speed of the first military aircraft did not exceed 68 km/h. Today there are aircraft that can fly at speeds of 3,200 km/h, and in flight tests, some of the experimental aircraft reached speeds of over 6,400 km/h. It is to be expected that airspeeds will increase. In connection with the complication of the design and equipment of aircraft, the organization of work of aircraft designers has changed radically. In the early days of aviation, an engineer could design an airplane alone. Now this is done by a group of firms, each of which specializes in its own field. Their work is coordinated by the general contractor, who received an order for the development of the aircraft as a result of the competition. see also AVIATION AND SPACE INDUSTRY.
Design. During the first half of the 20th century the appearance of the aircraft has undergone significant changes. The biplane with struts and braces gave way to the monoplane; a streamlined landing gear appeared; the cockpit is made closed; the design has become more streamlined. However, further progress was hampered by the overly large relative weight of the piston engine and the use of a propeller that kept the aircraft out of the range of moderate subsonic speeds. With the advent of the jet engine, everything changed. The flight speed surpassed the speed of sound, but the main characteristic of the engine was thrust. The speed of sound is approx. 1220 km / h at sea level and approximately 1060 km / h at altitudes of 10-30 km. Speaking about the presence of a "sonic barrier", some designers believed that the aircraft would never fly faster than the speed of sound due to structural vibrations, which would inevitably destroy the aircraft. Some of the first jet planes actually broke up as they approached the speed of sound. Fortunately, the results of flight tests and the rapid accumulation of design experience made it possible to eliminate the problems that arose, and the "barrier", which once seemed insurmountable, has lost its meaning today. With proper choice of aircraft layout, it is possible to reduce harmful aerodynamic forces and, in particular, drag in the transition range from subsonic to supersonic speeds. The fuselage of a fighter aircraft is usually designed according to the "area rule" (with a narrowing in the central part where the wing is attached to it). As a result, a smooth flow around the wing-to-fuselage interface is achieved and drag is reduced. On aircraft whose speeds are noticeably higher than the speed of sound, large swept wings and a high aspect ratio fuselage are used.
Hydraulic (booster) control. At supersonic flight speeds, the force acting on the aerodynamic control becomes so large that the pilot simply cannot change its position. on their own. To help him, hydraulic control systems are being designed, in many respects similar to a hydraulic drive for driving a car. These systems can also be controlled by an automated flight control system.
Influence of aerodynamic heating. Modern aircraft develop in flight speeds several times higher than the speed of sound, and surface friction forces cause heating of their skin and structure. An aircraft designed to fly with M = 2.2 must no longer be made of duralumin, but of titanium or steel. In some cases, it is necessary to cool the fuel tanks to prevent overheating of the fuel; the chassis wheels should also be cooled to prevent the rubber from melting.
Armament. Enormous progress has been made in the field of armaments since World War I, when the fire synchronizer was invented, allowing firing through the plane of rotation of the propeller. Modern fighters are often armed with multi-barreled 20 mm automatic cannons that can fire up to 6000 rounds per minute. They are also armed with guided missiles such as Sidewinder, Phoenix or Sparrow. Bombers can be armed with defensive missiles, optical and radar sights, thermonuclear bombs and air-to-ground cruise missiles, which are launched many kilometers from the target.
Production. With the complication of the tasks facing military aviation, the labor intensity and cost of aircraft is rapidly increasing. According to available data, 200,000 man-hours of engineering labor were spent on the development of the B-17 bomber. For the B-52, it took already 4,085,000, and for the B-58 - 9,340,000 man-hours. In the production of fighters, similar trends are observed. The cost of one F-80 fighter is approx. 100 thousand dollars For the F-84 and F-100, this is already 300 and 750 thousand dollars, respectively. The cost of the F-15 fighter was once estimated at about $30 million.
Pilot work. Rapid advances in navigation, instrumentation, and computing have had a significant impact on pilot performance. Much of the routine flight work is now done by the autopilot, and navigation problems can be solved using airborne inertial systems, Doppler radar and ground stations. By monitoring the terrain with the help of an airborne radar and using an autopilot, it is possible to fly at low altitudes. The automated system in conjunction with the onboard autopilot ensures the reliability of the aircraft landing in very low clouds (up to 30 m) and poor visibility (less than 0.8 km).
see also AIRCRAFT ON-BOARD INSTRUMENTS ;
AIR NAVIGATION ;
AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT. Automated optical, infrared or radar systems are also used to control weapons. These systems provide an accurate hit on a distant target. The ability to use automated systems allows one pilot or a crew of two to perform tasks that previously involved the participation of a much larger crew. The job of a pilot is mainly to monitor the readings of instruments and the functioning of automated systems, taking control only when they fail. At present, even television equipment can be placed on board the aircraft, which has a connection with the ground control center. Under these conditions, still more functions that were previously supposed to be performed by the aircraft crew are taken over by electronic equipment. Now the pilot must act only in the most critical situations, such as visual identification of the intruder and deciding on the necessary actions.
Overalls. The pilot's attire has also changed markedly since the days when a leather jacket, goggles, and a silk scarf were her must-haves. For a fighter pilot, anti-g suits have now become standard, insuring him from losing consciousness during sharp maneuvers. At altitudes above 12 km, pilots use a body-hugging high-altitude suit that protects against the destructive effects of explosive decompression in the event of cabin depressurization. The air tubes along the arms and legs are filled automatically or manually and maintain the required pressure.
Ejection seats. Ejection seats have become a common piece of equipment in military aviation. If the pilot is forced to leave the aircraft, he is fired from the cockpit, remaining tied to his seat. After making sure that the aircraft is sufficiently far away, the pilot can free himself from the seat and descend to the ground by parachute. In modern designs, the entire cockpit is usually separated from the aircraft. This protects against initial shock braking and the effects of aerodynamic loads. In addition, if the ejection occurs at high altitudes, a breathable atmosphere is maintained in the cockpit. Of great importance for the pilot of a supersonic aircraft are the cooling systems of the cockpit and the pilot's spacesuit to protect against the effects of aerodynamic heating at supersonic speeds.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Trends. The displacement of fighter-interceptors from air defense systems by missiles slowed down the development of military aviation (see AIR DEFENSE). The pace of its development will probably change depending on the political climate or the revision of military policy.
Aircraft X-15. The X-15 experimental aircraft is an aircraft with a liquid rocket engine. It is designed to study the possibility of flight in the upper atmosphere at Mach numbers greater than 6 (ie at a flight speed of 6400 km/h). Flight research carried out on it gave engineers valuable information about the characteristics of a controlled aircraft liquid rocket engine, the ability of the pilot to operate in zero gravity and the ability to control the aircraft using a jet stream, as well as the aerodynamic characteristics of the X-15 layout. The flight altitude of the aircraft reached 102 km. To accelerate the aircraft to M = 8 (8700 km / h), ramjet engines (ramjet engines) were installed on it. However, after an unsuccessful flight with a ramjet, the test program was terminated.
