Military aviation. New Russian military aircraft - what do we have and what can we expect from the military-industrial complex? Long-range and strategic aircraft
The modern Air Force of the Russian Federation is 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, industrial and economic centers of the country, troop groups and important facilities from enemy attacks; to ensure action Ground Forces and the Navy; delivering strikes against enemy groups in the sky, on land and at sea, as well as against its administrative, political and military-economic centers.
The existing Air Force in its organizational structure dates back to 2008, when the country began to form a new look for 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 Main Command was assigned the tasks of planning and organizing combat training, the long-term development of the Air Force, as well as the training of command and control personnel. In 2009–2010, a transition was made to a two-level air force command 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 total number about 70, including 25 tactical (front-line) air bases, of which 14 are purely fighter.
In 2014, reform of the Air Force structure continued: air defense forces and assets were concentrated in air defense divisions, and the formation of air divisions and regiments began in aviation. An Air Force and Air Defense Army is being created as part of the United 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 forces and assets of the Air Force (aviation and air defense) and the Aerospace Defense Forces ( space force, air defense and missile defense).
Simultaneously with the reorganization, an active renewal of the aviation fleet is taking place. Airplanes and helicopters of previous generations began to be replaced by their new modifications, as well as promising aircraft with broader combat capabilities and flight performance characteristics. Current development work on promising aircraft systems was continued and new development work began. The active development of unmanned aircraft has begun.
Modern air fleet The Russian Air Force is second in size only to the US Air Force. True, its exact quantitative composition was not officially published, but based on open sources quite adequate calculations can be made. As for updating the aircraft fleet, according to the representative of the press service and information department of the Russian Ministry of Defense for VSVI.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 newest aircraft
Su‑30 SM, Su‑30 M2, MiG‑29 SMT, Su‑34, Su‑35 S, Yak‑130, Il‑76 MD‑90 A, 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 the military 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 technical troops, special troops, as well as units and logistics institutions (all of them in this material
will not be considered).
- In turn, aviation by type is divided into:
- bomber aircraft,
- attack aircraft,
- fighter aircraft,
- reconnaissance aircraft,
- transport aviation,
special aviation.
Next, all types of aircraft in the Air Force of the Russian Federation, as well as promising aircraft, are considered. The first part of the article covers long-range (strategic) and operational-tactical (front-line) aviation, the second part covers military transport, reconnaissance, special and army aviation.
Long-range aviation is a means of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Armed Forces and is intended 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) probable opponents; in the event of the outbreak of war - the maximum reduction in the military-economic potential of the enemy by hitting his important military installations and disrupting state and military control.
The main promising areas for the development of long-range aviation are maintaining and increasing operational capabilities to carry out assigned tasks as part of the strategic deterrence forces and general purpose forces through modernization of aircraft with 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 armament of long-range aircraft is guided missiles, both nuclear and conventional:
- Kh‑55 SM 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 nuclear ones, disposable cluster bombs, and sea mines.
In the future, it is planned to introduce high-precision cruise missiles of the new generation X-555 and X-101 with significantly increased range and accuracy into the armament of long-range aviation aircraft.
The basis of the modern aircraft fleet of long-range aviation of the Russian Air Force are missile-carrying bombers:
- strategic missile carriers Tu‑160–16 units. By 2020, it is possible to supply about 50 modernized Tu-160 M2 aircraft.
- strategic missile carriers Tu-95 MS - 38 units, and about 60 more in storage. Since 2013, these aircraft have been modernized to the level of the Tu-95 MSM in order to extend their service life.
- long-range missile carrier-bomber Tu-22 M3 - about 40 units, and another 109 in reserve. Since 2012, 30 aircraft have been modernized to the Tu-22 M3 M level.
Long-range aviation also includes Il-78 refueling 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 to the design of an integral low-wing aircraft with a variable-sweep wing with four engines installed in pairs in engine nacelles under the fuselage.
In 1984, the Tu-160 was put into serial 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 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 with the goal of gradually repairing and modernizing all bombers of this type in service. According to the latest data, by 2020, 10 aircraft of the Tu-160 M modification will be delivered to the Russian Air Force. The modernized aircraft will receive a space communications system, improved sighting guidance systems and electronics, and will be able to use promising and modernized (X-55 SM) cruise missiles and conventional bomb weapons. In view of the need to replenish the long-range aviation fleet, in April 2015, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu instructed to consider the issue of resuming production of the Tu-160 M. In May of the same year, Supreme Commander-in-Chief V.V. Putin officially ordered the resumption of production of the improved Tu-160 M2.
