Russian Air Force News & Discussion

[Feanor]

Some decent quality photos of Russia's new heavy UAV, the Okhotnik-B. It's unclear how far along the program is, but a completed prototype does give some indication. I suspect we can expect photos of it in flight within the next few months. Given that even the much simpler Orion UAV hasn't entered service or serial production yet, this is a very ambitious project. On the other hand Sukhoi is responsible for the development, and they have much greater resources then Simonov or Tranzas (responsible respectively for the Altair and Orion heavy and medium UAV programs).

Фото «Охотник-Б»

 

[Feanor]

A new photo, this time sideways, of the Okhotnik UAV taxiing by itself. Note when information about this program initially surfaced, it was mentioned that this program would have a high degree of commonality with the T-50 (Su-57). Allegedly it will be developed for use with the T-50.

Вид сбоку

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

It is actually weird that the Russians expose such a secret project.
Projects like the F-117 for example were much better protected.
I expect the definitive Охотник will get another engine, like many other Russian jetfighter projects, some components like the engines and the radar, will come later.

 

[Feanor]

It is actually weird that the Russians expose such a secret project.
Projects like the F-117 for example were much better protected.
I expect the definitive Охотник will get another engine, like many other Russian jetfighter projects, some components like the engines and the radar, will come later.

Kind of. Although if it's about to begin flight testing, it's very likely to get spotted by satellites anyway. On the flip side, maybe this project is merely a tech-demo, and Russia is bluffing and cashing in on the publicity. It's hard to say. On the subjet of engines and radar, there appears to be a plan to re-arm the Su-30SM (a domestic MKI equivalent) with the N035 radar, and the izdelie 117 engines, bringing it up to the level of a two-seater Su-35S. Apparently someone upstairs is realizing the value of standardization. The next logical step would be to upgrade the Su-34s with Al-41Fs.

EDIT: Some satellite photos of what appears to be a squadron of MiG-31s carrying the new Kinzhal air-launched BM.

Миги с "Кинжалами"

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

Kind of. Although if it's about to begin flight testing, it's very likely to get spotted by satellites anyway. On the flip side, maybe this project is merely a tech-demo, and Russia is bluffing and cashing in on the publicity. It's hard to say. On the subjet of engines and radar, there appears to be a plan to re-arm the Su-30SM (a domestic MKI equivalent) with the N035 radar, and the izdelie 117 engines, bringing it up to the level of a two-seater Su-35S. Apparently someone upstairs is realizing the value of standardization. The next logical step would be to upgrade the Su-34s with Al-41Fs.

EDIT: Some satellite photos of what appears to be a squadron of MiG-31s carrying the new Kinzhal air-launched BM.

Миги с "Кинжалами"

It makes sense to upgrade the Su-30SM to a two-seats Su-35 variant with the N035 Irbis-E radar and 117 engines (btw do you mean 117S or really 117?). Are they also planning to upgrade the 20 Su-30M2 to the same standard?

You talk about the Su-34 which has the Leninets V-004 as its main radar, is it from the same family as the N011 Bars and N035 Irbis-E or is it from a complete other kind?

And about the MiG-31 sattelite photos....it is almost like they want to be 'caught' by spy satellites... :-D

 

[Feanor]

It makes sense to upgrade the Su-30SM to a two-seats Su-35 variant with the N035 Irbis-E radar and 117 engines (btw do you mean 117S or really 117?). Are they also planning to upgrade the 20 Su-30M2 to the same standard?

I'm assuming they will standardize the engines with the Su-35S fleet. I have no information on the Su-30M2s, and since they're often used a combat-trainers for the Su-27SM fleet, I doubt it.

You talk about the Su-34 which has the Leninets V-004 as its main radar, is it from the same family as the N011 Bars and N035 Irbis-E or is it from a complete other kind?

It's a different kind of radar, optimized for air to ground munitions. The Su-34S isn't actually a tactical bomber, it's a strike fighter, and it can use medium range air-to-air missiles including the R-27 family. I don't think they can or should standardize the radar for them.

 

[ngatimozart]

Russian deputy prime minister Yuri Borisov is reported by TASS as having announced that serial production of the Sukhoi Su-57 has commenced. The report claims that a contract for 76 aircraft has been signed with the first aircraft possibly delivered by the end of this year.

Sukhoi kicks off serial production of Su-57: report

 

[Feanor]

The Okhotnik UAV just had its first flight.

Самый тяжелый ударный стратегический беспилотник "Охотник" впервые пролетел 20 минут

Also there are reports of a new contract for Su-30SM fighters, upgraded with AL-41 engines (standardized with the Su-35S fleet). Earlier there was information that a new Su-30SM variant would be developed carrying the Irbis radar and the Al-41 engines. It's unclear whether this new contract will feature that variant, since installing the Iribs on the Su-30SM would require additional space in the nose.

