VympelZalson-AM
Upgraded Aircraft Radar Being Created for MiG-31 Fighter
The upgraded “Zaslon-AM” aircraft radar (BRLS) is being created at the Tikhomirov Scientific Research Institute of Instrument Building, the general director of the Tikhomirov NIIP, Yuriy Belyy, reported to Interfax-AVN on Wednesday.
“The Tikhomirov NIIP has an assignment in accordance with the state defense order line item to upgrade the ‘Zaslon’ BRLS for MiG-31 fighters. The upgraded BRLS has received the designation ‘Zaslon-AM’,” Yu. Belyy reported.
According to him, the Tikhomirov NIIP has 30 years of experience in the creation and development of radars with electronic scanning (the “Zaslon”) for fighter interceptors of the MiG-31 type.
Yu. Belyy reported that the Tikhomirov NIIP plans to begin bench tests in the near future of the upgraded BRLS.
“An agreement has been concluded with the St. Peterburg Leninets Holding Company for the development at this enterprise of a special bench for the overhaul and upgrade of the BRLS,” the NIIP general director declared.
He noted that the upgrade of the “Zaslon-A” radar includes, in particular, the replacement of the digital processing components ((VYCHISLITEL’NYE SREDSTVA)). “The program for the creation of the ‘Zaslon-AM’ BRLS is at the experimental design work stage,” the agency source reported.
In the opinion of experts, in the upgrade of the “Zaslon” BRLS with electronic beam scanning, the aging A-15A central processor is exchanged for the more modern “Baget-55” which allows the introduction of several new mode of operation for the “Zaslon-AM” BRLS for the upgraded MiG-31BM fighters while keeping the B1.01M antenna.
The “Zaslon” BRLS technologies have served as a base for the creation of the N-011M “Bars” BRLS for Indian air force fighters of the Su-30MKI type. At the same time, the “Bars” radar antenna’s weight is 100 kilograms versus the weight of the B1.01M antenna on the MiG-31 of 250 kilograms.
Source: 10.09.03, Interfax-AVN
snipped from an interview with Mikhaylov posted on the Su-27SM thread:
– Is upgrade of the fourth generation aviation complexes – the MiG-29 and MiG-31 – planned?
– There already is a variant undergoing tests – the MiG-29SMT. And the MiG-31 upgrade variant is the MiG-31BM. Generally, the MiG-31 is a unique aircraft, analogues of which there are none in the world. But of course, time is passing and the upgrade of this aircraft with the maintenance of all its performance characteristics will allow increasing the combat power in the air defense plan and the ability to destroy a large quantity of targets. Next year we plan to finish the tests and adopt the new MiG-31BM into the inventory for anti-air defense. The MiG-29 is also a fine aircraft, but we are late with its upgrade. We hope to receive the MiG-29SMT as early as next year.
VympelWhat’s this?
Climbing
On the even of Air Force Day, Russia’s air force commander-in-chief, General-Colonel Vladimir Mikhaylov met with journalists. Military aviation today is on the rise – here is most of a conversation that took place
((EXTRACT))
– Vladimir Sergeevich, what kind of Russian air force equipment will be at the international aerospace salon 2003?
– The Russian air force exposition will be the largest in the last 10 years, new upgraded equipment which is reaching the inventory will make up its basis. The spectators will see the new tactical aviation airplanes: The Su-32FM ((sic)) which has passed preliminary tests, has received high marks and is ready for series production as early as this year. We will demonstrate a series of the Sukhoy firm’s aircraft which have been upgraded and are reaching the line: the Su-24, Su-25 and Su-27. The new, unique Il-76MF transport airplane will be presented, which exceeds everything in its class and will come into the inventory until 2010.
We will show the combat-training Yak-130 for the first time. Its state tests are ending next year, and from 2005, these aircraft will enter the air force.
And of course, all the rotary winged aircraft will be presented which will come into the inventory in the coming years: the “Ansat” training helicopter and the lightweight Ka-60 transport, which has many modifications: ambulance, reconnaissance, fire-fighting and liaison. We also will present new aircraft which will be delivered to the armed forces until 2010. There also will be the modified all-weather night Mi-8MTKO and Mi-24PN helicopters. And, of course, the upgraded Mi-26 heavy transport helicopter.
