Classification of military aircraft. Aviation: Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation Technical characteristics of our military aviation

After the adoption of the GPV-2020, officials quite often talk about the rearmament of the Air Force (or, more broadly, the supply of aviation systems to the RF Armed Forces). At the same time, the specific parameters of this rearmament and the size of the Air Force by 2020 are not directly stated. In view of this, many media outlets present their forecasts, but they are presented, as a rule, in tabular form - without arguments or calculation systems.

This article is just an attempt at forecasting combat personnel Russian Air Force by the specified date. All information is collected from open sources– from media materials. Claims for absolute precision no, because the ways of the State... ...defense order in Russia are inscrutable, and, often, are a secret even for those who form it.

Total strength of the Air Force

So, let's start with the main thing - the total number of the Air Force by 2020. This number will consist of aircraft new construction and their modernized “senior colleagues”.

In his program article, V.V. Putin indicated that: “... In the coming decade, the troops will receive... more than 600 modern aircraft, including fifth-generation fighters, over a thousand helicopters" At the same time, the current Minister of Defense S.K. Shoigu recently provided slightly different data: “... By the end of 2020, we will receive about two thousand new aviation complexes from industrial enterprises, including 985 helicopters».

The numbers are of the same order, but there are differences in details. What is this connected with? For helicopters, delivered vehicles may no longer be taken into account. Some changes in the parameters of the GPV-2020 are also possible. But only they will require changes in financing. Theoretically, this is facilitated by the refusal to resume production of the An-124 and a slight reduction in the number of helicopters purchased.

S. Shoigu mentioned, in fact, no less than 700-800 aircraft (we subtract helicopters from the total number). Article by V.V. This does not contradict Putin (more than 600 aircraft), but “more than 600” does not really correlate with “almost 1000”. And money for the “extra” 100-200 vehicles (even taking into account the refusal of “Ruslans”) will need to be raised additionally, especially if you purchase fighters and front-line bombers (with an average price of the Su-30SM of 40 million dollars per unit, it will be astronomical the figure is up to a quarter of a trillion rubles for 200 vehicles, despite the fact that the PAK FA or Su-35S are more expensive).

Thus, it is most likely that purchases will increase due to cheaper combat training Yak-130 (especially since it is very necessary), attack aircraft and UAVs (it seems that work has intensified, according to media materials). Although the additional purchase of Su-34 up to 140 units. can also happen. Now there are about 24 of them. + about 120 Su-24M. There will be – 124 pcs. But to replace front-line bombers in the 1 x 1 format, another dozen and a half Su-34s will be required.

Based on the data provided, it seems appropriate to take average figures of 700 aircraft and 1000 helicopters. Total – 1700 boards.

Now let's move on to the modernized technology. In general, by 2020 the share of aircraft new technology should be 70%. But this percentage is not the same for different branches and types of troops. For the Strategic Missile Forces - up to 100% (sometimes they say 90%). For the Air Force, figures were given at the same 70%.

I also admit that the share of new equipment will “reach” 80%, but not due to an increase in its purchases, but due to a greater write-off of old machines. However, this article uses a 70/30 ratio. Therefore, the forecast turns out to be moderately optimistic. By simple calculations (X=1700x30/70), we get (approximately) 730 modernized sides. In other words, the strength of the Russian Air Force by 2020 is planned to be in the region of 2430-2500 aircraft and helicopters.

It seems like we have sorted out the total number. Let's move on to specifics. Let's start with helicopters. This is the most covered topic, and deliveries are already in full swing.

Helicopters

For attack helicopters, it is planned to have 3 (!) models - (140 pcs.), (96 pcs.), as well as Mi-35M (48 pcs.). A total of 284 units were planned. (not including some vehicles lost in aircraft accidents).

Russian supersonic strategic bomber Tu-160. Armed with cruise missiles capable of hitting targets at a distance of more than five thousand kilometers

The idea of using aircraft on the battlefield arose long before the first airplanes designed by the Wright brothers took off. Subsequent development military aviation was unusually rapid, and to this day airplanes and helicopters have become a formidable weapon in the hands of commanders, second in power only to nuclear missile forces. Without dominance in the sky, achieving victory on earth is incredibly difficult, and often impossible. Aviation is capable of detecting and destroying any target; it is difficult to hide from it and even more difficult to defend against.

What is military aviation?

