Russian Air Force News & Discussion

RobWilliams

Super Moderator
Staff member
Indian procurement is a mess, more often than not it stems from a desire to find the quickest way to build an indiginous defence industry.
 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
Agreed 100% on delays etc, look at the F35

I was most surprised at the city's in the IAF procurement given the current state of their fleet and the neighbors they have
Well they have a whole slew of projects now too.

PAK-FA - well known.
PAK-KA - a ship-based variant of the PAK-FA. Confirmation is slim.
PAK-DA - next gen bomber, but pushed back by a good decade as too ambitious, meanwhile Tu-160 upgrades will continue and production of the Tu-160 will resume. Presumably because of its low speed, the PAK-DA will only replace the Tu-95 and Tu-22M3.
PAK-DP - sometimes referred to as the MiG-41, is a next-generation interceptor. What this will look like in practice remains a mystery.
PAK-TA - a new super-heavy transport aircraft to replace the An-124 and An-22. Again the details are a mystery but supposedly the project is called Ermak.
PSSh - An Su-25 replacement. Possibly due to lack of guided munitions, or cost reasons, or just their faith in traditional CAS, this is going to be an armored dive-bomber to replace the Su-25. Again, details are lacking.

So... yeah.

Берлога Бронемедведа - ПÐКи - ПÐКи, иже херувимы (Ñ)

Indian procurement is a mess, more often than not it stems from a desire to find the quickest way to build an indiginous defence industry.
Or from the politicians desire to create the perception that this is taking place.
 

gf0012-aust

Grumpy Old Man
Staff member
Verified Defense Pro
interesting to see that the italians have sold 160 AW189's to Rosneft who have jv'd and walked away from local helo manufacturers
 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
interesting to see that the italians have sold 160 AW189's to Rosneft who have jv'd and walked away from local helo manufacturers
It's the remnants of a Medvedev era project, when cooperation with the west and import of technology and capabilities was looked upon favorably. The idea was localized production of Augusta Westland helos in Russia. There were even some plans for the MoD to purchase some.
 

gf0012-aust

Grumpy Old Man
Staff member
Verified Defense Pro
It's the remnants of a Medvedev era project, when cooperation with the west and import of technology and capabilities was looked upon favorably. The idea was localized production of Augusta Westland helos in Russia. There were even some plans for the MoD to purchase some.
The russians have suspended co-op with NATO countries and some of the baltics across a range of areas (except gas extraction tech) - so they could have killed this off if they wanted to so as to reinforce making a statement - they obviously haven't as this has just gone through - and in a modified guise.

160 is not an insignificant acquisition volume considering the posturing that's been happening in the last 11 months
 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
The russians have suspended co-op with NATO countries and some of the baltics across a range of areas (except gas extraction tech) - so they could have killed this off if they wanted to so as to reinforce making a statement - they obviously haven't as this has just gone through - and in a modified guise.

160 is not an insignificant acquisition volume considering the posturing that's been happening in the last 11 months
No of course there are reasons. I was merely providing some background. This something that was started in the face of sanctions, it was something left over from before.
 

nevidimka

New Member
I have a few questions, since i have been away form this site for many years now .:D

1. Is Tu 160 really being restarted? I read that externally, it would look same, but the inside its a different beast, from avionics, to engines, to weapons, to processors. Is there going to be improvement in its air frame constructions by using more composites to make the plane lighter? and modifications to reduce its RCS?

2. I read form a few sources, saying that it would be impossible if not highly expensive to remake the Tu 160, as many of its contractors or parts are no longer there, and needs to be built from scratch.

3. Is the PAK DA being pushed back due to this?

4. Will the PAK DA be a flying wing or a more conventional Tu 160 style approach?

5 is Mig really working on a light stealth fighter or working on a stealth UCAV? IS MiG capable of this project considering all the technical personal they've lost since the end of the Soviet union?
 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
I have a few questions, since i have been away form this site for many years now .:D

1. Is Tu 160 really being restarted? I read that externally, it would look same, but the inside its a different beast, from avionics, to engines, to weapons, to processors. Is there going to be improvement in its air frame constructions by using more composites to make the plane lighter? and modifications to reduce its RCS?

2. I read form a few sources, saying that it would be impossible if not highly expensive to remake the Tu 160, as many of its contractors or parts are no longer there, and needs to be built from scratch.
The plans and intent is there. Whether they will go through with it remains to be seen.

3. Is the PAK DA being pushed back due to this?
It's more likely that they realized the PAK-DA will take a long time, and meanwhile they need a modern bomber.