Aircraft projects with M = 3. The YF-12A (A-11) was the first military aircraft to fly at a cruising speed of M = 3. Two years after the flight tests of the YF-12A, work began on a new version (SR-71 "Blackbird" ). Maximum value Mach 3.5 is achieved by this aircraft at an altitude of 21 km, the maximum flight altitude is more than 30 km, and the range significantly exceeds the flight range of the U-2 high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft (6400 km). The use of light high-strength titanium alloys in the design of both the airframe and turbojet engines made it possible to significantly reduce the weight of the structure. A new "supercritical" wing was also used. Such a wing is also suitable for flying at speeds slightly less than the speed of sound, which makes it possible to create an economical transport aircraft. Vertical or short takeoff and landing aircraft. For a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, the presence of a 15-meter obstacle at a distance of 15 m from the launch site is not significant. A short takeoff and landing aircraft must fly at an altitude of more than 15 m, 150 m from the launch site. Aircraft have been tested with wings that can rotate up to 90° from horizontal to vertical or any position in between, as well as steerable fixed-wing engines or helicopter blades that can retract or fold in cruising. horizontal flight. Aircraft with a thrust vector changed by changing the direction of the jet flow, as well as vehicles using combinations of these concepts, were also studied. See also AIRCRAFT CONVERTIBLE.
ACHIEVEMENTS IN OTHER COUNTRIES
The international cooperation. The high cost of designing a military aircraft forced a number of European countries that are members of NATO to pool their resources. The first aircraft of the joint development was the 1150 Atlantic, a land-based anti-submarine aircraft with two turboprop engines. Its first flight took place in 1961; it was used by the French, Italian, German, Dutch, Pakistani and Belgian navies. result international cooperation are the Anglo-French "Jaguar" (a training aircraft also used for tactical support of ground forces), the Franco-German transport aircraft "Transal" and the multi-purpose front-line aircraft "Tornado", designed for Germany, Italy and Great Britain.
WESTERN EUROPEAN FIGHTER "TORNADO"
France. The French aviation company "Dassault" is one of the recognized leaders in the development and production of fighter aircraft. Its Mirage supersonic aircraft are sold to many countries and also produced under license in countries such as Israel, Switzerland, Australia, Lebanon, South Africa, Pakistan, Peru, Belgium. In addition, the company "Dassault" develops and produces supersonic strategic bombers.
Great Britain. In the UK, British Aerospace has created a good VTOL fighter known as the Harrier. This aircraft requires a minimum of ground auxiliary equipment in addition to the equipment needed for refueling and replenishment of ammunition.
Sweden. The Swedish Air Force is armed with SAAB aircraft - the Draken fighter-interceptor and the Viggen fighter-bomber. After World War II, Sweden develops and operates its own military aircraft so as not to violate its status as a neutral country.
Japan. For a long time, the Japan Self-Defense Forces used exclusively US aircraft manufactured by Japan on a license basis. Recently, Japan has begun to develop its own aircraft. One of the most interesting Japanese projects is the Shin Meiwa PX-S, a short takeoff and landing aircraft with four turbofan engines. This is a flying boat designed for maritime reconnaissance. It can land on the surface of the water even in high seas. The Mitsubishi company produces the T-2 training aircraft.
USSR/Russia. The USSR was the only country whose air force was comparable to the US air force. Unlike the United States, where the award of an aircraft development contract is the result of a comparison of engineering designs that exist only on paper, the Soviet methodology was based on a comparison of flight-tested prototypes. This makes it impossible to predict which of the new models shown from time to time at various exhibitions aviation technology will go into series production. Experimental Design Bureau (or Moscow Machine-Building Plant) them. AI Mikoyan specializes in the development of MiG fighters (Mikoyan and Gurevich). In service with the Air Force former allies The USSR continues to be MiG-21 fighters, a large number of which are available in Russia itself. The MiG-23 front-line fighter is capable of carrying a large stock of bombs and missiles. The MiG-25 is used for interception of targets and reconnaissance at high altitudes.
After the adoption of SAP-2020, officials often talk about the rearmament of the Air Force (or, more broadly, the supply of aircraft systems to the RF Armed Forces). At the same time, the specific parameters of this re-equipment and the strength of the Air Force by 2020 are not directly given. In view of this, many media give their forecasts, but they are presented, as a rule, in tabular form - without arguments or a calculation system.
This article is just an attempt to predict the combat strength of the Russian Air Force by the specified date. All information is collected from open sources - from media materials. There are no claims for absolute accuracy, because the ways of the State ... ... defense order in Russia are inscrutable, and often a mystery even for those who form it.
Total strength of the Air Force
So, let's start with the main thing - with the total number of the Air Force by 2020. This number will be formed from new-built aircraft and their modernized "senior colleagues".
In his programmatic article, V.V. Putin pointed out that: “... In the coming decade, the troops will receive ... more than 600 modern aircraft, including fifth-generation fighters, over a thousand helicopters". At the same time, the current Minister of Defense S.K. Shoigu recently cited slightly different data: “... By the end of 2020, we will have to receive about 2,000 new aircraft systems from industrial enterprises, including 985 helicopters».
The numbers are of the same order, but there are differences in the details. What is it connected with? For helicopters, the delivered machines may no longer be taken into account. Some change in the parameters of SAP-2020 is also possible. But only they will require changes in funding. Theoretically, this is facilitated by the refusal to resume production of the An-124 and a slight reduction in the number of purchases of helicopters.
S. Shoigu mentioned, in fact, no less than 700-800 aircraft (we will subtract helicopters from the total number). Article by V.V. This does not contradict Putin (more than 600 aircraft), but “more than 600” does not really correlate with “almost 1000”. Yes, and money for the “extra” 100-200 vehicles (even taking into account the abandonment of the Ruslans) will need to be attracted additionally, especially if you buy fighters and front-line bombers (with an average price of Su-30SM of $ 40 million per unit, you get astronomical figure - up to a quarter of a trillion rubles for 200 vehicles, despite the fact that PAK FA or Su-35S are more expensive).
Thus, the most likely increase in purchases is due to cheaper combat training Yak-130s (all the more so because it is very necessary), attack aircraft and UAVs (it seems that, according to media reports, work has intensified). Although the additional purchase of the Su-34 up to 140 units. can also take place. Now there are about 24 of them. + about 120 Su-24M. Will be - 124 pcs. But to replace front-line bombers in the 1 x 1 format, another fifteen Su-34s will be required.
Based on the given data, it seems appropriate to accept average figures of 700 airplanes and 1,000 helicopters. Total - 1700 boards.
Now let's move on to modernized technology. In general, by 2020, the share of new equipment in the Armed Forces should be 70%. But this percentage is not the same for different branches and types of troops. For the Strategic Missile Forces - up to 100% (sometimes they say 90%). For the Air Force, figures were given in the same 70%.
I also admit that the share of new equipment will “reach” 80%, but not due to an increase in its purchases, but due to a greater write-off of old machines. However, this article uses a 70/30 ratio. Therefore, the forecast is moderately optimistic. By simple calculations (X=1700x30/70), we get (approximately) 730 modernized boards. In other words, the number of the Russian Air Force by 2020 is planned in the region of 2430-2500 aircraft and helicopters.
With the total number, it seems, sorted out. Let's get down to specifics. Let's start with helicopters. This is the most covered topic, and deliveries are already in full swing.
Helicopters
For attack helicopters, it is planned to have 3 (!) Models - (140 units), (96 units), as well as the Mi-35M (48 units). A total of 284 units were planned. (not including some cars lost in aviation accidents).