Планируется новый контракт на истребители Су-30СМ с двигателями АЛ-41Ф-1С

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

The Okhotnik UAV just had its first flight.

Самый тяжелый ударный стратегический беспилотник "Охотник" впервые пролетел 20 минут

Also there are reports of a new contract for Su-30SM fighters, upgraded with AL-41 engines (standardized with the Su-35S fleet). Earlier there was information that a new Su-30SM variant would be developed carrying the Irbis radar and the Al-41 engines. It's unclear whether this new contract will feature that variant, since installing the Iribs on the Su-30SM would require additional space in the nose.

Планируется новый контракт на истребители Су-30СМ с двигателями АЛ-41Ф-1С

Thank you for sharing, no videos found yet about the first flight of the Okhotnik, but i found a video of the first flight of the Il-112V on 30 March 2019.

Compared to the An-24, -26 and -32 which the Il-112 is planned to replace, there is almost no improvement in performance or payload. But it is a nice looking aircraft with a larger cabin and less crewmembers are needed.

It is similar in payload and performance (but much less range) compared to the slightly smaller and lighter CN235, but inferior to the An-132, C295 and C-27J, so i expect it will not become a successful model on the exportmarket.

 

[Ananda]

It is similar in payload and performance (but much less range) compared to the slightly smaller and lighter CN235, but inferior to the An-132, C295 and C-27J, so i expect it will not become a successful model on the exportmarket.

Still it's targeted to the users of An24 and derivatives family. With Antonov production in question for continous Mass production..the An-132 as direct competitors on that part of market potentially can be handle by this IL-112.

So depends on the market, this can still bring reasonable export performance.

 

[Feanor]

Thank you for sharing, no videos found yet about the first flight of the Okhotnik, but i found a video of the first flight of the Il-112V on 30 March 2019.

Compared to the An-24, -26 and -32 which the Il-112 is planned to replace, there is almost no improvement in performance or payload. But it is a nice looking aircraft with a larger cabin and less crewmembers are needed.

It is similar in payload and performance (but much less range) compared to the slightly smaller and lighter CN235, but inferior to the An-132, C295 and C-27J, so i expect it will not become a successful model on the exportmarket.

There is some debate as to the true state of this program. The VVS badly needs the type so something will go into production but there were issues with the weight of the first prototype that allegedly required a replacement of some of the materials involved. So we may see a somewhat different aircraft (in terms of performance capabilities) once all is said and done. As for export, I strongly suspect the only export the type will see will be politically motivated, or customers who have no other options.

 

[Ranger25]

The Okhotnik UAV just had its first flight.

Самый тяжелый ударный стратегический беспилотник "Охотник" впервые пролетел 20 минут

Also there are reports of a new contract for Su-30SM fighters, upgraded with AL-41 engines (standardized with the Su-35S fleet). Earlier there was information that a new Su-30SM variant would be developed carrying the Irbis radar and the Al-41 engines. It's unclear whether this new contract will feature that variant, since installing the Iribs on the Su-30SM would require additional space in the nose.

Планируется новый контракт на истребители Су-30СМ с двигателями АЛ-41Ф-1С

video of the Okhotnik flight

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

Both the SR-10 and Yak-152 were offered to meet a 2014 requirement for a basic trainer for the Russian Air force, but theIvchenko AI-25V driven SR-10 was rejected in favour of the YakovlevYak-152, a piston-engined trainer with a GermanRED Aircraft A03 V-12 four-strokediesel engine.

What is the status of this program? The SR-10 has an Ukrainian engine (but is rejected anyway) and the Yak-152 is equipped with a German engine, so if im not wrong they plan to replace the German engine with the Klimov VK-800S, which is still in development.

 

[Feanor]

Both the SR-10 and Yak-152 were offered to meet a 2014 requirement for a basic trainer for the Russian Air force, but theIvchenko AI-25V driven SR-10 was rejected in favour of the YakovlevYak-152, a piston-engined trainer with a GermanRED Aircraft A03 V-12 four-strokediesel engine.

What is the status of this program? The SR-10 has an Ukrainian engine (but is rejected anyway) and the Yak-152 is equipped with a German engine, so if im not wrong they plan to replace the German engine with the Klimov VK-800S, which is still in development.

Iirc it's undergoing trials though I can't recall whether factory or state (I think state trials). But that could just be the official line while they're trying to figure out either an arrangement for circumventing sanctions to establish stable supplies of the engines or develop the replacement engine.

DA-42s have been purchased and assembled at the UZGA plant so... maybe it will be possible to purchase Yak-152s with EU engines too?

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

Iirc it's undergoing trials though I can't recall whether factory or state (I think state trials). But that could just be the official line while they're trying to figure out either an arrangement for circumventing sanctions to establish stable supplies of the engines or develop the replacement engine.

DA-42s have been purchased and assembled at the UZGA plant so... maybe it will be possible to purchase Yak-152s with EU engines too?