For the first time, we will show the new Yak-54 airplane, which will enter the air force this year. We have upgraded the partly forgotten Yak-52: we have provided it with a fine canopy, and have installed new equipment.
– Will new airplanes and strategic cruise missiles reach the inventory of long-range aviation?
– We already have new long range missiles with a rather powerful payload ((ZARYAD)) in the inventory. The long-range aviation airplanes have an upgraded weapons system.
There is no acute need to send new types of airplanes to long-range aviation. The Americans have been flying for more than 50 years on their strategic airplanes, while not considering the aircraft as old. Our oldest Tu-160 is of 1986 vintage. And the new are of 19997 vintage. Even this year we are receiving one airplane from the Kazan’ plant. True, when these airplanes were created, there still wasn’t enough suitable electronic stuffing. Now we are replacing it in two aircraft at once – the Tu-95 and the Tu-160. In particular, attention has been concentrated on this too, while carrying out the upgrade at the aviation enterprises. At the same time, out of necessity, after some years, we will start to build the Tu-160 with a new fuselage and electronic equipment of the fifth or sixth upgrade series. These aircraft won’t be leaving the scene in 15 – 20 years has it was earlier: they will meet all the requirements of time that arise.
– By what was the need to transfer army aviation into the air force conditioned?
– The state of affairs in army aviation. We think that it will be better to work under the air force flag, and to resolve combat tasks more effectively. We already have upgraded the serviceability coefficient of the equipment and resolved a number of problematic issues. We will not waste money on the development of redundant examples of armament when what there is is enough. Simply, they have to be upgraded actively and urgently. ((SNIP))
– What development is the air force counting on in the next 5 years?– We, as I already have been stressing, have emphasized upgrade. And we are working on the fifth generation airplane. I think we have to get away from a large quantity of airplane and helicopter types – this is extravagant.
– Is upgrade of the fourth generation aviation complexes – the MiG-29 and MiG-31 – planned?
– There already is a variant undergoing tests – the MiG-29SMT. And the MiG-31 upgrade variant is the MiG-31BM. Generally, the MiG-31 is a unique aircraft, analogues of which there are none in the world. But of course, time is passing and the upgrade of this aircraft with the maintenance of all its performance characteristics will allow increasing the combat power in the air defense plan and the ability to destroy a large quantity of targets. Next year we plan to finish the tests and adopt the new MiG-31BM into the inventory for anti-air defense. The MiG-29 is also a fine aircraft, but we are late with its upgrade. We hope to receive the MiG-29SMT as early as next year.
– There exists the opinion that airmen today don’t have enough flying time. Are there plans to improve the flight readiness system?
– Yes, flying time is insufficient. Ideally, an airman should fly not less than 100 hours a year. As it happens, they get on average nearly 40 hours. Experienced pilots fly 35 hours over three months, and I maintain them in reserve, because in a week I can reinstate them at any level if the need for it arises. We are trying to increase the flying time for the very young airmen to 60 – 80 hours a year, and somewhat more in transport aviation. That is, today we are training the young flying personnel more intensively. By the way, flying time is increasing every year for us. For example, if last year on average airmen flew nearly 31 hours, then this it already has been 39.
((Rest snipped.))
Source: 12.08.03, Krasnaya Zvezda
VympelThis is from December 2003 (how’d I miss this one?)
Upgrade of Air Force Airplane Fleet Proceeding within Framework Concept Developed
Upgrade of Russia’s airplane fleet is being realized within the framework of the concept developed, the chief of aviation and deputy Russian Federation air force commander-in-chief, General-Lieutenant Aleksandr Zelin, reported to journalists on Friday.
“We are operating with the framework of this concept, with the framework of the State arms program and of the state defense order,” Zelin said.
According to him, at the present time the Russian Federation air force is upgrading Su-25 and Su-25 airplane which already have improved combat characteristics. The general added also that with the upgrade of the Su-27SM airplane, the experience of the usage of the Su-30 family of airplane was considered which were delivered by Russia to India and China and are in the inventory of these countries.
Moreover, according to Zelin, at the present time the MiG-29SMT is undergoing a major upgrade.
The deputy commander-in-chief explained that owing to such an upgrade, the Russian Federation air force is transitioning to the use of multirole aircraft and expanding the spectrum of missions which right now fighter and bomber aircraft resolve.
In particular, Zelin explained that fighter aircraft, along with the resolution of combat missions in the air, are receiving the capability to operate effectively against ground targets.