Modern Air Force Russian Federation are traditionally the most mobile and maneuverable branch of the Armed Forces. The equipment and other means in service with the Air Force are intended, first of all, to repel aggression in the aerospace sphere and protect the administrative and industrial and economic centers of the country, groupings of troops and important objects from enemy attacks; to ensure the actions of the Ground Forces and the Navy; strikes against enemy groupings in the sky, on land and at sea, as well as against its administrative-political and military-economic centers.
The existing Air Forces, in terms of their organizational and staffing structure, date back to 2008, when the country began to form a new look for the Russian Armed Forces. Then the Air Force and Air Defense Commands were formed, subordinate to the newly created operational-strategic commands: Western, Southern, Central and Eastern. The Air Force High Command was assigned the tasks of planning and organizing combat training, the long-term development of the Air Force, as well as training the leadership of the control bodies. In 2009-2010, a transition was made to a two-level air force command and control system, as a result of which the number of formations was reduced from 8 to 6, and air defense formations were reorganized into 11 aerospace defense brigades. Air regiments were consolidated into air bases with a total of about 70, including 25 air bases for tactical (front-line) aviation, of which 14 are purely fighter.
In 2014, the reform of the Air Force structure continued: the air defense forces and assets were concentrated in air defense divisions, and the formation of aviation divisions and regiments began in aviation. An air force and air defense army is being created as part of the joint strategic command "North".
The most fundamental transformation is expected in 2015: the creation of a new type - Aerospace Forces based on the integration of forces and means of the Air Force (aviation and air defense) and the Aerospace Defense Forces (space forces, air defense and missile defense).
Simultaneously with the reorganization, an active renewal of the aircraft fleet is taking place. To replace airplanes and helicopters previous generations their new modifications began to arrive, as well as promising machines with wider combat capabilities and flight performance. Current development work was continued and new development work was started on advanced aviation systems. Active development of unmanned aircraft began.
The modern air fleet of the Russian Air Force is second only to the US Air Force in its numbers. True, its exact quantitative composition has not been officially published, but on the basis of open sources, quite adequate calculations can be made. As for the renewal of the air fleet, according to the representative of the press service and information department of the Russian Ministry of Defense for VVSI.Klimov, the Russian Air Force in 2015 alone, in accordance with the state defense order, will receive more than 150 new aircraft and helicopters. These include the latest aircraft Su-30SM, Su-30M2, MiG-29 SMT, Su-34, Su-35S, Yak-130, Il-76MD-90A, as well as helicopters Ka-52, Mi -28 N, Mi-8 AMTSh/MTV-5-1, Mi-8 MTPR, Mi-35 M, Mi-26, Ka-226 and Ansat-U. It is also known from the words of the former Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Air Force, Colonel-General A. Zelin, that as of November 2010, the total number of Air Force personnel was about 170 thousand people (including 40 thousand officers).
All aviation of the Russian Air Force as a branch of service is divided into:
- Long-range (strategic) aviation,
- Operational-tactical (front-line) aviation,
- military transport aviation,
- Army aviation.
In addition, the Air Force includes such types of troops as anti-aircraft rocket troops, radio engineering troops, special troops, as well as units and institutions of the rear (all of them will not be considered in this material).
In turn, aviation by birth is divided into:
- bomber aircraft,
- assault aircraft,
- fighter aircraft,
- reconnaissance aircraft,
- transport aviation,
- special aviation.
Further, all types of aircraft in the Air Force of the Russian Federation, as well as promising machines, are considered. The first part of the article covers long-range (strategic) and operational-tactical (front-line) aviation, the second part - military transport, reconnaissance, special and army aviation.
Long-range (strategic) aviation
Long-range aviation is the means of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Russia and is designed to solve strategic, operational-strategic and operational tasks in theaters of military operations (strategic directions). Long-range aviation is also a component of the triad of strategic nuclear forces.
The main tasks performed in Peaceful time- deterrence (including nuclear) of potential adversaries; in the event of a war - the maximum reduction in the military-economic potential of the enemy by destroying his important military facilities and violating state and military control.
Main promising areas development long-range aviation are to maintain and increase the operational capabilities to fulfill the assigned tasks as part of the strategic deterrence forces and general-purpose forces through the modernization of aircraft with the extension of their service life, the purchase of new aircraft (Tu-160 M), as well as the creation of a promising long-range aviation complex PAK- YES.
The main weapons of long-range aircraft are guided missiles, both in nuclear and conventional equipment:
- strategic cruise missiles long range X‑55 CM;
- aeroballistic hypersonic missiles X-15 C;
- operational-tactical cruise missiles X-22.
As well as free-falling bombs of various calibers, including those in nuclear weapons, one-time bomb clusters, and sea mines.
In the future, it is planned to introduce high-precision cruise missiles of the new generation X-555 and X-101 with a significantly increased range and accuracy into the armament of long-range aviation aircraft.
The basis of the modern fleet of long-range aviation of the Russian Air Force is bombers-missile carriers:
- strategic missile carriers Tu-160-16 units. Until 2020, it is possible to supply about 50 modernized Tu-160 M2 machines.
- Tu-95MS strategic missile carriers - 38 units, and about 60 more are in storage. Since 2013, these aircraft have been upgraded to the level of Tu-95 MSM in order to extend their service life.
- Tu-22M3 long-range missile bombers - about 40 units, and another 109 in reserve. Since 2012, 30 aircraft have been upgraded to the level of Tu-22 M3 M.
The long-range aviation also includes Il-78 tanker aircraft and Tu-22MR reconnaissance aircraft.
Tu‑160
Work on a new multi-mode strategic intercontinental bomber began in the USSR in 1967. Having tried a variety of layout options, the designers eventually came up with the design of an integral low-wing with variable sweep wing with four engines installed in pairs in engine nacelles under the fuselage.
In 1984, the Tu-160 was put into mass production at the Kazan Aviation Plant. At the time of the collapse of the USSR, 35 aircraft were produced (of which 8 prototypes), by 1994, KAPO transferred six more Tu-160 bombers to the Russian Air Force, which were deployed near Engels in Saratov region. In 2009, 3 new aircraft were built and put into service, by 2015 their number is 16 units.
In 2002, the Ministry of Defense entered into an agreement with KAPO for the modernization of the Tu-160 in order to gradually repair and modernize all bombers of this type in service. According to the latest data, by 2020, 10 Tu-160 M aircraft will be put into service with the Russian Air Force. The upgraded aircraft will receive a space communications system, improved sighting systems guidance and electronics, will be able to use advanced and modernized (X-55 SM) cruise missiles and conventional bomb weapons. In view of the need to replenish the fleet of long-range aviation in April 2015, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu instructed to consider the issue of resuming the production of the Tu-160 M. In May of the same year, Supreme Commander V. V. Putin officially instructed to resume the production of improved Tu-160 M2.
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Main characteristics of Tu-160 |
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4 people |
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Wingspan |
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Wing area |
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Empty weight |
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Normal takeoff weight |
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Maximum takeoff weight |
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Engines |
4 × turbofan NK-32 |
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Thrust maximum |
4 × 18,000 kgf |
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Afterburner thrust |
4 × 25,000 kgf |
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2230 km/h (M=1.87) |
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Cruising speed |
917 km/h (M=0.77) |
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Maximum range without refueling |
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Range with combat load |
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Combat radius |
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Flight duration |
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practical ceiling |
about 22000 m |
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rate of climb |
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Take-off / run length |
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Armament: |
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Strategic cruise missiles X‑55 SM/X‑101 |
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Tactical aeroballistic missiles Kh-15 S |
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free falling aviation bombs caliber up to 4000 kg, bomb clusters, mines. |
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Tu‑95MS
The creation of the aircraft was started by the design bureau headed by Andrey Tupolev in the distant 1950s. At the end of 1951, the developed project was approved, and then the layout built by that time was approved and approved. The construction of the first two aircraft began at the Moscow Aviation Plant No. 156, and already in the fall of 1952, the prototype made its first flight.