Well, the DA-42 used Thielert engines, but Thielert is now part of Continental Motors, which is owned by the Chinese AVIC which owned by the government of Communistic China.
Newer models of the DA-42 uses the Austro Engine AE300, and both Austro Engine and its parent company Diamond Aircraft Industry are now also totally owned by the chinese (Wanfeng Aviation).
So, the engines are not so European anymore....

 

[Feanor]

Some more footage of testing the Okhotnik side-by-side with an Su-57 controller aircraft. It will be interesting to see what comes of this program.

Расширенное видео о первых испытаниях боевого беспилотного авиационного комплекса «Охотник»

EDIT: On the abovementioned subject, the second Il-112 is being assembled right now. It will be interesting to see if anything leaks out regarding differences between the first and second prototype.

В ЦАГИ завершилась сборка второго опытного самолета Ил-112 В

 

[Feanor]

Russian UAV programs are seeing some progress. The Altius-U just had its first flight too.

Первый полет "Альтиус-У"

Also a new squadron of Forpost UAVs has been deployed to Crimea. It appears the type is now being produced locally in Russia, with an unspecified quantity of imported components. The intent apparently is to use them as the eyes for the AShM btlns deployed to Crimea.

Беспилотные летательные аппараты «Форпост» развернуты в Крыму

A new UAV radar is being developed in Russia, possibly as part of a recon or ELINT suite for some of the larger UAVs Russia is planning to deploy.

Про разработки радара с синтезируемой апертурой для БЛА в РФ.

The third Ka-62 prototype just had its first flight.

Третий летный опытный образец вертолета Ка-62

EDIT: The Forpost-R just had its first flight. This is a fully russified version of the Searcher MkII, with a extended control range, and other unspecified upgrades. This is no surprise, since information surfaced earlier about Elbit Systems working with Russian partners on localizing the type.

Испытательный полет БПЛА "Форпост-Р"

 

[Feanor]

Production of Russia's first domestic medium UAV is set to start, with the Orion from Kronstadt Group. It's starting to look like the Forpost will remain Russia's main medium UAV for the near future, while the Orion will likely only reach significant quantities in the medium term.

Россия запустила серийное производство разведывательного беспилотника "Орион"

EDIT:

A mockup of a modified Orion UAV named Sirius, allegedly for civilian use, including firefighters was shown at MAKS-2019.

Очень интересно. Макет "Сириуса"/"Ориона-2" от "Кронштадта"
Большой беспилотный летательный аппарат "Сириус"

The 4 earlier T-50 prototypes took part in MAKS-2019, showing off flights, and a shortened landing path. by opening the parachute prior to landing.

Демонстрация опытных образцов истребителя Су-57 накануне МАКС-2019

EDIT2: Also a non-flying T-50 prototype was part of the static displays.

Перспектива в широком доступе

A model of the new Okhotnik UAV was shown at MAKS-2019, showing off a nozzle very different from what is currently on the aircraft, suggesting that a different engine might be intended.

Модель "Охотника" на МАКС-2019

New bombs with longer range were shown off at MAKS-2019 and satellite-inertial guidance.

Новые управляемые авиационные бомбы К08БЭ и К029БЭ Корпорации "Тактическое ракетное вооружение"

 

[kinetic]

The Su-34S isn't actually a tactical bomber, it's a strike fighter

What part of titanium bathtub protecting the pilots from enemy fire has managed to convince you that Su-34 is a strike fighter? Or it was the Hellduck's capacity for air-air combat? If so, please be advised that it's predecessor, Su-24, has proved itself capable to kick the Flankers' asses on occassion and at one point the Soviet brass considered the idea of making yet another aerobatics team flying these.

The Su-34 is omnirole aircraft, capable to perform as fighter, tactical bomber, assault aircraft, electronic warfare and reconnaissance aircraft depending on the loadout. Trying to classify it as anything in particular is more or less an exercise in futility.

 

[Feanor]

What part of titanium bathtub protecting the pilots from enemy fire has managed to convince you that Su-34 is a strike fighter? Or it was the Hellduck's capacity for air-air combat? If so, please be advised that it's predecessor, Su-24, has proved itself capable to kick the Flankers' asses on occassion and at one point the Soviet brass considered the idea of making yet another aerobatics team flying these.

The Su-34 is omnirole aircraft, capable to perform as fighter, tactical bomber, assault aircraft, electronic warfare and reconnaissance aircraft depending on the loadout. Trying to classify it as anything in particular is more or less an exercise in futility.

The issue with the Su-24M isn't the maneuvrability, it's the relative capabilities of the radar and avionics in air-to-air combat, along with the integration of medium range air to air missiles. Categories aren't perfect, but the one that fits the closest is that of a strike fighter, and it neatly encompasses all the capabilities you've listed while clearly indicating what it's most commonly intended for.