4. Will the PAK DA be a flying wing or a more conventional Tu 160 style approach?
Allegedly a flying wing.

5 is Mig really working on a light stealth fighter or working on a stealth UCAV? IS MiG capable of this project considering all the technical personal they've lost since the end of the Soviet union?
They claim they are working on the light stealth fighter. Their chances of success are questionable. Unless of course they work off of the PAK-FA.
 

Ranger25

Active Member
Staff member
The plans and intent is there. Whether they will go through with it remains to be seen.



It's more likely that they realized the PAK-DA will take a long time, and meanwhile they need a modern bomber.



Allegedly a flying wing.



They claim they are working on the light stealth fighter. Their chances of success are questionable. Unless of course they work off of the PAK-FA.


I know you have to Consider the source but Sputnik has been constantly issuing updates on the remodel
Sounds like new avionics, radar, defensive systems, and "refurbished engines" There are only 15 operational aircraft but the plan is to double that with upgraded aircraft by 2021. Whole thing seems very optimistic IMO, the engines are the biggest issues facing them.


http://sputniknews.com/military/20150902/1026484400/tu160-aircraft-bomber-russia-military.html
 
I know you have to Consider the source but Sputnik has been constantly issuing updates on the remodel
Sounds like new avionics, radar, defensive systems, and "refurbished engines" There are only 15 operational aircraft but the plan is to double that with upgraded aircraft by 2021. Whole thing seems very optimistic IMO, the engines are the biggest issues facing them.

Tu-160 Heavy Strategic Bomber Undergoes Major Upgrade
Pah,!

The engines are not really an issue, the Kuzentzov plant in Samara has recently completed a full upgrade of the manufacturing floor and equipment. The facility has shipped its first engine for testing, the engine was produced on the new manufacturing/production line - biggest changes are new electronics used in the engine.

Keep in mind 250 of these NK-32(1) engines were produced since 1985 onwards for the TU-160 fleet (and some Tu144 testbed/nasa plane).

Cheers,
Plaz
 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
It looks like another MiG-29 unit is taking Su-30SMs for replacements. This marks almost the end of vintage MiG-29 service in the VVS. MiG-29SMTs will be around to the tune of ~2 regiments, but the rest are gone, at least for now. This may change if the MiG-35 ever materializes, and of course the AVMF will continue to fly the MiG-29K.

«Ðовые Су-30СМ Ð´Ð»Ñ Ð’ÐšÐ¡ РоÑÑии» в блоге «ÐÑ€Ð¼Ð¸Ñ Ð¸ Фло‚» - Сделано у наÑ
 

alexkvaskov

New Member
Are there really that few Fulcrums left in service that 40-50 Su-30SM are enough to replace them? Personally, I find it disappointing they haven't moved away from single-role platforms and doctrines, viz. in Syria the Flankers are flying CAP while the ground-pounders hit ISIS. I would have hoped they practice dropping a few LGBs from the Flanker-C.

Also, I seem to have lost track of all the 30SMs ordered and delivered in recent months. IIRC RuAF has 60 Su-30SM ordered, AVMF has 12 ordered and plans call for 50?
 

ATA-Türk

Banned Member
Oh sorry for the Forum rules.

I just wanted to enlighten the People here. Admin: Text deleted. Please read the forum rules carefully again - this is your final warning. That kind of comment is unacceptable
 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
Are there really that few Fulcrums left in service that 40-50 Su-30SM are enough to replace them? Personally, I find it disappointing they haven't moved away from single-role platforms and doctrines, viz. in Syria the Flankers are flying CAP while the ground-pounders hit ISIS. I would have hoped they practice dropping a few LGBs from the Flanker-C.

Also, I seem to have lost track of all the 30SMs ordered and delivered in recent months. IIRC RuAF has 60 Su-30SM ordered, AVMF has 12 ordered and plans call for 50?
Well one regiment got the SMTs and another is about to. Two more regiments got the Su-30SMs. I'd have to inquire in more detail, but there may have only been 4 Fulcrum regiments active at the low point, and since the low point no new Fulcrum regiments were created.
 

Haavarla

Active Member
Acording to the AFM.
A full review of Russian AF Frontal Aviation, their Mig-29 are now at the point of extinction.
The last full AF regiment of Mig-29 9.12 versions stationed at 31st Guards IAP at Millerovo, will trade its 30+ Fulcrums for 24 shiny new Su-30SM in the near future.

So this leave us with only Mig-29SMT and K's for now.

In my head these are necessary steps within VVS.
The downfall of Fulcrums started for real back in 2009, when large cracks was found and they was taken out of flying service, and not being upgraded eighter.