In 1956, the aircraft, which received the official designation Tu-95, began to arrive in the long-range aviation unit. Subsequently, various modifications were developed, including carriers of anti-ship missiles.
In the late 1970s, a completely new modification of the bomber was created, which received the designation Tu-95 MS. The new aircraft in 1981 was put into serial production at the Kuibyshev Aviation Plant, which continued until 1992 (about 100 aircraft were produced).
Now, the 37th Air Army of Strategic Aviation has been formed as part of the Air Force of the Russian Federation, consisting of two divisions, which includes two regiments on the Tu-95 MS-16 (Amur and Saratov regions) - a total of 38 aircraft. About 60 more units are in storage.
Due to the obsolescence of equipment, since 2013, the modernization of aircraft in service to the level of Tu-95 MSM began, the service life of which will last until 2025. They will be equipped with new electronics, a sighting and navigation system, a satellite navigation system, and it will be possible to carry new Kh-101 strategic cruise missiles.
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Main characteristics of Tu-95MS |
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7 people |
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Wingspan: |
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Wing area |
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Empty weight |
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Normal takeoff weight |
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Maximum takeoff weight |
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Engines |
4 × TVD NK-12 MP |
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Power |
4 × 15,000 l. With. |
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Maximum speed at altitude |
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Cruising speed |
about 700 km/h |
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Maximum range |
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Practical range |
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Combat radius |
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practical ceiling |
about 11000 m |
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Take-off / run length |
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Armament: |
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built-in Strategic cruise missiles X‑55 SM/X‑101–6 or 16 Free-falling bombs of caliber up to 9000 kg, bomb clusters, mines. |
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Tu‑22M3
The Tu-22 M3 long-range supersonic bomber with variable wing geometry is designed to conduct combat operations in the operational zones of land and sea theaters of war day and night in simple and adverse weather conditions. It is capable of delivering Kh-22 cruise missile strikes against naval targets, Kh-15 supersonic aeroballistic missiles against land targets, as well as precision bombing. Named "Backfire" in the west.
Total at the Kazan Aviation production association Until 1993, 268 Tu-22 M3 bombers were built.
Currently, about 40 Tu-22M3 units are in service, and another 109 are in reserve. By 2020, it is planned to upgrade about 30 vehicles at KAPO to the level of Tu-22 M3 M (the modification was put into service in 2014). They will install new electronics, expand the range of weapons through the introduction of the latest precision-guided munitions, and extend their service life to 40 years.
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Main characteristics of Tu‑22M3 |
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4 people |
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Wingspan: At the minimum sweep angle At maximum sweep angle |
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Wing area |
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Empty weight |
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Normal takeoff weight |
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Maximum takeoff weight |
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Engines |
2 × TRDDF NK-25 |
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Thrust maximum |
2 × 14 500 kgf |
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Afterburner thrust |
2 × 25,000 kgf |
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Maximum speed at altitude |
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Cruising speed |
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Range of flight |
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Combat radius with a load of 12 t |
1500…2400 km |
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practical ceiling |
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Take-off / run length |
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Armament: |
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built-in 23 mm defensive installation with guns GSh-23 |
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X-22 anti-ship cruise missiles |
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Tactical aeroballistic missiles Kh-15 S. |
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Promising developments
PAK YES
In 2008, R&D funding was opened in Russia to create a promising long-range aviation complex PAK DA. The program provides for the development of a fifth-generation long-range bomber to replace aircraft in service with the Russian Air Force. The fact that the Russian Air Force formulated the tactical and technical requirements for the PAK DA program and preparations for the participation of design bureaus in the development competition was announced back in 2007. According to I. Shevchuk, Director General of JSC Tupolev, the contract under the PAK DA program was won by Tupolev Design Bureau. In 2011, it was reported that a preliminary design of the avionics integration complex of a promising complex had been developed, and the long-range aviation command of the Russian Air Force issued a tactical and technical assignment for the creation of a promising bomber. It was announced plans to build 100 vehicles, which they expect to be put into service before 2027.
Most likely, advanced hypersonic missiles, long-range cruise missiles of the X-101 type, short-range precision missiles and guided bombs, as well as free-fall bombs, will most likely be used as weapons. It was stated that some of the missiles had already been developed by the Tactical Missiles Corporation. It is possible that the aircraft will also be used as an air carrier for an operational-strategic reconnaissance and strike complex. It is possible that for self-defense, in addition to the electronic warfare complex, the bomber will be armed with air-to-air missiles.
Operational-tactical (front-line) aviation
Operational-tactical (front-line) aviation is designed to solve operational, operational-tactical and tactical tasks in operations (combat actions) of groupings of troops (forces) in theaters of military operations (strategic directions).
Bomber aviation, which is part of front-line aviation, is the main strike weapon of the Air Force, mainly in operational and operational-tactical depths.
Assault aviation is intended primarily for aviation support of troops, destruction of manpower and objects mainly on the front line, in the tactical and immediate operational depth of the enemy. In addition, it can also fight enemy aircraft in the air.
The main promising areas for the development of bombers and attack aircraft of tactical aviation are maintaining and building up capabilities in the framework of solving operational, operational-tactical and tactical tasks during combat operations in the theater by supplying new ones (Su-34) and upgrading existing ones (Su-25SM ) aircraft.
Bombers and attack aircraft of front-line aviation are armed with air-to-surface and air-to-air missiles, various types of unguided missiles, aerial bombs, including corrected bombs, cluster bombs, and aircraft cannons.
Fighter aviation is represented by multi-role and front-line fighters, as well as fighter-interceptors. Its purpose is to destroy enemy aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles in the air, as well as ground and sea targets.
The task of air defense fighter aviation is to cover the most important directions and individual objects from an enemy air attack by destroying his aircraft at maximum ranges with the help of interceptors. Air defense aviation is also armed with combat helicopters, special and transport aircraft and helicopters.
The main promising areas for the development of fighter aviation are maintaining and increasing the capabilities to fulfill the tasks set through the modernization of existing aircraft, the purchase of new aircraft (Su-30, Su-35), as well as the creation of a promising PAK-FA aviation complex, which has been tested since 2010 of the year and, possibly, a promising long-range interceptor.
The main armament of fighter aircraft is air-to-air and air-to-surface guided missiles of various ranges, as well as free-fall and corrected bombs, unguided rockets, cluster bombs, and aircraft guns. Advanced missile weapons are being developed.
The modern aircraft fleet of attack and front-line bomber aviation includes the following types of aircraft:
- attack aircraft Su-25-200 units, including Su-25UB, about 100 more are in storage. Despite the fact that these aircraft were put into service in the USSR, their combat potential, taking into account modernization, remains quite high. By 2020, it is planned to upgrade about 80 attack aircraft to the level of the Su-25SM.
