Airforces, planes (6th & 7th Gen!), drones etc.

[TsarSamuil]

Reaching new heights: Russia’s new MIG41 jet project is more ambitious than you can imagine.

RT
Aug 23, 2017



Russia's new MIG41 promises to be the future of air combat.... unlike anything that's taken to the skies before. And although Russia's new project of a hyper speed jet is shrouded in secrecy, a few tantalizing details have come to light.



Russian MiG-41 Stealth Interceptor And US Boeing X-51 Hypersonic Aircraft.

South Front
Nov 24, 2017

[TsarSamuil]

Russian 5th-gen Su-57 fighter jet performs maiden flight with new engine.

RT.com
6 Dec, 2017 17:26

Russia’s first fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet, known during its development as PAK FA and T-50, has performed its maiden flight with a new engine, designed specifically for the cutting-edge military plane.

The test flight was successfully performed on Tuesday and lasted some 17 minutes, according to the Russian Industry and Trade Ministry’s press service. A Su-57 aircraft, fitted with new engines known as ‘Product 30,’ was piloted by a chief pilot of the Sukhoi company, Sergey Bogdan.

The successful test flight of the plane with the new engines proved that Russian aircraft builders are capable of creating cutting-edge advanced systems, the press service said, citing Minister Denis Manturov. While little is known about the specifications of the new ‘Product 30,’ the engine-building company that designed it said earlier this year that it is an entirely new device, fully suitable for the fifth-generation planes.

The Su-57, known then as the T-50, stole the limelight at the MAKS2017 airshow in July, when a pair of aircraft performed amazing, physics-defying stunts.

The Su-57 plane was built to replace the Sukhoi Su-27 in frontline tactical aviation, making its maiden flight in 2010. The aircraft features a new planer, built largely from composite materials, modern radar and avionics. The estimated price tag for the cutting-edge multirole fighter is about $50 million each.


The main armament of the Su-57 is placed in internal bays in order to reduce radar cross section and air drag. It includes a recently modernized 30mm autocannon and air-to-air missiles. The plane is also capable of carrying additional armament on external pylons.

The military is expected to begin receiving the first fighters in 2018, according to Russian Airspace Forces commander Colonel General Viktor Bondarev.

[TsarSamuil]

VTOL for the 21st Century: Why Russia's Working on New Vertical Takeoff Fighter.

Sputnik
MILITARY & INTELLIGENCE 20:04 15.12.2017

Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov has confirmed that work is underway on the design of a new vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. Military observer Vadim Saranov outlines what's driving the military's interest in this class of aircraft, and considers whether Russia's aviation industry has the resources and know-how to build it.

Last month, the Russian Defense Ministry confirmed that work is under way on a new VTOL plane design. Deputy Defense Minister Borisov said that the naval aviation variants of the MiG-29 and Su-33 fighters in use by the Navy today face becoming obsolete in the next decade. Accordingly, he said, it's logical to start development of a new plane to replace them. Borisov's remarks follow revelations this summer that the MoD has been discussing the issue of a new VTOL design with Russia's military aircraft manufacturers, and that the plane could be "a development of the Yak line."

Yak Attack

The Yak-38, first introduced in 1976, quickly became the USSR's most heavily-produced VTOL aircraft, and enjoyed widespread deployment aboard the Soviet Navy's fleet of Project 1143 heavy aircraft carrying cruisers, including the Kiev, the Minsk, the Novorossiysk and the Baku.

The Yak-38 garnered a poor reputation among pilots due to a high accident rate (with several dozen of the 231 Yak-38s built destroyed or scrapped following accidents). As military observer and RIA Novosti contributor Vadim Saranov pointed out, the planes' capricious nature limited flight time aboard aircraft-carrying Navy ships to a paltry 40 hours a year.

"The planes' combat characteristics were also questionable," the journalist wrote. "Due to the lack of on-board radar, it was only conditionally able to engage in aerial combat. The Yak-38's use as a pure attack aircraft looked rather ineffective, since its combat radius in VTOL mode amounted to just 195 km, and even less in a hot climate."

Given their less-than-stellar record, production of the Yak-38 was stopped in 1989. Gradually withdrawn and scrapped throughout the 1990s, the remaining VTOL Yaks were retired from the Russian Navy in 2004.

Owing to the Yak-38's difficult operational history, Soviet designers almost immediately began development of a new aircraft – the Yak-141.