Modern air forces include special troops and services, as well as a rather complex set of technical means, varied in their intended purpose, that can be used to solve strike, reconnaissance, transport and some other tasks.

The main part of this complex are the following types aviation:

Strategic;
Frontline;
Sanitary;
Transport.

Additional aviation units are also part of the air defense forces, navy And ground forces.

History of the creation of military aviation

Sikorsky's Ilya Muromets aircraft is the world's first four-engine bomber

The first airplanes for a long time used almost exclusively for entertainment and sporting purposes. But already in 1911, during the armed conflict between Italy and Turkey, aircraft were used in the interests of the army. At first these were reconnaissance flights, the first of which took place on October 23, and already on November 1, the Italian pilot Gavoti used weapons on ground targets, dropping several ordinary hand grenades on them.

By the beginning of the First World War, the great powers managed to acquire air fleets. They consisted mainly of reconnaissance airplanes. There were no fighters at all, and only Russia had bombers - these were the famous Ilya Muromets aircraft. Unfortunately, it was never possible to establish a full-fledged serial production of these machines, so they total quantity did not exceed 80 copies. Meanwhile, Germany produced hundreds of its own bombers in the second half of the war.

In February 1915, the world's first fighter aircraft, created by the French pilot Roland Garros, appeared on the Western Front. The device he invented for firing through a propeller was quite primitive, although it worked; however, already in May of the same year, the Germans put into operation their own fighters equipped with a full-fledged synchronizer. From this point on, air battles became increasingly common.

German fighter Fokker Dr.I. One of these aircraft was used the best ace World War I by Manfred von Richthofen

After the end of World War I, aircraft continued to develop rapidly, increasing their speed, range and payload. At the same time, the so-called “Douay Doctrine” appeared, named after its author, an Italian general who believed that victory in the war could only be achieved by aerial bombardment, methodically destroying the enemy’s defense and industrial potential, undermining his morale and will to resist.

As subsequent events showed, this theory does not always justify itself, but it was it that largely determined the subsequent directions of development of military aviation throughout the world. The most notable attempt to put the Douay Doctrine into practice was the strategic bombing of Germany during World War II. As a result, military aviation made a huge contribution to the subsequent defeat of the “Third Reich”, however, it was still not possible to do without the active actions of the ground forces.

Armadas of long-range bombers were considered the main percussion instrument and in the post-war period. It was in those years that jet planes, which largely changed the very idea of military aviation. Huge “flying fortresses” became just a convenient target for the Soviet high-speed and well-armed MiGs.

B-29 - American strategic bomber of the 40s, the first carrier of nuclear weapons

This meant that bombers also had to become jet-powered, which soon happened. During these years, aircraft became increasingly complex. If during World War II only one aircraft technician was involved in servicing the fighter, then in subsequent years it was necessary to attract a whole team of specialists.

During the Vietnam War, multi-role aircraft, capable of striking ground targets as well as air combat, came to the fore. This was the American F-4 Phantom, which to some extent became a source of inspiration for the Soviet designers who developed the MiG-23. At the same time, the conflict in Vietnam once again showed that bombing alone, even the most intense, is not enough for victory: combat aviation without the help of ground forces, it is capable of forcing surrender only to a morally broken enemy, prepared in advance for defeat.

In the 70-80s of the last century, fourth-generation fighters appeared in the skies. They differed from their predecessors not only in flight characteristics, but also in the composition of their weapons. The use of high-precision weapons has once again changed the face of air warfare: there has been a transition from massive airstrikes to “targeted” ones.

Su-27 (left) and F-15 are the best fighters of the 80s of the last century

Today, the main direction of development of military aviation has become the intensive use of drones, both reconnaissance and attack, as well as the creation of stealth multi-purpose aircraft, such as the American F-35 or Russian Su-57.

Purpose of military aviation

List of main tasks that are solved with the help of military aircraft and helicopters:

Conducting all types of aerial reconnaissance;
Artillery fire adjustment;
Destruction of ground, sea, air and space targets, small and large, stationary and mobile, area and point;
Mining of areas;
Protection of airspace and ground forces;
Transportation and landing of troops;
Delivery of various military cargo and equipment;
Evacuation of the wounded and sick;
Conducting campaign events;
Inspection of the area, detection of radiation, chemical and bacteriological contamination.

