By the end of the 20th century, the technical complexity of combat aircraft reached the highest level, and this also affected ground infrastructure. It was almost impossible to use fighters outside the base points, which meant that if several airfields were destroyed, they would turn into useless pieces of metal.
In addition, large machines were difficult to transport over land, and their mass production was difficult to deploy in as soon as possible.
All design bureaus tried to solve this problem. These include the creation of vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, fighters capable of taking off from the ground and the reduction in the size of machines. The Sukhoi Design Bureau took the third path and as a result, a light fighter project was created with the internal code S-54. In many ways, this was a response to the F-16 fighter program in the United States and development at the OKB. Mikoyan multifunctional fighter MiG 1.44. But not only.
As experience has shown, modern aircraft carriers will fit much more of these machines than heavy fighters. In addition, due to its low cost, the light fighter is in high demand in foreign markets, which is clearly seen in the example of the Russian Yak-130 combat training aircraft.
Fighter "in the trunk"
The C-54 family of aircraft has several roles: a light fighter, both ground-based and for the fleet; Aircraft for retraining pilots for new types of fighters and landing on the deck, as well as an export version.
In total, three such machines were created. C-54 - light multifunctional fighter; S-55 - two-seat training aircraft; S-56 - ship combat training fighter.
Wanting to create a small, simple and effective fighter, the designers of the Sukhoi Design Bureau simultaneously solved the problem of covert basing. In the C-54 project, an attempt was made to create an aircraft capable of being transported in small containers and taking off with minimal training.
Light deck
But still, the most likely use of the aircraft is its placement on aircraft carriers, and this possibility was assumed from the very beginning of development. The dimensions of the machine in the frontal projection do not exceed 3 by 3 meters, which means that two or three times more such aircraft can be placed on aircraft carriers without a major alteration of the ship.
It was supposed to reduce the size due to double-folding wings, as well as thanks to the landing gear, which allowed the aircraft to "squat" in the parking lot. At the same time, in a semi-retracted position, the aircraft, as it were, sits on a “twine”, which reduces its height to three meters. It was supposed to use the R-195FS engine as a power plant, and then switch to the AL-31F. In the second case, the fighter would be able to reach supersonic speed without afterburner.
As for stealth, the C-54 did not provide for such widespread use of stealth technologies as the F-22 and F-35, but work was underway on this: it was supposed to reduce radar visibility due to a smaller number of protruding parts, as well as using radio absorbing materials. The aircraft also had to have a glass cockpit using 14-15-inch indicators and an on-board complex with a powerful computer.
Compact future
Financial problems in the mid-90s forced the project to be temporarily frozen. For its time, it was promising and relevant, and it remains so today, and in the context of the development of unmanned technologies, an apparatus of this class could become the basis for creating an unmanned fighter. Also, the development of an aircraft carrier theme in the last few years makes us return to the idea of a light and compact fighter.
The prospects of single-engine fighters are evidenced by the fact that such a machine in this moment creates China, and India plans to start assembling a hundred light fighters according to foreign license, choosing between the American F-16, the Swedish Gripen and the Russian MiG-35.
At the same time, Russia is participating in this competition with the MiG-35 (which can rather be attributed to the middle class) because at the moment there is no production of single-engine fighters in our country.
In addition, during the presentation of the MiG-35, which took place in January, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin announced that RAC "MiG" will be engaged in the creation of a fifth-generation light fighter. According to some reports, this machine will have one engine, and it is possible that the developments in S-54 will be used in its creation.
Scenario of a new war
The events in Yugoslavia, Libya and Syria have shown that in a modern war, the side that is able to increase the combat power of the Air Force in the shortest possible time wins. In particular, this concerns the rapid establishment of production, which is difficult to do in the case of heavy fighters.
This means that, along with heavy aircraft, Russia should also have light, so-called "mobilization" aircraft, the production of which is easy to start during a crisis period, as well as directly during hostilities.
Since then, when aviation has found its use on the battlefield, its role in hostilities has become clear, especially at the present time, when Russian fighters have more and more advanced and powerful means of combat available.
The speed of combat vehicles in the air is constantly increasing. Work continues to reduce visibility on radar screens.
IN Lately the means of warfare have grown so much that military conflicts are resolved with the help of aviation alone. In any case, the air fleet plays a key role in modern military conflicts.
Fifth generation aircraft
Recently, you can often hear the term "fifth generation". What does this concept mean, what is the difference between aircraft from the previous generation.
In this case, we can talk about clear requirements:
- Fifth generation aircraft should be as invisible to radar as possible, and in all wave bands, especially in infrared and radar.
- The aircraft must have the properties of multifunctionality.
- At the same time, modern Russian fighters are a super-maneuverable machine, if it is possible to get away from the enemy at supersonic speed without afterburner.
- Also, fifth-generation aircraft should carry out all-angle close combat. At the same time, they conduct multi-channel firing with missiles of different ranges. In addition, at speeds above the speed of sound, aircraft electronics must be able to assist the pilot in many tasks.