- front-line bombers Su-24M - 21 units. These Soviet-made aircraft are already outdated and are being actively put out of action. In 2020, it is planned to dispose of all the Su-24M in service.
- fighter-bombers Su-34-69 units. The latest multi-purpose aircraft that replace obsolete Su-24M bombers in the units. The total number of ordered Su-34s is 124 units, which will enter service in the near future.
Su-25
Su-25 is an armored subsonic attack aircraft designed for close support of ground forces over the battlefield. It is capable of destroying point and area targets on the ground day and night under any weather conditions. We can say that this is the best aircraft of its class in the world, tested in real combat operations. In the army, the Su-25 received the unofficial nickname "Rook", in the west - the designation "Frogfoot".
Serial production was carried out at aircraft factories in Tbilisi and Ulan-Ude (1320 aircraft of all modifications were produced for the entire time, including for export).
The vehicles were produced in various modifications, including the combat training Su-25UB and the carrier-based Su-25UTD for the Navy. Currently, the Russian Air Force has about 200 Su-25 aircraft of various modifications, which are in service with 6 combat and several training aviation regiments. About 100 more old cars are in storage.
In 2009, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced the resumption of purchases of Su-25 attack aircraft for the Air Force. At the same time, a program was adopted to upgrade 80 vehicles to the level of the Su-25SM. The latest electronics are installed on them, including the sighting system, multifunctional indicators, new electronic warfare equipment, and the Spear outboard radar. The new Su-25UBM aircraft, which will have equipment similar to the Su-25 SM, has been adopted as a combat training aircraft.
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The main characteristics of the Su-25 |
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1 person |
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Wingspan |
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Wing area |
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Empty weight |
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Normal takeoff weight |
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Maximum takeoff weight |
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Engines |
2 × TRD R-95Sh |
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Thrust maximum |
2 × 4100 kgf |
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Max Speed |
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Cruising speed |
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Practical range with combat load |
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ferry range |
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practical ceiling |
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rate of climb |
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Take-off / run length |
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Armament: |
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built-in 30 mm double-barreled gun GSh‑30–2 (250 rounds) On external suspension Air-to-surface guided missiles - Kh‑25 ML, Kh‑25 MLP, S‑25 L, Kh‑29 L Air bombs, cassettes - FAB‑500, RBC‑500, FAB‑250, RBC‑250, FAB‑100, KMGU‑2 containers Shooting-cannon containers - SPPU-22-1 (23-mm cannon GSh-23) |
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Su-24M
The Su-24M variable-sweep wing front-line bomber is designed to deliver missile and bomb strikes in the operational and operational-tactical depths of the enemy day and night in simple and adverse weather conditions, including at low altitudes, with targeted destruction of ground and surface targets with guided and unguided munitions. In the west received the designation "Fencer"
Serial production was carried out at NAPO named after Chkalov in Novosibirsk (with the participation of KNAAPO) until 1993, about 1200 machines of various modifications were built, including for export.
At the turn of the century, due to the obsolescence of aviation equipment in Russia, a program was launched to modernize front-line bombers to the level of the Su-24 M2. In 2007, the first two Su-24 M2s were transferred to the Lipetsk Combat Operations Center. The delivery of other vehicles to the Russian Air Force was completed in 2009.
Currently, the Russian Air Force has 21 Su-24M aircraft of several modifications, but as the newest Su-34s and Su-24s enter service, they are removed from service and disposed of (by 2015, 103 aircraft were disposed of). By 2020, they should be completely withdrawn from the Air Force.
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The main characteristics of the Su-24M |
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2 persons |
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Wingspan At maximum sweep angle At the minimum sweep angle |
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Wing area |
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Empty weight |
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Normal takeoff weight |
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Maximum takeoff weight |
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Engines |
2 × turbofan AL-21 F-3 |
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Thrust maximum |
2 × 7800 kgf |
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Afterburner thrust |
2 × 11200 kgf |
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Maximum speed at altitude |
1700 km/h (M=1.35) |
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Maximum speed at 200 m |
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ferry range |
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Combat radius |
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practical ceiling |
about 11500 m |
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Take-off / run length |
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Armament: |
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built-in 23 mm 6-barrel gun GSh‑6–23 (500 rounds) On external suspension: Guided air-to-air missiles - R-60 Air-to-surface guided missiles - Kh‑25 ML/MR, Kh‑23, Kh‑29 L/T, Kh‑59, S‑25 L, Kh‑58 Unguided rockets - 57 mm S-5, 80 mm S-8, 122 mm S-13, 240 mm S-24, 266 mm S-25 Air bombs, cassettes - FAB‑1500, KAB‑1500 L/TK, KAB‑500 L/KR, ZB‑500, FAB‑500, RBC‑500, FAB‑250, RBC‑250, OFAB‑100, KMGU‑2 containers Shooting-cannon containers - SPPU-6 (23-mm cannon GSh-6-23) |
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Su-34
Multifunctional fighter-bomber Su-34 is the latest aircraft this class in the Russian Air Force and belongs to the generation of 4+ aircraft. At the same time, it is positioned as a front-line bomber, as it should replace obsolete Su-24M aircraft in the troops. It is intended for delivering high-precision missile and bomb strikes, including using nuclear weapons, on ground (surface) targets at any time of the day in any weather conditions. In the west it has the designation "Fullback".
By the middle of 2015, 69 Su-34 aircraft (including 8 prototypes) out of 124 ordered were delivered to combat units.
In the future, the Russian Air Force plans to supply approximately 150-200 new aircraft and by 2020 completely replace the obsolete Su-24s with them. Thus, now the Su-34 is the main strike aircraft of our Air Force, capable of using the entire range of high-precision air-to-surface weapons.
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The main characteristics of the Su-34 |
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2 persons |
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Wingspan |
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Wing area |
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Empty weight |
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Normal takeoff weight |
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Maximum takeoff weight |
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Engines |
2 × TRDDF AL-31 F-M1 |
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Thrust maximum |
2 × 8250 kgf |
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Afterburner thrust |
2 × 13500 kgf |
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Maximum speed at altitude |
1900 km/h (M=1.8) |
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Maximum ground speed |
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ferry range |
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Combat radius |
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practical ceiling |
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Armament: |
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Built-in - 30 mm gun GSh‑30–1 On the external sling - all types of modern air-to-air and air-to-surface guided missiles, unguided rockets, aerial bombs, bomb clusters |
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The modern aircraft fleet of fighter aviation consists of the following types of aircraft:
- MiG-29 front-line fighters of various modifications - 184 units. In addition to modifications of the MiG-29 S, MiG-29 M and MiG-29UB, latest options MiG‑29 SMT and MiG‑29UBT (28 and 6 units as of 2013). At the same time, there are no plans to upgrade old-built aircraft. On the basis of the MiG-29, a promising multi-role fighter MiG-35 was created, but the signing of a contract for its production was postponed in favor of the MiG-29 SMT.
- Su-27 front-line fighters of various modifications - 360 units, including 52 Su-27UB. Since 2010, there has been a re-equipment with new modifications of the Su-27SM and Su-27SM3, of which 82 units have been delivered.
- Su-35 S front-line fighters - 34 units. According to the contract, by 2015 it is planned to complete the delivery of a series of 48 aircraft of this type.
