KnAAPO has been delivering more than 10 Su-35 per year at ease, I dont think this order would be a challenge at all. In fact the Su-57 has way less pieces than the Su-35, so it should be faster to manufacture.

About the further orders, well, officials just keep saying it will substitute the Flanker and will be produced and updated for the next decades, so the only logical outcome is that they keep ordering them at a somehow similar pace when this order is completed, as they do for their other fighters.

About India, again, they did not withdraw, at least officially, just put the program in stand by, and they admitted they may restart it later or simply buy off-the-shelf.

Good interview to Sergei Druzin from Almaz-Antey:

Sergei Druzin: missiles s-500 can operate beyond the atmosphere

One of the most discussed weapons systems on the world market are the complexes of air defence (PVO) s-300 and s-400 production, the EBA concern “Almaz-Antey”. In the near future the Russian army will receive a new generation of these systems – With-500, which surely will become a bestseller. Deputy Director General on scientific and technical development, first Deputy General designer of the concern Sergey Druzin in an interview with RIA Novosti Alexei Pansino told about the history and creation of the national system of air defense, the participation in the work of German designers, on the causes of delays in the development of s-400, as well as the advantages of the new Russian s-500.
– Sergey, what was the driver to create the national system of air defense?
– The whole 20th century, in fact, witnessed the development of aviation. This was manifested in the increased bomb load, the speed of the aircraft, increased the number of aircraft. If in the First world war she mainly played the role of air intelligence in the Second world war it became the main striking force. The relevance and efficiency of the aviation component became decisive, which required the adoption of adequate special measures for responding to these increased threats.
Those air defenses, which appeared during the First world war anti-aircraft guns as the Executive system of destruction, so-called rangefinder, anti-aircraft searchlight for night time – together, they no longer meet the requirements that were presented to them in connection with the increase primarily speeds and altitudes of aircraft.
With increasing speed of aircraft rangefinder became useless, because the growth speed of the sound of the plane flew with him that is not allowed on the basis of this information to ensure accurate aiming. Yes, in itself, shooting at high speed targets, especially targets, but not to the position, and passing, with the parameter as the gunners, demanded the formation of agencies – calculate the angles with which you had to shoot to get to pre-empt point. All this together led to the fact that anti-aircraft artillery largely exhausted itself, the question arose about the creation of new weapons, which are missiles. This gave impetus to the anti-aircraft rocket.
– What was the role of German designers in the development of national defense system?
– It is necessary to recognize that, as in many other areas, German military experts were largely the pioneers – along with the missile weapons, which strikes in London, were created and anti-aircraft missiles. It was promoted in the first place is that the density of the bombing and their striking power, which brought the allies on German cities, required the adoption of radical measures to parry these threats. German experts have created several types of anti-aircraft missiles. Along with the projects of impact of missiles “V-2” was developed a number of anti-aircraft missiles, of which can be called the most common Wasserfall (Waterfall) and Schmetterling (Butterfly), as well as missiles “Typhoon”, reminiscent of the rocket systems of volley fire. On the way aircraft are massively fired the missiles, they are on parachutes separated warheads and hung on the ropes. This, of course, could not be effective weapons – it was just to shoot them, then the plane touched the rope, required a large amount of these products.
During the war the Germans failed to bring these developments to their logical conclusion in order to take them on Board. Was the German experts of the unsolved problems encountered and later, Soviet designers. In particular, the positioning accuracy that would allow to effectively control the missile to bring the missile to intercept the target.
After the war there was some work has been done and the specialists of NII-88, which was later transformed into rocket and space Corporation “Energia”, has collected some of the equipment and technological groundwork, which was on the territory of our country. Managed to gather some group of experts from Germany. Some German engineers were engaged by our allies, he then worked in the United States. For five years attempts were made to revive their achievements.
– Who in the end the task was to create a system to protect the sky?
– In the Soviet Union was created the landfill “Kapustin Yar”, where work was carried out to study the potential of German experts in the field of air defense. However, it is regrettable to recognize that the desired effect is to achieve and failed. Did not happen then the system itself. But it is understood that no anti-aircraft missile is an important weapon, namely anti-aircraft system.
