Eh. To be honest MMRCA stopped being so interesting to me long ago, but in my opinion, either invest more in Su-30MKI modernization and airframes over the next decade, and not even bother with yet another fighter line and all the associated problems, or fill in that “gap” with domestic aircraft. Yes that means an likely inferior aircraft entering service probably later than an “off the shelf” foreign product, but it could potentially mean a huge boost for indigenous mil aviation capabilities. And Yes, I am talking about Tejas. The purpose is to replace MiG-21s after all, the Tejas to me looks like something that actually has a niche, being small and one engined. Not a Su-30MKI lite that creates yet another foreign supply chain that needs care.
Cheers,
TR1
They could all be selected because of merit one way or another. In the end the decision will be political.
The whole competition is senseless at this point IMO.
Also medium fighters need not necessarily be short-legged. The Rafale, for instance, has a larger combat radius than the MKI.
I am assuming thats with those huge external jugs? The Su-34 has been seen with external tanks, could probably be fitted to Su-30 with ease if the IAF wishes so, and would give them a combat radius superior to the Rafale.
Yeah, the constant propulsion problems make the Udaloys much more attractive to keep around. Though the Sovs will stick around until 2015 at the very least, 2020 would be possible with a little help from the gov :(. Some of those inactive ships are in abysmal state, but few of them are stuck at pier due to simple lack of money for engine replacement.
That article is Strategy Page worthy. Very little substance, just amateurish claims.
A eurofighter is definitively able to provide the needed air superiority platform to protect US airspace. Eurofighter has apparently demonstrated in trainings that it can wipe the floor with su-27, just to name one.
Dubious claims to say the least.
There is plenty of mil interest in ANSAT, after all it has been selected/being delivered as the primary light training helo. One can expect civilian numbers to be bought to replace Mi-2s, all in all should be a rather well produced little helicopter.
Mi-8 is indeed the worst enemy of the Mi-38. This one apparently has the PW engines taken from the first airframe, which is being refitted with TV7. I guess the 3rd airframe will get identical TV7s.
Issue was from the first quarter of 2010.
Cheers,
TR1
I am not so optimistic. I used Navsource along with Balancer’s forum (the very best place for Russian Navy info, phenomenal source) to compile this general picture:
Sovremmeny (Project 956):
Boyevoi: In reserve/needs repairs/return to service extremely unlikely
Burny: Inactive/Undergoing repairs?/soon to decommission?
Bystry: Active
Bezboyazenny: Inactive/Undergoing repairs?
Gremyshyi: Active?/In reserve?
Bespokoiny: Active?/In reserve?
Nastoychivi: Active
Admiral Ushakov: Active
Rastoropny: In reserve/Overhaul?
TR1, thanks for the effort.
I remember the “different radome” on some MiG-35 prototype, and the speculation that it was lengthened but others disagreed and said it was the same as before. Are you referring to that? What’d be really interesting is if there is some text source mentioning it has the 1064 TRM radar.
No problem Teer.
I was indeed referring to that speculation, was also interested in a more “official” confirmation, something to think about:
http://www.aex.ru/imgupl/Aviaindustria_02-10_fin_low.pdf
“ОАО «РСК «МиГ» и ОАО «Корпорация «Фазотрон-НИИР» ви-
дят перспективы дальнейшего совершенствования радиолока-
ционной станции «Жук-МА» в увеличении диаметра антенны до
688 мм с ростом числа приемо-передающих модулей (ППМ) бо-
лее чем в полтора раза, до 1064 единиц. Это позволит улучшить
практически все характеристики БРЛС, включая дальность об-
наружения воздушных целей (которая должна возрасти до 200
и более километров), а также число одновременно сопровожда-
емых и атакуемых целей. При этом возможна реализация компо-
новки с наклоном антенного полотна на 20 градусов. По мнению
разработчиков, это повысит возможности радара по обнаруже-
нию воздушных целей в верхней полусфере.
Незадолго до сдачи в печать этого номера «Авиаиндустрии» ста-
ло известно, что антенна с большим полотном создана и установ-
лена на самолет, который в таком виде предъявлен на испытания.”
“Just before the publication of this issue of “Aviaindustry” it became known that the large antenna has been created and installed on a plane, which is going to take part in the testing”.
I assume the testing refers to India. They mention that range will increase to at least 200 km, and that the antenna will be at a 20 degree angle.
Cheers,
TR1
It has been spotted (“speculated” really) on relatively recent photos of MiG-29K/KUB/35 trials.
I have to go to work right now, when I get back I’ll scrape together the available information that I have.
Cheers,
TR1
my my, aren’t the politicians sneaking around again 🙂
How about staying on track here.
What are the latest on the Mig-29K’s deliveries(i’m interested in Sokol output rate) and how are the Zhuk Aesa radar limping along?
Seems to be doing better than limping, the larger sized (1064? element) Zhuk-A is flying.
Second Mi-38 has flown:
http://s015.radikal.ru/i333/1010/3b/f3032b5814f9.jpg
While we are on the 9m96 for smaller (
Thanks for info Trident.
More photos of the Soobrazitelny:
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/1138/92424697.jpg
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/1016/112jc.jpg