- Su-30 multirole fighters of various modifications - 51 units, including 16 Su-30 M2 and 32 Su-30 SM. At the same time, the delivery of the second series of Su-30SM is currently underway, until 2016 30 units should be delivered.
- fighter-interceptors MiG-31 of several modifications - 252 units. It is known that since 2014 the MiG-31BS aircraft have been upgraded to the MiG-31 BSM level, another 60 MiG-31 B aircraft are planned to be upgraded to the MiG-31 BM level by 2020.
MiG-29
The fourth-generation light front-line fighter MiG-29 was developed back in the USSR and has been mass-produced since 1983. In fact, he was one of best fighters of its class in the world and, having a very successful design, was repeatedly modernized and, in the form of the latest modifications as part of the Russian Air Force, entered the 21st century as a multi-purpose aircraft. It was originally intended to gain air superiority at tactical depth. Known in the west as "Fulcrum".
By the time of the collapse of the USSR, about 1400 cars were produced at factories in Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod various options. Now the MiG-29 in different versions is in service with the armies of more than two dozen countries of near and far abroad, where he managed to take part in local wars and armed conflicts.
Now the Russian Air Force is armed with 184 MiG-29 fighters of the following modifications:
- MiG-29 S - had an increased combat load compared to the MiG-29, was equipped with new weapons;
- MiG-29M - a multi-role fighter of the "4+" generation, had an increased range and combat load, was equipped with new weapons;
- MiG-29UB - two-seat combat training version without radar;
- MiG-29 SMT is the latest upgraded version with the ability to use high-precision air-to-surface weapons, increased flight range, the latest electronics (first flight in 1997, put into service in 2004, 28 units were delivered by 2013), weapons are placed on six underwing and one ventral external suspension units, there is a built-in 30 mm gun;
- MiG-29UBT - combat training version of the MiG-29 SMT (supplied 6 units).
For the most part, all old MiG-29 aircraft are physically obsolete and it was decided not to repair or modernize them, but to purchase them instead new technology- MiG-29 SMT (a contract for the supply of 16 vehicles was signed in 2014) and MiG-29UBT, as well as promising fighters MiG‑35.
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The main characteristics of the MiG‑29 SMT |
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1 person |
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Wingspan |
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Wing area |
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Empty weight |
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Normal takeoff weight |
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Maximum takeoff weight |
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Engines |
2 × turbofan RD-33 |
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Thrust maximum |
2 × 5040 kgf |
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Afterburner thrust |
2 × 8300 kgf |
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Maximum ground speed |
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Cruising speed |
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Practical range |
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Practical range with PTB |
2800…3500 km |
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practical ceiling |
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Armament: |
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On external suspension: Air-to-surface guided missiles - Kh‑29 L/T, Kh‑31 A/P, Kh‑35 Containers KMGU‑2 |
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MiG‑35
The new Russian multirole fighter of the 4++ generation MiG-35 is a deep modernization of the MiG-29M series aircraft developed by the MiG Design Bureau. By design, it is maximally unified with early production aircraft, but at the same time it has an increased combat load and flight range, reduced radar visibility, is equipped with an active phased array radar, the latest electronics, an on-board electronic warfare system, has an open avionics architecture, and the ability to refuel in the air. The two-seat modification is designated MiG‑35 D.
The MiG-35 is designed to gain air supremacy and intercept enemy air attack assets, strike ground (surface) targets with high-precision weapons without entering the air defense zone day and night in any weather conditions, as well as conduct aerial reconnaissance using airborne assets.
The issue of equipping the Russian Air Force with MiG-35 aircraft remains open until the contract with the Ministry of Defense is signed.
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The main characteristics of the MiG‑35 |
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1 - 2 persons |
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Wingspan |
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Wing area |
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Empty weight |
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Normal takeoff weight |
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Maximum takeoff weight |
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Engines |
2 × TRDDF RD‑33 MK/MKV |
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Thrust maximum |
2 × 5400 kgf |
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Afterburner thrust |
2 × 9000 kgf |
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Maximum speed at high altitude |
2400 km/h (M=2.25) |
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Maximum ground speed |
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Cruising speed |
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Practical range |
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Practical range with PTB |
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Combat radius |
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Flight duration |
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practical ceiling |
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rate of climb |
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Armament: |
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Built-in - 30 mm gun GSh‑30–1 (150 rounds) On external suspension: Air-to-air guided missiles - R-73, R-27 R/T, R-27ET/ER, R-77 Air-to-surface guided missiles - Kh‑25 ML/MR, Kh‑29 L/T, Kh‑31 A/P, Kh‑35 Unguided rockets - 80 mm S-8, 122 mm S-13, 240 mm S-24 Air bombs, cassettes - FAB‑500, KAB‑500 L / KR, ZB‑500, FAB‑250, RBC‑250, OFAB‑100 |
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Su-27
The Su-27 front-line fighter is a fourth-generation aircraft developed in the USSR at the Sukhoi Design Bureau in the early 1980s. It was intended to gain air superiority and was at one time one of the best fighters in its class. Latest modifications The Su-27 continues to be in service with the Russian Air Force, in addition, as a result of the deep modernization of the Su-27, new types of 4+ generation fighters have been developed. Along with the light front-line fighter of the fourth generation, the MiG-29 was one of the best aircraft in its class in the world. According to Western classification, it has the name "Flanker".
At present, the Air Force combat units include 226 Su-27 and 52 Su-27UB fighters of the old production. Since 2010, the rearmament to the upgraded version of the Su-27SM began (first flight in 2002). Now 70 such machines have been delivered to the troops. In addition, fighters of the Su-27SM3 modification (12 units were produced) are supplied, which differ from the previous version in the AL-31 F-M1 engines (afterburner thrust 13,500 kgf), a reinforced airframe structure and additional weapon suspension points.
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The main characteristics of the Su-27 SM |
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1 person |
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Wingspan |
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Wing area |
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Empty weight |
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Normal takeoff weight |
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Maximum takeoff weight |
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Engines |
2 × turbofan AL‑31F |
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Thrust maximum |
2 × 7600 kgf |
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Afterburner thrust |
2 × 12500 kgf |
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Maximum speed at high altitude |
2500 km/h (M=2.35) |
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Maximum ground speed |
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Practical range |
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practical ceiling |
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rate of climb |
over 330 m/s |
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Take-off / run length |
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Armament: |
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Built-in - 30 mm gun GSh‑30–1 (150 rounds) Air-to-surface guided missiles - Kh‑29 L/T, Kh‑31 A/P, Kh‑59 Air bombs, cassettes - FAB‑500, KAB‑500 L / KR, ZB‑500, FAB‑250, RBC‑250, OFAB‑100 |
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Su-30
The heavy two-seat multi-role fighter Su-30 of the 4+ generation was created at the Sukhoi Design Bureau on the basis of the Su-27UB combat training aircraft through a deep modernization. The main purpose is to control group combat operations of fighters in solving the tasks of gaining air supremacy, to ensure the combat operations of other types of aviation, to cover ground troops and objects, to destroy airborne assault forces, as well as to conduct aerial reconnaissance and destroy ground (surface) targets. The features of the Su-30 were the long range and duration of flights and the effective control of a group of fighters. The aircraft's western designation is "Flanker-C".
The Russian Air Force currently has 3 Su-30s, 16 Su-30 M2s (all manufactured by KNAAPO) and 32 Su-30 SMs (manufactured by the Irkut plant). The last two modifications are supplied in accordance with contracts dated 2012, when two batches of 30 Su-30SM units (until 2016) and 16 Su-30M2 units were ordered.