Thus, military aviation can bring enormous benefits, of course, provided that it is used correctly.

Military aviation equipment

During the First World War, attack airships (Zeppelins) were actively used, however, today there is nothing like this in the Air Force. All equipment used is airplanes (airplanes) and helicopters.

Aircraft

The breadth of the range of tasks solved with the help of aviation forces the Air Force to include vehicles from several different types. Each of them has its own purpose.

F-111 - American front-line bomber with variable sweep wings

Combat aircraft

This type of aviation includes:

Fighters. Their main purpose is to destroy enemy aircraft and gain air superiority, local or complete. All other tasks are secondary. Armament - guided air-to-air missiles, automatic cannons;
Bombers. Can be front-line or strategic. They are used mainly for attacks on ground targets. Armament - air-to-surface missiles (including unguided ones), free-falling, gliding and guided bombs, as well as torpedoes (for anti-submarine aircraft);
Stormtroopers. Used primarily for direct support of troops on the battlefield;
Fighter-bombers are aircraft capable of attacking ground targets and conducting dogfight. All modern fighters are like this to some extent.

Strategic bombers differ significantly from other combat aircraft in their weapons complex, which includes cruise missiles long range.

Reconnaissance and air surveillance aircraft

In principle, “regular” fighters or bombers equipped with the necessary equipment can be used to solve reconnaissance tasks. An example is the MiG-25R. But there is also specialized equipment. These are, in particular, the American U-2 and SR-71, and the Soviet An-30.

High-speed reconnaissance aircraft SR-71 Blackbird

The same category also includes long-range radar detection aircraft - the Russian A-50 (created on the basis of the Il-76), the American E-3 Sentry. Such machines are capable of conducting deep radio reconnaissance, however, they are not stealthy, since they are a source of powerful electromagnetic radiation. Such reconnaissance aircraft as the Il-20, which are mainly engaged in radio interception, behave much more “modestly”.

Transport aircraft

This type of aircraft is used to transport troops and equipment. Some models of machines included in the transport aviation, are adapted for landing - both conventional and parachuteless, carried out from extremely low altitudes.

IN Russian army The most commonly used military transport aircraft are the Il-76 and An-26. If it is necessary to deliver cargo of significant weight or volume, heavy An-124s can be used. Of the American military aircraft for a similar purpose, the most famous are the C-5 Galaxy and C-130 Hercules.

Il-76 is the main aircraft of Russian military transport aviation

Training aircraft

Becoming a military pilot is quite difficult. The hardest thing is to gain real skills that cannot be replaced by virtual flights on a simulator or deep study of theory. To solve this problem, training aviation is used. Such aircraft can be either specialized machines or variants of combat aircraft.

For example, the Su-27UB, although used for pilot training, can be used as a full-fledged fighter. At the same time, the Yak-130 or the British BAE Hawk are specialized training aircraft. In some cases, even such models can be used as light attack aircraft to strike ground targets. This usually happens “due to poverty”, in the absence of full-fledged combat aircraft.

Helicopters

Although rotary-wing aircraft were used to a limited extent already during the Second World War, after the end of hostilities, interest in “helicopters” noticeably decreased. It soon became clear that this was a mistake, and today helicopters are used in the armies of the most different countries peace.

Transport helicopters

Conventional airplanes cannot take off and land vertically, which somewhat narrows their scope of application. Helicopters initially had this property, which made them a very attractive means for delivering goods and transporting people. The first full-fledged “debut” of such machines took place during the Korean War. The US Army, using helicopters, evacuated the wounded directly from the battlefield, delivered ammunition and equipment to the soldiers, and created problems for the enemy by landing small armed detachments in their rear.

V-22 Osprey is one of the most unusual examples of rotorcraft

Today the most typical transport helicopter in the Russian army is the Mi-8. The huge heavy Mi-26 is also used. The US military operates the UH-60 Blackhawk, CH-47 Chinook, and the V-22 Osprey.

Attack helicopters

The first rotary-wing vehicle, created specifically to engage ground targets and provide direct fire support to its own troops, appeared in the United States in the 60s. It was a UH-1 Cobra helicopter, some modifications of which are still used by the US military today. The functions of these machines to some extent overlap with the tasks of attack aircraft.