The Russian Aerospace Forces have at their disposal excellent vehicles in order not to be the last in airspace protection: the light MiG-35, designed for many years, the MiG-31, the Russian SU-30SM fighter, the new T-50 (PAK FA).
T-50 (PAK FA)
The new development of Russian aircraft manufacturers T-50 (PAK FA) strikes the imagination with its capabilities. It is fantastic just like the fighter jets from the Star Wars movie saga.
The aircraft is super-maneuverable, has the ability to be invisible to radar. The fighter can fight at any distance, striking targets both in the sky and on the ground.
What makes the T-50 invisible?
The aircraft skin is 70% made using composite materials. They significantly reduce the scattering area. Such parameters allow you to elude enemy radars, because on the screen the T-50 will be visible as an object the size of a balloon.
The newest Russian fighter is equipped with powerful engines: there are two of them. These engines have a thrust vector control function, thanks to which the aircraft becomes very maneuverable. T-50 (PAK FA) can turn around in the air almost on the spot.
Protection against air defense systems on the PAK FA
To reduce radar visibility by enemy air defenses, the engines are switching from round mid-flight nozzles to flat ones. And although this reduces the efficiency of the engine from loss of thrust, but this solution allows you to "hide" the turbines of the aircraft from radars and in the infrared range.
In addition, the T-50 (PAK FA) power plant allows the aircraft to accelerate to supersonic speed even without afterburner, which is unattainable for 4+++ class aircraft.
It should be noted that the latest Russian fighter cost the domestic treasury 2 billion dollars. A plane of the same class from Lockheed Martin F-22 cost the Americans 67 billion dollars.
Smart skin T-50
It will not be so easy to get close to the T-50: 6 radars are distributed over the entire skin of the aircraft to provide all-round visibility. The optical-electronic sensor of the target detection system is located to the right of the cockpit. Behind is already an infrared sensor, which helps the system to see threats "behind your back".
The sensors of the equipment for the Himalaya station are scattered over the surface of the PAK FA. They allow the forward aircraft to remain invisible to enemy radar, but the aircraft itself can spot enemy stealth aircraft.
Su-30 - advanced domestic combat aircraft
The Russian Su-30 fighter is a modern large-scale machine that appeared back in 1988 during the Soviet era.
The combat training Su-27UB served as the base aircraft for the creation of advanced "drying". The new vehicle was equipped with an aerial refueling system, and navigation and weapon control systems were also improved.
Already in 1992, during the perestroika period, the first serial Su-30 took off. Mass production military vehicles were then suspended, and the Russian Ministry of Defense bought only 5 vehicles for the needs of the army.
But the first Russian Su fighters were not the cutting-edge aircraft we see today. At that time, they were only capable of using unguided air-to-ground weapons.
But already in 1996, the Su-30MKI (I - "Indian") began to be produced. They appeared front horizontal tail, improved avionics and engines with controlled thrust vector.
The performance characteristics of the Su-30
- The combat load that the fighter is capable of carrying is 8 tons.
- The basic armament, typical for domestic vehicles, is 30 mm GSh-301.
Flight performance has been improved with an in-flight refueling system.
Su-30 aircraft continue the line of Su-27UB aircraft. But the new-generation Su machines already have an upgraded type radar with a phased antenna array, in the future it is possible to install a radar with active-type PAR. On the new Sushki, it is already planned in advance to install sighting and navigation containers on a special suspension.
Such data make it possible to use on the aircraft all means of destruction of the air-to-ground class: adjustable bombs of various calibers, supersonic anti-ship missiles of the Kh-31 class.
MiG-35
Another representative that can be attributed to the fifth generation aircraft is the MiG-35 aircraft.
Russian MiG fighters belong to the 4++ generation aircraft. This designation is intended to show that this aircraft is superior in combat qualities to the fourth generation aircraft. He is also able to successfully fight for airspace with fifth-generation fighters.
That is why the MiG-35, due to the fact that the production of vehicles of this class is relatively cheaper than products of the fifth generation, is a suitable alternative for air defense forces.
What distinguishes the MiG-35?
What can a fighter do?
- intercept air targets;
- enhance air superiority;
- concentration on the battlefield;
- suppress air defense systems;
- air support for ground forces;
- destruction of naval targets.
What is the difference between the MiG-35D and MiG-35 compared to the MiG-29:
- supermaneuverability;
- increased flight range;
- high combat survivability;
- exceptional reliability.
Like all modern Russian fighters, this aircraft may well act as a transitional fighter between generations 4+++ and 5.
- The aircraft is well upgraded from a single-seat version to a two-seat one.
- New powerful engine has an increased resource.
- The ZUK-AE station locator has an active phased antenna. This allows the aircraft to simultaneously conduct up to 30 air targets and attack six of them at once.
- The MiG-35 has optical radar stations.
- Detection and recognition of ground targets such as a tank is carried out at ranges up to 20 km.
- Protection, which allows you to minimize the surprise attack by the enemy, recognizes both aircraft and launched missiles.
- Combat load up to 6 tons. At the same time, the presence of weapon suspension points increased from six to eleven.