Considered a highly promising design by Soviet and Western observers, the Yak-141 program was canceled after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Lockheed Corporation entered into a partnership with Yakovlev with the official aim of funding the program. Years later, many Russian observers suggested that Lockheed, already working on its X-35 F-35 prototype, effectively bought out the Yak-141's technical documentation for about $400 million.

A New VTOL for the 21st Century

Speaking to Saranov about the prospects for a new Russian VTOL design, Russian Navy captain first rank (ret) Konstantin Sivkov said that if the aircraft were developed and fielded, they would become a boon not just to the Navy, but to Russian military aviation as a whole.

"The main problem in contemporary aviation today is that a jet fighter requires a good runway," Sivkov explained. "There are very few airfields of this kind, and it's quite easy to destroy them through a first-strike attack. Aircraft equipped with VTOL can be dispersed, to a clearing in the woods, for example. The use of VTOL by combat aviation would give it exceptional staying power."

Not everyone agrees. Oleg Panteleev, editor-in-chief of Russian aviation news agency Aviaport.ru, said that VTOL fighters' heavy consumption of fuel on takeoff, combined with the flexibility of traditional aircraft designs, makes fielding a large fleet of air force VTOL fighters impractical.

"Conventional fighters can carry out combat missions in conditions of partially destroyed airfield infrastructure from shortened airstrips of less than 500 m," the analyst noted. "The military's plans to build a carrier fleet is something else entirely, however. There, the use of VTOL aircraft would indeed be highly rational."

The VTOL design would enable strike aircraft to be deployed even aboard small aircraft-carrying cruisers, perhaps even foregoing the need to build a new, expensive, conventional aircraft carrier.

Sikvov emphasized that Russian design bureaus have no time to lose for creating a new VTOL design. "Aircraft with VTOL capability can be based not just on conventional carriers, [but on much smaller ships.] For example, a tanker equipped with a ramp becomes a kind of aircraft carrier; we had similar projects during the Soviet era," the analyst said. "Furthermore, VTOL aircraft can be used aboard helicopter-carrying combat vessels such as frigates," he added.

In any case, Saranov pointed out that the case of the F-35 offers a warning about the potential costs involved in the creation of a new VTOL-capable fighter plane, with that program reaching a staggering $1.3 trillion estimated price tag. The journalist noted that creating a plane with performance characteristics comparable to the F-35B will require finding solutions to a series of design problems, including miniaturization of avionics, new generation on-board systems, and a new airframe taking into account the requirements of a VTOL aircraft.

"The Russian aviation industry has opportunities in this direction, particularly since many systems can be unified with the Su-57 fifth-gen fighter aircraft," the journalist noted.

At the same time, according to Panteleev, the specially-designed engine may prove to be the new plane's biggest problem. "The developer of the engine for the Yak-38 has ceased to exist. While the technical documentation about the Yak's thrust nozzles, including its afterburner, is probably still around, the specialists with the practical experience to create these components probably aren't around anymore. Here, we've probably lost our expertise."

These problems notwithstanding, the observer noted that if the Ministry of Defense does go ahead and approve the creation of a new VTOL aircraft, the aviation industry will be able to come up with an appropriate design.

In the meantime, the military has already offered hints about its vision of the future of Russian naval aviation. The MoD plans to lay down the Project 23000E Shtorm heavy aircraft carrier sometime between 2025 and 2030. By that time, the Navy expects to receive two new Priboy-class universal helicopter-carrying amphibious assault ships. These, it can be safely assumed, would be perfectly capable of carrying any new VTOL project the aircraft industry throws their way.

[TsarSamuil]

Bulgarian watchdog clears way for MiG fighter jet overhaul deal.

SOFIA, Jan 2 (Reuters) - Bulgaria’s anti-monopoly watchdog has rejected a demand by Ukrainian arms company Ukrinmash to stop the Balkan country’s 81.3 million levs ($50.2 million) fighter jet deal with Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG.

Bulgaria last month asked the Russian company to overhaul and maintain 15 of its ageing MiG fighter jets. The country was about to sign a four-year deal, but had to put that on hold following an appeal by Ukrinmash.

The decision of the Commission for the Protection of Competition can be appealed within three days of notification, the watchdog said in a statement.

The Black Sea country considered the MiG maker as the only company capable of providing reliable support for the aircraft and did not invite other bidders for the deal.

Relations between Ukraine and Russia are at a low ebb after Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea and its backing for separatists in eastern Ukraine.

Bulgaria, which joined the EU in 2007 and NATO three years earlier, says it needs to keep its Soviet-era aircraft operational after plans to buy eight new fighter jets hit another snag. That process is expected to start almost from scratch sometime this year.