In the 70s, attack helicopters were considered perhaps the most effective anti-tank weapon. This became possible thanks to new types of guided aircraft missiles, such as the American TOW and Hellfire, as well as the Soviet Phalanx, Attack and Vikhryam. A little later combat helicopters were additionally equipped with air-to-air missiles.

The most “brutal” combat helicopter in the world - the Mi-24 - is capable of not only striking ground targets, but also transporting paratroopers

The most famous vehicles of this class are the Mi-24, Ka-52, AH-64 Apache.

Reconnaissance helicopters

In Soviet and then Russian army aviation reconnaissance tasks were usually assigned not to specialized, but to conventional combat or transport helicopters. The USA took a different path and developed the OH-58 Kiowa. The equipment placed on board this vehicle allows you to confidently detect and recognize various targets at long distances. Weak side The helicopter is poorly protected, which sometimes led to losses.

From Russian models The Ka-52 has the most advanced reconnaissance equipment, which allows this vehicle to be used as a kind of “gunner”.

UAV

Over the past decades, the importance of unmanned aerial vehicles has grown significantly. Drones make it possible to conduct reconnaissance and even launch surprise attacks on targets while remaining invulnerable. They are not only difficult to shoot down, but even easy to detect.

Drones are likely to become a priority in aviation development for the foreseeable future. Such machines will, in particular, be used as assistants for the most modern tanks and fifth generation fighters. Over time, they may completely replace manned combat aircraft.

Promising Russian UAV "Okhotnik"

Air defense

To solve problems air defense Both conventional front-line fighters and specialized interceptors can be used. Special attention such aircraft were given priority in the USSR, since American strategic bombers had long been considered the No. 1 threat.

The most famous air defense aircraft were the Soviet MiG-25 and MiG-31 interceptors. These are relatively low-maneuverable aircraft, but they are capable of quickly accelerating to speeds of more than 3,000 kilometers per hour.

Of the American fighters with a similar purpose, the F-14 Tomcat is the most famous. This carrier-based aircraft was the sole carrier of the long-range AIM-54 Phoenix missile and was used to protect carrier strike groups from air attack.

MiG-25 interceptor on takeoff. Taking advantage of their record speed, such aircraft successfully evaded dozens of air-to-air missiles fired at them.

In recent decades, aviation technology has not developed as at a fast pace, as it was before. Fighters such as the F-15, F-16, F/A-18 and Su-27 continue to dominate the air force ah different countries, although these machines first took to the air back in the 70-80s of the last century. Of course, this does not mean that progress has stopped. The composition of weapons is changing, on-board electronics are being updated, and most importantly, the tactics and strategy for using aviation are being revised, which in the future may become largely unmanned. One thing is clear - whatever the technical composition of the Air Force, airplanes and helicopters will remain one of the most powerful means of achieving victory in any military conflict.

Since the first use of aircraft on the battlefield, their role in military conflicts has been constantly growing. The role of aviation has become especially significant over the past thirty to fifty years. Year after year, combat aircraft receive more and more advanced electronics, more and more powerful means of combat, their speed increases, and their visibility on radar screens decreases. Currently, aviation, even alone, can play a key role in a modern regional conflict. This in military history humanity has never existed before.

During the aggression in Yugoslavia, NATO aviation decided the course of the conflict practically without resistance from ground forces. The same can be said about the first American company in Iraq. It was aviation that then played a decisive role in the defeat of Saddam Hussein’s large army. The US Air Force and its allies hunted Iraqi armored vehicles with impunity, having previously destroyed Iraqi combat aircraft.

Eat important nuance. Modern airplanes are so expensive (the cost of an Americanfifth generation aircraftThe F-22 costs about $350 million, which only very rich countries can afford to build or buy. The rest can only hope for a miracle or prepare for a guerrilla war.

With the advent of new precision-guided munitions, communications systems and satellite navigation and target designation, the role and power of the air force has increased manifold. Modern and promising aircraft are also changing rapidly. The use of modern materials, engines of new designs, and sophisticated electronics makes a modern combat aircraft the crown of scientific and technological progress.

Currently, leading aviation powers are creating a fifth-generation fighter. The United States already has such fighters in service - the F-22 “Raptor” and the F-35 “Lightning”. These aircraft have long passed the testing stage, were put into production and put into service. The Russian Air Force, China and Japan are still lagging behind in this regard.