Speaking of the long-range MiG-31BM fighter that is being upgraded, the deputy CinC noted that this aircraft is a “unique airplane,” which has no analogues in the world. “Therefore, foreign customers are asking about this airplane too, but, so far as I know, these airplanes will not be sold on the export market,” Zelin said.
According to him, this airplane is a “unique platform” for subsequent upgrade which will permit effectively increasing the capabilities of long-range interception in the country’s air defense system.
Source: 26.12.03, RIA Novosti
VympelIndeed, you don’t hear much about MiG-31 operations nowadays. The last I heard was an interception of a USN P-3 Orion by a MiG-31.
This is from March 2003:
MiG-31 Interceptor to Remain in Air Force Combat Ranks – Air Force CinC
Commander-in-chief of the Russian air force, General-Colonel Vladimir Mikhaylov has reported that the MiG-31 long-range interceptor will remain in air force combat ranks, will be upgraded and will be rearmed.
“The MiG-31 interceptor will remain in the ranks of the active elements,” he declared on Friday to Interfax-AVN.
V. Mikhaylov reported that “at the present time upgrade of the MiG-31 is underway along the way of expanding its combat capabilities.” “The interceptor will be equipped with the newest examples of missile armament,” the CinC noted.
He reported that “excess MiG-31 interceptors will be preserved so that they never end up being broken up for metal. These airplanes will be our mobilization reserve. In the event of need, we can inspect them instantly, evaluate the technical condition that has to be restored and send them into combat,” the air force CinC said.
The MiG-31 airplane reached the inventory in May 1981. In all more than 400 MiG-31 and MiG-31B airplanes were built at the Sokol aviation plant.
The normal takeoff weight of the twin-place (airman and operator) MiG-31 is 41 tonnes, the maximum is 46.2 tonnes. The airplane is equipped with two D-30F6 engines with a thrust each of 15.5 tonnes. The maximum flight speed is 3,000 kilometers per hour. Flight range without refueling is 3,300 kilometers.
The MiG-31 has the unique “Zaslon” ((screen)) radar with a phased array antenna which allows simultaneous tracking and attacking at the same time of several airborne targets. The 6-barrel GSh6-23 23-milimeter caliber aircraft cannon is in the interceptor’s arsenal. Long-range R-33 missiles (4) are the MiG-31’s primary weapons. Besides that, it can carry up to four short-range R-60 and medium-range R-40T missiles.
The main differences of the upgraded MiG-31B from the series-built interceptor consists of the use of the improved “Zaslon-A” weapons control system, and a new modified primary missile of increased range. This airplane can be used also as a flying command point, to transmit information about targets to the ground or other airplanes. A group of four airplanes is capable of defending the air space at the front up to 1,000 km.
In the opinion of experts, the MiG-31 fighter-interceptor, which has received the name “Foxhound” (“Gonchaya”) in the West, is the most powerful airplane in its class, having no counterparts in armament and maximum flight speed.
Source: 07.03.03, Interfax-AVN
VympelOriginally posted by google
Is Pero a Phased array radar or an optical feed distribution system?
“The system comprises an X band phased array with optical supply of reflective type and an L band phased array of passing type. Pero antennas are designed both for updating the radars of existing aircraft fleet and for its application in newly-developed systems.”
According to the ever-so-useful “Russian Avionics” page.
VympelOriginally posted by zheng1980
[B]A-5s are good at what it does the best, and its close air support.
Reminds me of an Su-17M or A-7.
VympelNot to mention the traditional cooperation between NIIP and Sukhoi; NIIR-Phazotron usually works with MiG (with the exception of the MiG-31, the Zalson is also an NIIP job). The Pero is also offered for the MiG-29’s N019 radar.
I still would like to see the MiG-29SMT happen; but it looks like it’ll see service with other countries, not the VVS.
VympelI thought RVV-AE was the program designation. It’s also a blatant AMRAAM ripoff, in a way.
I posted about this over a month ago (the Su-27SMs were delivered in December after all), but the IDR article is nice and detailed, thanks for that.
Now, to collate all information:
– Glass cockpit (2x 7×5-in. MFDs and 1x 4×5-in. MFD)
– Modernized HUD (SILS-27M)
– N001V radar, 135-150km long range search, engage 2 targets at a time (how many can it track?), new air-to-air and air-to-ground modes.