Su-47 (S-37) "Berkut"
Russian fighters Su-47 "Berkut" or S-37 are distinguished by:
- increased combat autonomy;
- all-mode application;
- supersonic cruising speed;
- stealth;
- supermaneuverability.
Actually, the aircraft is a prototype of the fifth generation machines. The black color gives the fighter a more formidable and impressive look.
The reverse-swept wing, characteristic of this machine, helps to successfully solve the tasks. Russian military Su-47 fighters have a set of intelligent composite materials that are used for self-adapting structures. The fuselage itself is made of titanium and aluminum alloys and has up to six cargo compartments to accommodate weapons elements. This makes the aircraft even more inconspicuous.
Folding wing panels are almost 90% made of composite materials. This solution allows the aircraft to be used as a carrier-based fighter. The machine is equipped with an integrated remote control system for spin recovery.
The pilot can use the multifunctional consoles to control the aircraft. They have all the necessary controls for the pilot. This helps to pilot the SU-47 without removing the hands from the RSS and throttles.
Yak-141
Due to the fact that it is perfectly used to intercept air targets, it can conduct close combat, carry out assault strikes not only on ground targets, but also on surface ones.
Russian Yak-141 fighters fit the description well. They have an indispensable vertical take-off and landing function. And at the same time, the machines are supersonic and multi-purpose.
Russian fighters (photos of which are presented in the article) are quite capable of intercepting and conducting close combat.
After the first example was built in 1986, this machine for aircraft of its class was the first to break the sound speed barrier. The climb time of the Russian aircraft is much less than that of the similar British model of the Harrier VTOL fighter.
Due to the fact that he does not need standard runways, he takes off quite well without taxiing out on the runway from shelters immediately along the exit taxiway. And this can provide a massive take-off immediately Yak-141. Such characteristics make it possible to use it as a carrier-based aircraft.
The Americans, like the Russian military, are already working on the creation of sixth-generation aircraft. In all respects, these machines should be superior in both maneuverability and stealth. In addition, they can have hypersonic speed (about 5.8 thousand km / h). Piloting can be either remote or carried out directly by the pilot.
Among the important problematic issues that require priority consideration by the scientific community and the adoption of appropriate decisions, first of all, is the rationale for the rational appearance of aviation branches (operational-tactical, long-range, military transport, army). This is especially relevant for the period up to 2025, that is, for the period of the next SAP and beyond.
Detailed scientific analysis should be subjected not only to the generalized quantitative and qualitative characteristics of each individual aviation complex, achievable in the considered perspective, but also possible options shaping the image of each complex, taking into account its place in the system of military construction as a whole, in the implementation of long-term public policy in all its aspects (economics, geopolitics).
Highlight key problematic issues:
- the appearance of a promising light fighter and its place in the front-line aviation (PAK FA);
- the appearance of a promising aviation complex long-range aviation(PAK DA), taking into account the development of the entire fleet of heavy aircraft, including naval aviation;
- the role and place of a promising attack aircraft, taking into account the rapid development of high-speed helicopters and ground fire systems;
- the concept of a promising UAV subsystem and its place in the military aviation system.
Task Analysis
To determine the appearance of a promising light fighter, the most important term is "dimension". The current regulatory and technical documents do not provide for the classification of combat aircraft by weight. However, its absence significantly complicates the conduct of various kinds of research, the organization design work, making important decisions that have a national and even international level. An integrated approach to the justification of a rational fleet of aircraft of various types of aviation required a new approach to the classification of fighter fleet complexes.
A thorough analysis of the tasks of fighter aviation in operations and combat operations in various theaters of operations and the cost indicators of groupings led to the conclusion that it is expedient to divide front-line fighters into light and heavy ones.
With the leading role of the 30th Central Research Institute of the Ministry of Defense, TTTs were justified for each of the selected classes of fighters, in accordance with which the tasks of gaining air supremacy were assigned to the light fighter, mainly by covering the troops and objects of the front, and the heavy one was to provide cover for the Air Force strike groups over enemy territory to the entire depth of operations and the solution of air defense tasks.
With this concept, a light fighter should have been used mainly in conditions of information support from the ground and have an appropriate range of action, and a heavy fighter should have operated outside the field of ground-based information and control systems. In full accordance with the specified conceptual provisions, the requirements for on-board equipment and the composition of weapons were formed. aviation complexes. The numerical composition of each class of fighters in the general grouping of front-line fighters had a ratio of 1:2, that is, about 1/3 of heavy fighters and 2/3 of light ones.
The classification of the fourth-generation fighter fleet adopted in our country had an analogue in the form of American F-15 and F-16 fighters, although the F-16А airborne armament did not initially include medium-range air-to-air guided missiles (UR) and, therefore, did not long-range air combat was ensured, and the maneuvering characteristics of the aircraft did not allow close maneuverable combat. At the same time, the composition of air-to-surface weapons included a very wide range. As a result, the F-16А, according to our classification, was more related to fighter-bombers.