At the end of the 20th century, the USSR could compete on equal terms with the United States in the skies due to the excellent fourth-generation aircraft Mig-29 and Su-27. In terms of their performance characteristics, they roughly corresponded to the American F-15, F/A-18 and F-16 aircraft. But after the collapse Soviet Union the development of new cars in Russia was suspended for several years. The work was practically not funded, and new developments were often created on the initiative of the aircraft manufacturers themselves and did not find support from the state. Meanwhile, the United States wasted no time: in the 90s, the fifth generation aircraft was actively developed, and in 1997 it was tested prototype, in the future designated F-22 “Raptor”.

The United States is so far the only country to have a fifth-generation aircraft in service. Moreover, the F-22 is prohibited from being sold even to allies. For deliveries abroad, the Americans created another aircraft, the F-35 Lightning, but it, according to experts, has weaker characteristics than the F-22. What about Russia? What are the plans of the Russian aviation industry? Are there any promising developments that will replace fourth-generation aircraft in the future?

“Our answer to Chamberlain” - the newest military aircraft of Russia

If we look at what the Russian aviation industry can now offer to the domestic air force, we will mainly see modifications of the fourth generation Su-27 and Mig-29 aircraft. They even came up with a new classification, Mig-35, and they belong to the 4++ generation, thereby indicating that this is almost the fifth generation. There is no doubt, both the Mig-29 and Su-27 are truly wonderful machines that were among the best in the world. But that was in the late eighties. The latest versions of these machines, of course, are seriously modified, the engines are improved, new electronics and navigation systems are installed, but will they be able to withstand the Raptor in battle?

A new generation aircraft has already been created in Russia - this is the PAK-FA (advanced aviation complex for front-line aviation), also known as T-50. With its futuristic shape, the new Russian aircraft is very reminiscent of the F-22. The plane first flew in 2010, and was shown for the first time in 2011 general public at the MAKS air show. We have very little reliable information about this newest machine. The aircraft is currently being finalized, but it should go into production in the near future.

In order to try to compare the PAK-FA with its American counterpart, the F-22, you need to clearly understand what a fifth-generation aircraft is and how it differs from previous machines. The military puts forward clear requirements for the new generation vehicle. Such an aircraft must have low visibility in all wavelengths, primarily in radar and infrared, it must be multifunctional, extremely maneuverable, maintain a supersonic cruising speed (go to supersonic speed without afterburner), be able to conduct all-aspect close combat and carry out multi-channel firing of missiles at long range. A fifth-generation aircraft must have “advanced” electronics, which would greatly facilitate the pilot’s work.

Experts are already comparing the F-22 and PAK-FA, based on the meager information that is available today. The newest Russian aircraft has large dimensions, including a wingspan, and therefore, most likely, it will be more maneuverable than its American counterpart. The PAK-FA has a slightly higher maximum speed, but loses to the “American” in cruising speed. The Russian aircraft has a longer practical range and a lower take-off weight. However, the PAK-FA loses to the F-22 in stealth.

It is not easy to compare these two aircraft, primarily due to a lack of information. There is one more nuance: modern aircraft are not only about aerodynamics and weapons, but primarily about electronics that control all aircraft systems. The USSR has always lagged behind in this area, and the situation is similar in Russia. The radar of the Russian aircraft is not inferior to the best world analogues, but the on-board equipment leaves much to be desired.

Small-scale production of the PAK-FA began in 2014; the start of mass production of the aircraft is planned for 2019.

Here comparative characteristics two planes.

Flight of the Berkut

Another very interesting machine created at the Sukhoi Design Bureau is the Su-47. It's a pity that it still remains at the prototype stage. This aircraft has a forward-swept wing, which provides the aircraft with unprecedented maneuverability and rate of climb. The Su-47 made extensive use of composite materials, and the control interface in the cockpit was significantly improved.

The Su-47 was also created as a prototype of a fifth-generation aircraft. But it does not yet live up to the requirements put forward for such machines. The Berkut cannot fly at supersonic speeds without afterburner. In the future, they plan to equip the aircraft with a new engine with variable thrust vectoring, which would allow the Su-47 to overcome the supersonic barrier without afterburner.

The Berkut made its first flight in 1997; only one such aircraft was built. It is currently being used as a test site.

Here are the characteristics of the Su-47 Berkut aircraft.