Anyway, its better and more efficient for VVS and RuN that they get better units, even if it means fewer ones..

It seems they are in the prossess of fielding many new weapons and different support pods(see Su-34). With new drones, ELINT and AWACS systems up, the force multiplier are much higher than ever before.
 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
Acording to the AFM.
A full review of Russian AF Frontal Aviation, their Mig-29 are now at the point of extinction.
The last full AF regiment of Mig-29 9.12 versions stationed at 31st Guards IAP at Millerovo, will trade its 30+ Fulcrums for 24 shiny new Su-30SM in the near future.

So this leave us with only Mig-29SMT and K's for now.

In my head these are necessary steps within VVS.
The downfall of Fulcrums started for real back in 2009, when large cracks was found and they was taken out of flying service, and not being upgraded eighter.

Anyway, its better and more efficient for VVS and RuN that they get better units, even if it means fewer ones..

It seems they are in the prossess of fielding many new weapons and different support pods(see Su-34). With new drones, ELINT and AWACS systems up, the force multiplier are much higher than ever before.
Honestly the MiG-29Ks and SMTs should have been ditched too. They should have done an Su-33 upgrade that standardizes them with the Su-30SM on avionics and engines, as much as possible. They could then have the Su-33SM be the multi-role naval bird. Right now they're buying two fighters for the AVMF, the Su-30SM which is replacing Su-27 and Su-24, and the MiG-29K which is serving along side the Su-33. But an Su-33SM could replace all types, and offer better capabilities then the MiG-29K.
 

Sandhi Yudha

Well-Known Member
Honestly the MiG-29Ks and SMTs should have been ditched too. They should have done an Su-33 upgrade that standardizes them with the Su-30SM on avionics and engines, as much as possible. They could then have the Su-33SM be the multi-role naval bird. Right now they're buying two fighters for the AVMF, the Su-30SM which is replacing Su-27 and Su-24, and the MiG-29K which is serving along side the Su-33. But an Su-33SM could replace all types, and offer better capabilities then the MiG-29K.
Agree, its more practical to replace them with the same type of aircraft, but ofcourse they replace the Su-33 with the MiG-29K because of the smaller size...

BTW, according to wikipedia about the Su-33: "Although initially planned to be retired, they will be modernized and will serve until at least 2025."
 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
Agree, its more practical to replace them with the same type of aircraft, but ofcourse they replace the Su-33 with the MiG-29K because of the smaller size...

BTW, according to wikipedia about the Su-33: "Although initially planned to be retired, they will be modernized and will serve until at least 2025."
It has nothing to do with size. RSK MiG landed the contract for the MiG-29K as part of the Vikramaditya deal. It was a politically thrown bone to RSK MiG which was doing badly. The same deal could have been sold with the Su-33 standardized with the Su-30MKIs. It would in fact have made more sense that way. Now there is a navalized Fulcrum but no navalized Flanker in production. So the MiG-29K gets the AVMF contract.
 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
First deliveries of EW pods for the Su-34 are slated to begin this month. These are the Tarantul pods. It was also said that all Su-34s carry the Khibiny-10V complex, on their wingtips. If this is true, it means that early models were retrofitted with the system. The Tarantul specifically is meant to suppress ground and air-based radars, SAMs and AEW are mentioned specifically.

A brief reminder, also under development are an ELINT, recon, and targeting, pods. This marks basically the first time that Russia has fielded any type of pods to enhance built in capabilities of the airframe, and represents a move away from more narrow roles assigned to aircraft. However this, and the recent use of Su-30SMs to carry bombs, are baby steps in that direction.

Контейнеры РЭБ Ð´Ð»Ñ Ñамолетов Су-34 - bmpd
 

barney41

Member
First deliveries of EW pods for the Su-34 are slated to begin this month. These are the Tarantul pods. It was also said that all Su-34s carry the Khibiny-10V complex, on their wingtips. If this is true, it means that early models were retrofitted with the system. The Tarantul specifically is meant to suppress ground and air-based radars, SAMs and AEW are mentioned specifically.

A brief reminder, also under development are an ELINT, recon, and targeting, pods. This marks basically the first time that Russia has fielded any type of pods to enhance built in capabilities of the airframe, and represents a move away from more narrow roles assigned to aircraft. However this, and the recent use of Su-30SMs to carry bombs, are baby steps in that direction.

Контейнеры Ð*Ð*Б Ð´Ð»Ñ Ñамолетов Су-34 - bmpd
Any idea how Su-34 EW capability compares with current Growler kit?
 
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