Imported Avionics Boost Russian Air Force Aircraft
AIN Defense Perspective » September 6, 2013
Instructor pilots from the Russian air force Center for Type Conversion and Re-Training Center at Lipetsk airbase flew this formation of two Su-27s and one Su-34 at the Moscow Air Show. (Photo: Vladimir Karnozov)
September 6, 2013, 11:15 AM
“Imported avionics” are being installed into Russian air force aircraft in increasing quantities, “to ensure that our airframers satisfy our demanding requirements for their new and upgraded products,” said Russian air force commander Lt. Gen. Victor Bondarev at last week’s Moscow Air Show (MAKS 2013). AIN noted last week that European aerospace and defense companies such as EADS Cassidian and Sagem showed a range of high-tech equipment at MAKS 2013.
Bondarev reviewed progress with upgrades to the Russian air force fleet. He said that 100 new airplanes and more than 300 helicopters had recently been delivered, while in-service MiG-31 Mach 3 interceptors and Su-25 attack aircraft continue to undergo modernization. Replacement of aging An-24/26 tactical airlifters continues with deliveries of Russian-built An-140-100 passenger airplanes embodying minor modifications. “We will have 11 such aircraft in the inventory next year,” he added. The Russian air force is modernizing its fleet of An-124 Ruslan heavy airlifters at a rate of two per year. The defense ministry has already placed an order for 39 new Il-76MD-90A airlifters and–Bondarev revealed at the show–is preparing a separate contract for “about 40” Il-478 tankers derived from the same platform. Furthermore, the upgraded Ilyushin has been selected as the platform for the next-generation Awacs aircraft.
Bondarev expects “the next-generation strategic bomber” (a reference to the PAKDA, Russian acronym for Perspective Aviation Complex of Long Range Aviation) to enter service at the beginning of the next decade. Referring to the PAKFA fifth-generation fighter, designated T-50 by Sukhoi, Bondarev said the prototypes “continue to undergo manufacturer’s trials and shall soon be submitted to the defense ministry for state acceptance trials, which will last for at least three years.”
Bondarev reviewed progress with upgrades to the Russian air force fleet. He said that 100 new airplanes and more than 300 helicopters had recently been delivered, while in-service MiG-31 Mach 3 interceptors and Su-25 attack aircraft continue to undergo modernization. Replacement of aging An-24/26 tactical airlifters continues with deliveries of Russian-built An-140-100 passenger airplanes embodying minor modifications. “We will have 11 such aircraft in the inventory next year,” he added. The Russian air force is modernizing its fleet of An-124 Ruslan heavy airlifters at a rate of two per year. The defense ministry has already placed an order for 39 new Il-76MD-90A airlifters and–Bondarev revealed at the show–is preparing a separate contract for “about 40” Il-478 tankers derived from the same platform. Furthermore, the upgraded Ilyushin has been selected as the platform for the next-generation Awacs aircraft.
Bondarev expects “the next-generation strategic bomber” (a reference to the PAKDA, Russian acronym for Perspective Aviation Complex of Long Range Aviation) to enter service at the beginning of the next decade. Referring to the PAKFA fifth-generation fighter, designated T-50 by Sukhoi, Bondarev said the prototypes “continue to undergo manufacturer’s trials and shall soon be submitted to the defense ministry for state acceptance trials, which will last for at least three years.”
Russian Air Force Shows Upgraded Awacs, and Plans New One
AIN Defense Perspective » September 6, 2013
Russia’s second upgraded A-50U Awacs was on static display at the Moscow Air Show. (Photo: Vladimir Karnozov)
September 6, 2013, 11:05 AM
At MAKS 2013 the Russian air force exhibited Red 33, its second upgraded Beriev A-50U Awacs aircraft. Built in 1984, it was modernized from the A-50M standard last year and redelivered in February this year.
Target detection and tracking values for the A-50U are classified but described as “vastly improved” over those of the A-50M. In particular, the A-50U is better at detecting cruise missiles, helicopters and other low-flying aerial targets. The baseline A-50M has a detection range of about 185 miles for land and 400 miles for aerial targets, and can track up to 300 targets simultaneously.
Work on the A-50U began in 2008. Aerial trials followed in 2009 on the industry-owned prototype Side 37. The defense ministry certified the improved aircraft in November 2009, and the Russian air force accepted its first A-50U (Red 47) in October 2011. The defense ministry plans to upgrade the entire A-50 fleet–said to be 26 strong–to the new standard. The aircraft operate from Ivanovo airbase.
Target detection and tracking values for the A-50U are classified but described as “vastly improved” over those of the A-50M. In particular, the A-50U is better at detecting cruise missiles, helicopters and other low-flying aerial targets. The baseline A-50M has a detection range of about 185 miles for land and 400 miles for aerial targets, and can track up to 300 targets simultaneously.
Work on the A-50U began in 2008. Aerial trials followed in 2009 on the industry-owned prototype Side 37. The defense ministry certified the improved aircraft in November 2009, and the Russian air force accepted its first A-50U (Red 47) in October 2011. The defense ministry plans to upgrade the entire A-50 fleet–said to be 26 strong–to the new standard. The aircraft operate from Ivanovo airbase.
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