Russian Air Force News & Discussion

[Haavarla]

Some unconfirmed source says the T-50-9 has flown.

The new mission computer for T-50, it runs at 150Gflops.
The time it has taken for PakFa program has made it necessary to change and improve avionics as time progress.

Both the Su-35S' and current T-50's fire control computers (СОЛО-35.01/SOLO-35.01 & СОЛО-21/SOLO-21 respectively) peak @ 80Gflops:

 

[Feanor]

Some unconfirmed source says the T-50-9 has flown.

The new mission computer for T-50, it runs at 150Gflops.
The time it has taken for PakFa program has made it necessary to change and improve avionics as time progress.

Both the Su-35S' and current T-50's fire control computers (СОЛО-35.01/SOLO-35.01 & СОЛО-21/SOLO-21 respectively) peak @ 80Gflops:

Regarding the T-50 program. It looks like the idea of the early variant T-50 with the 1st tier engines has been scrapped, and instead they're going for a better machine from the get-go, relying on upgraded Flankers to fill the gap. Remember, initially the PAK-FA was to share avionics with the Su-35S.

 

[Haavarla]

Regarding the T-50 program. It looks like the idea of the early variant T-50 with the 1st tier engines has been scrapped, and instead they're going for a better machine from the get-go, relying on upgraded Flankers to fill the gap. Remember, initially the PAK-FA was to share avionics with the Su-35S.

About the next engines, we shall see. If the T-50-9 has flown, then there only remains one or two more prototypes before the Pre-Serial production commence.
They should be able to finnish all the prototypes this year.

Its not that Sukhoi cannot recall the first 12 PakFa to factory and refit the necessary equipment. They did it with both Su-34 and Su-35S.

And if F-35 is any metric.. There is a 100 F-35 target for block upgrade, even if minor ones.

 

[VChinikailo]

Why does Western Media only criticize the Russian designed air craft?

As a fan of news I hardly come upon articles where the Russian design aircraft are not ridicule it is a common practice in Western media to say everything that is flawed with Russian designed aircraft and praise everything regarding the Western aircraft

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

As a fan of news I hardly come upon articles where the Russian design aircraft are not ridicule it is a common practice in Western media to say everything that is flawed with Russian designed aircraft and praise everything regarding the Western aircraft

From what I read in western media, they are not really praise western aircraft, but every time a Russian made aircraft got an accident, they always tell that it was Russian made, in an obsessively way, which they never do if it was a European or American made aircraft. A good example is a recent incident of an Aeroflot 777 flying to Bangkok, in the article it was written that the airline was Russian, but not that it was an aircraft of an American brand/American product. I have never seen in a news report something like "American made McDonnell Douglas aircraft" or "the American designed Sikorsky", but if the crashed aircraft was an Antonov/Ilyushin/Tupolev, then they always, really always, have to add that it was Russian made or "designed by the Russians". (Yes, I know, the Antonov Design Bureau is actually Ukrainian, but most journalists don't know that). Also some years ago a Sukhoi SSJ-100 crashed against an Indonesian mountain, in the comments of the readers below the news article, it was 'again a proof' that Russian made aircraft are as bad and inferior as their makers... So, actually normal people without any knowledge of aviation have a really bad view on Russian aircrafts, because they are in fact brainwashed by the western media.
There are some exceptions, in the Dutch defense magazine "Herkenning", they almost always wrote positive articles about every aircraft or weapon system regardless the origin, so also if it was a Soviet/Russian product.

(Note: I am not Russian)

 

[Haavarla]

T--50-9 is out:
I think there is some smaller improvements on the airframe, but lets wait for better resolution pictures for that..

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

This beauty looks really cool... Thanks for sharing the picture!

 

[RSAX]

From what I read in western media, they are not really praise western aircraft, but every time a Russian made aircraft got an accident, they always tell that it was Russian made, in an obsessively way, which they never do if it was a European or American made aircraft. A good example is a recent incident of an Aeroflot 777 flying to Bangkok, in the article it was written that the airline was Russian, but not that it was an aircraft of an American brand/American product. I have never seen in a news report something like "American made McDonnell Douglas aircraft" or "the American designed Sikorsky", but if the crashed aircraft was an Antonov/Ilyushin/Tupolev, then they always, really always, have to add that it was Russian made or "designed by the Russians". (Yes, I know, the Antonov Design Bureau is actually Ukrainian, but most journalists don't know that). Also some years ago a Sukhoi SSJ-100 crashed against an Indonesian mountain, in the comments of the readers below the news article, it was 'again a proof' that Russian made aircraft are as bad and inferior as their makers... So, actually normal people without any knowledge of aviation have a really bad view on Russian aircrafts, because they are in fact brainwashed by the western media.

A competent journalist composes his article so the common person in his target audience will understand it, not for civilian and military aircraft enthusiasts. The majority of the people in the West know where Boeing, Airbus and other of the major aircrafts are made so there is no point in wasting print space to tell the target audience that. Same with the major Airlines, you’ll notice in news reports if it’s a minor airline they usually say it’s a subsidy of one of the major airlines and the location where it’s based. Russian aircraft and airlines are relatively unknown to most western commoners for good reason, they seldom or never see them, so the journalist usually incorporates the additional information in the article. There is no of brainwashing going on when the country is mentioned.