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The main characteristics of the Su-30 SM |
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2 persons |
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Wingspan |
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Wing area |
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Empty weight |
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Normal takeoff weight |
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Maximum takeoff weight |
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Maximum takeoff weight |
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Engines |
2 × turbofan AL‑31FP |
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Thrust maximum |
2 × 7700 kgf |
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Afterburner thrust |
2 × 12500 kgf |
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Maximum speed at high altitude |
2125 km/h (M=2) |
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Maximum ground speed |
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Flight range without refueling near the ground |
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Flight range without refueling at altitude |
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Combat radius |
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Flight duration without refueling |
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practical ceiling |
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rate of climb |
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Take-off / run length |
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Armament: |
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Built-in - 30 mm gun GSh‑30–1 (150 rounds) On an external sling: Guided air-to-air missiles - R-73, R-27 R/T, R-27ET/ER, R-77 Air-to-surface guided missiles - Kh‑29 L/T, Kh‑31 A/P, Kh‑59 M Unguided rockets - 80 mm S-8, 122 mm S-13 Air bombs, cassettes - FAB‑500, KAB‑500 L / KR, FAB‑250, RBC‑250, KMGU |
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Su-35
The Su-35 multipurpose super-maneuverable fighter belongs to the 4++ generation and is equipped with thrust vector control engines. Developed at the Sukhoi Design Bureau, this aircraft is close in its characteristics to fifth-generation fighters. The Su-35 is designed to gain air supremacy and intercept enemy air attack weapons, strike ground (surface) targets with precision weapons without entering the air defense zone day and night in any weather.
conditions, as well as conducting aerial reconnaissance using airborne means. In the west, it has the designation "Flanker-E +".
In 2009, a contract was signed to supply the Russian Air Force with 48 of the latest production Su-35C fighters in the period 2012-2015, of which 34 units are already in service. It is planned to conclude another contract for the supply of these aircraft in 2015-2020.
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The main characteristics of the Su-35 |
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1 person |
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Wingspan |
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Wing area |
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Empty weight |
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Normal takeoff weight |
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Maximum takeoff weight |
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Engines |
2 × TRDDF with OVT AL‑41F1S |
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Thrust maximum |
2 × 8800 kgf |
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Afterburner thrust |
2 × 14500 kgf |
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Maximum speed at high altitude |
2500 km/h (M=2.25) |
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Maximum ground speed |
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ground flight range |
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Flight range at altitude |
3600…4500 km |
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practical ceiling |
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rate of climb |
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Take-off / run length |
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Armament: |
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Built-in - 30 mm gun GSh‑30–1 (150 rounds) On external suspension: Air-to-air guided missiles - R-73, R-27 R/T, R-27ET/ER, R-77 Air-to-surface guided missiles - Kh‑29 T/L, Kh‑31 A/P, Kh‑59 M, advanced long-range missiles Unguided rockets - 80 mm S-8, 122 mm S-13, 266 mm S-25 Air bombs, cassettes - KAB‑500 L/KR, FAB‑500, FAB‑250, RBC‑250, KMGU |
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MiG‑31
The MiG-31 long-range supersonic all-weather fighter-interceptor was developed in the USSR at the Mikoyan Design Bureau in the 1970s. At that time it was the first aircraft of the fourth generation. It was designed to intercept and destroy air targets at all altitudes - from the lowest to the highest, day and night, in any weather conditions, in a difficult jamming environment. Actually main task MiG-31 was the interception of cruise missiles in the entire range of altitudes and speeds, as well as low-flying satellites. The fastest combat aircraft. The modern MiG-31 BM has an airborne radar with unique characteristics not yet available to other foreign aircraft. According to Western classification, it has the designation "Foxhound".
The MiG-31 fighter-interceptors (252 units) now in service with the Russian Air Force have several modifications:
- MiG‑31 B - serial modification with aerial refueling system (adopted in 1990)
- MiG-31 BS is a variant of the basic MiG-31, upgraded to the level of the MiG-31 B, but without aerial refueling.
- MiG-31 BM is a modernized version with the Zaslon-M radar (developed in 1998), which has a range increased to 320 km, equipped with the latest electronic systems, including satellite navigation, capable of using air-to-surface guided missiles. Until 2020, it is planned to upgrade 60 MiG-31Bs to the level of the MiG-31BM. The second stage of state testing of the aircraft was completed in 2012.
- MiG-31 BSM - an upgraded version of the MiG-31 BS with the Zaslon-M radar and related electronics. Modernization of combat aircraft has been underway since 2014.
Thus, the Russian Air Force will have 60 MiG-31 BM and 30-40 MiG-31 BSM aircraft in service, and approximately 150 older aircraft will be decommissioned. It is possible that in the future there will be a new interceptor, known under the code name MiG-41.
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The main characteristics of the MiG‑31 BM |
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2 persons |
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Wingspan |
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Wing area |
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Empty weight |
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Maximum takeoff weight |
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Engines |
2 × turbofan D-30 F6 |
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Thrust maximum |
2 × 9500 kgf |
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Afterburner thrust |
2 × 15500 kgf |
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Maximum speed at high altitude |
3000 km/h (M=2.82) |
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Maximum ground speed |
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Cruise speed subsonic |
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Cruise speed supersonic |
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Practical range |
1450…3000 km |
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Range at high altitude with one refueling |
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Combat radius |
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practical ceiling |
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rate of climb |
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Take-off / run length |
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Armament: |
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Built-in: 23 mm 6-barrel gun GSh‑23–6 (260 rounds) On external suspension: Air-to-air guided missiles - R-60 M, R-73, R-77, R-40, R-33 C, R-37 Air-to-surface guided missiles - Kh‑25 MPU, Kh‑29 T/L, Kh‑31 A/P, Kh‑59 M Air bombs, cassettes - KAB‑500 L/KR, FAB‑500, FAB‑250, RBC‑250 |
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Promising developments
PAK-FA
A promising front-line aviation complex - PAK FA - includes a fifth-generation multi-role fighter developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau under the designation T-50. In terms of the totality of characteristics, it will have to surpass all foreign analogues and in the near future, after being put into service, it will become the main aircraft of the Russian Air Force front-line fighter aviation.
PAK FA is designed to gain air supremacy and intercept enemy air attack weapons in all altitude ranges, as well as strike ground (surface) targets with high-precision weapons without entering the air defense zone day and night in any weather conditions, can be used for air reconnaissance using onboard equipment. The aircraft fully meets all the requirements for fifth-generation fighters: stealth, supersonic cruising speed, high maneuverability with high g-forces, advanced electronics, multifunctionality.
According to plans, serial production of the T-50 aircraft for the Russian Air Force should begin in 2016, and by 2020 the first aviation units equipped with it will appear in Russia. It is also known that production for export is also possible. In particular, an export modification is being created jointly with India, which received the designation FGFA (Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft).