In September 1947, was created by “a Special Bureau” 1 (SB-1) as the parent company for the development of systems of guided missile weapons of class “air-sea”. The first Director was Pavel Nikolayevich Kuksenko, his Deputy Sergei Lavrent Beria. Three years later, in SB-1, which was then located on the site of today’s NGO “Diamond” was created by “the Design Bureau № 1” – KB-1 (now PJSC “NPO “Almaz”), which was tasked to develop an anti-aircraft missile system to create an effective air defense of large cities and strategic targets.
The urgency of this problem was more than obvious – in the United States by that time had accumulated an Arsenal of nuclear weapons and had plans to bomb Moscow and other important administrative centers of the Soviet Union, which were adjusted every two to three years as capacity building. It’s hard to say what the problem was then more important – the creation of nuclear weapons or air defense system. These tasks kept our former ally from the execution of such plans.
– It turns out that the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki is an act of intimidation, of terror in a sense?
– Of course. Then information about the bombing of Japanese cities in the United States willingly shared with Stalin to lucidly explain who the Soviet Union is dealing with. But even without this demonstration of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Soviet intelligence had information about the plans of the Americans, who confirmed that they do not exist any moral constraints. The US was easily ready to strike at Soviet civilian towns. Therefore, the necessity of creating a reliable system of air defense was more than obvious.
– As I understand it, so there was s-25.
– The decision to create the air defense system was connected to the Alexander Andreyevich Raspletin, which had a unique mind and character. It was looking for a man with a sharp mind. He was able to rally a team of associates who created then the system s-25, which was ahead of its time for decades. The Americans at that time created a single-channel system, the Nike Ajax.
The s-25 was allowed to fire at 20 targets simultaneously. It was unique for its time. The coordinates were measured by two different radars, and one – and targets, and missiles. Thus was solved the task of ensuring precision.
Then were given the daunting task of building the air defense system around the capital. In the end, around Moscow have created two concrete ring, which provided the necessary communications for operation of the system With-25. On the outer ring was delivered 34 complex, but on the inside – 22. Total of 56 complexes instead of the 300 that I had to put in such numbers, whether they are single channel. Thus was solved the problem of minimizing resources for the creation of such systems.
In late 1954 – early 1955, were completed state tests of the system. Nothing like the world had not been created. It should be noted that the radar means SAM was the brainchild of Soviet designers, but the creation of a control system of a missile was involved and German experts. In particular, the creation of the autopilot.
– How was born the concept of C-75?
The main drawback of the s-25 was its stationarity. She could not be rapidly relocated, if necessary, covering other objects. Needed a portable air defense system. Moreover, in the process of development was born the more sophisticated technical solutions, which are then given the opportunity to create a mobile system. On one trailer-mounted you can place the antenna post of the station missile guidance – in its structure two antennas, providing support, and goals, and rockets in a narrower sector (plus or minus 10 degrees), the antenna transfer teams and the appropriate sending unit.
It was a huge step forward for the antenna technology of the time. He helped to create the mobile system, which had about the same characteristics in terms of range, and s-25 (30-35 km). To the setting of the system s-75 the range target was already reached 56 km. It is possible to create a complex which could be moved to the desired location, increase or create a defense system, if any, to it was not.
– What inspired you to create C-200?
The first reason is operational. In the North of our country at that time there was a serious communication problem. As you know, ensuring the activities of the air defense system requires regular supply of fuel. And the arrangement of the complexes from each other is determined by the size of the affected area. To create a zone in some cases was almost impossible.
There was a problem of increasing the range of the complex in order to reduce the total number of installations. In addition, there were aircraft cruise missiles that ran out of range of the complex s-75. But you have to shoot the arrow, not a bullet, so it became a task to create a complex with a greater range. Originally created rocket provided a range of 160-180 km Accumulated by this time experience in the development of anti-aircraft missile complexes showed that to provide the required accuracy of the missile from the remote control at ranges of over 50 miles is very difficult. This required a radical increase in combat troops and improve the performance of radar means providing a guided missile.
It was a huge challenge for us to provide a highly sensitive receiver at a time when a number of works on radiation powerful transmitter. This problem was solved – this locator was created. In the end, the last modification of the system provided a range of missiles to 300 kilometers, and it started with 180.
– A “techcode” what changes?
– The reason for the development of anti-aircraft missile complexes is the development of means of air attack, increasing their density of the actions, and the emergence of cruise missiles. When, instead of 15-20 goals in the sky can be more than a hundred, this objective requires improving firing performance.
The solution to conflicting objectives – mobility and simultaneous firing of a large number of purposes – led to the need to build a radar missile guidance on a different principle. It was necessary to use phased antenna lattice, capable of providing instantaneous failover of the beam. The creation of the phased array and allowed to create a multi-channel radar. Its principle is that one beam need to quickly measure the coordinates of several targets, quickly shifting it from one target to another.
The use of phased antenna arrays helped to create a multi-channel system. This is the fundamental difference of the s-300 from all previous generations. The system can be deployed for combat use with the March for five minutes. Another difference was the lack of cable connections between firing of the radar, launchers – all information is transmitted over a special radio link. The main designer of the complex was Boris Vasilyevich Bunkin. He was involved in the testing and modernization of the complex.
– Why the development of the next generation of air defense systems – s-400 was so long, over 10 years?
The s – 400 system with no luck, like many other projects of our defense industry in the 90-ies. Then the domestic defense industry has suffered enormous damage, lost part of the staff, it was not a normal financing. Work on the complex actually stopped. For the same reasons, long developed and missiles for this system. However, the work was carried out, and by 2007, the first division of s-400 was delivered to the Ministry of defence and put on combat duty.
The fundamental difference between the s-400 system from the previous complexes is its noise immunity and fire performance. Number of simultaneously engaged targets from the s-400 is much more than the s-300. Is provided including thanks to the emergence of new intelligent missile with control system, which allows it to use the widest range of application modes: active homing and use of information from external sources, other radars. The system provides fire also over-the-horizon targets – those that are not visible to radar, but information about them is available.
Each complex has its own technological base. The circuitry in the C-400 other – miniaturization, degree of integration of elements allowed in a smaller footprint to create a system with substantially higher performance. This applies to the locator of the discovery, and to multi-function station.
Command post system is composed of powerful radars that allow you to see the traffic situation at long range. This allows him to set goals and monitor their implementation in other systems, including not only the s-400, it can be SAM other modifications, including s-300, it can be “Shell”, air defense of ground troops. S-400 system is able to be the basis of groupings of air defense. The system adopts the images managed to give them tasks that are appropriate to their technical characteristics. S-400 can maximize the use of all funds that are given to it.
– What will be the C-500 that we can talk about it now?
Is a system of fundamentally new generation. The basis of the locating means of this system are radars based on active phased array, which do not have the sending unit signal is formed of the antenna itself. In its composition has a relatively small power amplifiers that are phasing in a special way. Instead of vacuum devices with a voltage of 30-40 kV are used devices with voltage up to 27 V. It is constructive greatly simplifies the task. This has a positive effect on the reliability and operating safety. Active phased array allow to obtain more significant characteristics of the radiated power and the width of the spectrum of the applied signals. Significantly higher and the performance of the antenna.
To date, the manufacturing technology of the AESA (active phased array antenna – ed.) at the enterprises of the concern are mastered in full. Locators are created and are tested as part of testing the new system.
The C-500 expanded: the type of goals. The system can be used to combat ballistic targets of all types. This required increasing the energy potential of radar devices, and the creation of new missiles that can operate beyond the atmosphere where aerodynamic control.
– In recent years, the widespread belief that the domestic defense industry is living solely on the backlogs that were created during the Soviet time, and creating your own unique samples is not capable. Is it really so?
– Somewhere else ten years ago, unfortunately, it was so. During the Soviet Union, the groundwork was created really huge, but today it is completely exhausted. Today, we are creating a new Foundation on the basis of which are created by modern means. As one example, a SAM “the knight”, which was created in the post-perestroika time. Technological and technological potential of the former time it is not used. One of the pioneers of this complex – chief designer of concern ASD “Almaz–Antey” Pavel Sozinov. This system of the 21st century with an enormous fire performance. Such innovative systems can be attributed to the currently under development s-500. The groundwork, of course, remain, but they are ideological, because mathematics and physics over the years has not changed. However, all technical solutions are re-created on a new element base, predominantly domestic.

ria.ru/20190618/1555540651.html

Interview with MiG’s Ilya Tarasenko about ongoing projects and company’s performance:

Ilya Tarasenko: we are asked to correct modernized in Ukraine MiGs

Russian aircraft Corporation “MiG” for the third consecutive year increases revenue and profit. This happens largely due to innovation in business processes and timely execution of contracts. CEO Ilya Tarasenko in an interview with RIA Novosti Alexei Pansino reported on the current situation in the “moment”, said the timing of the creation of a promising range interceptor, heavy UAV “Scat”, and the beginning of serial production of regional aircraft Il-114-300 and addresses of partners using the illegitimate the modernization of the MiG-29 in Ukraine.

– You’re back in the Corporation “MiG” for the position of General Director in September 2016. Tell me, how is the Corporation that managed to implement new to be proud of?
– At the moment we have fulfilled all the plans that we faced from a financial point of view. We have increased revenue from 2016 to 2018, more than 59%. 3 years ago the revenue of the Corporation was in the region of 56 billion, in 2018 we achieved that this figure exceeded 89,5 billion. It is a historical record for us for the entire post-Soviet period. MiG third year is positive, and in 2018 we finished with a high profit of $ 3.5 billion. This certainly shows the effectiveness of our Corporation.
Over the years we have introduced a number of modern and innovative tools into our business processes. We understand that in order to remain leaders in the industry, it is necessary not just to develop, and to move faster than our competitors. In particular, we are actively introducing a new production system in all our branches and implement projects aimed at reducing costs which, in turn, reduce the cost of production. We are studying the experience of companies that have several years of applied best practices, and learn from their experience. For example – the state Corporation “Rosatom”. Last year, we opened two of the “factory of processes” in which training of employees, technologies, new production systems: employees learn to reduce production costs, to apply LEAN technologies, to model and to practice interaction between production and office services, to identify gaps and imperfections in the processes and to find optimal solutions to problems. This year at the factories of the processes planned to train 100% of employees of the Corporation. This applies to all production and office workers.

I want to say working with the staff. We restarted the project “the Personnel reserve”, which is now project work teams of reservists. It is not divorced from the reality of ideas and projects, which aim at solving specific challenges facing the Corporation. At the plant “Sokol” in Nizhniy Novgorod, we build a new system for the preservation of critical knowledge. In addition, we launched the plant a “school master”. This is a program in which the training is based on a modular design that will expand the horizons and increase the competence in the field of production management personnel, to expand the knowledge of employees in the field of aircraft. The training is conducted by internal trainers. We plan to train every year three groups of 20 people. Both the pilot project and will be implemented at all our sites.
We pay special attention to the training of our young professionals and mentoring program. This is a very important topic not only for our company but for the entire industry and country. About the necessity of increasing the prestige of teachers, the transmission of knowledge from generation to generation, and continuous training of young people repeatedly stated the President of our country Vladimir Putin. We understand how to solve this problem, and it was therefore decided to develop an updated program of “Mentoring”. The main goal of the program is to build a system of training of young employees through internal resources, to raise the prestige of teachers. Actively implemented a distance learning system that allows employees to gain additional knowledge in a convenient time for them. The main objective is to create opportunities for training of each employee.
Well, no less important subject – financial motivation of personnel. Now we are introducing new system elements of the total compensation package. This also applies to the remuneration system, and social programs that take into account the needs of different groups of employees. The results of the implementation in 2018 of the first phase of the new system of payment of wages of workers of OKB im. Mikoyan increased on average by 29%. It’s a good experience that we plan to introduce in all structural associations. Implementation of new programs requires additional funding. To this end, we are working to reduce costs and increase efficiency. This, in turn, allows us to remain an attractive employer, to retain best employees and attract highly qualified professionals.
Let us now proceed directly to the aircraft programs. Over the past three years we have made significant progress on the program of the MiG-35. In no time, we launched the production of the aircraft, spent his first 2.5 years came from development work to the contract with the Russian defense Ministry, in which the first two aircraft have already been transferred to Air and space forces for testing, the other four are planning to deliver before the end of the year. Look forward to signing a new contract to supply MiG-35 military Department. In addition, a very successfully implemented a contract for the supply of MiG-29M/M2 to the customer. Go early for the execution of this agreement.
–
What are your plans for diversification? Is there any news on a civil project Il-114?
We started the project Il-114 that I feel it is the right step to diversify our business. And for us it is a very important and responsible, because of the requirements that apply to civil aviation, stricter, both from the point of view of design and create machines, and from the point of view of its further maintenance. We are in the process of transfer of documentation in the production and preparation of production. Today we work with the Ilyushin design Bureau in the common information space, and this synergy is a vivid example of successful cooperation in aircraft design in the “figure”. Everything happens online. We can see the prospect of such an information system and after-sales service of the aircraft parts logistics.
–
When the first flight?
– First ascent of the aircraft into the air is planned in November 2020. We are on schedule. In its manufacture involved all of our sites. Final Assembly, as you already know, will be in Lukhovitsy.
–
Started production of aggregates for him?
– Yes, we have started the production of separate units at VASO in Voronezh, and “the Falcon” (a subsidiary of the Corporation “MiG” in Nizhny Novgorod – ed.).
–
“Ilyushin” has repeatedly held round tables with potential customers. Does anyone have a solid intention to buy this car or while still at the level of the conversations?
– Of course. It is international practice to work with the airlines in the production phase of the aircraft and even at the stage of its development to consider the requirements of the airlines. One of the main requirements is the interior. Every customer expects their transport network, the number of goods and so on. It all begins at creation of the machine. There are specific nuances, which are discussed at such round tables.
–
No fear of that now, in an era when highly developed thrust generated by the turboprop aircraft will be slightly out of date, or is it amateurish judgment?
– If to speak about the economic component, turboprops are much more economical than their reactive counterparts. Accordingly, when oil is expensive, from turboprop aircraft, there is a large advantage. Plus, the Il-114 is not so demanding in terms of operation and in particular to the runway (runway – as amended). Colleagues from “Ilyushin” has to communicate with foreign customers, including from South-East Asia. The potential of this plane is.
–
You said about digital manufacturing. Is there already from this innovation effect?
– There are three criteria. The first is the timing. If before launch and the organization of production before the first flight of the aircraft took about three years, now we can launch a new product in two years. The second point is to improve the quality. The third is the economy, which follows from the first two paragraphs.
–
What other projects are on the agenda?
– There are a number of closed projects, we are also dedicated to maintaining airworthiness and modernization of MiG-31 HQs. Of course, we have to work with initiative, who, after 2025 will form the basis of our product line.
–
Let’s elaborate on your programs. It is known that the MiG-35 is involved in the Indian tender. Delhi has already identified a short-list of contenders to win?
– I can say that we are in the list of top contenders. Under the auspices of the company “Rosoboronexport” we are discussing with the customer technical parameters and the question of localization of production of the MiG-35 in India as well as after-sales service.
–
When is planned to complete the stage of research works on the PAK DP (promising aviation complex long-range interception – ed.) and go to stage R & d and the creation of a prototype?
– We have a schedule with the defence Ministry for this project. We are convinced that such a plane is needed in our country. This next, very big step in strengthening the defense of the state, protect our country’s borders. And speech here goes not only about the Arctic and the East, as is commonly believed. We are working on a complex system of global defense borders of Russia. We hope that PAK DP will replace the MiG-31, when his life will come to its logical conclusion. Perspective aircraft will use new types of aircraft weapons, it will be created with the use of new technologies of stealth, will be able to carry the required number of weapons, will act on a very large range. Now all these requirements are laid in the shape of the plane. The research work must be completed before the end of the year the approved form.
–
You have repeatedly talked about the drones that is developing a “MiG”. On the Internet periodically there are photos of the drone “Scat”. At what stage this project?
– We see the market for this drone. A niche in which it will be, is not closed in Russia. We hope this year to finalize the TTZ on it with our client. After that we will move to development.

– Is there potential for the modernization of the MiG-29 or will gradually replace them with MiG-35?
We hope that those MiG-29 fighters, which were delivered to the defense Ministry in the late ’80s – early’ 90s, the MiG-35 will replace. And those machines that were delivered to FSI in the form of the MiG-29SMT or/KUB, will exist in parallel with the MiG-35. However, with the creation of the MiG-29K/KUB has been created technology that can be implemented in the MiG-35.
–
On this basis, I conclude that 35 will be the ship version?
– We have an idea to make it a ship version, and these work may take place in a year and a half, if there is a demand from our customers.

Radar with AFAR when it will deliver?
Of course, we will put AESA on MiG-35, we already offer this radar to our customers. When will supply will depend on customer requirements. In India, for example, we will supply the MiG-35 already with this radar. We are ready to supply even the AESA on the MiG-29M/M2.
–
If the aircraft wins the tender?
– When he wins.
–
Speaking of the MiG-29. India sent a request for 21 aircraft. When do you expect to sign a contract and begin delivery?
– It all depends on our customers. We understand the logic, which appeared this application. We see how India assesses the MiG-29. Them the national air force are interested in this machine, so the new order is a confirmation of their relationship to the MiGs.
–
Another interesting project – the MiG-UTS. What’s wrong with him?
The project continues, we made a flight model. Soon we’re presenting. At the moment, we and our partners conduct marketing research. We see this aircraft as a complement to the MiG-35. This is our complete marketing offer. Now, together with the “Rosoboronexport” we are discussing this strategy with potential customers.
–
Describe the transformation of after-sales service system, the RAC “MiG”.
We offer comprehensive system service under the system of PBL, which is that we guarantee the customer a certain percentage of the health Park is bound to the plaque. Customers should not have a headache on the subject of repairs, logistics, spare parts supply and so on. We will take care of it. We are moving away from the classic system of separate supply blocks on applications to integrated package of services. Along with the aircraft, we offer a program of service. This will significantly reduce the time and costs for all phases after-sales service from technical centers to implementation of maintenance and repair work, and, most importantly, to introduce a single standard for provision of these services.
–
Did someone of countries that have experienced modernization of aircraft in Ukrainian or other business to you for legitimate help?
– Yes, such treatment really was. I can say that Ukraine is really trying to modernize the MiG aircraft in their factories, but makes it illegitimate, not having the relevant technical documentation. This is directly reflected not just in the quality and safety of aircraft. To my deepest regret, some of our partners check that the serviceability of its equipment and the lives of their pilots. Then come to us for help. Once again I emphasize – the only legitimate way of modernization of aircraft grade “MiG” – the implementation works directly with developed by our Corporation. This is a normal international practice. In the case of work on any military equipment with involvement of companies that do not have licenses from the developer, the developer is not responsible for the operation of these aircraft.

ria.ru/20190617/1555598840.html

Do not know if this is old news but taking a look at the drawing shown in the laying of the newer 11711 LPDs and based on known dimensions of the depicted Ka-52, the vessels will measure ca. 160 m in length and extrapolating its weight, they would be over 15 kT. Considering previous statements and the capacity of the Yantar shipyard (up to 165 m and 14 kT IIRC), it may look indeed possible that the newer ships are on the Galicia / Rotterdam class dimensions and far above the current 11711 units. The former carry up to 6 medium helicopters, that would be a significant increase in capability and a reasonable progress until the newer LHDs are developed

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How big is the destroyer/cruiser fleet nowadays?I know the Moskva class cruisers are there to stay and Kirovs gonna be 2,but what about Udaloys?How many will they modernise to multirole?Can we say that 956 Sovremenny are gone all?

It is not easy to track all that but luckily there are nice guys that take care of these tasks for us:

https://twitter.com/charly0153

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BTW, a relatively updated picture of the Shaposhnikov in modernization

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[USER=”70670″]Ozair[/USER]

The last contract for SDB II was US$77 million for 570 weapons, that is approx $135k per weapon including the admin and contract costs.

​https://www.airforce-technology.com/…omb-ii-sdb-ii/

Thanks. It is still almost 4 times more expensive than the GBU-39.

It would be good to know how many of each type (say Mk 82 / GBU 38 JDAM / SDB I / SDB II) have been ordered. That would give an idea of what is really considered “cheap” by the services.

EDIT: below actual procurement data: JDAM / SDB I / SDB II are bought (2019) in proportions 70.5 / 11 / 1, though SDB II is significantly increased for 2020:

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The smaller warhead is a good thing, especially as the CEP of SDB II is so small. That reduces collateral damage allowing the weapon to be used in more circumstances.

Sure they have less collateral damage, but will they remain effective when the opponent has proficient AD and countermeasures? They are weapons to make war on the cheap, to say it provocatively.

[USER=”71228″]garryA[/USER]

That is somewhat irrelevance as ECM when they work can easily generate miss distance on order of hundred meters

I don’t think that is how it works. Since the opponent has EW to fool your GPS (and of course you may no use differential GPS for those extremely low CEPs), you put multimode seekers on the weapon. Still countermeasures exist that can affect your guidance, therefore you have to consider a certain % of loss of effectiveness, but not a total loss because then you would not bother using the weapon in the first place. So you make a weapon that still will kill even if the CEP is 20 m and not 1.

IMHO, it depends, supersonic missiles aren’t always harder to shot down, they often have a higher signature, hence easier to detect and harder to mask with ECM, and you can always carry more small missiles than big missiles. Individually, 1 AARGM-ER might be harder to shot down than 1 SPEAR, but does 1AARGM-ER harder to shot down than 4 SPEAR ?

As far as I understand, speed adds exponentially to the difficulty of countering the attack. First, you have much less time to detect and identify the attack as well as assign and implement an action to be taken. Your AD will have much less time, the interceptors need to be much better (faster, more performing, with bigger warheads) and the target under attack may not have time to run, hide or deploy countermeasures.

Then you have to consider the amount of means available to counter PGMs. Apart from EW and all the countermeasures we are talking about, even the land forces include organic AD capabilities like the new 57 mm cannons with guided and air burst rounds that will be included even on IFVs. So yes I would take any time 1 AARGM-ER over 4 Spears that can be downed by simple AAA and need the carrier to come much closer, in fact being fully in range of modern mid and long range SAMs.

[USER=”29017″]ActionJackson[/USER]

Supersonic missiles require expensive, supersonic decoys for swarming attacks.

What kind of swarming attacks are you referring to? Do we have examples of such modes having been used already?

Scenarios similar to your scenario have been war gamed many years ago and results were used to develop requirements for the current generation of aircraft capabilities and weapons.

After flyout, the weapons’ FOG-aided guidance would activate IIR, milimeter wave or other terminal sensors with sufficient field of view to select the targets, reject decoys and complete the attack.

Well, it depends on the weapon. For instance SDB (GBU-39) or JDAM lack additional autonomous guidance methods and would essentially fail or have their accuracy strongly affected in case the GPS signal is degraded. Other weapons have radar altimeters or MMW seekers that can be affected by EW too. And every step taken to make the weapon capable of being used amidst strong and sophisticated EW employment makes it also notably more expensive and either short ranged or less powerful. That is a reason why some of us think many of the currently used PGMs are not really usable against peer rivals with their military capabilities intact since they would fall short in terms of accuracy, range, speed and destructive power, and rather intended as low cost solutions for military engagements against weak opponents. It is also a reason in favour of bigger warheads (with a significantly bigger destructive blast and therefore lethal radius) instead of “micro” weapons like SDBs, since they can be both more effective in case of degraded guidance (not only EW but also masking etc are to be considered) and also compensate for the cost of the more expensive seekers installed on them. Given the weapons mentioned above are among the most widely used in the West, EW alone would put a significant additional cost and tactical burden on those militaries by forcing them to substitute cheap and simple weapons that can be used in great numbers to saturate AD with much more expensive ones with multi-mode seekers that would besides have reduced range and destructive power performances. This puts the current model of widespread use of small PGM against all kind of military targets under question, since not every target would be worth the investment and salvo size needed to make the weapons effective. And the needed increase of weapons size would favour carriers of increased capacity vs. “light” strike platforms like F-35