Of the number of fifth-generation foreign fighters, it rightfully belongs to heavy ones at present. The aircraft, which is being developed to replace the F-16, has several modification options and, with great care, can be considered as a light fighter. The foregoing carries a very noticeable semantic load in comparative assessments of various options for aviation systems. So, for example, ours can be compared with its foreign counterpart F-22, and not with the F-35.
About definitions
The lack of a unified approach to the concept of dimension makes it much more difficult to obtain adequate estimates in consumer properties AK in both domestic and foreign markets. The transition to the analysis of the historical aspects of the dimensions of the modern fighter fleet requires consideration of the terms (concepts) "multifunctional aviation complex" (MFAC), "fifth generation AK" and "AK dimension". The Military Encyclopedic Dictionary gives the following definition of MFAK: an aircraft capable of solving several tasks that differ from each other - defeating ground (surface) targets, conducting air combat and air reconnaissance.
As can be seen from the definition, the concept of "MFAK" refers only to aircraft without a pilot (crew). This is very important, because it is difficult to imagine a pilot of even a very high class, capable of equally successfully conducting modern highly maneuverable air combat, and even as part of a tactical group, and at the same time possessing the skills of searching, detecting a target, anti-aircraft maneuvering, aiming and striking at camouflaged targets from the use of aircraft cannons, short-range, medium-range and long-range unguided missiles, aircraft bombs, single bomb clusters.
Unequivocally agreeing with the definition of the MFAC given in the dictionary, we can immediately state the fact that the vast majority of front-line (tactical) fighters developed in the world were created as multifunctional, and the development of highly specialized ones was practically not carried out. The main reasons for this were, on the one hand, a fairly wide generality of requirements for the characteristics of strength, thrust-to-weight ratio, on-board equipment general purpose and the desire to reduce the cost of creating AK of a given class, solving a wide range of tasks, on the other.
So, for example, the on-board equipment of all modern developed or modernized MFAKs incorporates a multifunctional radar and an optoelectronic surveillance and sighting system, which usually includes a television system, a laser rangefinder-target designator and a laser spot direction finder, which ensure the use of AK as for air targets , and on ground (surface) objects.
The armament of the MFAK is close in composition and differs, as a rule, only in the number of aircraft weapons of destruction (ASP) and their total mass. The armament complex usually includes short and medium-range air-to-air missiles, general-purpose air-to-surface missiles, air-to-ship and air-to-radar missiles, as well as aerial bombs, including number and adjustable. It is also common to equip AK with means electronic warfare(EW) and communications.
The term "fifth generation fighter" appeared in the mid-90s and most likely in connection with the deployment of work on a new generation of avionics equipment (avionics) of fighters, including such as the F-22, F-35, PAK FA. Today, a fifth-generation fighter is most often understood as an aircraft that combines the implementation of Stealth technology, supersonic cruising speed and super-maneuverability, as well as an integral structure of modular-type avionics with an open architecture, which involves the integration (fusion) of data from various sensors and is an element of a global information and combat system.
The term "dimension" is commonly understood as the normal take-off weight of the aircraft, that is, the weight at which the requirements of its basic performance characteristics are met. As additional indicators of dimension, the mass of an empty aircraft and the mass of the combat load are often used. In the works of the 30th Central Research Institute of the Ministry of Defense, carried out in the late 60s - early 70s, it was proposed to conditionally divide all combat aircraft according to the normal takeoff weight (G0) into four groups: ultralight (G0 ≤ 10 tons), light (from 10 to 17.5), medium (from 17.5 to 23) and heavy (more than 23).
The indicated approach to the weight classification of combat aircraft of front-line (tactical) aviation by mass is, on the whole, mechanistic in nature. It is based on the consideration of the entire set of aircraft for various purposes (fighters, attack aircraft, attack aircraft, trainers) built in different countries V different time. This, in particular, can explain the wide range of dimension changes in each weight class.
Considering this issue in relation to a specific fighter fleet requires taking into account a number of important additional factors. Among the latter, first of all, is the target orientation of the analysis and taking into account world trends in the development of the combat capabilities of promising MFAKs of one or another weight class.
From these positions, the ultralight class should be excluded from further consideration, since it primarily includes combat AKs created on the basis of training aircraft, and they can hardly be considered promising fighters, even taking into account the fact that they are capable of flying close air the battle. With a reduction in the mass of a fighter less than ten tons, it is impossible to achieve a level of efficiency that allows it to withstand potential opponents in air battles. From the same positions, it is quite acceptable to combine the middle and heavy classes into one heavy class.
In favor of such an association is the absence of fundamental differences among the middle class, which determine their separation into an independent class. So, for example, they practically do not differ in maneuverability, and in terms of flight range and composition of weapons, a heavy fighter, as a rule, surpasses an average one.
The analysis carried out indicates the admissibility of using the following classification, which has been established for the fourth generation when determining the dimensions of promising combat fighters:
- light class– normal takeoff weight up to 18 tons (Mirage-2000, Rafal, F-16C, EE 2000, F-35A, Russian variants);
- heavy class- normal takeoff weight over 18 tons (Tornado, F / A-18C / D, F-35C, F-15, E / I, F-14D, Russian versions of the MiG-31, and).