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Main characteristics of Tu-160 |
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4 people |
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Wingspan |
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Wing area |
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Empty mass |
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Normal take-off weight |
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Maximum take-off weight |
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Engines |
4 × NK-32 turbofan engines |
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Maximum thrust |
4 × 18,000 kgf |
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Afterburner thrust |
4 × 25,000 kgf |
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2230 km/h (M=1.87) |
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Cruising speed |
917 km/h (M=0.77) |
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Maximum range without refueling |
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Range with combat load |
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Combat radius |
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Flight duration |
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Service ceiling |
about 22000 m |
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Rate of climb |
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Takeoff/run length |
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Weapons: |
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Strategic cruise missiles X‑55 SM/X‑101 |
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Tactical aeroballistic missiles Kh‑15 S |
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Freefall aerial bombs caliber up to 4000 kg, cluster bombs, mines. |
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Tu‑95MS
The creation of the aircraft was started by the design bureau headed by Andrei Tupolev back in the 1950s. At the end of 1951, the developed project was approved, and then the model built by that time was approved and approved. Construction of the first two aircraft began at Moscow Aviation Plant No. 156, and already in the fall of 1952 prototype made his first flight.
In 1956, aircraft, officially designated Tu‑95, began to arrive in long-range aviation units. Subsequently, various modifications were developed, including carriers of anti-ship missiles.
At the end of the 1970s, a completely new modification of the bomber was created, designated Tu-95 MS.
The new aircraft was put into mass production at the Kuibyshev Aviation Plant in 1981, which continued until 1992 (about 100 aircraft were produced). Now the 37th Air Force has been formed as part of the Russian Air Force strategic purpose
, consisting of two divisions, which includes two regiments on the Tu‑95 MS‑16 (Amur and Saratov regions) - a total of 38 vehicles. About 60 more units are in storage.
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Due to the obsolescence of equipment, in 2013 the modernization of aircraft in service to the level of the 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 will be able to carry new X-101 strategic cruise missiles. |
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Main characteristics of Tu-95MS |
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7 people |
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Wing area |
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Empty mass |
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Normal take-off weight |
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Maximum take-off weight |
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Engines |
Wingspan: |
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4 × NK‑12 MP theater |
Power |
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4 × 15,000 l. |
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Cruising speed |
With. |
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Maximum speed at altitude |
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about 700 km/h |
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Combat radius |
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Service ceiling |
Maximum range |
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Takeoff/run length |
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Practical range |
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about 11000 m Weapons: Built-in Strategic cruise missiles X‑55 SM/X‑101–6 or 16 |
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Free-falling aerial bombs up to 9000 kg caliber,
cluster bombs, mines.
Tu-22M3
Currently, about 40 Tu-22 M3 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 the Tu-22 M3 M (the modification was put into service in 2014). They will be equipped with new electronics, expand the range of weapons by introducing the latest high-precision ammunition, and extend their service life to 40 years.
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Main characteristics of Tu-22M3 |
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4 people |
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7 people At minimum sweep angle At maximum sweep angle |
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Wing area |
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Empty mass |
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Normal take-off weight |
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Maximum take-off weight |
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Engines |
2 × NK-25 turbofan engines |
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Maximum thrust |
2 × 14,500 kgf |
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Afterburner thrust |
2 × 25,000 kgf |
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4 × 15,000 l. |
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Cruising speed |
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Range of flight |
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Combat radius with a load of 12 t |
1500…2400 km |
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Service ceiling |
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Takeoff/run length |
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Practical range |
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about 11000 m 23 mm defensive installation with GSh-23 cannons |
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X-22 anti-ship cruise missiles |
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Tactical aeroballistic missiles X‑15 S. |
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Promising developments
PAK YES
In 2008, funding for R&D was opened in Russia to create a promising long-range aviation complex, the PAK DA.
The program envisages the development of a fifth-generation long-range bomber to replace the aircraft in service with the Russian Air Force. The fact that the Russian Air Force formulated tactical and technical requirements for the PAK DA program and began preparations for the participation of design bureaus in the development competition was announced back in 2007. According to the general director of Tupolev OJSC I. Shevchuk, the contract under the PAK DA program was won by Tupolev Design Bureau. In 2011, it was reported that a preliminary design of an integrated avionics complex for a promising complex had been developed, and the long-range aviation command of the Russian Air Force issued a tactical and technical specification for the creation of a promising bomber. Plans were announced to build 100 vehicles, which are expected to be put into service by 2027.