 

[STURM]

Footage of a Su-27 confronting a F-16 which has buzzed a Russian jet carrying the Russian Defence Minister. The Su-27 dipped its wings to show it was armed.

Russian defence minister's plane 'buzzed' by Nato jet - BBC News

 

[Feanor]

Big news from MAKS-2017. Russia's first MALE class UAV, the Orion produced under OKR Inokhodets, was officially presented. The type has been undergoing flight trials, and it appears to be close to completion.

Группа "Кронштадт" предÑтавила на ÐœÐКС-2017 беÑпилотный летательный аппарат "Орион-Э" - bmpd

Also 24 MiG-35s will be purchased by the VVS. The purchase appears to be aimed at helping promote export sales for the type.

СоглаÑовано чиÑло закупаемых иÑтребителей МиГ-35 Ð´Ð»Ñ Ð’ÐšÐ¡ РоÑÑии - bmpd

The VVS has also contracted the first ti-38s. The potential replacement for the Hip.

МиниÑтерÑтво обороны РоÑÑии заказало два вертолета Ми-38 - bmpd

 

[StobieWan]

As a fan of news I hardly come upon articles where the Russian design aircraft are not ridicule it is a common practice in Western media to say everything that is flawed with Russian designed aircraft and praise everything regarding the Western aircraft

You've not been following the discussion on the F35 then

Most modern aircraft get a similarly shallow treatment, regardless of their nationality I feel.

 

[supercomrade]

Big news from MAKS-2017. Russia's first MALE class UAV, the Orion produced under OKR Inokhodets, was officially presented. The type has been undergoing flight trials, and it appears to be close to completion.

Группа "Кронштадт" предÑтавила на ÐœÐКС-2017 беÑпилотный летательный аппарат "Орион-Ð*" - bmpd

Also 24 MiG-35s will be purchased by the VVS. The purchase appears to be aimed at helping promote export sales for the type.

СоглаÑовано чиÑло закупаемых иÑтребителей МиГ-35 Ð´Ð»Ñ Ð’ÐšÐ¡ Ð*оÑÑии - bmpd

The VVS has also contracted the first two Mi-38s. The potential replacement for the Hip.

МиниÑтерÑтво обороны Ð*оÑÑии заказало два вертолета Ми-38 - bmpd

FINALLY. I have waited for Russia to develop a modern style UAV for 10 years now. I been wondering what took them so long?

I think them being in Syria for the past 3 years is what pushed the need for a real UAV. They're looking at their American counterparts and realizing it's cheaper and more effective to strike terrorist targets from UAV's rather than sending entire manned planes up. Not that they won't be doing that anymore but a fleet of UAV's will for sure help.

 

[Feanor]

FINALLY. I have waited for Russia to develop a modern style UAV for 10 years now. I been wondering what took them so long?

I think them being in Syria for the past 3 years is what pushed the need for a real UAV. They're looking at their American counterparts and realizing it's cheaper and more effective to strike terrorist targets from UAV's rather than sending entire manned planes up. Not that they won't be doing that anymore but a fleet of UAV's will for sure help.

Apparently quite a few programs are under way for the entire lineup of UAVs. Take a look here.

ÐИОКÐ* по беÑпилотным комплекÑам, выполнÑемые в интереÑах Вооруженных Сил Ð*оÑÑийÑкой Федерации - bmpd

EDIT: And here is the Orion-2. A model one might as well ignore if it weren't for the fact that the designer is also the designer of the Orion that's designed under an OKR for the Russian military.

http://nortwolf-sam.livejournal.com/1972123.html

 

[Feanor]

Couple of updates.

The VVS is getting its first batch of the Mi-28UB helos. They're the first Mi-28s for the VVS to carry the mast-mounted radar.

https://bmpd.livejournal.com/2905178.html

The medium transport aircraft project that Russia and India embarked on together, and that India later backed out of, is now being called the Il-276, and the models are starting to look more like a smaller 2-engine Il-76. It's likely that they abandoned the more ambitious version and are going with something more in tune with the budgetary outlook.

https://bmpd.livejournal.com/2904531.html

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

Couple of updates.

The VVS is getting its first batch of the Mi-28UB helos. They're the first Mi-28s for the VVS to carry the mast-mounted radar.

https://bmpd.livejournal.com/2905178.html

The medium transport aircraft project that Russia and India embarked on together, and that India later backed out of, is now being called the Il-276, and the models are starting to look more like a smaller 2-engine Il-76. It's likely that they abandoned the more ambitious version and are going with something more in tune with the budgetary outlook.

https://bmpd.livejournal.com/2904531.html

Thanks for sharing. So the Il-276 will become the class between the Il-112 and Il-76?
Some time ago there were plans to restart the production of the An-124, but these plans are cancelled permanently, isn't it?