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Main characteristics (estimated) PAK-FA |
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1 person |
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Wingspan |
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Wing area |
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Empty weight |
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Normal takeoff weight |
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Maximum takeoff weight |
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Engines |
2 × TRDDF with UVT AL‑41F1 |
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Thrust maximum |
2 × 8800 kgf |
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Afterburner thrust |
2 × 15000 kgf |
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Maximum speed at high altitude |
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Cruising speed |
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Practical range at subsonic speed |
2700…4300 km |
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Practical range with PTB |
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Practical range at supersonic speed |
1200…2000 km |
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Flight duration |
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practical ceiling |
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rate of climb |
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Armament: |
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Built-in - 30 mm gun 9 A1-4071 K (260 cartridges) On the internal suspension - all types of modern and promising air-to-air and air-to-surface guided missiles, aerial bombs, bomb clusters |
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PAK-DP (MiG‑41)
Some sources report that at present, the MiG Design Bureau, together with the Design Bureau of the Sokol aircraft plant (Nizhny Novgorod), are developing a long-range high-speed interceptor fighter with the code name "promising long-range interception aviation complex" - PAK DP, also known as the MiG-41. It was stated that the development was started in 2013 on the basis of the MiG-31 fighter by order of the Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces. Perhaps, this refers to the deep modernization of the MiG-31, the study of which was carried out earlier, but was not implemented. It was also reported that a promising interceptor is planned to be developed as part of the arms program until 2020 and put into service until 2028.
In 2014, the media reported that the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Air Force, V. Bondarev, said that now only research work is underway, and in 2017 it is planned to begin development work to create a promising long-range aircraft interception complex.
(continued in the next issue)
Summary table of the quantitative composition of aircraft
Air Force of the Russian Federation (2014–2015)*
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aircraft type |
Quantity |
Scheduled |
Scheduled |
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Bomber aviation as part of long-range aviation |
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Strategic missile carriers Tu-160 |
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Strategic missile carriers Tu-95MS |
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Long Tu-22M3 bomber bombers |
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Bomber and assault aviation as part of front-line aviation |
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Attack aircraft Su-25 |
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Su-24M front-line bombers |
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Su-34 fighter-bombers |
124 (total) |
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Fighter aviation as part of front-line aviation |
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Front-line fighters MiG-29, MiG-29SMT |
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Front-line fighters Su-27, Su-27SM |
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Front-line fighters Su-35S |
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Multipurpose fighters Su-30, Su-30SM |
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Fighter-interceptors MiG-31, MiG-31BSM |
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Prospective aviation complex of front-line aviation - PAK FA |
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Military transport aviation |
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An-22 transport aircraft |
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An-124 and An-124-100 transport aircraft |
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Transport aircraft Il-76M, Il-76MDM, Il-76MD-90A |
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An-12 transport aircraft |
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An-72 transport aircraft |
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Transport aircraft An-26, An-24 |
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Transport and passenger aircraft Il-18, Tu-134, Il-62, Tu-154, An-148, An-140 |
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Promising military transport aircraft Il-112V |
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Promising military transport aircraft Il-214 |
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Army aviation helicopters |
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Multipurpose helicopters Mi-8M, Mi-8AMTSh, Mi-8AMT, Mi-8MTV |
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Transport and combat helicopters Mi-24V, Mi-24P, Mi-35 |
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Mi-28N attack helicopters |
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Attack helicopters Ka-50 |
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Attack helicopters Ka-52 |
146 (total) |
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Transport helicopters Mi-26, Mi-26M |
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Promising multi-purpose helicopter Mi-38 |
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Reconnaissance and special aviation |
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Aircraft AWACS A-50, A-50U |
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RER and EW aircraft Il-20M |
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An-30 reconnaissance aircraft |
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Tu-214R reconnaissance aircraft |
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Tu-214ON reconnaissance aircraft |
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Il-80 air command posts |
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Tanker aircraft Il-78, Il-78M |
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Promising aircraft AWACS A-100 |
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Prospective aircraft RER and EW A-90 |
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Tanker aircraft Il-96-400TZ |
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Unmanned aerial vehicles (transferred to the Ground Forces) |
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"Pchela-1T" |
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The two strongest powers in the world have the most powerful air fleets. These are Russia and the United States of America. Both countries are constantly improving them. New military units are issued, if not annually, then every two to three years. Huge funds are allocated for development in this area. If we talk about Russian strategic aviation, then do not expect that you can find accurate, statistical data on the number of attack aircraft, fighters, etc. in service somewhere. Such information is classified as top secret. Therefore, the information provided in this article may be subjective. General overview of the Russian air fleetIt is included in the Aerospace Forces of our country. One of the important components of the WWF is aviation. It is subdivided to long-range, transport, operational-tactical and army. This includes attack aircraft, bombers, fighters, transport aircraft. How many military aircraft does Russia have? Approximate number - 1614 units of military air equipment. These are 80 strategic bombers, and 150 long-range bombers, 241 attack aircraft, etc. For comparison, you can give how many passenger aircraft in Russia. Total 753. Of them 547 — trunk and 206 - regional. Since 2014, the demand for passenger flights began to fall, so the number of operated cars has also decreased. 72% of them are foreign models ( and ). The new aircraft in the Russian Air Force are advanced models of military equipment. Among them are Su-57. it 5th generation fighter with a wide range of functions. Until August 2017, it was developed under a different name - Tu-50. It began to be created as a replacement for the Su-27. The first time he soared into the sky yet in 2010 year. Three years later, it was launched into small-scale production for testing. By 2018 batch deliveries will begin.
A-100 Premier- another novelty in the Russian Air Force. Early warning aircraft. It should replace the outdated models - A50 and A50U. From training machines can be brought Yak-152. It was developed for the selection of pilots at the first stage of training. Among military transport models, there are IL-112 and IL-214. The first of them is a light aircraft, which should replace the An-26. The second was developed jointly with, but now they continue to design it, as a replacement for the An-12. Of the helicopters, such new models are under development − Ka-60 and Mi-38. Ka-60 is a transport helicopter. It is designed to deliver ammunition and weapons to the zones of military conflicts. Mi-38 is a multifunctional helicopter. Its financing is provided directly by the state.
There is also a novelty among passenger models. This is IL-114. Turboprop aircraft with two engines. It accommodates 64 passengers, and flies to a distance - up to 1500 km. It is being developed to replace An-24. If we talk about small aviation in Russia, then the situation here is extremely deplorable. There are only 2-4 thousand aircraft and helicopters. And the number of amateur pilots is declining every year. This is due to the fact that two taxes must be paid for any aircraft at once - transport and property. Air fleets of Russia and the USA - a comparative analysisThe total number of aircraft in the United States - this is 13,513 cars. The researchers note that among them - only 2000- fighters and bombers. The rest - 11,000- these are transport vehicles and those used by NATO, the US Navy and the National Guard. Transport aircraft are extremely important as they keep the air bases on alert and provide excellent logistics to the American forces. In this comparison, the US Air Force and the Russian Air Force clearly win the first.
The US Air Force has a large amount of equipment. In terms of the pace of renewal of military air technology, Russia is pulling ahead. By 2020, it is planned to release another 600 units. The real power gap between the two powers will be 10-15 % . It is already noted that Russian S-27s are ahead of American F-25s. Speaking of comparison armed forces Russia and the United States, the trump card of the first is the presence of particularly powerful air defense systems. They reliably protect the air latitudes of Russia. Modern Russian complexes Air defense S-400 have no analogues anywhere in the world. Russian air defense is something like an “umbrella” that protects the skies of our country until 2020. By this milestone, it is planned to completely update almost all military equipment, including air.
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