Another newest aircraft recently adopted by the Russian Air Force is the . In 2014, 12 such aircraft arrived at the Aerospace Forces air regiments; in total, by the end of 2019, 48 Su-35s will arrive in the Air Force. This aircraft, developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau, belongs to the 4++ generation and has technical and combat characteristics almost at the level of a fifth-generation aircraft.

It differs from the PAK-FA only in the absence of stealth technologies and an active phased array antenna (AFAR). The aircraft is equipped with a new information and control system, phased array radar, and new engines with controlled thrust vectoring, which can reach supersonic speed without the use of afterburner. The airframe of the aircraft has also been strengthened.

With the adoption of this aircraft, Russian military pilots can fight back against the latest generation of aircraft.

Main characteristics of the Su-35 aircraft:

All of the above aircraft have already left the design bureaus and factory floors and have long since made their first flight. Currently, the Ilyushin Design Bureau is developing new lightweight transport aircraft, which should replace the outdated An-26.

The first flight of the future transport aircraft is planned for 2019, and the start of its serial production is scheduled for 2019. The new vehicle will have a payload capacity of up to six tons and will be equipped with two turboprop engines. The IL-112 will be able to land and take off both from equipped runways and from unpaved airfields. In addition to the cargo modification of the aircraft, aircraft manufacturers are planning to create a passenger version of the aircraft; it can be used on regional airlines.

"Mig" fifth generation

Sergey Korotkov, general manager RSK MiG told reporters that specialists from the design bureau are working on a fifth-generation fighter. The new vehicle will most likely be based on the Mig-35 (another Russian 4++ generation vehicle). According to the developers, the new Mig will be very different from the PAK FA and will perform completely different functions.

New strategic bomber

Russia is developing a new strategic bomber, which will replace the Tu-160 and Tu-95 aircraft. The development of the new PAK DA (advanced long-range aviation complex) was entrusted to the Tupolev Design Bureau, although it can be noted that the Tupolev team began work on this machine back in 2009. In 2014, a contract was signed between the design bureau and the Ministry of Defense to carry out design work.

There is very little information about the future aircraft, but the leadership of the Russian Air Force has stated that the aircraft will be subsonic, will be able to carry more weapons than the Tu-160 and will most likely be manufactured according to the “flying wing” design.

The first vehicle is expected to be ready in 2020, and mass production to start in 2025. It should be noted that work on creating a similar aircraft is now underway in the United States. As part of the Next Generation Bomber project, a subsonic aircraft with a low level of visibility and a long range (about nine thousand kilometers) is being developed. According to media reports, the cost of one such machine can reach half a billion dollars.

After the collapse of the USSR, the aviation industry experienced difficult times. Many projects have been delayed for years, and now is the time to catch up. The development of a sixth-generation fighter is yet to come, but for now this is almost science fiction.

Video: new Russian aircraft

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The air force is one of the most important components of the defense capability of each country. Every day, scientists around the world work to create faster and more efficient combat aircraft. Our review today presents 19 of the best fighter models that have already proven themselves to be excellent in battle.

1. American fighter-attack aircraft - Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet

This model is a modernized version of a military aircraft F/A-18. The sample weighs 14.5 tons, and one full tank will be enough to fly 3,300 kilometers. The aircraft is equipped with a powerful F404 engine, thanks to which maximum speed can reach 1915 km/h. The Super Hornet costs about $67 million.

2. German monoplane fighter - Focke-Wulf Fw 190 Wurger

The presented model performed well in the Luftwaffe during the Second World War. Kurt Tank is the developer of a fighter called the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 Wurger, which was created specifically for the German Air Force. The aircraft made its first flight back in 1939.

3. American light fighter - Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon

This model was developed back in 1974, but was put into operation at the end of 1979. The sample length is 15 meters. The sample is equipped with a powerful General Electric F110 engine. Price General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon is about 19 million US dollars.

4. Swedish multi-role fighter - Saab JAS 39 Gripen

The presented model has been in service with the Swedish Air Force since 1997. The weight of this sample is 6622 kilograms, while the flight range from one full tank reaches 3250 kilometers. The creator of the aircraft is Saab AB. Costs Saab JAS 39 Gripen approximately 60 million US dollars.

5. Fighter - Su-30MKI (Flanker-H)

The modernized model of the aircraft weighs 18,400 kilograms, while its flight range from one full tank reaches 3,000 kilometers. This model made its first flight in 2000. The fighter is equipped with a powerful AL-31F engine. Price Su-30MKI is 25 million US dollars.