– R-77 & R-77M compatibility
– Kh-29T, Kh-59M, KAB-500Kr and KAB-1500Kr, Kh-29L, Kh-31A, Kh-31P
– OEPS-27 IRST replaced by OEPS-30-I IRST
– L157 Khibiny EW system (information?)
– Air to air functions handled by SUV-V (modified version of Su-27 SUV-27) tactical computer
– Air to ground functions handled by seperate SUV-P computer (modification of SUV-30 found on Su-30MKK). SUV-P allows use of Kh-31P in SEAD missions and Kh-31A in maritime strike
– airframe strengthened for MTOW increase from 28,300kg to 30,450kg
– Modernized engine adaptation (AL-31V, 137kN with afterburner being worked on)
Second stage upgrade
– Passive phased array radar (either ‘Pero’ antenna or whole new system)
– Electro-optic targeting pod (definitely SAPSAN)
– Installation of AL-31V engines?
I think the Su-27UBs need to be upgraded to a similar standard. It would be really damn easy.
VympelNah, it’s the BUFF factor. (Big Ugly Fat F…er)
VympelThey’re not Paveways- look nothing like it.
VympelThe Su-27SM & MiG-29S can use R-77.
The R-77M is the improved model, but it’s not ramjet- it just has an improved seeker, motor, (probably a better warhead) and lofted flight profile.
The RVV-AE-PD (or R-77M-PD?) is the ramjet model.
VympelOriginally posted by Plazz
Vympel,Having played Lock-On, What are the your own personal PC specs to get the game to run well? To be honest the demo I’ve got runs like a dog no matter how I set it up and I have the following spec machine:
Operating System: Windows XP Professional
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.40GHz
Memory: 512MB RAM
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0b
Card name: Hercules 3D Prophet 9000/9000Pro Series
Manufacturer: ATI Technologies Inc.
Display Memory: 128.0 MBNormally I buy games on the strength of demo’s but I’m struggling to be convinced by Lock-On. Would I need a better spec machine / graphics card or maybe more memory to get the same results that your images display?
Your thoughts please?
Regards Plazz
The demo is an old beta, the actual product and the post-patched version significantly improve performance- that’s not to say you won’t have to make some adjustments, but I have an inferior system to that (well, it’s about the same except I have a lesser processor) and can run it pretty well on 1280×1024 (32 bit) with some of the settings toned down.
VympelOriginally posted by Viper01
[B]Vympel, an old vs. new sim comparison based on the relatively different levels of graphics detail isn’t relevant by far.
For a flight sim to be worth anything, it’s graphics have to be eye-popping. It is of course worth it to point out its superiority, even though it’s a given; it has damage models for it’s aircraft, fully functional ground combat, and excellent terrain. This helps the simulation experience- e.g. it helps when mud-moving in an A-10 to have nice terrain to rearrange.
Sims like Jane’s F/A-18 and Falcon 4.0 might still be just as realistic/advanced/complex/comprehensive as LOMAC despite certain differences in graphics; issues which aren’t exactly valid for comparison in this context. F4 was released in 1998, while F/A-18 came out in 1999. It would be very odd if LOMAC didn’t surpass sims which were released respectively five and six years ago. [/B]
Well, it is quite realistic/advanced/complex/comprehensive, and it’s planeset is far superior in variety and novelty (oh yay, an F-16 sim, that’s never been done before ….). That it also looks gorgeous is another point in its favor. It’s easily the best here, just as Il-2 Forgotten Battles is the current reigning WW2 sim. It’s just the natural order of things. 😉
Vympelthe Lock-On demo gave me this exact same impression (Someone prove me wrong and I may buy it).
LO:MAC is pretty hardcore. I wouldn’t worry too much about the demo. It’s no ‘Strike Fighter’, that’s practically an insult into the amount of work that went into it. Jane’s F/A-18 is pretty hardcore, I hear, especially since it’s a sim of just one aircraft (more focus), but you have to put in real effort to learn to fly anythin in LO:MAC.
Especially the Su-25- bloody hell it’s so hard to navigate on those damn steam guage instruments, I have to play that training track again.
VympelPersonally I believe anyone with the intelligence and resources to develop nuclear weapons deserves them. They are the guarantors of a nation’s security, and kept the peace between superpowers for 50 years. I’m quite pro-nuclear weapons.
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