The proposed distinction takes into account the most important factors in areas of combat use, zones, tasks and conditions. information support and allows us to emphasize the need to consider a two-component fleet of front-line fighters both from the standpoint of the needs of the country and from the standpoint of the place of our combat vehicles in the world market, taking into account the reality of the existence of fifth-generation fighters.
Offers
Let's go back to a reasonable two-component fleet of fighters and a ratio of heavy to light 1:2. Military expediency is determined by the real needs in the fleet (number) of consumers and maintenance costs.
If we confine ourselves to system-wide considerations, then it is unlikely that anyone will object to the assertion that the total fleet of front-line fighters of our country should be about 1000 aircraft(with the normal development of the situation in the world and the state of the country's economy). At the same time, about three hundred aircraft will be assigned to each of the three strategic directions. It seems that this is a very acceptable figure for approximate calculations. And if we take into account that the length of our borders is over 60 thousand km, then 60 fighters per thousand kilometers is a very modest figure.
A thousand fighters in the Russian Air Force can be considered the minimum necessary (expedient) also for reasons of internal needs. This refers to the maintenance of trained flight and technical personnel, maintenance educational institutions, ensuring the continuous flow of personnel to combat units, maintaining the entire infrastructure of combat training and comprehensive support.
Of considerable interest is the analysis of the results of a comparative evaluation of the effectiveness various types fighters foreign production when they decide one of critical tasks- destruction of the air defense system of a potential enemy. Estimates were obtained by IABG (Germany) and DRA (Great Britain) based on simulation modeling, air combat effectiveness assessments were carried out by the RAND Corporation (USA). The main (complex) indicator of effectiveness was the cost of the aircraft fleet capable of solving the task, which is the product of the cost of the basic version of the considered carriers and their combat equipment without the cost of logistics, training of flight personnel, and the required number of aircraft to destroy the enemy's air defense system.
The results obtained quite convincingly confirm the fact that a light fighter of the "Rafale" type, "Eurofighter", which has a high combat effectiveness, can rightfully take its rightful place in any grouping.
From the standpoint of military expediency, the rational ratio of light and heavy fighters is unlikely to change significantly in comparison with the figures relating to the fourth generation, and if they are possible, then only in the direction of light ones. Two points support this hypothesis.:
- first- based on the provisions of our Military Doctrine, it does not follow the need to escort large masses of bomber aircraft to a depth of up to 2000 km in conditions of powerful enemy air defense. We are not going to fight at the same time with the whole world;
- second- air cover for troops from an air enemy in the border areas with the help of long-range fighters from the depths of their territory has never been and will not be rational both in terms of flight time and fuel consumption, and in terms of organizing combat operations and control active forces aviation.
One of the most complex and responsible tasks in the field of air defense - the interaction of ground and air forces - must be carried out in each specific direction by a clearly oriented composition of forces. At present, even the thinned network of airfields in our country makes it possible to successfully solve the problem of basing the required number of light fighters on the main directions. Where this problem is acute (Arctic regions), heavy fighters should really play the leading role - today it is the MiG-31, in the future - the PAK FA.
From the standpoint of the economy (reducing the cost of creating and maintaining a fleet of light and heavy fighters), the arguments are again only in favor of a light one. Estimates of the cost of one kilogram of modern Su-27 and MiG-29 fighters are known - from 3.5 to 4.5 thousand dollars, F-22 - 10 thousand US dollars. It seems that our PAK FA has no less these figures, therefore, for simplicity of reasoning, we will take as a basis 10 thousand dollars per kilogram of the mass of an equipped fighter aircraft with full range weapons.
Then we get very simple, but very convincing indicators. The cost of purchasing a fleet of a thousand heavy fighters, with an average weight of 25–30 tons, will average $275 billion, for light ones with an average weight of 17–18 tons, an average of $175 billion, and a mixed fleet in a ratio of 1:2 will cost $210 billion. Thus, the savings on the purchase alone is $65 billion, or 30%. Considering the fact that one hour of flight by a heavy fighter today costs one and a half times more than a light fighter, and the average flight time of a second-class pilot cannot be less than 130-150 hours per year, it is quite understandable that the cost of an annual operation of an AK is also proportional to the weight of the aircraft. Savings through the operation of a mixed fleet for life cycle AK (30 years old) - 25 ... 30%. In absolute terms, this is a very impressive amount.
In terms of their combat capabilities, the classes of fighters under consideration differ less and less. This is largely facilitated by the rapid pace of miniaturization of electronic equipment, both aircraft and weapons. At the same time, the task of achieving such indicators characterizing a promising fighter as super-maneuverability, supersonic cruising speed and low visibility, is solved with a light fighter at a lower cost than with a heavy one. Suffice it to recall here the problem of the engine.
Analysis of the feasibility of creating a light fighter for foreign market also associated primarily with the cost of AKs. The vast majority of buyers from relatively small countries (both in terms of territory and economy) are already striving to purchase, first of all, light-class AKs. In the short term, this trend will only intensify. These countries include both our partners in the CIS and other traditional buyers. This is explained by the cost of purchase and operation, as well as military expediency.
It is from these positions that our MiGs have become so widespread, and it is from these positions that the main manufacturers of aviation equipment (USA, China, Brazil, South Korea, Turkey) within the framework of the fifth generation programs, light-class AKs are being intensively developed today.
Today, the proportion of fighters of the two classes in terms of numbers and development costs is 2:1, that is, two heavy ones for one light one. The skew in the development of our fighter aircraft is obvious. The main reason is the obvious disregard scientific approach to the formation of important conceptual aspects of the justification of weapons systems of any type (kind). The period of rapid growth in the number of different kinds of precocious concepts with the simultaneous elimination of the leading role of research organizations of the Moscow Region and the defense industry has ended.
It would be right to recall the achievements of domestic military science during the formation of the fourth generation of aviation systems, when decisions on the quantitative and qualitative composition fleet of front-line fighters were not only rational, but also unique. Rationality, in particular, consisted in justifying a fleet capable of solving the entire scope of tasks assigned to front-line fighter aircraft, with minimal costs for its creation and maintenance, and uniqueness in fixing two schools of creating effective world-class aviation technology on a competitive basis.
As a result, today there is hardly a single state in the world that is unfamiliar with our brands - Su and MiG. In fairness, it should be noted that, as a rule, states with a relatively small territory and limited economic opportunities are more familiar with the MiG brand. And this is quite understandable from the standpoint of the expediency of spending on ensuring the country's security, taking into account geopolitical and economic factors.
This understanding gave us an invaluable opportunity to be present in dozens of countries around the world. As a rule, larger states are familiar with the Su brand. It makes no sense to compare the importance or value of these world brands, because both of them are our national treasure and should be treasured.
/Gennady Gorchitsa, RARAN Vice President,
doctor of military sciences, professor, vpk-news.ru/
For almost half a year in the news news agencies world, two letters were registered on a long-term basis - Su, supplemented by two numbers: 24, 25, 34 or 35. In connection with this, the Sukhoi Design Bureau is now on everyone's lips. At the same time, it seems that the Mikoyan Design Bureau, now called the Russian Aircraft Corporation (RSK) MiG, has not just gone into the shadows, but has ceased to exist.
These are the consequences competition between two famous design bureaus, when success is determined not only by the quality of products, but also by administrative struggles and information campaigns. In the last two positions, PJSC Sukhoi Company acted much more successfully.
Regarding the bureaucratic and informational situation, MiG adherents are throwing thunder and lightning at aviation forums and in specialized publications. In these statements there is an attempt to analyze the processes that have taken place in the industry over the past decade, and an involuntary desire to pass off wishful thinking, and poorly concealed resentment, which is quite natural. In general, objectivity with subjectivity in one vial.
One thing can be said for sure: as a result of the clash of interests between the two companies, the class of light fighters traditionally dealt with by RSK MiG was greatly affected.
At the same time, one could remember how ugly Artem Ivanovich Mikoyan managed in 1939 with the "king of fighters" Nikolai Nikolaevich Polikarpov, taking away his design bureau along with engineers and developments. And one could say that this case came back to haunt three-quarters of a century later.
However, we will not discuss this sensitive topic in order not to add fuel to the fire. It is much more interesting and more correct to find out what new MiG offers the Russian Armed Forces, as well as what foreigners buy from it.
Scramble for the deck
The MiG-29K is a completely new aircraft, despite the fact that the prefix "29" appeared in the name of production aircraft in the early 80s. This carrier-based fighter has a long and difficult story. Having made its first flight in 1988, it, like other OKB products in the 90s, was on the verge of life and death due to lack of funding. At the end of the decade, the industry began to revive, and the designers upgraded the car, equipping it with new avionics and strengthening the armament. Flight tests were completed in 2006.
However, they were in no hurry to adopt the aircraft-carrying cruiser "Admiral Kuznetsov", forced by heavy Su-33 fighters, MiG-29K. The aircraft was subjected to another modification, as a result of which the avionics were significantly strengthened. And the car began to belong to the 4+ generation. It was put into service in 2013. By this time, another carrier-based fighter arrived in time - a two-seat combat training MiG-29KUB.
I must say that the Navy is in no hurry to replace not only the carrier-based Su-33s on the cruiser, which are older than the MiGs and belong to the fourth generation, but frankly weaker Su-25UTGs, which lack weapons. At the same time, India is eagerly buying MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB for its aircraft carrier Vikramaditya (formerly Admiral Gorshkov) and the new aircraft carrier under construction. The situation is paradoxical: the Russian Navy operates 24 MiGs (24 ordered), the Indian Navy - 28 (30 ordered).
Yes, the Su-33, being a heavy fighter, has an advantage in striking power over any light fighter. However, it is not only one and a half times heavier than the MiG-29K, but also larger. And on the deck of "Admiral Kuznetsov" there are one and a half times less Sukhov machines than Migov ones. Accordingly, the total strike power, that is, the combat missile and bomb load, is equal.
True, Sukhoi's apologists claim that it is easier for heavy fighters to sink an enemy aircraft carrier. But here in air battles, as aircraft air defense, the lighter, more maneuverable and numerous MiG-29K and MiG-29Kub have an advantage.
At the same time, the economic factor should also be taken into account - the MiG-29K is half the price of the Su-33, and an hour of its operation costs 2.5 times less.
During the modernization of the aircraft, stealth technologies were partially used. The result was impressive. When tested by the Indians of the MiG-29K, it was found that their visibility decreased by 4-5 times compared to the MiG-29, whose RCS is 5 sq.m. This is a major achievement.
MiGs have more advanced avionics. First of all, it includes the Zhuk-ME slot-array radar, which belongs to the 4+ generation. The Su-33 is equipped with a much more modest RLPK-27 (N001) in terms of capabilities, which was put into service in 1985. It was the first development of NIIP them. Tikhomirov.
Also, modern navigation and sighting equipment has been installed, capable of servicing both existing missile weapons and those under development. The work of all systems is coordinated by the on-board computer.
LTH MiG-29K and Su-33
Length: 17.4 m - 21.18 m
Height: 5.2 m - 5.72 m
Wingspan: 11.99 m - 14.7 m
Wing area: 42 sq.m. – 67.8 sq.m.
Empty weight: 12700 kg - 19600 kg
Maximum takeoff weight: 22400 kg - 33000 kg
Engine thrust: 2×5500 kgf - 2×7670 kgf
Afterburner thrust: 2 × 8800 kgf - 2 × 12500 kgf
Max speed near the ground: 1400 km / h - 1300 km / h
Maximum speed at altitude: 2300 km/h - 2300 km/h
Combat radius without PTB: 850 km - 1000 km
Combat radius with 3 PTBs: 1300 km - No PTBs
Practical ceiling: 17500 m - 17000 m
Rate of climb: 300 m/s - n/a
Takeoff run: 110 m - 105 m
Run length: 90 m - 90 m
Number of suspension points: 8 - 10
Cannon armament: 30 mm cannon, 150 rounds - 30 mm cannon, 150 rounds.
It's all about the quality/price ratio
The MiG-35 light fighter is an excellent aircraft. But it has a significant drawback - it was not accepted into service and was not launched into mass production. In this connection, this car, in which India and Egypt showed great interest, recently lost two tenders to the French Rafael. Both countries even went to great expense when buying a fighter, just to have a titmouse in their hand, and not a crane in the sky.
Although the plane was supposed to start entering the troops literally in the near future. The same term was called at least a year ago. The delay has two reasons. Firstly, everyone is waiting for when, finally, the radar with AFAR for the MiG-35 will be put into service. True, the Migovites say that it is possible to make five fighters with a simpler radar, and then a new one will arrive in time.
Secondly, lobbyists from the Sukhoi Design Bureau are introducing into the Defense Ministry the idea that instead of the light MiG-35 fighter, the outdated MiG-29 can be replaced by heavy Sukhoi fighters. The idea is strange, because in order to, say, bomb a couple of armored personnel carriers, using the Tu-160 is rather ridiculous and too expensive. But the Su-35 is also an expensive machine compared to the MiG, and an hour of flight costs much more.
According to the global concept, the share of light fighters in front-line aviation should be approximately two-thirds of the total number of aircraft. This formula is based on a number of factors. Including economic ones. The production and operation of light fighters is much cheaper. In the Russian Air Force, the picture is reversed - light MiG-29s make up one third of the aircraft fleet. In the current situation, it would be nice to start counting money. Which does not mean a decrease in combat readiness.
The MiG-35 belongs to the 4++ generation. A number of its characteristics fully correspond to the aircraft of the 5th generation. First of all, this is super-maneuverability due to the aerodynamics of the airframe and the all-perspective variable thrust vector. Here, not a single light fighter in the world can compare with the Mig development.
The engine, although it does not quite reach supersonic speed in afterburner mode, but has electronic system control, which the Su-35 does not have. Also, the engine has a much longer resource than the MiG-29 engine.
The Zhuk-AE airborne radar is built on an active phased antenna array. The Su-35 has a passive grille.
The weapon control system also uses two optical-location stations with a television and thermal imaging channel and a laser rangefinder and target designator. The Su-35 has only one such station, operating in the forward hemisphere. The MiG-35 has the ability to view in the lower hemisphere, which increases the effectiveness of the fighter's destruction of ground targets.
The helmet-mounted target designation, indication and aiming system facilitates the pilot's work.
The main advantages of the aircraft are the use of the most modern avionics in it. In addition to the above systems, here we should mention the means of electronic warfare.
Due to the use of large volumes of composite materials, the visibility of the aircraft is reduced and the airframe is lightened.
When assessing the export prospects of an aircraft, its cost plays an important role. So, the price of the French "Raphael", depending on the modification, can reach 125 million dollars. For 15 years, only 140 aircraft were produced.