6. Two-seat fighter - McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle

This model was created on the basis of the F-15D combat training fighter. This aircraft can be used for patrolling and providing cover for ground forces. The sample is equipped with a powerful Pratt & Whitney F100 engine, thanks to which the maximum flight speed can reach 2655 kilometers per hour. Price McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle is approximately US$31 million.

7. French multi-role fighter - Dassault Rafale

French company Dassault Aviation is the creator of a 15 meter fighter called - Dassault Rafale. The maximum speed of this model reaches 2130 km/h, and the flight range from one fully filled tank is 3700 kilometers.

8. Experimental aircraft - Sukhoi Su-35

This fighter weighs 18,400 kilograms, while its flight range from one fully filled tank is 3,600 kilometers. The model is equipped with a powerful AL-31F engine, thanks to which the maximum speed of the aircraft reaches 2500 km/h. Costs Su-27M about 65 million US dollars.

9. Multirole fighter - Eurofighter Typhoon

This model was created by the company Eurofighter GmbH in 1986. The aircraft weighs 11 tons, and its flight range from one fully filled tank is 3,790 kilometers. The maximum permissible speed of the aircraft is 1838 km/h.

10. Fighter-bomber - Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II

American company Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company is the creator of a stealth fighter called - Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. This model is equipped with a powerful Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, thanks to which the maximum speed can reach 1930 km/h and the flight range is 2220 kilometers. The sample made its first flight in 2006.

11. American attack aircraft - Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk

This model is the development of the company Lockheed Martin. This model is designed to undetectably penetrate enemy air defense systems and destroy strategically important targets. The aircraft is equipped with a powerful General Electric F404 engine, thanks to which the maximum speed of the aircraft can reach 993 kilometers per hour. Price Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk is about 100 million US dollars.

12. Multi-role fighter - Mig 21

This model is equipped with a turbojet engine, thanks to which the maximum speed of the aircraft can reach 2175 kilometers per hour. The sample made its first flight back in 1955. Mig-21 is one of the most common supersonic aircraft around the world.

13. English fighter - Supermarine Spitfire

This model is one of the best fighters of the Second World War. This model is equipped with powerful engines such as: Rolls-Royce Merlin, Rolls-Royce Griffon, thanks to which the maximum speed of the aircraft can be 584 kilometers per hour. The aircraft made its first flight back in 1936.

14. Russian fighter - MiG-35

This model is equipped with a powerful RD-33 engine, thanks to which the maximum speed of the aircraft can reach 2600 km/h. The sample made its first flight in 2007. One full tank will last the aircraft for 2000 kilometers.

15. Multirole fighter - Chengdu J-10

This model is a development of a Chinese company Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group.
The presented sample is equipped with a turbofan engine, thanks to which the maximum flight speed of the aircraft can reach 2327 kilometers per hour. The aircraft made its first flight in 1998. Price Chengdu J-10 is 28 million US dollars.

16. British fighter - Hawker Siddeley Harrier

This model is a development of the Hawker Siddeley company, which in 1960 created a fighter called Hawker Siddeley Harrier. The maximum permissible flight speed of this sample is 1175 kilometers per hour.

17. American fighter - North American P-51 Mustang

This model was created by designer Edgar Schmüd together with the company North American Aviation. This model is equipped with a powerful twelve-cylinder engine, thanks to which the maximum speed of the aircraft can reach 703 kilometers per hour.

18. Russian fighter - Su-47 Berkut

This model is equipped with powerful engines such as AL-31F, D-30, thanks to which the maximum speed of the aircraft can reach 2650 km/h. The sample weighs 16,380 kilograms, and the flight range from one fully filled tank is 3,300 kilometers. The Su-47 Berkut costs about 70 million US dollars.

19. Multi-role fighter - Su-27

This model is equipped with a powerful AL-31F engine, thanks to which the maximum flight speed can reach 2500 km/h. The sample weighs 16,380 kilograms, and the flight range from one fully filled tank is 3,530 kilometers. Costs Su-27 approximately 30 million US dollars.

And aircraft lovers will probably be interested in looking at these

The Russian military-industrial complex is one of the most modern in the world, therefore Russian military aviation is also one of the most modern on the planet.

The Russian military-industrial complex is capable of producing almost any type of modern military aircraft, including fifth-generation fighters.