 

[Feanor]

Thanks for sharing. So the Il-276 will become the class between the Il-112 and Il-76?
Some time ago there were plans to restart the production of the An-124, but these plans are cancelled permanently, isn't it?

Yep. Those plans are dead. They died when the factory couldn't get 60 startup orders to make the project financially viable back in the late 2000s. In those optimistic years Volga-Dnepr was willing to order 20 and iirc the MoD was willing to order another 20 but it wasn't enough.

There is a current OKR Yermak for a new super-heavy transport plane family, consisting of several aircraft in the 80-120-160 area for weight carried. But it's still a ways away.

 

[Feanor]

Updates.

It looks like the use of the Tu-22M3s in the Syrian campaign has sold the MoD on their continued viability. The first Tu-22M3M has been handed over and a new cruise missile, smaller than the X-101, is under development, using the current X-59MK2's engine, and the guidance system of the X-101.

Новые российские авиационные крылатые ракеты Х-50 и ГЗУР
Оснащение дальних бомбардировщиков Ту-22М3 новыми крылатыми ракетами большой дальности
Завершено проектирование модернизированного дальнего бомбардировщика Ту-22М3М

Despite the recent debut of Russia's domestic Orion UAV, the MoD has announced plans to continue buying Forpost UAVs, which is the Russian designation for the Israeli Searcher Mk2. The statement from the MoD claims they now have 100% localization and plan on installing new equipment on them.

100% локализация "Форпоста"

They've also announced purchases of DA42T Diamond aircraft as trainers, which raises questions about the status of the domestic Yak-152 trainer project.

Министерство обороны России начало закупку самолетов Diamond DA42Т в качестве учебных

The first batch of Mi-28NM helos has been ordered, with all further Mi-28 purchases to be NM variant.

Министерство обороны России заключило контракт на установочную партию вертолетов Ми-28НМ

The new engine for the PAK-FA, izdelie 30, has begun flight testing.

Пара слов о двигателе "изделие 30"

An-148 deliveries for the VVS continue despite the war in Ukraine and sanctions. A total of 12 have been delivered with 3 more planned. After the order is complete, the production line is supposed to get shut down due to lack of customers.

Два самолета Ан-148-100Е поступили в 33-й отдельный транспортный смешанный авиационный полк

Use of A2G munitions in Syria is so high that a new factory for 500kg bombs has been built to supply the VVS needs. It's afully automated production line.

На ФКП «Завод им. Я.М.Свердлова» открыта автоматизированная линия по снаряжению авиационных бомб

The 100th Su-30SM fighter jet has been handed over out of a total of 116 ordered. Earlier this year the 100th Su-34 was handed over.

Вооруженные Силы России получили сотый истребитель Су-30СМ

 

[Haavarla]

There is an updated VKS Force structure out:

Russian Air Force - Today

There seems to be fewer Mig-29, Su-24 and legacy Su-27 Air Regiments operational since last time i checked.
Likewise there are more new Su-30SM, Su-35S and Su-34 Air regiments.

 

[Feanor]

Updates.

Another contract for 114 Ka-52 helos is planned. It looks like it showed itself well in Syria.

Министерством обороны России планируется закупка еще 114 вертолетов Ка-52

The first squadron of Su-57 is delayed by one year, for reasons unclear. The contract is slated for this year, and production for the next year.

Контракт на первые 12 серийных истребителей Су-57 установочной партии будет заключен в 2018 году

In 2018 Russia is set to receive 12 Su-30SM for the VVS, 2 for the AVMF, and 10 Yak-130 jet trainers.

Планы поставок самолетов Су-30СМ и Як-130 в Вооруженные Силы России в 2018 году

A look at Russian heavy cargo planes landing on unpaved runways.

Полеты Военно-транспортной авиации с грунтового аэродрома в Мигалово

The first new Il-78MD-90A tanker is undergoing flight testing.

Начаты летные испытания первого образца самолета-заправщика Ил-78М-90А

The first 10 Tu-160M2 aircraft have been contracted, a total of 50 are planned.

Подписан контракт на первые десять модернизированных бомбардировщиков Ту-160М2

A new Tu-160M has begun flight testing. It's one of the remaining Soviet aircraft that were unfinished.

https://bmpd.livejournal.com/3063777.html

An upgrade to the X-101 cruise missile is planned based on the experience of use in Syria.

http://www.militarynews.ru/story.asp?rid=1&nid=471949

 

[Haavarla]

Russia’s new hypersonic missile put through military tests (VIDEO)

It seems the Mig-31 is all of a sudden not the one way trick pony.. or a "useless" cold war relic Interceptor anymore.

I remember i had a heated debate with some of the senior folks on here about the Mig-31 years ago.

The Kinzhal and Mig-31 Combo is now a fact.
And i believe the Kinzhal will also come with Conventioal warhead.

To the best of my knowledge, there is some 130 Mig's still in service. Obviously some will have to be hauled back to the Factory and re-worked to carry the Kinzhal. So perhaps not all Mig-31 will have this capability, but hey! The future of the Beast just got a lot more interesting.