The American F-16 Fighting Falcon is much more modest in its capabilities. But it can be said that they have flooded the whole world - more than 4600 have been built (albeit in 35 years). Such success is caused not only by the popularity of the Lockheed Martin brand, but also by the cheapness of the aircraft, which is sold at a price of 40 to 50 million dollars. The MiG-35 costs approximately $45 million.
Flight characteristics of the MiG-35, F-16 and Dassault Rafale
Length: 17.30 m - 15.03 m - 15.27 m
Wingspan: 12.0 m - 10.0 m - 10.8 m
Wing area: 38.0 sq.m. – 27.9 sq.m. – 45.7 sq.m.
Empty weight: 11000 kg - 10000 kg - 9500 kg
Maximum takeoff weight: 23500 kg - 21800 kg - 24500 kg
Fuel weight: 4800 kg - 3300 kg - 4700 kg
Number of suspension units: 10 - 11 - 14
Engine thrust: 2×53 kN - 1×84 kN - 2×50 kN
Afterburner thrust: 2×88 kN - 1×144 kN - 2×75 kN
Maximum speed: 2.25M - 2.0M - 1.8M
Combat radius: 1000 km - 550 km - 1800 km
Practical ceiling: 17500 m - 18000 m - 17000 m
Rate of climb: 330 m/s - 250 m/s - 305 m/s
Thrust vector control: yes - no - no
Radar with AFAR: yes - yes - yes
Russia will create a new light fighter December 12th, 2013
It was this good news that pleased us with lenta.ru on December 11th. What is this, another stupidity, or a thoughtful decision? Let me share my uncompromising thoughts on this.
The development of light fighters of the 5th generation did not begin yesterday. The Americans advanced the furthest along this path by developing the F-35A conventional take-off and landing fighter, the F-35B short take-off vertical landing fighter, and the F-35C carrier-based ejection takeoff fighter F-35C under the JSF (Joint Strike Fighter) program. For several years, serial production of F-35 fighters of all modifications has been carried out, thousands of flights have been completed as part of flight tests. You can bring a certain one. The result is that we got far from what we planned. As part of the JSF program, they planned to get cheap mass combat aircraft for three types of US Armed Forces (Air Force, Navy, ILC) and the Air Force of the closest allies. Planned that the average production costs for one copy of the aircraft will be $ 28-$ 38 million (depending on modification) in the prices of 1994 financial year. They received aircraft that cost more in small-scale production than the F-22A fighter, the production program of which was closed due to the high cost. Thus, from an economic point of view, the JSF program failed miserably. However, a combat aircraft is created primarily for combat. Well, a number of technical solutions chosen at the early stages of design, primarily the choice of a single-engine layout with sufficiently capacious internal weapons bays, led to the “bloat” of the midsection of all three aircraft options and the actual rejection of the “area rule”, which even with an engine unprecedented for a fighter power led to more than mediocre speed and acceleration characteristics, close to those for jet fighter-bombers of the 2nd generation, for example, the F-105. The "successes" of the Americans on the path of developing 5th generation light fighters turned out to be such that no one is following the American "trace". In the world today, several programs for the development of 5th generation light fighters are being funded. Within the framework of these programs, either twin-engine fighters or single-engine fighters are being developed, but without capacious internal weapons bays.
Single-engine version of the Korean KF-X:
Which way to go?
I will not touch on the question now - is there a need for a 5th generation light fighter for the Russian Air Force, or is a combination of the T-50 (PAK FA) and the "long-range" multifunctional fighter of the 4 ++ generation Su-35S better suited for our gigantic expanses and a poor airfield network, but it is clear that there is a demand for a 5th generation light fighter on the world market. At the same time, the Americans showed well in which direction it is not worth moving. All other programs for the development of light 5th generation fighters have not progressed so far that it would be possible to draw final conclusions, but it can already be argued that China will successfully complete the development of its intended "exclusively for export" twin-engine J-31
Chinese J-31 in flight:
The performance characteristics of the J-31 will surpass the performance characteristics of the F-35 (if only for the reason that the Chinese did not refuse to comply with the "area rule"), and it will be very difficult for our 5th generation twin-engine light fighter to compete in the world market with the Chinese J-31 in terms of price. Tough competition with China in the global fighter market can be avoided if we concentrate on the development of a "flu-like" 5th generation fighter (apparently, the single-engine KF-X can also be attributed to the class of those).
It has long been noted that with each new generation, fighters are getting heavier. The maximum takeoff weight of the "light" F-35FA is 31800 kg. The maximum takeoff weight of a light Chinese J-31 is estimated at 25,000 kg. The maximum takeoff weight of the "flu-like" light fighter of the 5th generation can be estimated at 16000-18000 kg. In this weight, you can get a single-engine vehicle with fairly high performance characteristics (for example, maintaining supersonic cruising speed) without even abandoning the internal weapons bays, but reducing them to a size that allows only the placement of four medium-range URVVs, or four small-caliber UABs of the SBD type. I even remember the concept of such a fighter. Here he is:
Thank you for your attention.