[TsarSamuil]

First Russian 5th generation Su-57 fighter jets to be put in service ‘very soon’

RT.com
6 Jan, 2018 14:50

The Russian military is expected to receive the first batch of fifth generation Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jets “very soon,” the corporation developing the plane said. The jet was known earlier as the PAK FA and T-50.

“The newest 5th generation aviation complex T-50/PAK FA, for which we have high hopes and plans, will be delivered to the Russian Air Force very soon,” the Joint Aviation Corporation (OAK) said in a Facebook post.

Earlier on Saturday, a source in the aviation industry told Interfax that the delivery of the first planes of the maiden batch is expected to take place in 2018. A similar estimated time of delivery was given earlier by then-Russian Air Force commander Colonel General Viktor Bondarev.

The first nine machines are currently undergoing flight tests, according to the manufacturer. While the early jets were fitted with older “first-stage engines,” the Su-57 recently received a new engine, developed specifically for the fifth-generation fighters. The fighter, fitted with the new Product 30 engine, successfully performed its maiden flight on December 5. While little is known about the specifications, the OAK said last year it was an entirely new engine designed from scratch.

The Su-57 jet fighter, designed to replace the iconic Sukhoi Su-27 in frontline tactical aviation, made its maiden flight in 2010. One plane has an estimated price tag of about $50 million.

The new planes have already been featured in several exhibitions, including the MAKS 2017 airshow last July. A pair of the aircraft, known then as the T-50, stole the show, performing a variety of amazing stunts. The Su-57 designation was officially confirmed for the new plane last August.

The aircraft features an entirely new planer, built largely from composite materials, modern radar and avionics. The new flight equipment allows the jet to exchange information in real time with other planes and ground command units, as well as perform individual missions, according to the OAK. The avionics provide a high level of automatization and “intellectual support” for the crew, helping pilots to focus on their tactical objectives.

The main armament of the plane is concealed in internal bays to boost its aerodynamic capabilities and reduce radar cross section. The Su-57 can also carry munitions on external pylons. The jet’s armament includes a recently modernized 30mm internal autocannon and a range of modern guided missiles.

[TsarSamuil]

Russian supersonic MiG-31s face off in stratosphere training (VIDEO)

RT.com
23 Jan, 2018 14:28

Two Russian MiG-31 supersonic fighter jets honed their skills during stratosphere drills in training footage released by the defense ministry.

One MiG-31 long-range interceptor played the role of an aircraft violating Russian airspace during an exercise for fighter pilots from Yelizovo airbase in Kamchatka. It was cruising at an altitude of 20km, well into the stratosphere, and at “maximum speed.”

The defense ministry did not provide exact details, but at that altitude, a MiG-31 can reach speeds of 3,000kph.

Another MiG-31 was scrambled to intercept the “violator.” To make the task more difficult, the interceptor operated alone, without ground anti-aircraft support. The MiG-31 features powerful onboard radar and can perform this type of task relying solely on its onboard systems.

The interceptor found the “violator” and made a mock air-to-air missile launch while flying at 2,000kph at an altitude of over 14km. The “intruder” took evasive maneuvers, but was “hit” and “destroyed” by the mock missile from a distance of 100km. Upon completing the exercise, both planes returned to the base.

[TsarSamuil]

Su-57’s debut? Video claims to show Russia’s 5th-gen jets in action over Syria.

RT.com
22 Feb, 2018 13:30

A video has emerged purportedly showing two Su-57s operating from Russia’s Khmeimim Airbase in Syria. If genuine, the video will have documented the fifth-generation fighter’s first combat drill.

A video published on the Facebook group 'Syrian Military Capabilities' purports to show the brand new Russian aircraft in the skies over Syria. Although the two warplanes appear to look similar to the Su-57, RT cannot verify the authenticity of the video.

Designed by Russian aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi, the multirole Su-57 fighter took to the skies for the first time in 2010 – but only entered production this year.

Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov revealed on February 8 that the ministry is going to sign a contract for the first squadron of 12 Su-57s in 2018. He also said that the first stage of the trials was over, and that the Su-57 will be undergoing experimental combat training. The Russian Air Force hopes to field around 220 Su-57s between 2020 and 2030.

Befitting of a next-generation fighter, the Su-57 is fitted with a cutting-edge avionics system capable of autonomously assessing battlefield situations. Able to detect air, ground and sea-based threats at distances far beyond most modern radar systems, the fighter jet is also capable of striking targets with an array of modern weaponry, including short, medium and long-range air-to-air, air-to-ground, and even anti-radar missiles.

A “significant part” of the Russian forces returned home from Syria after President Vladimir Putin announced their withdrawal in December, declaring victory over “the most battle-hardened grouping of international terrorists” by Moscow’s forces, along with their Syrian and Iranian allies.



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《今日关注》 20180222 苏-57飞抵叙利亚？俄美空中过招或进入隐身时代 | CCTV中文国际

CCTV中文国际
Feb 22, 2018



本期节目主要内容： 苏-57飞抵叙利亚？俄美五代机或将直接较量；普京称在叙用了215种新武器，美媒：这是警告北约；F-22优势或被严重削弱？美媒称俄在叙获取相关情报。

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Russian 5th-gen fighter deployed to Syria for radar test, latest leaked details claim.

RT.com
26 Feb, 2018 09:30

New details have emerged on the deployment of Russia’s most-advanced fighter jets to Syria. The state-of-the-art Su-57s are in the region to test their electronic warfare and radar capabilities, an insider has said.

Last week, the Russian Defense Ministry reportedly moved four Su-57s, which have been built for trials, to Khmeimim Airbase in Syria. The deployment was seemingly confirmed by Israeli satellite images and footage taken from the ground, but neither the Russian military nor the producer of the advanced warplane would comment on the move.

The aircraft have been sent to Syria to test their capabilities in a semi-combat environment, the Russian business daily Kommersant reported, citing insider sources. The trial will initially focus on electronic warfare and radar capabilities of the 5th-generation fighter jet, rather than its weapon systems, the report said. A decision on the Syrian trial was taken after the MAKS 2017 airshow near Moscow in July, the source revealed.

The advanced fighter jets were deployed to Syria less than two weeks after US forces attacked and devastated a group of pro-government forces, which included some Russian citizens. Moscow insisted that none of the Russians hurt in the incident were part of the country’s military force in Syria.

In addition to the Su-57s, Russia also deployed four advanced Su-36s fighter jets last week, and an A-50U airborne early warning and control plane.

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5th-gen Russian Su-57 fighters performed 2 days of combat tests in Syria – Defense Minister.

RT.com
1 Mar, 2018 13:37

Following media speculation about Russia’s fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jets, Russia’s defense minister has confirmed two were deployed for tests in Syria. However, they were there for just two days for combat and other tests.

“They really were there. Not for long, just two days. Over this time they conducted a trial program, including a combat trial,” Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu told journalists on Thursday.

“There were two jets which were accompanied by laboratory aircraft, and planes which monitored the work of weapon systems.”

Earlier reports, based on footage purportedly showing the aircraft in Syria and interpretation of Israeli satellite images, claimed that four Su-57s had been deployed to the Russian airbase at Khmeimim.

“I can tell you that the trial was successful; the planes returned home a week ago,” Shoigu added. “As for the photos which were published, I don’t know where they came from. The planes were inside hangars all the time [when parked].”

The minister added that the full trial program of the advanced aircraft will be completed this year.

[TsarSamuil]

Russian Military Developing Long-Range Supersonic Missile-Lobbing Drone.

Sputnik
MILITARY & INTELLIGENCE 14:12 26.02.2018

Designed to infiltrate far into an enemy's territory, the new system will carry both guided and unguided munitions.

Russia is working on a long-range unmanned strike system, Zvezda, the official television channel of the Russian Ministry of Defense, has learned.

Speaking to the television channel, Alexander Nemov, deputy chief of the research department at the 30th Central Scientific Research Institute outside Moscow, confirmed that the large unmanned aircraft would appear sometime in the next few years.

"Development work is currently underway on a long-range unmanned system capable of carrying out unmanned low-altitude supersonic flights, and striking both stationary and mobile targets at operational-strategic depth," the officer explained.

Zvezda clarified that the aircraft will, on the one hand, be capable of performing low-altitude flights, much like a cruise missile, and will fly faster than the speed of sound, providing the Russian military with fundamentally new strategic capabilities not currently enjoyed by any other military in the world.

Asked about the prospective aircraft's onboard weapons, Nemov was able to divulge only that the system "will have the ability to carry both guided and unguided air-launched weapons."

The 30th Central Scientific Research Institute's other projects include plans to create a new strike chopper, combining the capabilities of the Kamov Ka-52 and the Mil Mi-28. The new chopper will feature an additional wing, and be capable of flying over 400 km per hour. The Institute is also working on unmanned helicopter systems, which will interact with conventional rotary-winged aircraft on the battlefield. Researchers are also engaged in an evaluation of the ergonomics of the new Sukhoi Su-57 multi-role fighter's control systems.