Russian military aviation consists of:

Russian bombers
Russian fighters
Russian attack aircraft
Russian AWACS aircraft
Flying tankers (refuelers) of Russia
Russian military transport aircraft
Russian military transport helicopters
Russian attack helicopters

The main manufacturers of military aviation technology in Russia are the companies PJSC Sukhoi Company, JSC RSK MiG, Moscow Helicopter Plant named after M.L. Mil, JSC Kamov and others.

You can see photos and descriptions of some companies' products using the links:

Let's look at each class of military aircraft with descriptions and photographs.

Russian bombers

Wikipedia will very accurately explain to us what a bomber is: A bomber is a military aircraft designed to destroy ground, underground, surface, and underwater targets using bombs and/or missiles. .

Long-range bombers of Russia

Long-range bombers in Russia are developed and produced by the Tupolev Design Bureau.

Long-range bomber Tu-160

Tu-160, which received the unofficial name " White swan" - the fastest and heaviest long-range bomber in the world. The Tu-160 “White Swan” is capable of reaching supersonic speed, and not every fighter is able to keep up with it.

Long-range bomber Tu-95

The Tu-95 is a veteran of Russian long-range aviation. Developed back in 1955 and having undergone many modernizations, the Tu-95 is still Russia's main long-range bomber.

Long-range bomber Tu-22M

Tu-22M is another long-range bomber of the Russian Aerospace Forces. It has variable sweep wings, like the Tu-160, but its dimensions are smaller.

Frontline bombers of Russia

Frontline bombers in Russia are developed and produced by PJSC Sukhoi Company.

Su-34 front-line bomber

The Su-34 is a 4++ generation combat aircraft, a fighter-bomber, although it would be more accurate to call it a front-line bomber.

Su-24 front-line bomber

Su-24 is a front-line bomber, the development of which began in the USSR in the early 60s of the last century. Currently, it is being replaced by the Su-34.

Russian fighters

Fighter aircraft in Russia are developed and produced by two companies: PJSC Sukhoi Company and JSC RSK MiG.

Su fighters

PJSC Sukhoi Company supplies the troops with such modern combat vehicles, such as the fifth generation fighter Su-50 (PAK FA), Su-35, front-line bomber Su-34, carrier-based fighter Su-33, Su-30, heavy fighter Su-27, attack aircraft Su-25, front-line bomber Su-24M3.

Fifth generation fighter PAK FA (T-50)

PAK FA (T-50 or Su-50) is a fifth-generation fighter developed by PJSC Sukhoi Company for the Russian Aerospace Forces since 2002. As of the end of 2016, tests are being completed and the aircraft is being prepared for transfer to regular units.

Photo PAK FA (T-50).

Su-35 is a 4++ generation fighter aircraft.

Photo of Su-35.

Carrier-based fighter Su-33

Su-33 is a 4++ generation carrier-based fighter. Several such aircraft are in service with the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov.

Su-27 fighter

The Su-27 is the main combat fighter of the Russian Aerospace Forces. On its basis, the Su-34, Su-35, Su-33 and several other fighters were developed.

Su-27 in flight

MiG fighters

JSC RSK MiG currently supplies the troops with the MiG-31 interceptor fighter and the MiG-29 fighter.

MiG-31 interceptor fighter

The MiG-31 is an interceptor fighter designed to perform missions at any time of the day and in any weather. The MiG-31 is a very fast aircraft.

MiG-29 fighter

The MiG-29 is one of the main combat fighters of the Russian Aerospace Forces. There is a deck version - MiG-29K.

Stormtroopers

The only attack aircraft in service with the Russian Aerospace Forces is the Su-25 attack aircraft.

Su-25 attack aircraft

Su-25 is an armored subsonic attack aircraft. The aircraft made its first flight in 1975. Since then, having undergone many upgrades, it has reliably performed its tasks.

Russian military helicopters

Helicopters for the army are produced by the Moscow Helicopter Plant named after M.L. Mil and JSC Kamov.

Kamov helicopters

OJSC Kamov specializes in the production of coaxial helicopters.

Ka-52 helicopter

The Ka-52 Alligator is a two-seat helicopter capable of performing both attack and reconnaissance functions.

Deck helicopter Ka-31

The Ka-31 is a deck-based helicopter equipped with a long-range radio detection and guidance system and is in service with the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov.