DATA FOR 2015 (standard replenishment)
Su-25 "Rook" - FROGFOOT / RAM-J
Su-25SM
Stormtrooper. The development of a preliminary design for an aircraft for direct support of troops over the battlefield of St. Petersburg ("Airplane of the Battlefield") was initiated by the teacher of the Air Force Academy named after Yu.A. Gagarin I.V. Savchenko and employees of the OKB P.O. , D.N. Gorbachev, V. M. Lebedev, Yu. The study aerodynamic design the future attack aircraft started at TsAGI in 1968. The Ministry of Defense of the USSR, at the suggestion of the Minister of Defense A.A. Grechko, in March 1969 announced a competition for a light attack aircraft project in which the Sukhoi Design Bureau (T-8), Yakovlev (Yak-25LSh), Mikoyan and Gurevich () and Ilyushin (IL-42). The requirements of the Air Force were formulated for the competition (see TTX).
The competition was won by T-8 and . Release of working drawings and preparation for the construction of an experimental aircraft - summer 1970. At the same time, the Air Force changed the requirements for top speed near the ground up to 1200 km/h, which put the project at risk of complete processing. By the end of 1971, it was possible to agree on a change in the requirements for a maximum speed of up to 1000 km / h (0.82 M). The design of the T-8 was resumed in January 1972 after P.O. Sukhoi approved general form attack aircraft (01/06/1972) and signed an order to start the working design of the aircraft. M.P. Simonov was appointed project manager, and Yu.V. Ivashechkin was appointed lead designer. Since August 1972, the chief designer of the T-8 is O.S. Samoylovich, the leading designer since 12/25/1972 is Yu.V. Ivashechkin (he is also the chief designer since October 6, 1974). The layout of the aircraft was accepted by the commission in September and the construction of a prototype began at the end of 1972. The prototype T-8-1 made its first flight at the LII airfield in Zhukovsky on February 22, 1975 (pilot - V.S. Ilyushin). The second experimental aircraft with some changes in design (T-8-2) was tested in December 1975.
In the summer of 1976, engines were replaced on experimental aircraft with more powerful R-95Sh, some structural elements were changed (1978) - the updated prototypes were named T-8-1D and T-8-2D. In July 1976, the T-8 was named "Su-25" and preparations began for serial production at the aircraft factory in Tbilisi (originally it was supposed to expand production in Poland). The tactical and technical requirements for the Su-25 attack aircraft with the R-95Sh engine, a modified composition of the avionics - according to the T-8-1D type - were approved by the USSR Ministry of Defense only on March 9, 1977 and discussed from May 11 to 24, 1977 at the mock-up commission .
Information about the aircraft and the code name RAM-J appeared in the West in 1977 according to space reconnaissance data (RAM = Ramenskoye, railway station near the LII airfield). The first serial machine (T-8-3) was produced in Tbilisi in 1978 and made its first flight on June 18, 1979 (pilot - Yu.A. Egorov). State tests of the aircraft took place (first stage) from March to May 30, 1980 (completed in December 1980). The production of two-seater Su-25UB / UT / UTG and a single-seat one was carried out at an aircraft factory in Ulan-Ude. In March 1981, an act was signed on the completion of state tests of the aircraft and it was recommended for adoption by the USSR Air Force. In April 1981, the aircraft began to enter combat units. From June 1981 Su-25s took part in combat operations in Afghanistan. Officially, the Su-25 entered service in 1987.
In total, up to 2000, 1320 Su-25s and its modifications were produced. October 8, 2009 announced the resumption of purchases for the Russian Air Force Su-25 aircraft (modification Su-25SM).
The unofficial established name of the aircraft - "Rook" - was assigned to the aircraft after combat use in Afghanistan in the early 1980s. Engines:
Avan project 1968 - 2 x AI-25T with a thrust of 1750 kg each.
Project T-8 (1970) - the possibility of installing a more powerful forced version of the AI-25T (R & D was carried out at the Design Bureau of V.N. Lotarev), TR7-117, R53B-300 and AL-29 engines was considered.
T-8-1, T-8-2 - 2 x afterburner R-9-300 (modification RD-9B/R-9B) with a thrust of 2700 kg, in 1976 replaced by R-95Sh.
T-8-1D, T-8-2D, T-8-3, the first series of Su-25 (until 1987) - 2 x turbofan R-95Sh (modernized without afterburner R-13F-300) with a thrust of 4100 kg per emergency mode; nozzle and air intake unregulated, electric start.
Specific fuel consumption - 1.28 kg / kgf per hour
Su-25UTG - carrier-based training aircraft (R & D and first flight - 1987, serial production in Ulan-Ude began in 1988, first landing on the aircraft carrier "Tbilisi" - 11/01/1989), the aircraft is equipped with a hook - so, until 1991 mass-produced;
Su-25UBK - export "commercial" modification of the Su-25UB (first mentioned in the press - 1988), mass-produced until 1991.
T-8-15 - in 1989, the aircraft was presented at the air show in Le Bourget as the Su-25, the R-195 engines on the aircraft were replaced by the R-95Sh in connection with the "departure" abroad.
Su-25BM - target towing aircraft (start of production in Tbilisi - 1989, first mentioned in the press - 1993), as part of the 186th fighter-assault air regiment (ishap) is used in Tajikistan (typical load - 6 x OFAB- 250, 2 x PTB and 2 R-60 missiles). A total of 50 pieces were produced. It tows "Comet" targets, drops PM-6 diving targets and M-6 parachute targets.
Su-25SM - modernization of combatant Su-25, carried out in the period from 1997 to 2008. As of August 2008 (Georgian-Ossetian conflict), there is a certain amount in the Air Force and were used during hostilities. October 8, 2009 announced the resumption of purchases for the Russian Air Force Su-25 aircraft (modification Su-25SM). Production is carried out by a plant in Ulan-Ude. The avionics of the aircraft has been updated, a HUD and a multifunctional LCD display have been added to the cockpit. Based on the results of an open auction on November 7, 2011, contract No. Р/4/1/7-11-DOGOZ was concluded between the Ministry of Defense of Russia and Aviaremont OJSC for the repair and modernization of Su-25 type aircraft into the Su-25SM version in number of 36 units. According to the contract, it was planned before December 1, 2011 (!!) to receive the first 8 Su-25SM, in 2012 - 16 Su-25SM and in 2013 - 12 Su-25SM. contract amount RUB 4.6 billion Acts on the transfer of the first 8 Su-25SMs were signed on November 30, 2011 - the aircraft were received by the air group of the military unit 62231-7 Chernigovka airbase, Primorye ().
Su-25SM at the air base in Kubinka, 03/22/2012 (photo - Vladimir Yazynin, Evgeny Volkov and Alexander Martynov, http://russianplanes.net).
- Su-25KM - a variant of the modernization of the Su-25 of the Georgian Air Force. The modernization is carried out by Israel and includes the replacement of electronics and adaptation to the ammunition of NATO countries.
Su-25UBM is a modernized all-weather combat training aircraft designed to train pilots of the Su-25SM and. Designed on the basis of the Su-25UB. On-board equipment complex "Bars-2" with an information processing and display system, RLPK "Spear", a short-range navigation system, a satellite navigation system, a radio intelligence station. Presumably, the aircraft can be used as an air command post for a group of attack aircraft. The aircraft can be used as a deck-based aircraft. The first flight was made on December 6, 2008 at the Kubinka airfield near Moscow. In December 2009, the first stage of aircraft testing was completed. During 2010, it was planned to release an installation series, and from 2011 it was planned to start mass production. State tests were successfully completed by December 28, 2011 (the Act was signed), the aircraft was recommended for mass production. In 2012, testing of the combat capabilities of the sighting and navigation complex, which includes information processing and display systems, GLONASS, short-range navigation, an electronic intelligence station and other systems, will be continued at the State Flight Test Center (GLITs) named after V.P. Chkalova (Akhtubinsk, Astrakhan region)
Bombing accuracy - 10-15 m (from a horizontal flight height of 200-300 m)
The accuracy of determining the coordinates of the aircraft:
- 200 m
- 10-15 m (using satellite navigation system)
Maximum speed - 950 km / h
Combat range - 300 km
Status: USSR / Russia - 23 aircraft were lost during the fighting in Afghanistan;
- March 1980 - USSR Minister of Defense D.F. Ustinov decided to send 2 aircraft (T-8-1D and T-8-3) for testing in Afghanistan (Operation Rhombus, Shindand Air Force Base);
1980 April 16 - the start of Operation Rhombus, the planes arrived at the Shindand base in Afghanistan.
February 4, 1981 - the formation of the first combat unit with the Su-25 began - the 200th separate assault squadron of the 80th separate assault aviation regiment (OShAP) in Sital-Chay (65 km from Baku);
April 1981 - The 80th OShAP received the first 12 aircraft and on June 19, the 200th separate assault squadron of the regiment entered Afghanistan (Shindand airfield).
1981 June 18-19 - relocation to Afghanistan of the 200th squadron, Su-25 began to take part in the hostilities in Afghanistan.
1982 - production at the plant in Tbilisi reached the planned level.
1983 - at least 25 Su-25 aircraft are in service;
January 16, 1984 - for the first time in Afghanistan, a Su-25 was shot down by the Strela-2M MANPADS (pilot - Lieutenant Colonel P.V. Rubin, near the village of Urgun).
1984 - by the end of the year, MANPADS were shot down in Afghanistan by 5 Su-25s. During the year, the number of Su-25s in Afghanistan was brought up to an aviation regiment.
November 1986 - in Afghanistan, after the start of the use of the Stinger MANPADS, 4 Su-25s were shot down in two weeks, 2 pilots were killed.
1986 - by the end of the year, 25 Su-25UBs had been produced at the plant in Ulan-Ude since the start of mass production (1984).
August 4, 1988 - Colonel A. Rutskoy's Su-25 was shot down by a Pakistani F-16 with an AIM-9L Sidewinder missile.
1989 January 23 – Last Su-25 before withdrawal of troops is lost in Afghanistan (unconfirmed). The total number of Su-25 military contingents in Afghanistan at the time of withdrawal was about 50 pieces, a total of 60,000 sorties were made, total losses were 23 pieces. one and 34 pieces according to other data (24 in the air and 10 on the ground).
Su-25 losses in Afghanistan (1981-1989, data from Markovsky and Bedretdinov):
| No. pp | the date | Pilot | Circumstances |
| 01 | December 14, 1981 | captain M. Dyakov, died | Collision with a mountain at the exit of an attack |
| 02 | 04/14/1983 | ejected, pilot alive | Crashed on takeoff |
| 03 | 01/16/1984 | lieutenant colonel P. Ruban, ejected, died | Shot down by MANPADS in the Urgun area |
| 04 | 09/20/1984 | the pilot is alive | Crashed on landing while en route to Bagram |
| 05 | December 10, 1984 | senior lieutenant V. Zazdravnov, died | Shot down near the Panjshir Gorge |
| 06 | 07/22/1985 | senior lieutenant S. Shumikhin, died | Downed DShK in the Panjshir Gorge |
| 07 | 04/06/1986 | Shot down by MANPADS and anti-aircraft fire in the Khosta area | |
| 08 | 08/23/1986 | ejected, pilot alive | Shot down by MANPADS near the Iranian border |
| 09 | 02.11.1986 | senior lieutenant A. Baranov, died | Shot down in the dark |
| 10 | 11/18/1986 | ejected, pilot alive | Downed MANPADS |
| 11 | 11/20/1986 | lieutenant I. Aleshin, died | Shot down by MANPADS in the Salanga area |
| 12-13 | December 3, 1986 | ejected, pilot alive | MANPADS shot down in the Ryan area |
| 14 | 01/21/1987 | senior lieutenant K. Pavlyukov, ejected, died | Shot down by MANPADS on takeoff from Bagram airfield |
| 15 | 01/28/1987 | ejected, pilot alive | MANPADS shot down near Khosta |
| 16 | 02/05/1987 | captain M. Burak, died | Shot down by anti-aircraft fire during a night sortie in the Kandahar region |
| 17 | 04/02/1987 | ejected, pilot alive | Downed MANPADS |
| 18 | 06/01/1987 | ejected, pilot alive | MANPADS shot down near Kandahar airfield |
| 19 | 06/20/1987 | senior lieutenant V.Paltusov, died | Shot down by DShK or crashed on return |
| 20 | September 13, 1987 | senior lieutenant V. Zemlyakov, died | Shot down by anti-aircraft fire or MANPADS in the Baraki area |
| 21 | December 26, 1987 | major A. Plusnin, died | Shot down by MANPADS during a night flight |
| 22 | March 17, 1988 | ejected, pilot alive | Shot down by MANPADS or lost during a training launch near the Bagram airfield |
| 23 | 06/07/1988 | sentry died | destroyed during shelling of Kandahar airfield |
| 24-31 | 06/23/1988 | destroyed during the shelling of the Kabul airfield | |
| 32 | 08/04/1988 | Colonel A. Rutskoy, catapulted, alive | Shot down by a Pakistan Air Force F-16 |
| 33 | October 27, 1988 | the pilot is alive | The aircraft was damaged during landing and later destroyed during the shelling of the airfield. |
| 34 | 01/07/1989 | senior lieutenant E.Gordienko, died | Shot down over Janez Gorge |
1989 - Production of the Su-25BM began in Tbilisi, a total of 50 units were produced.
1990 - Su-25, Su-25T and Su-25UB are officially in service with the USSR Air Force;
1991 - in total, about 500 pieces were produced by the industry for the entire time. Su-25 (including approx. 250 pieces for export), 350 pieces. Su-25UB/UT and 8 out of 10 ordered Su-25Ts; serial production of the Su-25 has been discontinued;
1994 - the Su-25T was put into service (the factory in Tbilisi handed over a batch of assembled aircraft to Russia), in total, various modifications of the Su-25 - front-line attack aircraft - 192 units are in service; naval aviation attack aircraft - 55 pcs.
1997 - Su-39 is offered for export. In total, more than 1000 pieces were produced by the industry of the USSR and Russia. Su-25 (including 300 Su-25UB). According to unverified domestic data, there are 300 units in service with the Air Force, various modifications and in the aviation of the Navy 100 units.
Damaged Su-25 of the Russian Air Force after a sortie
(August 2008, Georgian-Ossetian conflict)
October 8, 2009 - announced the resumption of purchases for the Russian Air Force of Su-25 aircraft (modification Su-25SM).
2011 - according to media reports, during 2011 the Russian Air Force (in the attack aviation unit of the Eastern Military District) received 12 Su-25SM. In early 2012, the same batch of Su-25SM is expected to arrive additionally.
December 28, 2011 - an act was signed on the successful completion of state tests of the Su-25UBM attack aircraft.
February 20, 2012 - with reference to the representative of the press service of the Ministry of Defense for the Air Force, Colonel Vladimir Drik, the Interfax news agency reports that it is planned to upgrade 80 Su-25 attack aircraft to the Su-25SM level by 2020. Currently, the Air Force units have about 30 aircraft upgraded to the Su-25SM standard.
September 23, 2013 - at 20-17 Moscow time, during a planned training flight, the mark on the means of displaying radar control from the Su-25 aircraft of the Southern Military District disappeared. According to a report from the scene, the pilot took the car away from the nearest settlement and tried to land it on the ground. The plane exploded on contact with the ground. The pilot is dead. The flight was carried out without ammunition from the airfield "Primorsko-Akhtarsk" Krasnodar Territory ().
October 03, 2013 - The Ministry of Defense announces that by the end of the year, several Su-25SM aircraft will be delivered to the air bases of the Southern Military District (Krasnodar and Stavropol Territories, Rostov Region).
Application of the Su-25SM during the air operation of the Russian Air Force in Syria (2015):
| the date | Information of the Ministry of Defense of Russia | Information from other sources |
| 30.09.2015 | On the first day of the air operation of the Russian Air Force in Syria, all aircraft of the group made 20 sorties. Attacks were made on 8 objects of militants. Warehouses of ammunition, armaments, fuel and lubricants, accumulations of military equipment. The command posts for commanding militant formations in the highlands were completely destroyed (). | The air group includes 12 Su-25SM attack aircraft. The aircraft were relocated to Latakia (Khmeimim air base, Syria) in parallel with the Center-2015 military exercises and the sudden check of the Central Military District that preceded them, which were held from September 11 to 20 (). |
| 09/30/2015 (night) | The air group continued to strike at militant targets. 4 objects were attacked at night. In total, eight sorties of Su-24M front-line bombers and Su-25SM attack aircraft were made. The headquarters of terrorist formations and an ammunition depot near the city of Idlib, as well as a three-level fortified command post of militants near the village of Hama, were destroyed. It is reported that a plant for the manufacture of explosives and ammunition north of the city of Homs, where suicide bombers were stuffed with explosive devices, was completely destroyed (). | |
| 01.10.2015 | The strike aircraft continued to deliver pinpoint strikes on the infrastructure of the militants. Su-24M and Su-25 made eight sorties on five targets. Objective control data obtained from various sources, including space reconnaissance and unmanned aerial vehicles, confirms the complete destruction of the command post of militants on the northern outskirts of Jisr al-Shugur in the province of Idlib () by Su-24M aircraft. In addition, Su-25SM attack aircraft attacked a militant field camp in the Maaret al-Nuuman area, Idlib province. Bunkers were completely destroyed, as well as warehouses for weapons and fuels and lubricants (). | |
| 02.10.2015 | 14 sorties of Su-34, Su-24M and Su-25SM aircraft were made, during which six strikes were made on militant targets. So, in the area of \u200b\u200bthe settlement of Khan Sheikhun, Idlib province, the command post of the armed formations was destroyed by pinpoint strikes by Su-24M bombers and Su-25SM attack aircraft (). | |
| 03.10.2015 | 20 sorties of Su-34, Su-24M and Su-25SM aircraft were made. 10 targets were hit. In particular, Su-25SM attack aircraft attacked a terrorist training camp in the Keslajuk region, Idlib province. As a result of the strike, the shelters of militants and a workshop for the manufacture of improvised explosive devices, including martyrs' belts, were destroyed. Su-24M and Su-25SM aircraft carried out three consecutive strikes on a command post and an ammunition depot near the town of Maaret al-Nuuman. All targets are destroyed (). | |
| 04.10.2015 | The aircraft carried out precision strikes on nine targets in Syria. A total of 25 Su-34, Su-24M and Su-25SM sorties were made. Su-25SM attack aircraft attacked a training camp in the Jisr-Esh-Shugur area (Idlib province). The buildings that housed the terrorists' ammunition depot were destroyed. During aerial reconnaissance by unmanned aerial vehicles in the Jabel Koba area (Idlib province), a militant artillery firing position was discovered. The strike of Su-25SM attack aircraft on this target destroyed three artillery pieces and a field depot with ammunition. In a wooded area near the city of Idlib, a camouflaged terrorist base was opened, on which there were about 30 vehicles and armored vehicles, including T-55 tanks previously captured from the Syrian army. Six air strikes were carried out on the object, as a result of which the equipment of the militants was completely destroyed (). | |
| 05.10.2015 | In the afternoon, 15 Su-34, Su-24M and Su-25SM sorties were made from the Khmeimim airbase. In the east of the province of Homs, not far from the city of Tadmor, a combat pair of Su-25SM attack aircraft, as well as a Su-24 bomber, attacked two areas of equipment concentration. In total, about twenty units of T-55 medium tanks, captured by militants earlier from the Syrian army, were destroyed. As a result of the detonation of ammunition and fuel of combat vehicles, numerous fires arose. At night, about 30 vehicles and armored vehicles, including tanks, were destroyed in a wooded area near the city of Idlib. "Despite the fact that the image that the UAV (drones) gives is understandable only to specialists, we have irrefutable intelligence data, including negotiations of militants in the area, on the destruction and incapacitation of terrorist combat vehicles." In the same place, Su-25SM attack aircraft attacked the area where militant engineering equipment was concentrated. As a result, engineering weapons and equipment previously captured from the Syrian army were destroyed. Also in the vicinity of Tadmor, Russian bomber aircraft hit two warehouses with ammunition of terrorists, one of which was located on the territory of a salt factory. Both objects were hit by direct hits from guided bombs. Objective control data confirm the complete destruction of warehouses. It is also reported that two pairs of Su-25SMs attacked the terrorists' control center and communications center located in the Jebel Batra mountain range, and the headquarters of the militants in the Jebel Mgar mountains of Damascus province - "as a result of direct hits of corrected air bombs, the objects were destroyed" (). | |
| 06.10.2015 | The aircraft of the air group made about 20 sorties. Su-34, Su-24M and Su-25SM attacked 12 rear infrastructure facilities, command posts, training camps and militant bases. Su-25SM attack aircraft attacked a stronghold of militants at the Telu-Dakua height (Damascus province). Also in the province of Idlib, a combat pair of Su-25SM attack aircraft attacked the field camp of the group's terrorists. "As a result of the air strike, there were numerous destructions of buildings and structures used by terrorists to store explosives, material and technical and food supplies." In addition, in the Kafer Awaid area (Idlib province), a field camp was hit by two Russian Su-25 attack aircraft. "According to radio intercepts, on the territory of this camp, negotiations were recorded at several foreign languages, which indicates that foreign fighters were trained at this base "(). | |
| 07.10.2015 | At night, the Russian Air Force air group made 22 sorties and struck 27 targets. Aircraft attacked strongholds of militants in the province of Homs and completely destroyed the fortifications. Su-25SM and Su-34 bombers attacked eight strongholds of militants in Homs province. As a result of the fire destruction of targets, the fortifications of the militants were completely destroyed. Su-25SM and Su-34 attacked 11 militant training camps in the provinces of Hama and Raka. As a result of the strikes, the infrastructure for training terrorists was destroyed. "Precise hits of concrete-piercing aerial bombs hit the underground shelters of militants, previously identified by means of space reconnaissance in the area of \u200b\u200bthe settlements of Arafit and Salma," Aerial reconnaissance also discovered a base camouflaged in a forest, which was subsequently destroyed by a pair of Su-25SM attack aircraft (). | |
| 08.10.2015 | Aviation made 67 sorties from the Khmeimim airbase in a day. Su-34M, Su-25SM defeated 60 targets. The targets for the strikes were command posts and communication centers of militants, depots of weapons and fuel and lubricants, as well as militant training bases in the provinces of Raqqa, Latakia, Hama, Idlib and Aleppo. According to the General Staff, as a result of the strikes, six command posts and communication centers, six ammunition depots and fuel and lubricants, 17 camps and terrorist training bases, and three underground structures of militants in the province of Latakia were destroyed. In addition, aviation destroyed 16 fortified areas and defensive positions with weapons and military equipment, 11 areas of concentration of reserves of gangs, an armored vehicle repair plant, 17 vehicles and armored vehicles, as well as two installations of multiple launch rocket systems. A direct hit by high-precision bombs KAB 500-S destroyed the headquarters of the grouping of the Liwa-al-Haq formation. According to radio intercepts, two high-ranking field commanders and about 200 militants were eliminated as a result of the strike. In the Aleppo region, a militant base and an ammunition depot, equipped in the building of a former prison, were attacked. "As a result, about 100 militants and an ammunition depot were destroyed" (). | |
| 09.10.2015 | ||
| 10.10.2015 | From the Khmeimim airbase, 64 sorties of Su-34, Su-24M and Su-25SM aircraft were carried out at 63 targets in the provinces of Hama, Latakia, Idlib and Raqqa. In the area of the village of Serakib (Idlib province), aerial reconnaissance discovered an artillery battery of militants, which attacked the surrounding settlements. by Russian bombers given goal was destroyed. In the vicinity of the city of Achan, Hama province, Su-25SM attack aircraft attacked a terrorist stronghold identified by aerial reconnaissance. The engineering structures of the terrorists and the warehouses of ammunition and logistics were destroyed by a targeted strike. In the area of the village of Herbet el-Arus, Idlib province, a training camp for militants was discovered. Su-25SM attack aircraft attacked this camp with high-explosive bombs, as a result, the militant base was completely destroyed. In just a day, the aircraft of the Russian air group destroyed: 53 fortified areas and defensive positions of terrorists with weapons and military equipment; one field command post of militants; four terrorist training camps; seven ammunition depots; artillery and mortar batteries (). | |
| 11.10.2015 | Total per day Russian fighters and bombers destroyed 25 fortified areas and defensive positions with weapons and military equipment. Destroyed: a stronghold of terrorists in the area of the village of Salma in the province of Latakia, seven command posts of militants, six terrorist field camps, six ammunition depots. Also, one column of automotive equipment, three underground shelters in the province of Latakia, one mobile mortar group () were destroyed. Su-24M bombers and Su-25SM attack aircraft destroyed a mortar position, a motorcade and a command post of militants near the village of Sukeyk, north of Hama, with pinpoint strikes in a day. The Su-25SM attack aircraft destroyed an automobile convoy delivering ammunition and fuel to the militants occupying positions in the area. Three fuel trucks, a heavy truck and two off-road vehicles with large-caliber machine guns mounted on them, which carried out security escort of the cargo, were destroyed. In the area of the village of Tell Suqeik, Hama province, a Su-25SM attack aircraft attacked a mobile mortar position of militants detected by unmanned reconnaissance vehicles. As a result of a targeted strike, three all-terrain vehicles equipped with mortars and one truck with ammunition () were destroyed. | |
| 12.10.2015 | Su-34 bomber and Su-25SM attack aircraft smashed a bunker with an ammunition depot and a convoy of military equipment of militants with pinpoint strikes. "In the area of El-Latamnah (province of Hama), a bunker containing an ammunition depot was destroyed. As a result of a precision strike by a Su-34 bomber, this underground structure was completely destroyed." The Su-25 attack aircraft in the province of Aleppo also attacked a convoy of militants carrying fuel and weapons. "A fuel truck, three trucks with ammunition and two escort vehicles equipped with heavy machine guns were destroyed" (), | |
| 13.10.2015 | In the area of the village of Khraytan, the Su-25SM attack aircraft attacked an ammunition depot and a fuel storage facility. Precise strikes of high-explosive bombs completely destroyed the objects. Also in the province of Idlib, Su-25SM attack aircraft attacked a terrorist training center in a mountainous area. Means of objective control noted the detonation of ammunition stored at the facility. The object is destroyed(). |
Export:
Azerbaijan - by 1997 is in service.
Angola:
- 1988 - the first deliveries - 12 Su-25K and 2 Su-25UBK, aircraft were used in combat operations with UNITA rebels in the late 1980s - 1990s.
- 1993 - in service with 10 units;
Armenia - by 1997 is in service.
Afghanistan - 1986-1990 - according to unconfirmed reports, 60 pieces were delivered (? perhaps we are talking on the redeployment of aircraft of the USSR Air Force);
Estimated camouflage of Afghan Su-25s ( World aviation. No. 104 / 2011).
Belarus:
- by 1997 is in service.
- 2002 - delivered to Côte d'Ivoire 2 Su-25 and 2 Su-25UB.
- 2008 - it is precisely known about the delivery of 11 Su-25s from Belarus to Sudan that took place earlier.
Bulgaria:
- 1993 - in service with 39 pieces. Su-25K;
- 2012 - 10 Su-25K attack aircraft in the state "as a source for repair" were delivered to Georgia ().
Hungary - 1991 - 50 pieces were delivered for the whole time. (?);
Gambia:
- 2004 - in service with 1 Su-25 received from Georgia, based at the Banjul airport. Probably later transferred to Guinea.
Guinea:
- 2010 - armed with 1 Su-25. Probably transmitted from the Gambia.
1992 - in service (including at least 12 Su-25Ts), possibly serial production of the Su-25 at the Tbilisi Aviation Plant;
2008 - in service, took part in the Georgian-Ossetian conflict in August 2008
- 2012 - 10 Su-25K attack aircraft in the state "as a source for repair" were received from Bulgaria ().
1985 - first delivery - from 30 to 45 Su-25K and Su-25UBK.
- 1985-1987 - in total, no more than 80 Su-25s were delivered during this period (two regiments, three squadrons); aircraft made about 1,200 sorties daily.
Su-25K Iraqi Air Force (World Aviation. No. 104 / 2011).
- 1986 - Su-25 aircraft are involved in combat operations in the Iran-Iraq war.
- 1989 May - Iraqi Air Force Su-25 aircraft were shown to the public for the first time.
- 1990 - in service with 60 units;
- 1991 February - 2 aircraft lost during Operation Desert Storm (shot down by F-15C while trying to fly to Iran), 7 aircraft flew to Iran and were interned;
One of the Iraqi Air Force Su-25Ks destroyed on the ground during Operation Desert Storm (Mirovaya aviation. No. 104 / 2011).
- 1995 - is in service;
- 2003 August 1 - The media reported the discovery by US troops in the west of Baghdad in the Al-Takkadum region of several dozen MiG-25s (including MiG-25RB) and Su-25s covered with sand.
Iran:
- 1991 - 7 Su-25K aircraft flew over from Iraq during Desert Storm and were interned.
- 1997 - according to unconfirmed reports (Ilyin V.E.) is in service. Approximately at the same time, 3 Su-25UBKs were purchased from Georgia.
Kazakhstan - 1992 - in service;
1988 - already in service, in total in 1988-1990. probably up to 40 aircraft delivered;
- 1993 - in service with 36 units;
1997 - is in service.
Congo:
- 1999-2000 - 10 Su-25s were delivered from Georgia. Aircraft were used against rebels in the north of the country. Mostly hired Ukrainian pilots flew.
Ivory Coast:
- 2002 - purchased in Belarus 2 Su-25 and 2 Su-25UB.
- November 2004 - aircraft were used against the French peacekeeping contingent. Two Su-25UBs were destroyed on the ground either by bombing or by a sabotage group.
Peru:
- 1996 - delivered from Belarus 10 Su-25 and 8 Su-25UB.
- 2000 - is in service.
Syria - 1991 - about 60 aircraft (?) were delivered for the whole time;
Slovakia:
- 1993 - is in service with the Su-25K, inherited after the collapse of Czechoslovakia;
- 1996 - all Su-25Ks were consolidated into the mixed 2nd air regiment of the Air Force (Malatsky-Kuchina).
- 2003 - Su-25K aircraft decommissioned from the Air Force.
Su-25K FROGFOOT of the 2nd mixed air regiment of the Slovak Air Force at the air show in Kosice, 1996-2003. (World Aviation. No. 104 / 2011).
Sudan:
- 2008 - 11 Su-25s acquired in Belarus were discovered for the first time. Aircraft were used against rebels in the province of Darfur.
Turkmenistan:
- 1997-2012 - is in service.
- March 2012 - at least 1 Su-25UB and 6 Su-25 of the Air Force of Turkmenistan are based at the Mary airfield.
Ukraine:
- 1992 - is part of the Air Force;
- 2005 - possibly 2 pieces of Su-25 and Su-25UB were delivered to Equatorial Guinea.
- 2008 - 3 Su-25s were delivered (a total of 6 units were ordered) to Chad.
Chad:
- 2008 - 3 Su-25s were purchased (a total of 6 units were ordered) in Ukraine.
- 2009 May - aircraft are used for targets in Sudan.
Czechoslovakia (first importing country):
1982 - the first deliveries of the Su-25K;
- 1984-1985 - The 30th "Ostrava" assault air regiment received the Su-25K, based in the city of Hradec-Karlove.
- 1989 - Su-25UBK is in service, a total of 2 pieces of Su-25UBK were delivered;
- 1991 - 50 pieces were delivered for the whole time;
Su-25K FROGFOOT of the 30th "Ostrava" assault air regiment of the Czechoslovakian Air Force, Hradec-Karlove (Mirovaya aviation. No. 104 / 2011).
One of two Czechoslovak Su-25UBKs of the Czechoslovak Air Force (Mirovaya aviation. No. 104 / 2011).
Czech Republic - 1993 - in service;
Equatorial Guinea:
- 2005 - received 2 pieces of Su-25 and Su-25UB. Probably from Ukraine.
Ethiopia:
- 1999-2000 - during this period, not new 2 Su-25s and 2 Su-25UBs were delivered, the aircraft were used in the conflict with Eritrea.
- 2000 - the aircraft were written off for unknown reasons (according to media reports).
South Korea:
1992 - the possibility of purchasing the Su-25 or its modifications is being discussed;
1997 - no delivery data.
Sources:
Aviation exhibition in Tushino. Moscow. 1989
Aviation and astronautics. NN 2, 3, 4, 5, 12 / 1989; 2, 6, 7, 9 / 1990
Aerospace engineering. N 2 / 1990
Bedretdinov Ildar, Attack aircraft of the Design Bureau of P.O. Sukhoi SU-25. M., 1995
Burdin S., Su-25 Sturmovik. History, design, weapons, combat use. M. AST, Minsk, Harvest, 2001
Wikipedia is the free encyclopedia. Site http://ru.wikipedia.org, 2011
Voevoda S.S., archive, 1992
military knowledge. NN 1, 8 / 1989; 4, 8 / 1990; 2-3/1992
Gordon E., Rigmant V., "Violinist" played his part. Wings of the Motherland. N 5 / 1992
News. NN April 8, 1989; March 28, 1990; 26, 29.08.1990
Ilyin V.E. Attack aircraft and fighter-bombers. M., Victoria, AST, 1998
A red star. NN 4, 6, May 18, 1989; July 8, 1989; August 4, 1989
Wings of the Motherland. NN 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 10 / 1989; 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12 / 1990; 1/1991; 4/1992
Lenta.ru. Website http://lenta.ru, 2003, 2011-2012
International life. N 3 / 1989
Ministry of Defense of Russia. Website http://www.mil.ru, 2012
World Aviation. №104 / 2011
Model designer. NN 7 / 1984; 8/1988
Museum of the Armed Forces of the USSR. Moscow. 1989
People's Tribune. 04/07/1990
New time. N 45 / 1988
Ponomarev A.N. Soviet aviation designers. M.: 1990
Truth. NN April 7, 1989; 09/19/1989
Aircraft of the country of the Soviets. M.: 1974
I serve the Soviet Union. TV show. August 1988
Companion. September 1990
Soviet Russia. May 14, 1989
Soviet armed forces. Tomsk. 1988
Soviet warrior. N 22 / 1988
Soviet patriot. N 7 / 1990
Soviet military review. NN 1985; 5/1986; 9/1987; 1, 9 / 1988; 3/1989
The balance of NATO and ATS forces. ?????? (documentation to the contract)
Stukanov. archive, 1992
Technique and weapons. NN 3 / 1989; 6/1990; 5-6/1992
Technology-youth. NN 11 / 1984; 11/1988
Tupolev A.N. The limits of daring creativity. M.: 1988
Aerotype. 1968 Berlin. DDR.
ArmeeRundschau. No. 9/1986; 1, 5, 7 / 1987; 7, 8, 12/1988; 1, 4, 6, 9, 12 / 1989. Berlin. DDR.
Beijing Review. No. 29 / 1988. China.
Congressional Record. NN 118, 129, 137, 143/1988; 38/1989. Washington. USA.
Enciclopaedia of modern world aircraft armament. Christopher Chant. 1988.
Flieger Jahrbuch. 1977-1986. Berlin. DDR.
Flyer Review. No. 1/1977; 4, 8, 9 / 1980; 5, 7, 10 - 12/1981; 5/1982; 2, 4, 8, 12/1983; 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11 / 1984; 11/1985; 9, 12/1986; 12/1987; 8, 11, 12 / 1988; 1 - 12 / 1989; 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 / 1990. Berlin. DDR.
Flugzeuge der NVA. 1971 gegenvart. 1989 Berlin. DDR.
foreign affairs. No. 1 / 1989.
Interavia. NN 1 / 1984; 3, 5, 7, 9, 10 / 1988; 1, 9-11/1989.
Jane's weapon systems 1987-88.
Jonic publications. 1990-92.
Letectvi + Kosmonautika. NN 8 - 12, 17, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26/1989.
Maly modelarz. N 1-2 / 1990.
Newsweek. NN 27/1988; 1, 3/1989.
Seizing the initiative first. US National Security. 1985 Toronto. Canada.
US News & World Report. NN 33 / 1988; 12/1989.
World armament & disarmament 1976, 1977, 1979, 1981. SIPRI yearbook. Stocholm. 1978 Sweden.
Main data padding - 09.11.1997
Adjustments - 2009, 2011, 2012
Modern Air Force Russian Federation are traditionally the most mobile and maneuverable branch of the Armed Forces. The equipment and other means in service with the Air Force are intended, first of all, to repel aggression in the aerospace sphere and protect the administrative and industrial and economic centers of the country, groupings of troops and important objects from enemy attacks; to ensure the actions of the Ground Forces and the Navy; strikes against enemy groupings in the sky, on land and at sea, as well as against its administrative-political and military-economic centers.
The existing Air Forces, in terms of their organizational and staffing structure, date back to 2008, when the country began to form a new image of the Russian Armed Forces. Then the Air Force and Air Defense Commands were formed, subordinate to the newly created operational-strategic commands: Western, Southern, Central and Eastern. The Air Force High Command was assigned the tasks of planning and organizing combat training, the prospective development of the Air Force, as well as training management team governing bodies. In 2009-2010, a transition was made to a two-level air force command and control system, as a result of which the number of formations was reduced from 8 to 6, and air defense formations were reorganized into 11 aerospace defense brigades. Air regiments were consolidated into air bases with a total of about 70, including 25 air bases for tactical (front-line) aviation, of which 14 are purely fighter.
In 2014, the reform of the Air Force structure continued: air defense forces and assets were concentrated in air defense divisions, and the formation of aviation divisions and regiments began in aviation. An air force and air defense army is being created as part of the joint strategic command "North".
The most fundamental transformation is expected in 2015: the creation of a new type - the Aerospace Forces based on the integration of the forces and means of the Air Force (aviation and air defense) and the Aerospace Defense Forces (space forces, air defense and missile defense).
Simultaneously with the reorganization, an active renewal of the aircraft fleet is taking place. The planes and helicopters of previous generations were replaced by their new modifications, as well as promising machines with wider combat capabilities and flight performance. Current development work was continued and new development work was started on advanced aviation systems. Active development of unmanned aircraft began.
The modern air fleet of the Russian Air Force is second only to the US Air Force in its numbers. True, its exact quantitative composition has not been officially published, but on the basis of open sources, quite adequate calculations can be made. As for the renewal of the fleet, according to the representative of the press service and information department of the Russian Ministry of Defense for the Air Force. Klimov, the Russian Air Force in 2015 alone, in accordance with the state defense order, will receive more than 150 new aircraft and helicopters. These include the latest aircraft Su-30SM, Su-30M2, MiG-29 SMT, Su-34, Su-35S, Yak-130, Il-76MD-90A, as well as helicopters Ka-52, Mi -28 N, Mi-8 AMTSh/MTV-5-1, Mi-8 MTPR, Mi-35 M, Mi-26, Ka-226 and Ansat-U. It is also known from the words of the former Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Air Force, Colonel-General A. Zelin, that as of November 2010, the total number of Air Force personnel was about 170 thousand people (including 40 thousand officers).
All aviation of the Russian Air Force as a branch of service is divided into:
- Long-range (strategic) aviation,
- Operational-tactical (front-line) aviation,
- military transport aviation,
- Army aviation.
In addition, the Air Force includes such types of troops as anti-aircraft missile troops, radio engineering troops, special troops, as well as rear units and institutions (all of them in this material will not be considered).
In turn, aviation by birth is divided into:
- bomber aircraft,
- assault aircraft,
- fighter aircraft,
- reconnaissance aircraft,
- transport aviation,
- special aviation.
Further, all types of aircraft in the Air Force of the Russian Federation, as well as promising machines, are considered. The first part of the article covers long-range (strategic) and operational-tactical (front-line) aviation, the second part - military transport, reconnaissance, special and army aviation.
Long-range (strategic) aviation
Long-range aviation is the means of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Russia and is designed to solve strategic, operational-strategic and operational tasks in theaters of military operations (strategic directions). Long-range aviation is also a component of the triad of strategic nuclear forces.
The main tasks performed in peacetime are deterrence (including nuclear) of potential adversaries; in the event of a war - the maximum reduction of the military and economic potential of the enemy by destroying his important military facilities and violating state and military control.
The main promising areas for the development of long-range aviation are the maintenance and enhancement of operational capabilities to fulfill the assigned tasks as part of the strategic deterrence forces and general-purpose forces through the modernization of aircraft with the extension of their service life, the purchase of new aircraft (Tu-160 M), as well as the creation of a promising long-range aviation complex PAK-DA.
The main weapons of long-range aircraft are guided missiles, both in nuclear and conventional equipment:
- Kh-55SM long-range strategic cruise missiles;
- aeroballistic hypersonic missiles X-15 C;
- operational-tactical cruise missiles X-22.
As well as free-falling bombs of various calibers, including those in nuclear weapons, one-time bomb clusters, and sea mines.
In the future, it is planned to introduce new-generation X-555 and X-101 high-precision cruise missiles with significantly increased range and accuracy into the armament of long-range aviation aircraft.
The basis of the modern fleet of long-range aviation of the Russian Air Force is bombers-missile carriers:
- strategic missile carriers Tu-160-16 units. Until 2020, it is possible to supply about 50 modernized Tu-160 M2 machines.
- Tu-95MS strategic missile carriers - 38 units, and about 60 more are in storage. Since 2013, these aircraft have been upgraded to the level of Tu-95 MSM in order to extend their service life.
- Tu-22M3 long-range missile bombers - about 40 units, and another 109 in reserve. Since 2012, 30 aircraft have been upgraded to the level of Tu-22 M3 M.
The long-range aviation also includes Il-78 tanker aircraft and Tu-22MR reconnaissance aircraft.
Tu‑160
Work on a new multi-mode strategic intercontinental bomber began in the USSR in 1967. Having tried a variety of layout options, the designers eventually came up with the design of an integral low-wing wing with variable sweep with four engines installed in pairs in engine nacelles under the fuselage.
In 1984, the Tu-160 was put into mass production at the Kazan Aviation Plant. At the time of the collapse of the USSR, 35 aircraft were produced (of which 8 prototypes), by 1994, KAPO transferred six more Tu-160 bombers to the Russian Air Force, which were stationed near Engels in the Saratov region. In 2009, 3 new aircraft were built and put into service, by 2015 their number is 16 units.
In 2002, the Ministry of Defense entered into an agreement with KAPO for the modernization of the Tu-160 in order to gradually repair and modernize all bombers of this type in service. According to the latest data, by 2020, 10 Tu-160M modification aircraft will be put into service with the Russian Air Force. conventional bomb weapons. In view of the need to replenish the fleet of long-range aviation in April 2015, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu instructed to consider the issue of resuming the production of Tu-160 M. In May of the same year, Supreme Commander V. V. Putin officially instructed to resume production of improved Tu-160 M2.
|
Main characteristics of Tu-160 |
|
|
4 people |
|
|
Wingspan |
|
|
Wing area |
|
|
Empty weight |
|
|
Normal takeoff weight |
|
|
Maximum takeoff weight |
|
|
Engines |
4 × turbofan NK-32 |
|
Thrust maximum |
4 × 18,000 kgf |
|
Afterburner thrust |
4 × 25,000 kgf |
|
2230 km/h (M=1.87) |
|
|
Cruising speed |
917 km/h (M=0.77) |
|
Maximum range without refueling |
|
|
Range with combat load |
|
|
Combat radius |
|
|
Flight duration |
|
|
practical ceiling |
about 22000 m |
|
rate of climb |
|
|
Take-off / run length |
|
|
Armament: |
|
|
Strategic cruise missiles X‑55 SM/X‑101 |
|
|
Tactical aeroballistic missiles Kh-15 S |
|
|
Free-falling aviation bombs of caliber up to 4000 kg, cluster bombs, mines. |
|
Tu‑95MS
The creation of the aircraft was started by the design bureau headed by Andrey Tupolev in the distant 1950s. At the end of 1951, the developed project was approved, and then the layout built by that time was approved and approved. The construction of the first two aircraft began at the Moscow Aviation Plant No. 156, and already in the fall of 1952, the prototype made its first flight.
In 1956, the aircraft, which received the official designation Tu-95, began to arrive in the long-range aviation unit. Subsequently, various modifications were developed, including carriers of anti-ship missiles.
In the late 1970s, a completely new modification of the bomber was created, which received the designation Tu-95MS. The new aircraft in 1981 was put into serial production at the Kuibyshev Aviation Plant, which continued until 1992 (about 100 aircraft were produced).
Now, the 37th Air Army of Strategic Aviation has been formed as part of the Air Force of the Russian Federation, consisting of two divisions, which includes two regiments on the Tu-95 MS-16 (Amur and Saratov regions) - a total of 38 aircraft. About 60 more units are in storage.
Due to the obsolescence of equipment, since 2013, the modernization of aircraft in service to the level of Tu-95 MSM began, the service life of which will last until 2025. They will be equipped with new electronics, a sighting and navigation system, a satellite navigation system, and it will be possible to carry new Kh-101 strategic cruise missiles.
|
Main characteristics of Tu-95MS |
|
|
7 people |
|
|
Wingspan: |
|
|
Wing area |
|
|
Empty weight |
|
|
Normal takeoff weight |
|
|
Maximum takeoff weight |
|
|
Engines |
4 × TVD NK-12 MP |
|
Power |
4 × 15,000 l. With. |
|
Maximum speed at altitude |
|
|
Cruising speed |
about 700 km/h |
|
Maximum range |
|
|
Practical range |
|
|
Combat radius |
|
|
practical ceiling |
about 11000 m |
|
Take-off / run length |
|
|
Armament: |
|
|
built-in Strategic cruise missiles X‑55 SM/X‑101–6 or 16 Free-falling bombs of caliber up to 9000 kg, bomb clusters, mines. |
|
Tu‑22M3
The Tu-22 M3 long-range supersonic bomber with variable wing geometry is designed to conduct combat operations in the operational zones of land and sea theaters of war day and night in simple and adverse weather conditions. It is capable of delivering Kh-22 cruise missile strikes against naval targets, Kh-15 supersonic aeroballistic missiles against land targets, as well as precision bombing. Named "Backfire" in the west.
Total at the Kazan Aviation production association Until 1993, 268 Tu-22 M3 bombers were built.
Currently, about 40 Tu-22M3 units are in service, and another 109 are in reserve. By 2020, it is planned to upgrade about 30 vehicles at KAPO to the level of Tu-22 M3 M (the modification was put into service in 2014). They will install new electronics, expand the range of weapons through the introduction of the latest precision-guided munitions, and extend their service life to 40 years.
|
Main characteristics of Tu‑22M3 |
|
|
4 people |
|
|
Wingspan: At the minimum sweep angle At maximum sweep angle |
|
|
Wing area |
|
|
Empty weight |
|
|
Normal takeoff weight |
|
|
Maximum takeoff weight |
|
|
Engines |
2 × TRDDF NK-25 |
|
Thrust maximum |
2 × 14 500 kgf |
|
Afterburner thrust |
2 × 25,000 kgf |
|
Maximum speed at altitude |
|
|
Cruising speed |
|
|
Range of flight |
|
|
Combat radius with a load of 12 t |
1500…2400 km |
|
practical ceiling |
|
|
Take-off / run length |
|
|
Armament: |
|
|
built-in 23 mm defensive installation with guns GSh-23 |
|
|
X-22 anti-ship cruise missiles |
|
|
Tactical aeroballistic missiles Kh-15 S. |
|
Promising developments
PAK YES
In 2008, R&D funding was opened in Russia to create a promising long-range aviation complex PAK DA. The program provides for the development of a fifth-generation long-range bomber to replace aircraft in service with the Russian Air Force. The fact that the Russian Air Force formulated the tactical and technical requirements for the PAK DA program and preparations for the participation of design bureaus in the development competition was announced back in 2007. According to I. Shevchuk, Director General of JSC Tupolev, the contract under the PAK DA program was won by Tupolev Design Bureau. In 2011, it was reported that a preliminary design of the avionics integration complex of a promising complex had been developed, and the long-range aviation command of the Russian Air Force issued a tactical and technical assignment for the creation of a promising bomber. It was announced plans to build 100 vehicles, which they expect to be put into service before 2027.
Most likely, advanced hypersonic missiles, long-range cruise missiles of the Kh-101 type, short-range precision missiles and guided bombs, as well as free-fall bombs, will most likely be used as weapons. It was stated that some of the missiles had already been developed by the Tactical Missiles Corporation. It is possible that the aircraft will also be used as an air carrier for an operational-strategic reconnaissance and strike complex. It is possible that for self-defense, in addition to the electronic warfare complex, the bomber will be armed with air-to-air missiles.
Operational-tactical (front-line) aviation
Operational-tactical (front-line) aviation is designed to solve operational, operational-tactical and tactical tasks in operations (combat actions) of groupings of troops (forces) in theaters of military operations (strategic directions).
Bomber aviation, which is part of front-line aviation, is the main strike weapon of the Air Force, mainly in operational and operational-tactical depths.
Assault aviation is intended primarily for aviation support of troops, destruction of manpower and objects mainly on the front line, in the tactical and immediate operational depth of the enemy. In addition, it can also fight enemy aircraft in the air.
The main promising areas for the development of bombers and attack aircraft of tactical aviation are maintaining and building up capabilities in the framework of solving operational, operational-tactical and tactical tasks during combat operations in theaters by supplying new ones (Su-34) and upgrading existing ones (Su-25SM ) aircraft.
Bombers and ground attack aircraft are armed with air-to-surface and air-to-air missiles, unguided missiles different types, aviation bombs, including corrected ones, cluster bombs, aircraft cannons.
Fighter aviation is represented by multi-role and front-line fighters, as well as fighter-interceptors. Its purpose is to destroy enemy aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles in the air, as well as ground and sea targets.
The task of air defense fighter aircraft is to cover the most important directions and individual objects from an enemy air attack by destroying his aircraft at maximum ranges with the help of interceptors. Air defense aviation is also armed with combat helicopters, special and transport aircraft and helicopters.
The main promising areas for the development of fighter aviation are maintaining and increasing the capabilities to fulfill the tasks set by modernizing existing aircraft, purchasing new aircraft (Su-30, Su-35), as well as creating a promising PAK-FA aviation complex, which has been tested since 2010 of the year and, possibly, a promising long-range interceptor.
The main weapons of fighter aviation are air-to-air and air-to-surface guided missiles of various ranges, as well as free-fall and corrected bombs, unguided rockets, cluster bombs, and aircraft guns. Advanced missile weapons are being developed.
The modern aircraft fleet of attack and front-line bomber aviation includes the following types of aircraft:
- attack aircraft Su-25-200 units, including Su-25UB, about 100 more are in storage. Despite the fact that these aircraft were put into service in the USSR, their combat potential, taking into account modernization, remains quite high. By 2020, it is planned to upgrade about 80 attack aircraft to the level of the Su-25SM.
- front-line bombers Su-24M - 21 units. These Soviet-made aircraft are already outdated and are being actively put out of action. In 2020, it is planned to dispose of all the Su-24M in service.
- fighter-bombers Su-34-69 units. The latest multi-purpose aircraft that replace obsolete Su-24M bombers in the units. The total number of ordered Su-34s is 124 units, which will go into service in the near future.
Su-25
Su-25 is an armored subsonic attack aircraft designed for close support ground forces over the battlefield. It is capable of destroying point and area targets on the ground day and night under any weather conditions. We can say that this is the best aircraft of its class in the world, tested in real combat operations. In the army, the Su-25 received the unofficial nickname "Rook", in the west - the designation "Frogfoot".
Serial production was carried out at aircraft factories in Tbilisi and Ulan-Ude (1320 aircraft of all modifications were produced for the entire time, including for export).
The vehicles were produced in various modifications, including the combat training Su-25UB and the carrier-based Su-25UTD for the Navy. Currently, the Russian Air Force has about 200 Su-25 aircraft of various modifications, which are in service with 6 combat and several training aviation regiments. About 100 more old cars are in storage.
In 2009, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced the resumption of purchases of Su-25 attack aircraft for the Air Force. At the same time, a program was adopted to upgrade 80 vehicles to the level of the Su-25SM. The latest electronics are installed on them, including the sighting system, multifunctional indicators, new electronic warfare equipment, and the Spear outboard radar. The new Su-25UBM aircraft, which will have equipment similar to the Su-25 SM, has been adopted as a combat training aircraft.
|
The main characteristics of the Su-25 |
|
|
1 person |
|
|
Wingspan |
|
|
Wing area |
|
|
Empty weight |
|
|
Normal takeoff weight |
|
|
Maximum takeoff weight |
|
|
Engines |
2 × TRD R-95Sh |
|
Thrust maximum |
2 × 4100 kgf |
|
Max speed |
|
|
Cruising speed |
|
|
Practical range with combat load |
|
|
ferry range |
|
|
practical ceiling |
|
|
rate of climb |
|
|
Take-off / run length |
|
|
Armament: |
|
|
built-in 30 mm double-barreled gun GSh‑30–2 (250 rounds) On external suspension Air-to-surface guided missiles - Kh‑25 ML, Kh‑25 MLP, S‑25 L, Kh‑29 L Air bombs, cassettes - FAB‑500, RBC‑500, FAB‑250, RBC‑250, FAB‑100, KMGU‑2 containers Shooting-cannon containers - SPPU-22-1 (23-mm cannon GSh-23) |
|
Su-24M
The Su-24M variable-sweep wing front-line bomber is designed to deliver missile and bomb strikes in the operational and operational-tactical depths of the enemy day and night in simple and adverse weather conditions, including at low altitudes, with targeted destruction of ground and surface targets with guided and unguided munitions. In the west received the designation "Fencer"
Serial production was carried out at NAPO named after Chkalov in Novosibirsk (with the participation of KNAAPO) until 1993, about 1200 machines of various modifications were built, including for export.
At the turn of the century due to obsolescence aviation technology in Russia, a program was launched to modernize front-line bombers to the level of the Su-24 M2. In 2007, the first two Su-24 M2s were transferred to the Lipetsk Combat Operations Center. The delivery of other vehicles to the Russian Air Force was completed in 2009.
Currently, the Russian Air Force has 21 Su-24M aircraft of several modifications, but as the newest Su-34s and Su-24s enter service, they are removed from service and disposed of (by 2015, 103 aircraft were disposed of). By 2020, they should be completely withdrawn from the Air Force.
|
The main characteristics of the Su-24M |
|
|
2 persons |
|
|
Wingspan At maximum sweep angle At the minimum sweep angle |
|
|
Wing area |
|
|
Empty weight |
|
|
Normal takeoff weight |
|
|
Maximum takeoff weight |
|
|
Engines |
2 × turbofan AL-21 F-3 |
|
Thrust maximum |
2 × 7800 kgf |
|
Afterburner thrust |
2 × 11200 kgf |
|
Maximum speed at altitude |
1700 km/h (M=1.35) |
|
Maximum speed at 200 m |
|
|
ferry range |
|
|
Combat radius |
|
|
practical ceiling |
about 11500 m |
|
Take-off / run length |
|
|
Armament: |
|
|
built-in 23 mm 6-barrel gun GSh‑6–23 (500 rounds) On external suspension: Guided air-to-air missiles - R-60 Air-to-surface guided missiles - Kh‑25 ML/MR, Kh‑23, Kh‑29 L/T, Kh‑59, S‑25 L, Kh‑58 Unguided rockets - 57 mm S-5, 80 mm S-8, 122 mm S-13, 240 mm S-24, 266 mm S-25 Air bombs, cassettes - FAB‑1500, KAB‑1500 L/TK, KAB‑500 L/KR, ZB‑500, FAB‑500, RBC‑500, FAB‑250, RBC‑250, OFAB‑100, KMGU‑2 containers Shooting-cannon containers - SPPU-6 (23-mm cannon GSh-6-23) |
|
Su-34
The Su-34 multifunctional fighter-bomber is the latest aircraft of this class in the Russian Air Force and belongs to the 4+ generation of aircraft. At the same time, it is positioned as a front-line bomber, as it should replace obsolete Su-24M aircraft in the troops. It is intended for delivering high-precision missile and bomb strikes, including using nuclear weapons, on ground (surface) targets at any time of the day in any weather conditions. In the west it has the designation "Fullback".
By the middle of 2015, 69 Su-34 aircraft (including 8 prototypes) out of 124 ordered were delivered to combat units.
In the future, the Russian Air Force plans to supply approximately 150-200 new aircraft and by 2020 completely replace the obsolete Su-24s with them. Thus, now the Su-34 is the main strike aircraft of our Air Force, capable of using the entire range of high-precision air-to-surface weapons.
|
The main characteristics of the Su-34 |
|
|
2 persons |
|
|
Wingspan |
|
|
Wing area |
|
|
Empty weight |
|
|
Normal takeoff weight |
|
|
Maximum takeoff weight |
|
|
Engines |
2 × TRDDF AL-31 F-M1 |
|
Thrust maximum |
2 × 8250 kgf |
|
Afterburner thrust |
2 × 13500 kgf |
|
Maximum speed at altitude |
1900 km/h (M=1.8) |
|
Maximum ground speed |
|
|
ferry range |
|
|
Combat radius |
|
|
practical ceiling |
|
|
Armament: |
|
|
Built-in - 30 mm gun GSh‑30–1 On the external sling - all types of modern air-to-air and air-to-surface guided missiles, unguided rockets, aerial bombs, bomb clusters |
|
The modern aircraft fleet of fighter aviation consists of the following types of aircraft:
- MiG-29 front-line fighters of various modifications - 184 units. In addition to modifications of the MiG-29 S, MiG-29 M and MiG-29UB, the latest versions of the MiG-29 SMT and MiG-29UBT were put into service (28 and 6 units as of 2013). At the same time, there are no plans to upgrade old-built aircraft. On the basis of the MiG-29, a promising multi-role fighter MiG-35 was created, but the signing of a contract for its production was postponed in favor of the MiG-29 SMT.
- Su-27 front-line fighters of various modifications - 360 units, including 52 Su-27UB. Since 2010, there has been a re-equipment with new modifications of the Su-27SM and Su-27SM3, of which 82 units have been delivered.
- Su-35 S front-line fighters - 34 units. According to the contract, by 2015 it is planned to complete the delivery of a series of 48 aircraft of this type.
- Su-30 multirole fighters of various modifications - 51 units, including 16 Su-30 M2 and 32 Su-30 SM. At the same time, at present time runs delivery of the second series of Su-30SM, 30 units are to be delivered by 2016.
- fighter-interceptors MiG-31 of several modifications - 252 units. It is known that since 2014 the MiG-31BS aircraft have been upgraded to the MiG-31 BSM level, another 60 MiG-31 B aircraft are planned to be upgraded to the MiG-31 BM level by 2020.
MiG‑29
The fourth-generation light front-line fighter MiG-29 was developed back in the USSR and has been mass-produced since 1983. In fact, he was one of best fighters of its class in the world and, having a very successful design, was repeatedly modernized and, in the form of the latest modifications as part of the Russian Air Force, entered the 21st century as a multi-purpose aircraft. It was originally intended to gain air superiority at tactical depth. Known in the west as "Fulcrum".
By the time of the collapse of the USSR, factories in Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod had produced about 1,400 vehicles of various options. Now the MiG-29 in various versions is in service with the armies of more than two dozen countries of the near and far abroad, where he managed to take part in local wars and armed conflicts.
Now the Russian Air Force is armed with 184 MiG-29 fighters of the following modifications:
- MiG-29 S - had an increased combat load compared to the MiG-29, was equipped with new weapons;
- MiG-29M - a multi-role fighter of the "4+" generation, had an increased range and combat load, was equipped with new weapons;
- MiG-29UB - two-seat combat training version without radar;
- MiG-29 SMT is the latest upgraded version with the ability to use high-precision air-to-surface weapons, increased flight range, the latest electronics (first flight in 1997, put into service in 2004, 28 units were delivered by 2013), weapons are placed on six underwing and one ventral external suspension units, there is a built-in 30 mm gun;
- MiG-29UBT - combat training version of the MiG-29 SMT (supplied 6 units).
For the most part, all MiG-29 aircraft of the old production were physically obsolete and it was decided not to repair or modernize them, but to purchase new equipment instead - MiG-29 SMT (in 2014 a contract was signed for the supply of 16 aircraft) and MiG-29UBT, and also promising MiG-35 fighters.
|
The main characteristics of the MiG‑29 SMT |
|
|
1 person |
|
|
Wingspan |
|
|
Wing area |
|
|
Empty weight |
|
|
Normal takeoff weight |
|
|
Maximum takeoff weight |
|
|
Engines |
2 × turbofan RD-33 |
|
Thrust maximum |
2 × 5040 kgf |
|
Afterburner thrust |
2 × 8300 kgf |
|
Maximum ground speed |
|
|
Cruising speed |
|
|
Practical range |
|
|
Practical range with PTB |
2800…3500 km |
|
practical ceiling |
|
|
Armament: |
|
|
On external suspension: Air-to-surface guided missiles - Kh‑29 L/T, Kh‑31 A/P, Kh‑35 Containers KMGU‑2 |
|
MiG‑35
The new Russian multirole fighter of the 4++ generation MiG-35 is a deep modernization of the MiG-29M series aircraft developed by the MiG Design Bureau. By design, it is maximally unified with early production aircraft, but at the same time it has an increased combat load and flight range, reduced radar visibility, is equipped with an active phased array radar, the latest electronics, an on-board electronic warfare system, has an open avionics architecture, and the ability to refuel in the air. The two-seat modification is designated MiG‑35 D.
The MiG-35 is designed to gain air supremacy and intercept enemy air attack assets, strike ground (surface) targets with high-precision weapons without entering the air defense zone day and night in any weather conditions, as well as conduct aerial reconnaissance using airborne assets.
The issue of equipping the Russian Air Force with MiG-35 aircraft remains open until the contract with the Ministry of Defense is signed.
|
The main characteristics of the MiG‑35 |
|
|
1 - 2 persons |
|
|
Wingspan |
|
|
Wing area |
|
|
Empty weight |
|
|
Normal takeoff weight |
|
|
Maximum takeoff weight |
|
|
Engines |
2 × TRDDF RD‑33 MK/MKV |
|
Thrust maximum |
2 × 5400 kgf |
|
Afterburner thrust |
2 × 9000 kgf |
|
Maximum speed at high altitude |
2400 km/h (M=2.25) |
|
Maximum ground speed |
|
|
Cruising speed |
|
|
Practical range |
|
|
Practical range with PTB |
|
|
Combat radius |
|
|
Flight duration |
|
|
practical ceiling |
|
|
rate of climb |
|
|
Armament: |
|
|
Built-in - 30 mm gun GSh‑30–1 (150 rounds) On external suspension: Air-to-air guided missiles - R-73, R-27 R/T, R-27ET/ER, R-77 Air-to-surface guided missiles - Kh‑25 ML/MR, Kh‑29 L/T, Kh‑31 A/P, Kh‑35 Unguided rockets - 80 mm S-8, 122 mm S-13, 240 mm S-24 Air bombs, cassettes - FAB‑500, KAB‑500 L / KR, ZB‑500, FAB‑250, RBC‑250, OFAB‑100 |
|
Su-27
The Su-27 front-line fighter is a fourth-generation aircraft developed in the USSR at the Sukhoi Design Bureau in the early 1980s. It was intended to gain air superiority and was at one time one of the best fighters in its class. The latest modifications of the Su-27 continue to be in service with the Russian Air Force, in addition, as a result of the deep modernization of the Su-27, new types of 4+ generation fighters have been developed. Along with the light front-line fighter of the fourth generation, the MiG-29 was one of the best aircraft in its class in the world. According to Western classification, it has the name "Flanker".
At present, the Air Force combat units include 226 Su-27 and 52 Su-27UB fighters of the old production. Since 2010, the rearmament to the upgraded version of the Su-27SM began (first flight in 2002). Now 70 such machines have been delivered to the troops. In addition, fighters of the Su-27SM3 modification (12 units produced) are supplied, which differ from the previous version in the AL-31 F-M1 engines (afterburner thrust 13500 kgf), a reinforced airframe structure and additional weapon suspension points.
|
The main characteristics of the Su-27 SM |
|
|
1 person |
|
|
Wingspan |
|
|
Wing area |
|
|
Empty weight |
|
|
Normal takeoff weight |
|
|
Maximum takeoff weight |
|
|
Engines |
2 × turbofan AL‑31F |
|
Thrust maximum |
2 × 7600 kgf |
|
Afterburner thrust |
2 × 12500 kgf |
|
Maximum speed at high altitude |
2500 km/h (M=2.35) |
|
Maximum ground speed |
|
|
Practical range |
|
|
practical ceiling |
|
|
rate of climb |
over 330 m/s |
|
Take-off / run length |
|
|
Armament: |
|
|
Built-in - 30 mm gun GSh‑30–1 (150 rounds) Air-to-surface guided missiles - Kh‑29 L/T, Kh‑31 A/P, Kh‑59 Air bombs, cassettes - FAB‑500, KAB‑500 L / KR, ZB‑500, FAB‑250, RBC‑250, OFAB‑100 |
|
Su-30
The heavy two-seat multi-role fighter Su-30 of the 4+ generation was created at the Sukhoi Design Bureau on the basis of the Su-27UB combat training aircraft through a deep modernization. The main purpose is to control group combat operations of fighters in solving the tasks of gaining air supremacy, to ensure the combat operations of other branches of aviation, to cover ground troops and objects, to destroy airborne assault forces, as well as to conduct aerial reconnaissance and destroy ground (surface) targets. The features of the Su-30 were the long range and duration of flights and effective management fighter group. The aircraft's western designation is "Flanker-C".
The Russian Air Force currently has 3 Su-30s, 16 Su-30 M2s (all manufactured by KNAAPO) and 32 Su-30 SMs (manufactured by the Irkut plant). The last two modifications are supplied in accordance with contracts dated 2012, when two batches of 30 Su-30SM units (until 2016) and 16 Su-30M2 units were ordered.
|
The main characteristics of the Su-30 SM |
|
|
2 persons |
|
|
Wingspan |
|
|
Wing area |
|
|
Empty weight |
|
|
Normal takeoff weight |
|
|
Maximum takeoff weight |
|
|
Maximum takeoff weight |
|
|
Engines |
2 × turbofan AL-31FP |
|
Thrust maximum |
2 × 7700 kgf |
|
Afterburner thrust |
2 × 12500 kgf |
|
Maximum speed at high altitude |
2125 km/h (M=2) |
|
Maximum ground speed |
|
|
Flight range without refueling near the ground |
|
|
Flight range without refueling at altitude |
|
|
Combat radius |
|
|
Flight duration without refueling |
|
|
practical ceiling |
|
|
rate of climb |
|
|
Take-off / run length |
|
|
Armament: |
|
|
Built-in - 30 mm gun GSh‑30–1 (150 rounds) On an external sling: Guided air-to-air missiles - R-73, R-27 R/T, R-27ET/ER, R-77 Air-to-surface guided missiles - Kh‑29 L/T, Kh‑31 A/P, Kh‑59 M Unguided rockets - 80 mm S-8, 122 mm S-13 Air bombs, cassettes - FAB‑500, KAB‑500 L / KR, FAB‑250, RBC‑250, KMGU |
|
Su-35
The Su-35 multipurpose super-maneuverable fighter belongs to the 4++ generation and is equipped with thrust vector control engines. Developed at the Sukhoi Design Bureau, this aircraft is close in its characteristics to fifth-generation fighters. The Su-35 is designed to gain air supremacy and intercept enemy air attack weapons, strike ground (surface) targets with precision weapons without entering the air defense zone day and night in any weather.
conditions, as well as conducting aerial reconnaissance using airborne means. In the west, it has the designation "Flanker-E +".
In 2009, a contract was signed to supply the Russian Air Force with 48 of the latest production Su-35C fighters in the period 2012-2015, of which 34 units are already in service. It is planned to conclude another contract for the supply of these aircraft in 2015-2020.
|
The main characteristics of the Su-35 |
|
|
1 person |
|
|
Wingspan |
|
|
Wing area |
|
|
Empty weight |
|
|
Normal takeoff weight |
|
|
Maximum takeoff weight |
|
|
Engines |
2 × TRDDF with OVT AL‑41F1S |
|
Thrust maximum |
2 × 8800 kgf |
|
Afterburner thrust |
2 × 14500 kgf |
|
Maximum speed at high altitude |
2500 km/h (M=2.25) |
|
Maximum ground speed |
|
|
ground flight range |
|
|
Flight range at altitude |
3600…4500 km |
|
practical ceiling |
|
|
rate of climb |
|
|
Take-off / run length |
|
|
Armament: |
|
|
Built-in - 30 mm gun GSh‑30–1 (150 rounds) On external suspension: Air-to-air guided missiles - R-73, R-27 R/T, R-27ET/ER, R-77 Air-to-surface guided missiles - Kh‑29 T/L, Kh‑31 A/P, Kh‑59 M, advanced long-range missiles Unguided rockets - 80 mm S-8, 122 mm S-13, 266 mm S-25 Air bombs, cassettes - KAB‑500 L/KR, FAB‑500, FAB‑250, RBC‑250, KMGU |
|
MiG‑31
The MiG-31 long-range supersonic all-weather fighter-interceptor was developed in the USSR at the Mikoyan Design Bureau in the 1970s. At that time it was the first aircraft of the fourth generation. It was designed to intercept and destroy air targets at all altitudes - from the lowest to the highest, day and night, in any weather conditions, in a difficult jamming environment. Actually main task MiG-31 was the interception of cruise missiles in the entire range of altitudes and speeds, as well as low-flying satellites. The fastest combat aircraft. The modern MiG-31 BM has an airborne radar with unique characteristics not yet available to other foreign aircraft. According to Western classification, it has the designation "Foxhound".
The MiG-31 fighter-interceptors (252 units) now in service with the Russian Air Force have several modifications:
- MiG-31 B - serial modification with aerial refueling system (put into service in 1990)
- MiG-31 BS is a variant of the basic MiG-31, upgraded to the level of the MiG-31 B, but without aerial refueling.
- The MiG-31 BM is a modernized version with the Zaslon-M radar (developed in 1998), which has a range increased to 320 km, equipped with the latest electronic systems, including satellite navigation, capable of using air-to-surface guided missiles. Until 2020, it is planned to upgrade 60 MiG-31Bs to the level of the MiG-31BM. The second stage of state testing of the aircraft was completed in 2012.
- MiG‑31 BSM is an upgraded version of the MiG‑31 BS with the Zaslon-M radar and related electronics. Modernization of combat aircraft has been underway since 2014.
Thus, the Russian Air Force will have 60 MiG-31 BM and 30-40 MiG-31 BSM aircraft in service, and approximately 150 older aircraft will be decommissioned. It is possible that in the future there will be a new interceptor, known under the code name MiG-41.
|
The main characteristics of the MiG‑31 BM |
|
|
2 persons |
|
|
Wingspan |
|
|
Wing area |
|
|
Empty weight |
|
|
Maximum takeoff weight |
|
|
Engines |
2 × turbofan D-30 F6 |
|
Thrust maximum |
2 × 9500 kgf |
|
Afterburner thrust |
2 × 15500 kgf |
|
Maximum speed at high altitude |
3000 km/h (M=2.82) |
|
Maximum ground speed |
|
|
Cruise speed subsonic |
|
|
Cruise speed supersonic |
|
|
Practical range |
1450…3000 km |
|
Range at high altitude with one refueling |
|
|
Combat radius |
|
|
practical ceiling |
|
|
rate of climb |
|
|
Take-off / run length |
|
|
Armament: |
|
|
Built-in: 23 mm 6-barrel gun GSh‑23–6 (260 rounds) On external suspension: Air-to-air guided missiles - R-60 M, R-73, R-77, R-40, R-33 C, R-37 Air-to-surface guided missiles - Kh‑25 MPU, Kh‑29 T/L, Kh‑31 A/P, Kh‑59 M Air bombs, cassettes - KAB‑500 L/KR, FAB‑500, FAB‑250, RBC‑250 |
|
Promising developments
PAK-FA
A promising front-line aviation complex - PAK FA - includes a fifth-generation multi-role fighter developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau under the designation T-50. In terms of the totality of characteristics, it will have to surpass all foreign analogues and in the near future, after being put into service, it will become the main front-line fighter aircraft of the Russian Air Force.
PAK FA is designed to gain air supremacy and intercept enemy air attack assets in all altitude ranges, as well as strike ground (surface) targets with high-precision weapons without entering the air defense zone day and night in any weather conditions, can be used for air reconnaissance using onboard equipment. The aircraft fully meets all the requirements for fifth-generation fighters: stealth, supersonic cruising speed, high maneuverability with high g-forces, advanced electronics, multifunctionality.
According to plans, serial production of the T-50 aircraft for the Russian Air Force should begin in 2016, and by 2020 the first aviation units equipped with it will appear in Russia. It is also known that production for export is also possible. In particular, an export modification is being created jointly with India, which received the designation FGFA (Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft).
|
Main characteristics (estimated) PAK-FA |
|
|
1 person |
|
|
Wingspan |
|
|
Wing area |
|
|
Empty weight |
|
|
Normal takeoff weight |
|
|
Maximum takeoff weight |
|
|
Engines |
2 × TRDDF with UVT AL‑41F1 |
|
Thrust maximum |
2 × 8800 kgf |
|
Afterburner thrust |
2 × 15000 kgf |
|
Maximum speed at high altitude |
|
|
Cruising speed |
|
|
Practical range at subsonic speed |
2700…4300 km |
|
Practical range with PTB |
|
|
Practical range at supersonic speed |
1200…2000 km |
|
Flight duration |
|
|
practical ceiling |
|
|
rate of climb |
|
|
Armament: |
|
|
Built-in - 30 mm gun 9 A1-4071 K (260 cartridges) On the internal suspension - all types of modern and promising air-to-air and air-to-surface guided missiles, aerial bombs, bomb clusters |
|
PAK-DP (MiG‑41)
Some sources report that at present, the MiG Design Bureau, together with the Design Bureau of the Sokol aircraft plant (Nizhny Novgorod), are developing a long-range high-speed fighter-interceptor with the code name "promising long-range interception aviation complex" - PAK DP, also known as the MiG-41. It was stated that the development was started in 2013 on the basis of the MiG-31 fighter by order of the Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces. Perhaps, this refers to the deep modernization of the MiG-31, the study of which was carried out earlier, but was not implemented. It was also reported that a promising interceptor is planned to be developed as part of the arms program until 2020 and put into service until 2028.
In 2014, information appeared in the media that the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Air Force, V. Bondarev, said that now only research work is underway, and in 2017 it is planned to begin development work to create a promising long-range aircraft interception complex.
(continued in the next issue)
Summary table of the quantitative composition of aircraft
Air Force of the Russian Federation (2014–2015)*
|
aircraft type |
Quantity |
Scheduled |
Scheduled |
|
Bomber aviation as part of long-range aviation |
|||
|
Strategic missile carriers Tu-160 |
|||
|
Strategic missile carriers Tu-95MS |
|||
|
Long Tu-22M3 bomber bombers |
|||
|
Bomber and assault aviation as part of front-line aviation |
|||
|
Attack aircraft Su-25 |
|||
|
Su-24M front-line bombers |
|||
|
Su-34 fighter-bombers |
124 (total) |
||
|
Fighter aviation as part of front-line aviation |
|||
|
Front-line fighters MiG-29, MiG-29SMT |
|||
|
Front-line fighters Su-27, Su-27SM |
|||
|
Front-line fighters Su-35S |
|||
|
Multipurpose fighters Su-30, Su-30SM |
|||
|
Fighter-interceptors MiG-31, MiG-31BSM |
|||
|
Prospective aviation complex of front-line aviation - PAK FA |
|||
|
Military transport aviation |
|||
|
An-22 transport aircraft |
|||
|
An-124 and An-124-100 transport aircraft |
|||
|
Transport aircraft Il-76M, Il-76MDM, Il-76MD-90A |
|||
|
An-12 transport aircraft |
|||
|
An-72 transport aircraft |
|||
|
Transport aircraft An-26, An-24 |
|||
|
Transport and passenger aircraft Il-18, Tu-134, Il-62, Tu-154, An-148, An-140 |
|||
|
Promising military transport aircraft Il-112V |
|||
|
Promising military transport aircraft Il-214 |
|||
|
Army aviation helicopters |
|||
|
Multipurpose helicopters Mi-8M, Mi-8AMTSh, Mi-8AMT, Mi-8MTV |
|||
|
Transport and combat helicopters Mi-24V, Mi-24P, Mi-35 |
|||
|
Mi-28N attack helicopters |
|||
|
Attack helicopters Ka-50 |
|||
|
Attack helicopters Ka-52 |
146 (total) |
||
|
Transport helicopters Mi-26, Mi-26M |
|||
|
Promising multi-purpose helicopter Mi-38 |
|||
|
Reconnaissance and special aviation |
|||
|
Aircraft AWACS A-50, A-50U |
|||
|
RER and EW aircraft Il-20M |
|||
|
An-30 reconnaissance aircraft |
|||
|
Tu-214R reconnaissance aircraft |
|||
|
Tu-214ON reconnaissance aircraft |
|||
|
Il-80 air command posts |
|||
|
Tanker aircraft Il-78, Il-78M |
|||
|
Promising aircraft AWACS A-100 |
|||
|
Prospective aircraft RER and EW A-90 |
|||
|
Tanker aircraft Il-96-400TZ |
|||
|
Unmanned aerial vehicles (transferred to the Ground Forces) |
|||
|
"Pchela-1T" |
|||
|
Su-25 is a Soviet / Russian armored subsonic attack aircraft designed to support ground forces over the battlefield day and night with a direct line of sight to the target, to destroy objects with given coordinates around the clock in any weather conditions. In the Russian and Ukrainian troops he received the nickname "Rook". Su-25 (product "T-8", according to NATO: Frogfoot)The aircraft first took off on February 22, 1975. These aircraft have been in operation since 1981 and have participated in many military conflicts. The aircraft will be in service with the Russian Air Force until at least 2020. In 2009, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation announced the resumption of purchases of this type of attack aircraft for the Russian Air Force. StoryWork on the creation of the Su-25 began at the Design Bureau of P. O. Sukhoi in the mid-70s on an initiative basis, when it became clear that the decision made in 1956 to abolish attack aircraft and transfer its functions to fighter-bombers was erroneous. The chief designer of the Su-25 was the former commander of the T-34 tank, one of the best aircraft designers of the 20th century, Oleg Sergeevich Samoilovich (1926-1999). During the development of the attack aircraft, research and development work was carried out on 40 topics, about 600 samples and mock-ups were made and tested. In February 1975, the attack aircraft prototype, which received the working designation T-8, took off, and in 1980 the attack aircraft was adopted by the USSR Air Force under the designation Su-25. In 1981, a Su-25 squadron of 12 vehicles already took part in the hostilities in Afghanistan.
DesignEnginesSu-25 engines are located on both sides of the fuselage in special engine nacelles at the junction of the wing with the fuselage. The engines are equipped with an unregulated nozzle and air intake. The overhaul life is 500 hours. Early versions of the Su-25 were equipped with two non-afterburning single-circuit turbojet engines R-95Sh with a thrust of 4100 kgf each. The engines had an average specific fuel consumption of 1.28 kg / kgf hour, as well as an autonomous electric start. Later, more advanced R-195s with thrust increased to 4300 kg began to be installed on attack aircraft. The R-195 engines were secret for a long time, in particular, in the T-8-15 aircraft shown at the air show in France in 1989, the R-195 engines were replaced by the R-95Sh. The design was strengthened compared to the R-13 prototype. The engine is capable of withstanding a direct hit from a 23mm projectile and remains operational with numerous less severe damage. The IR radiation was also reduced, which makes the aircraft less vulnerable to missiles with infrared homing heads. R-95 and R-195 engines were recognized as the most reliable in their class. Much attention was paid to the survivability of the structure and the shielding of the systems so that it would be impossible to disable both engines with a single hit of weapons. With the failure of one engine, the aircraft is able to continue flying on another. The main fuel for these engines is aviation kerosene. The engines are supplied with fuel from 4 built-in tanks (2 in the fuselage, one in each of the half-wings) with a total volume of up to 3660 liters, it is also possible to hang up to 2 external fuel tanks (PTB-800) with a capacity of 840 liters each. Thus, the total volume of fuel tanks can be up to 5300 liters.
Security, life support and rescue systemThe Su-25 is a highly protected aircraft, combat survivability systems account for 7.2% of the normal takeoff weight or 1050 kg. Vital important systems attack aircraft are duplicated and shielded by less important ones. Much attention is paid to the protection of critical components and elements - the cockpit and the fuel system. The cockpit is made of welded titanium armor ABVT-20. The thickness of the armor plates is from 10 to 24 mm. The windshield provides bulletproof protection and is a 55 mm thick glass block. Behind the pilot is protected by an armored back made of steel 6 mm thick. The pilot is almost completely protected from fire from any barreled weapon with a caliber of up to 12.7 mm, and in the most dangerous areas - with a caliber of up to 30 mm. In the event of a critical aircraft hit, the safety and rescue of the pilot is ensured by the K-36L ejection seat, which ensures the rescue of the pilot in all modes, speeds and flight altitudes. Before ejection, the cockpit canopy is discarded. The ejection is controlled manually using control knobs, which must be pulled with both hands. ArmamentThe Su-25 is equipped with a powerful weapon system - air cannons, air bombs of various calibers and purposes, guided and unguided air-to-ground missiles, guided air-to-air missiles. In total, 32 types of weapons can be installed on the Su-25. The attack aircraft has a built-in 2-barreled 30-mm GSH-30-2 aircraft cannon, the rest of the weapons are placed on the aircraft, depending on the type of tasks assigned. The aircraft is equipped with 10 suspension points for additional weapons and cargo (5 under each half-wing). For the suspension of air-to-surface weapons, BDZ-25 pylons are used, and for the suspension of air-to-air guided missiles (UR) - APU-60 (aircraft launchers). Artillery armamentThe attack aircraft is armed with a VPU-17A (built-in gun mount) with a double-barreled 30-mm GSh-30-2 air gun (GRAU index 9A623), made according to the Gast scheme. The air gun is designed to destroy armored vehicles, enemy manpower, as well as air targets at medium and close distances. The gun is relatively compact for guns of this rate of fire and caliber: the barrel length is 1.5 m, and its mass without ammunition is 105 kg. GSh-30-2 is fixed relative to the airframe, guidance is carried out by maneuvering the aircraft. The gun is powered by a belt. Fire control is carried out using electric ignition, using a direct current of 27 volts. The total ammo capacity is 250 rounds, and the airgun can use up all the ammo in one continuous burst. The barrel allows you to fire up to 4000 shots without compromising performance. starting speed projectile 900 m / s. The rate of fire of this air gun is 3000 rounds per minute.
The gun can fire the following types of ammunition: High-explosive fragmentation incendiary projectile OFZ-30, unguided aerial bombs
In the basic version, the Su-25 can use the following unguided bombs: FAB-100 one or four bombs (using MBD2-67U) on the suspension Unguided rocket weapons (NAR)
Su-25 can use NAR units with the following missiles with different warheads (warhead): C-5 Precision bombs and missilesFor the use of air-to-surface guided weapons, the Su-25 (as well as the Su-17M4) is equipped with a Klen-PS laser rangefinder-target designator (LD). After capturing the target and launching the missile, the pilot must illuminate the target until it is hit. Due to the location of the LD in the nose of the aircraft, the viewing angle is directed to the front hemisphere, and not to the lower one, which is why the Su-25 does not use guided bombs in the basic modification. guided missiles: S-25L Air-to-air weaponsFor self-defense and combat with helicopters, the Su-25 is equipped with two R-60 short-range guided missiles with infrared homing heads. The missiles are attached to the APU-60 aircraft launchers located under the wing. Since the R-60 missiles have already been taken out of production, and their storage periods are ending, when the Su-25 aircraft of the Russian Air Force are upgraded to the Su-25SM and Su-25SM versions, the pylons intended for the APU-60 launchers are dismantled. On the modernized Su-25SM attack aircraft, R-73 missiles are used, the launcher (launcher) of which is suspended on the extreme holders of the BDZ-25. Navigation and support equipmentBKO "Talisman" - airborne defense system for individual protection of combat aircraft from guided missiles. ModificationsSu-25 - combat single-seat attack aircraft
Su-25K (commercial) - export version of the Su-25. In the period 1984-1989, 180 vehicles were built. Also, the Su-25K was called the project of the ship version of the attack aircraft.
Su-25T - An anti-tank attack aircraft designed in 1984 based on the Su-25UB. The central section has been reinforced, radio-electronic equipment has been placed in the fairing instead of the second cabin, the nose has been changed, the I-251 Shkval sighting system has been added, a HUD has been installed, and the ability to use modern precision-guided munitions has been added, the cabin is airtight.
Su-25UB - Training two-seat attack aircraft. It is in service with the Georgian Air Force.
Su-25SM - Upgraded combat single-seat attack aircraft. Avionics has been updated (from aviation and electronics, it is also avionics - on-board radio-electronic equipment), a HUD has been added (an indicator on the windshield - an aircraft system designed to display symbolic navigational flight and special information on the windshield, against the background of the outside environment. This technology, originally developed exclusively for military aviation (primarily for jet fighters and helicopters), is now being used in civil aviation and automotive industry.) and MFD (Multi-functional display / display (English multi-functional display - MFD) - a general term for a multi-mode display device for various service graphic and television information in the cockpit of an aircraft issued by onboard systems and sensors. Information display modes can be switched both automatically and manually by the pilot (operator). Single-mode devices tend to have more specific names, such as "tactical environment screen").
Su-25KM - Georgian attack aircraft modernized by Israel. Avionics have been updated, plus the ability to use NATO ammunition has been added. Su-28 - Training aircraft. Not serially produced.
Su-25UTG - Training aircraft for takeoff and landing training on the ship's deck
Su-39 - Anti-tank attack aircraft, a further development of the Su-25T. Equipped with a Spear-25 radar station in a hanging container.
Su-25UBM - Upgraded two-seat attack aircraft, designed as a combat training version of the Su-25SM and Su-39. The aircraft implemented all the developments of previous modifications. The base for the new aircraft was the two-seat Su-25UB. The radio-electronic equipment was supplemented by the Bars-2 avionics complex, and it was also planned to add the Spear radar (there is no radar on the prototype). It is assumed that the aircraft can be used both as a training aircraft for single-seat modifications, and as an independent combat unit. Moreover, in the latter case, the Su-25UBM will be able to carry out reconnaissance, guidance and coordination of actions, turning into an air command post. The first test flight of the new aircraft was made on December 6, 2008 at the Kubinka airfield near Moscow. In 2011, the first stage of the CSI of the aircraft was completed. For the first time, the aircraft will be equipped with a powerful RTR and EW (electronic warfare) system, as well as an airborne defense system (airborne defense system is an electronic warfare system and is designed for individual protection of combat aircraft from air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles).
Su-25M1- Ukrainian modernization of the Su-25. Equipped with modernized equipment of Ukrainian manufacturers - satellite navigation, new system SHS (air signal system of modern aircraft) is a software and hardware system designed to measure, calculate and display information to the aircraft crew and on-board systems (consumers) about altitude and speed parameters, as well as other parameters, such as air temperature , angles of attack and slip.It consists of a large group of sensors - air pressure receivers (static pressure receivers, dynamic pressure receivers or combined total pressure receivers), stagnant flow sensors (velocity pressure) and a number of other sensors, as well as pressure transmission pipelines (so-called . static "C" and dynamic "D" lines), processing and conversion devices that convert the received information into electrical signals (on which the bulk of the aircraft equipment operates). altitude), HMI (Mach number indicator) , KZSP (corrector-setter of instrument speed), pressure relay measuring complex (IKDRDF), etc. A centralized SVS, as a rule, has a single computer (for example, a centralized speed and altitude CSV), which receives information from receivers, converts it into proportional electrical signals and issues it to consumers. In a decentralized SVS in the cockpit, aneroid-membrane instruments and indicators are used: altitude (for example, the VD-20 altimeter), speed (for example, KUS-1500), variometers, etc. In the centralized SVS, electric indicators of speed, altitude and other flight parameters are used, or information is displayed on the MFI. As a rule, even in the most modern digital aircraft instrumentation there is a place for a backup barometric altimeter and speed indicator connected directly to pressure receivers), an upgraded radio station, a modern sight counter. The analog sight was replaced with a digital one, which improved aiming accuracy by approximately 30%. The aircraft is now capable of using standard weapons against ground targets at any time of the day, in conditions of poor visibility and without leaving the clouds. Very significantly, almost 3 times, increased the "ceiling" of the use of weapons. The air parameters module and the on-board register of digital parameters of the BRCP were installed. The upgraded single-seat attack aircraft Su-25M1 are equipped with a new “digital” camouflage. Production for the modernization of the attack aircraft takes place in Zaporozhye, at the airfield State Enterprise"Zaporozhye State Aircraft Repair Plant".
Su-25UBM1 - Ukrainian modernization of the Su-25UB analogue of the Su-25 M1.
Combat use
Civil War in Angola (1975-2002)The Angolan Air Force received a small number of Su-25s in the late 1980s and actively used them against UNITA units throughout the 1990s. Afghan war (1979-1989)In the spring of 1980, four Su-25s were undergoing combat evaluation in Afghanistan, showing complete superiority over their Yak-38 competitors. Since mid-1981, one Su-25 squadron has participated in the Afghan conflict, in 1984 it was increased to an air regiment. The fighting revealed the high survivability and maneuverability of the attack aircraft. The relatively low speed allowed him to deliver very accurate strikes, which fighter-bombers are usually deprived of. In Afghanistan, the Su-25 got its nickname "Rook", becoming the most famous aircraft of that war. After the appearance of the Stinger MANPADS among the Mujahideen in 1987, the attack aircraft underwent modernization in order to increase survivability. One of the pilots of the "Rooks" in Afghanistan was Alexander Rutskoi (the future vice-president of the Russian Federation). During his participation in hostilities, he was shot down twice - in April 1986 by fire from the ground and in August 1988 by a Pakistani F-16 fighter. On average, for each downed Su-25, there were 80-90 combat damage, there are cases when aircraft returned to the base with 150 holes! Most sources speak of the loss of 23 Su-25 attack aircraft and 8 pilots in Afghanistan, while it was noted that not a single case of an aircraft was lost due to an explosion of fuel tanks or the death of a pilot (although there is an opinion that the aircraft of Lieutenant Shumikhin was lost as a result of the defeat of the pilot by fire from the ground). Researcher Viktor Markovsky considers these data incomplete and, referring to the documents of the Air Force of the 40th Army and the Air Force Command of the TurkVO, informs about the loss of 33 attack aircraft and 12 pilots, noting that in this assessment he did not take into account several aircraft decommissioned due to combat and non-combat damage. In the books of Markovsky and Ildar Bedretdinov, as well as in some other sources, one can find a description of the circumstances of the loss of 34 attack aircraft in Afghanistan (including 24 in the air and 10 on the ground) and the names of 12 dead Su-25 pilots. Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988)Su-25s entered service with Iraq in the second half of the 1980s. According to some sources, they participated in the war very intensively, according to others, they literally made several sorties. Nothing is known about the effectiveness of their use, as well as possible losses. Gulf War (1991)Iraqi Su-25s did not make a single sortie during this war, but suffered combat losses. Seven planes flew to Iran, where they were enrolled in the local air force, two more were shot down by American F-15 fighters during an attempted flight, and a number were destroyed by NATO aircraft on the ground. In total, Iraq lost 31 Su-25s. Civil war in Tajikistan (1992-1997)During the war, the Su-25 Air Forces of Russia and Uzbekistan operated. Abkhaz war (1992-1993)Georgia used its Su-25s in the war. Several aircraft were destroyed by the Abkhaz air defense. There is also at least one case of participation in the war of the Su-25 of the Russian Air Force. Karabakh war (1991-1994)The Su-25 was the first combat aircraft to take part in the Karabakh war. In April 1992, the Russian Air Force pilot, Azerbaijani Vagif Kurbanov, stole his attack aircraft to Azerbaijan and made combat sorties on it until he was shot down. Later, Azerbaijan received several more aircraft. By the end of the war, Armenia also had its Su-25s. First Chechen War (1994-1996)The Su-25 was the main combat aircraft used by the Russian Air Force in the Chechen conflict. At the very beginning of hostilities, Su-25 attack aircraft destroyed all Chechen aviation on the ground. These aircraft were most active in the winter and spring of 1995; in the future, aviation was used sporadically due to the nature of the war after the June truce. Attack aircraft again confirmed their high efficiency. Combat losses amounted to 5 aircraft (four shot down and one decommissioned due to combat damage). Despite the high combat survivability of the Su-25, one of the aircraft was lost as a result of the death of the pilot from enemy fire from the DShK heavy machine gun - bullets pierced the unarmored side window of the cockpit. War in the Congo (1997-2002)8 attack aircraft were purchased by the Republic of the Congo in 1999. All sorties were made by hired pilots from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus (since there were no trained pilots in the national air force of the Republic of the Congo). Ethiopian-Eritrean conflict (1998-2000)Both sides were armed with Su-25 by the beginning of the third part of hostilities (May-June 2000). The use of Kh-25 and Kh-29 guided missiles by Ethiopian attack aircraft was noticed. Second Chechen War (1999-2000)As in the first war, the Su-25s were often used to provide close air support to the ground units of the federal forces, and also flew "free hunting" missions. Aviation activity dropped sharply after the end of the main part of the hostilities in the spring of 2000. By mid-2001, 6 aircraft were lost. Other conflictsConflict in Macedonia (2001)Directly during the hostilities, the Macedonian Air Force received several Su-25s from Ukraine and used them to strike Albanian positions. French-Ivoire conflict (2004)On the afternoon of November 6, an Ivorian Air Force Su-25 aircraft attacked the positions of French peacekeepers, as a result of which 9 people were killed and 31 wounded. A few hours later, French aircraft launched a retaliatory strike on Yamoussoukro airport and destroyed both Su-25s that Côte d'Ivoire had on the ground. Armed conflict in South Ossetia (2008)Su-25 attack aircraft were intensively used by the Russian and Georgian Air Forces. During the conflict, the officially confirmed losses of the Russian Air Force amounted to three Su-25s, four more were quite seriously damaged, which significantly exceeded the losses and damage to other types of aircraft used. The South Ossetian and Russian sides at different times announced the destruction of a number of Georgian aircraft. The Su-25SM were used in the war, but due to the fact that these aircraft did not have an electronic warfare system, they quite often came under enemy fire. The obsolete sighting system did not allow the aircraft to operate in bad weather conditions, as well as to use Kh-25/29 missiles at night, mainly the attack aircraft used NAR and air bombs. Darfur conflictAccording to the international organization Amnesty International, Sudan has repeatedly used the Su-25 to attack both military and civilian targets in Darfur. Attack aircraft were delivered from Belarus in 2008-2010; Under the terms of the UN embargo imposed on Sudan, weapons supplied to the country must not be used in combat operations in Darfur. Armed conflict in eastern Ukraine (since 2014)Su-25 attack aircraft are used as part of the Ukrainian Air Force during the civil war in eastern Ukraine. As of August 22, 2014, the losses of these aircraft confirmed by the Ukrainian side were: destroyed as a result of hostilities - 3 units, damaged - 3 units. The information about the Su-25 shot down on August 20 is erroneous, in fact, according to the information specified by the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, the Su-24M front-line bomber was shot down. Armed conflict in northern Iraq (2014)Acquired by Iraq from Russia and delivered at the end of June 2014, the Su-25 made the first sorties on December 25 in the sky over the outskirts of the Iraqi city of Tikrit in the province of Salah al-Din, thereby putting to flight militants of the Islamic State extremist organization
Characteristics (TTX)Specifications Su-25Crew: 1 pilot Flight characteristicsMaximum speed: 950 km / h (with normal combat load) ArmamentShooting and cannon: double-barreled 30-mm cannon GSh-30-2 with 250 rounds of ammunition AvionicsLaser illumination station: "Klen-PS" Is in serviceRussia: about 200 aircraft of this type are in service and about 100 more are in storage. The latest best military aircraft of the Air Force of Russia and the world photos, pictures, videos about the value of a fighter aircraft as a combat weapon capable of providing "air supremacy" was recognized by the military circles of all states by the spring of 1916. This required the creation of a special combat aircraft that surpasses all others in terms of speed, maneuverability, altitude and the use of offensive small arms. In November 1915, Nieuport II Webe biplanes arrived at the front. This is the first aircraft built in France, which was intended for air combat. The most modern domestic military aircraft in Russia and the world owe their appearance to the popularization and development of aviation in Russia, which was facilitated by the flights of Russian pilots M. Efimov, N. Popov, G. Alekhnovich, A. Shiukov, B. Rossiysky, S. Utochkin. The first domestic machines of designers J. Gakkel, I. Sikorsky, D. Grigorovich, V. Slesarev, I. Steglau began to appear. In 1913, the heavy aircraft "Russian Knight" made its first flight. But one cannot fail to recall the first aircraft creator in the world - Captain 1st Rank Alexander Fedorovich Mozhaisky. Soviet military aircraft of the USSR of the Great Patriotic War sought to hit the enemy troops, his communications and other objects in the rear with air strikes, which led to the creation of bomber aircraft capable of carrying a large bomb load over considerable distances. The variety of combat missions for bombing enemy forces in the tactical and operational depth of the fronts led to the understanding of the fact that their performance should be commensurate with the tactical and technical capabilities of a particular aircraft. Therefore, the design teams had to resolve the issue of specialization of bomber aircraft, which led to the emergence of several classes of these machines. Types and classification, the latest models of military aircraft in Russia and the world. It was obvious that it would take time to create a specialized fighter aircraft, so the first step in this direction was to try to equip existing aircraft with small arms offensive weapons. Mobile machine-gun mounts, which began to equip the aircraft, required excessive efforts from the pilots, since the control of the machine in a maneuverable battle and the simultaneous firing of an unstable weapon reduced the effectiveness of firing. The use of a two-seat aircraft as a fighter, where one of the crew members played the role of a gunner, also created certain problems, because an increase in the weight and drag of the machine led to a decrease in its flight qualities. What are the planes. In our years, aviation has made a big qualitative leap, expressed in a significant increase in flight speed. This was facilitated by progress in the field of aerodynamics, the creation of new more powerful engines, structural materials, and electronic equipment. computerization of calculation methods, etc. Supersonic speeds have become the main modes of fighter flight. However, the race for speed also had its negative sides - the take-off and landing characteristics and maneuverability of aircraft deteriorated sharply. During these years, the level of aircraft construction reached such a level that it was possible to start creating aircraft with a variable sweep wing. In order to further increase the flight speeds of jet fighters exceeding the speed of sound, Russian combat aircraft required an increase in their power-to-weight ratio, an increase in the specific characteristics of turbojet engines, and also an improvement in the aerodynamic shape of the aircraft. For this purpose, engines with an axial compressor were developed, which had smaller frontal dimensions, higher efficiency and better weight characteristics. For a significant increase in thrust, and hence the flight speed, afterburners were introduced into the engine design. The improvement of the aerodynamic forms of the aircraft consisted in the use of wings and empennage with large sweep angles (in the transition to thin delta wings), as well as supersonic air intakes. Tactical and technical characteristicsWingspan -- 38.0 m Aircraft length -- 22.1 m Aircraft height -- 10.53 m Wing area - 121.7 sq. m
Internal fuel -- 18100 l Engine type -- 4 TVD Progress (Ivchenko) AI-20K Power -- 4 x 4250 hp Maximum speed -- 777 km/h Cruise speed -- 670 km/h Practical range -- 5700 km Range -- 3200 km Service ceiling -- 10200 m Crew -- 5+1 people Modifications of the An-12 aircraftThe development of the An-12 began in 1955. Moreover, the board of that time issued a decree on the development of two types of the Antonov family at once - the passenger An-10 "Ukraine" and the cargo An-12. It was envisaged that, if necessary, the An-10, by replacing the tail section with an appropriate one, could easily be transformed into the An-12. In those turbulent years, this was especially appreciated. The An-12 aircraft was assigned for the landing of troops and military cargo, transportation of oversized cargo. The cabin could accommodate (depending on modifications) from 14 to 20 people, in the cargo compartment 86 paratroopers. There is even interesting evidence that he was carrying up to 180 people, all flying as if in crowded public transport. He made his first flight on June 16, 1957. Pilots Ya.I. Vernikov and G.I. Lysenko. The flight was successful. Then there was another series of tests of the aircraft, but just before the transfer to the Air Force Research Institute on June 26, it crashed. Repair and fine-tuning postponed the date of its delivery for a long time. And yet in 1959 he was adopted, in 1961 he participated in the parade in Tushino, where NATO gave him the name "CUB" ("newbie"). Scheme of the An-12 aircraft aircraft technical safe The plane turned out to be quite simple to fly, medium-skilled pilots could easily fly it. And yet it had a rather significant drawback - a short flight range. The designers were tasked with solving this problem. First, a modification of the An-12UD was produced with fuel tanks with a total capacity of 7600 liters. And in 1961, in Voronezh and Tashkent, the An-12A began to be produced with a reinforced chassis and with an increased fuel reserve of up to 16,000 liters, and since 1963, An-12B with an increased fuel reserve of up to 19,500 liters. They also strengthened the center section of the wing and installed a TG-16 turbogenerator instead of bomb racks. In the same year, the An-12 BP with tanks under the floor appeared, which made it possible to increase the fuel supply to 28470 liters. In May 1966, the An-12BK aircraft was tested with AI-20M engines (4250 hp) instead of AI-20A (4000 hp). Also, new equipment was installed on this type of aircraft, including a new navigation system with a radar sight "Initiative-4". Due to its large carrying capacity, this modification of the An-12 was even tried to be used as a bomber, but the very first tests showed the inaccuracy of hitting the target. In Tashkent, several An-12BSh (training and navigator) aircraft were built with space for ten cadets. The An-12PS were used for search and rescue operations at sea, as well as a fuel tanker in the air of front-line aviation aircraft, for which fuel tanks were installed in the cargo compartment with a total capacity of 19,500 liters. The An-12 electronic countermeasures aircraft were divided into individual protection aircraft: An-12B-I (with the Fasol REP), An-12BK-IS (in addition to the Fasol REP there was also the Lilac equipment), and group protection: An- 12BK-PP (with a passive jamming machine ASO-2B-126 and an artillery mount located at the stern) and An-12BK-PPS (also included a station ?? Lilac "of increased efficiency). Many more modifications remained only on paper, such as the An-12D project with an increased flight range of up to 5000-5500 km. The prerequisite for its creation was Comparative characteristics An-12 with the S-130 "Hercules" aircraft, which was not in favor of our aircraft, in connection with which they tried to build a similar aircraft. At first, they wanted to hang an AI-20 DK engine with a take-off power of 5180 hp, later - AI-30 (5500 hp), and things did not go further than this. The AN-12SN special-purpose project for transporting the T-54 tank was also not implemented. The An-12 aircraft was serially produced at aircraft factories in Irkutsk (1957-1962, 155 copies), Voronezh (1960-1965, 258 copies) and Tashkent (1962-1972, 830 copies). In total, 1243 An-12 aircraft were built in the USSR, the serial production of which was discontinued in 1972. More than 30 modifications of this aircraft were developed and built. An-12 aircraft of various modifications were widely used in the civil air fleet, and for a long time formed the basis of the country's military transport aviation. They were used most extensively during the war in Afghanistan. An-12 aircraft were delivered to 14 countries of the world (Afghanistan, Algeria, China, Czechoslovakia, Ethiopia, India, Iraq, Jordan, Malaysia, Poland, Yugoslavia and others). A total of 187 aircraft were exported. They were used in local wars and armed conflicts in almost all regions of the world.  Loading... | |||