In November, the Kalashnikov Concern reported that it would start production of heavy unmanned aerial vehicles capable of carrying up to several tons of cargo and operating for several days at a time without needing to recharge. The system is expected to be introduced this summer. The UAVs will work in a fleet consisting of heavy and light drones. In addition to cargo delivery, the remote-controlled aircraft are expected to engage in aerial photography, cartography, telecommunications, monitoring of viral diseases, protection of forests and property, weather conditions, and more.

[TsarSamuil]

New Documentary About Russian Dogfighters Reveals Russia’s New Cutting Edge Fighter Tactics.

Vesti News
Mar 4, 2018



The documentary by Artyom Potyomin "Fighter plane - master of the air battle"

[TsarSamuil]

Russian Su-57s in 60 seconds: Cutting-edge fighters perform head-spinning stunts (VIDEO)

RT.com
3 Mar, 2018 08:24

The Russian military’s TV channel has released a video featuring the capabilities of Russia’s most advanced Su-57 warplanes. The fifth-generation jets have been recently deployed for combat drills in Syria.

The state-of-the-art Su-57s are captured in a stunning video published by the Zvezda channel on Thursday. Designed by Russian aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi, the multirole Su-57 fighter, also known as Sukhoi PAK-FA (T-50), boasts supermaneuvrability and can fly at hypersonic cruising speeds. The fighter is able to equally engage targets on the ground and in the air.

Earlier this week, Russia’s defense minister confirmed that the fifth-generation Su-57s were deployed for two-day combat tests in Syria. Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu called the trial “successful” after the planes returned home last week.

[TsarSamuil]

China Wants More Russian Su-35 Fighters, Along With the Technology Behind Them-

Beijing wants to order more Su-35s for its air force, but this time China also wants technology transfers and production of some sub-systems in China

(Asia Times) Mar 12, 2018 | 3,619 35

Beijing is happy with the speed and quality of first Su-35 delivery, but makes local production prerequisite of more orders

Multiple sources within Russia and the People’s Liberation Army Air Force suggest that Beijing and Moscow may have struck a preliminary deal for procurement by the PLAAF of more of Russian-made Sukhoi Su-35 fighters.

Hong Kong-based military monthly Kanwa Defense Review reported in February that the second batch of the highly maneuverable aircraft with thrust-vectoring engines had already descended on PLA airbases in southern China.

Among those tipped as the likely locations to service and hangar the multi-role air-superiority fighters is the Suixi airbase in southern China’s Guangdong province, which is under the PLA’s Southern Theater Command.

Several Su-35s joined the PLA’s recent circumnavigations of Taiwan and air patrols above the South China Sea, along with Su-30s, H-6K bombers and jammer aircraft.
In November 2015, the PLA became the first export customer for the Su-35 after Moscow and Beijing signed a US$2 billion contract for the purchase of 24 of the fighters. The first four aircraft were delivered in December 2016.

Citing sources within the Russian defense industry, the magazine noted that Su-35 producer Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Plant had been canvassing more orders after satisfactory feedback from the PLA about the speed and quality of the initial delivery batch.

The Su-35 was a modernized derivative of the Su-27 fighters earmarked for export in the late 1980s, but the disintegration of the Soviet Union and the West’s arms embargo clipped its wings, until orders from Beijing threw a lifeline.

Subsequent improvements have also been made to its cockpit, structural design and weapons-control system over the years.

It’s also said that Beijing has made it clear that more orders can only come under the parameters of knowledge transfer and localized production of some sub-systems and avionics, a tried and true tactic to replicate overseas technologies for cheaper, home-made alternatives.
Still, analysts say Russia may be willing to oblige now that there is a genuine rapport between the two powers, and a plethora of bilateral co-development and co-production of weapons and planes – ranging from cruise missiles to wide-body airliners – is also making headway.

Moscow curtailed arms transfers and cooperation around 2005 over Chinese reverse engineering of weapons systems, especially aircraft engines and components.

But now it has also agreed to sell China advanced S-400 air and missile defense systems, among others, after several years of lobbying by Beijing.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian Air Force also finalized the purchase contract for 11 Su-35s in February, with the first delivery expected by October. India and the United Arab Emirates are reportedly mulling possible purchases as well.

[TsarSamuil]

Russia’s Northern Fleet fighter jets hone combat skills in harsh Arctic climate (VIDEO)

RT.com
27 Mar, 2018 16:07

Russia’s Northern Fleet pilots braved chilling Arctic weather while honing their skills in their fighter jets, the Russian Defense Ministry has shown in newly released footage.

Some eight MiG-29K aircrafts took to the skies above Murmansk Region to practice maneuvers amid difficult weather conditions. The crews have been working on their skills at taking off and landing, as well as at intercepting and attacking air targets at various altitudes. The drills continued both during the day and at night, according to the Defense Ministry.

Even the Arctic blizzards couldn’t prevent the pilots from achieving “all planned goals” and showing “excellence and high professionalism,” Russian media quoted the Northern Fleet spokesman, Vadim Serga, as saying.

[TsarSamuil]

We Are 'Not Interested' in US F-35 Fighters - Indian Air Force Chief.

MILITARY & INTELLIGENCE 12:58 27.04.2018

The Indian Air Force chief’s statement came in response to queries regarding reports in some local newspapers that the Indian Air Force had asked for a classified briefing on the F-35 after the defense ministry scrapped the proposal for local production of foreign-origin fighter jets in India.

New Delhi (Sputnik) — The Indian Air Force (IAF) has once again denied reports that it is interested in procuring Lockheed Martin's F-35 fighter jets. IAF chief B. S. Dhanoa has categorically rubbished such reports in a section of the Indian media.

"There is not talk on F-35. The Indian Air Force has not evinced interest and not talked to anyone. It is incorrect to report that we are interested in F-35," Air Chief Marshal B. S. Dhanoa said at a program organized by a think tank in New Delhi on Thursday evening.

When asked about the prospects of the Indo-Russia Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) project, which is pending since over a decade, the air force chief said that the decision is with the Indian government.

"FGFA decision is with the government and that is classified," Air Chief Marchal Dhanoa said.

Last week, the Indian Daily Business Standard reported that India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Defense Secretary Sanjay Mitra in February this year had asked the Russians to proceed alone with developing the FGFA.
"India might possibly join the project later, or buy the fully developed fighter outright, after it entered service with the Russian Air Force," the Business Standard report read.

The IAF recently redrafted its list of priorities, wherein the acquisition of fighter aircraft is followed by the procurement of the long-range SAM S-400 system. From September 2019, the induction process of 36 Rafale fighter jets will begin, while the acquisition of additional fighter jets will be decided in the next two to three years, for which request for information has been put out last month.

Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force chief has categorically denied any threat to India-Russia defense deals due to the implementation of the Countering America's Enemy's Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) by the Trump administration. Air Chief Marshal B. S. Dhanoa informed that the IAF has been continuing procurement of spare parts from Russian firms for its fighter jets despite CAATSA, which seeks to impose sanctions on individuals and countries that deal with Russia's intelligence and defense sectors.

Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa also pitched for the country's own fifth-generation fighter jet program, named AMCA, in the long-term perspective. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Bengaluru, issued a detailed document along with the Request for Expression of Interest to private industries earlier this month for the manufacture of two technology demonstrators, as well as the prototypes. The flight tests of these technology demonstrators are likely to be completed by 2024, followed by the development of prototypes of AMCA.

Currently, there are 31 squadrons of fighter jets (18-20 aircraft per squadron) with the Indian Air Force (IAF), compared to the required strength of 42 squadrons.

[TsarSamuil]

Russian aviation exports soar by nearly 50% (PHOTOS)

RT.com
19 Apr, 2018 11:43

Exports of Russian-produced aviation equipment surged by 46 percent in 2017 against the previous year, according to the latest report from the trade ministry.

At the same time, production level in the sector grew by 12 percent to $7.538 billion.

In 2017, Russian producers built and sold 133 planes and 213 helicopters, including SSJ-100 passenger planes, the twin-engine, two-seat fighter jet Su-30SM, the multirole fighter M2 and other military and civilian aircraft.

The ministry expects manufacturers to produce 135 planes and 234 helicopters in 2018.

State financial backing in the current year will be increased by 10 percent with the government to invest over 59 billion rubles.

The ministry also reported successful flight testing of domestically-made MC-21 jets, carried out last May.

The airliner is able to carry a maximum of 211 passengers and it’s hoped it will compete with medium-haul jetliners such as the Boeing 737 MAX, Airbus A320neo and Chinese Comac C919.

[TsarSamuil]

Secret Russian Aircraft of WW2.

Docs&stuff
Mar 25, 2014



Documentary about secret Russian projects in world war two.