The weapons most likely to be used will be advanced hypersonic missiles, long-range cruise missiles of the X-101 type, short-range precision missiles and adjustable aerial bombs, as well as free-falling bombs. It was stated that some of the missile samples had already been developed by the Tactical Missiles Corporation. Perhaps the aircraft will also be used as an air carrier of an operational-strategic reconnaissance and strike complex. It is possible that for self-defense, in addition to the electronic warfare system, the bomber will be armed with air-to-air missiles.
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 primarily in operational and operational-tactical depth.
Attack aircraft are intended primarily for air support of troops, destruction of manpower and objects mainly on cutting edge, 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 operational-tactical aviation are maintaining and increasing capabilities in the framework of solving operational, operational-tactical and tactical tasks during combat operations in the theater of operations through the supply of new ones (Su‑34) and modernization of existing ones (Su‑25 SM ) aircraft.
Bombers and attack aircraft of front-line aviation are armed with air-to-surface and air-to-air missiles and unguided missiles different types, aircraft bombs, including adjustable bombs, cluster bombs, aircraft guns.
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 fighter aircraft of air defense is to cover the most important directions and individual objects from enemy air attacks by destroying their aircraft at maximum ranges with the help of interceptors. Air defense aviation also includes 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 carry out assigned tasks through the modernization of existing aircraft, the purchase of new aircraft (Su-30, Su-35), as well as the creation of a promising PAK-FA aviation complex, which has been tested since 2010 year and, possibly, a promising long-range interceptor.
The main weapons of fighter aircraft are air-to-air and air-to-surface guided missiles of various ranges, as well as free-falling and adjustable bombs, unguided missiles, cluster bombs, and aircraft cannons. Development of advanced missile weapons is underway.
The modern aircraft fleet of attack and front-line bomber aviation includes the following types of aircraft:
- Su‑25–200 attack aircraft, 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 Su-25 SM level.
- front-line bombers Su‑24 M - 21 units. These Soviet-made aircraft are already outdated and are actively being decommissioned. In 2020, it is planned to dispose of all Su‑24 M in service.
- fighter-bombers Su‑34–69 units. The latest multi-role aircraft that replace obsolete Su-24 M bombers in units. The total number of Su-34 ordered is 124 units, which will enter service in the near future.
Su-25
The Su-25 is an armored subsonic attack aircraft designed to provide close support to 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. Among the troops, 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 (over the entire period, 1,320 aircraft of all modifications were produced, including for export).
The vehicles were produced in various modifications, including the combat training Su‑25UB and the deck-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 air 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 modernize 80 vehicles to the level of the Su-25 SM. They are equipped with the latest electronics, including, multifunctional indicators, new electronic warfare equipment, suspended radar "Spear". The new Su-25UBM aircraft, which will have similar equipment to the Su-25 SM, has been adopted as a combat training aircraft.
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Main characteristics of the Su-25 |
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1 person |
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Wingspan |
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Wing area |
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Empty mass |
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Normal take-off weight |
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Maximum take-off weight |
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Engines |
2 × R‑95Sh turbojet engines |
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Maximum thrust |
2 × 4100 kgf |
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Maximum speed |
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Cruising speed |
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Practical range with combat load |
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Ferry range |
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Service ceiling |
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Rate of climb |
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Takeoff/run length |
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Practical range |
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about 11000 m 30 mm double-barreled gun GSh-30–2 (250 rounds) On external sling Guided air-to-surface missiles - Kh-25 ML, Kh-25 MLP, S-25 L, Kh-29 L Air bombs, cassettes - FAB-500, RBK-500, FAB-250, RBK-250, FAB-100, KMGU-2 containers Shooting and gun containers - SPPU-22–1 (23 mm GSh-23 gun) |
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Su‑24M
The Su-24 M front-line bomber with a variable-sweep wing is designed to launch 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 controlled and controlled missiles. unguided munitions. In the west it received the designation "Fencer"
Serial production was carried out at NAPO named after Chkalov in Novosibirsk (with the participation of KNAAPO) until 1993; about 1,200 vehicles of various modifications were built, including for export.
At the turn of the century, due to the obsolescence of aviation technology, Russia began a program to modernize front-line bombers to the level of the Su-24 M2. In 2007, the first two Su-24 M2 were transferred to the Lipetsk Combat Use Center. Delivery of the remaining vehicles to the Russian Air Force was completed in 2009.
Currently, the Russian Air Force has 21 Su-24 M aircraft of several modifications left, but as the newest Su-34s enter combat units, Su-24s are removed from service and scrapped (by 2015, 103 aircraft were scrapped). By 2020, they should be completely withdrawn from the Air Force.
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Main characteristics of the Su-24M |
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2 people |
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Wingspan At maximum sweep angle At minimum sweep angle |
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Wing area |
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Empty mass |
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Normal take-off weight |
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Maximum take-off weight |
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Engines |
2 × AL-21 F-3 turbofan engines |
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Maximum thrust |
2 × 7800 kgf |
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Afterburner thrust |
2 × 11200 kgf |
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4 × 15,000 l. |
1700 km/h (M=1.35) |
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Maximum speed at an altitude of 200 m |
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Ferry range |
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Combat radius |
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Service ceiling |
about 11500 m |
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Takeoff/run length |
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Practical range |
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about 11000 m 23‑mm 6‑barrel gun GSh‑6–23 (500 rounds) On external sling: Guided air-to-air missiles - R-60 Guided air-to-surface missiles - Kh‑25 ML/MR, Kh‑23, Kh‑29 L/T, Kh‑59, S‑25 L, Kh‑58 Unguided missiles - 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 and gun containers - SPPU-6 (23 mm GSh-6–23 gun) |
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Su‑34
The Su-34 multirole 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, since it must replace the outdated Su-24 M aircraft in the troops. Designed to carry out high-precision missile and bomb strikes, including using nuclear weapons, against ground (surface) targets at any time of the day at any weather conditions. In the west it is designated "Fullback".
By mid-2015, 69 Su-34 aircraft (including 8 prototypes) out of 124 ordered were delivered to combat units.
In the future, it is planned to supply approximately 150–200 new aircraft to the Russian Air Force and completely replace the outdated Su-24 with them by 2020. 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.
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Main characteristics of the Su-34 |
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2 people |
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Wingspan |
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Wing area |
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Empty mass |
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Normal take-off weight |
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Maximum take-off weight |
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Engines |
2 × AL-31 F-M1 turbofan engines |
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Maximum thrust |
2 × 8250 kgf |
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Afterburner thrust |
2 × 13500 kgf |
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4 × 15,000 l. |
1900 km/h (M=1.8) |
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Maximum ground speed |
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Ferry range |
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Combat radius |
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Service ceiling |
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Practical range |
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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 missiles, aerial bombs, cluster bombs |
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The modern fighter aircraft fleet consists of the following types of aircraft:
- MiG-29 front-line fighters of various modifications - 184 units. In addition to the MiG-29 S, Mig-29 M and MiG-29UB modifications, the latest versions of the MiG-29 SMT and MiG-29UBT (28 and 6 units as of 2013) were put into service. At the same time, there are no plans to modernize old-built aircraft. Based on the MiG-29, the 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.
- front-line Su-27 fighters of various modifications - 360 units, including 52 Su-27UB. Since 2010, re-equipment has been underway with new modifications of the Su-27 SM and Su-27 SM3, of which 82 units have been delivered.
- front-line fighters Su-35 S - 34 units. According to the contract, by 2015 it is planned to complete the delivery of a series of 48 aircraft of this type.
- multi-role Su-30 fighters of various modifications - 51 units, including 16 Su-30 M2 and 32 Su-30 SM.
- MiG-31 fighter-interceptors of several modifications - 252 units. It is known that since 2014, MiG-31 BS aircraft have been upgraded to the MiG-31 BSM level, and 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 in the USSR and has been mass-produced since 1983. In fact he was one of the 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, entered the 21st century as a multi-purpose aircraft as part of the Russian Air Force. Initially intended to gain air superiority at tactical depth. In the west it is known as "Fulcrum".
By the time of the collapse of the USSR, about 1,400 cars were produced at factories in Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod various options. Now the MiG-29 is in different options is in service with the armies of more than two dozen countries near and far abroad, where it has taken part in local wars and armed conflicts.
The Russian Air Force currently operates 184 MiG-29 fighters of the following modifications:
- MiG-29 S - had an increased combat load compared to the MiG-29 and was equipped with new weapons;
- MiG-29 M - a multi-role fighter of the “4+” generation, had an increased range and combat load, and was equipped with new weapons;
- MiG-29UB - two-seat combat training version without radar;
- MiG-29 SMT is the latest modernized version with the ability to use high-precision air-to-surface weapons, increased flight range, the latest electronics (first flight in 1997, adopted in 2004, 28 units delivered by 2013), weapons are located on six underwing and one ventral external suspension units, there is a built-in 30 mm cannon;
- MiG-29UBT - combat training version of the MiG-29 SMT (6 units delivered).
For the most part, all older MiG-29 aircraft are physically outdated and it was decided not to repair or modernize them, but to purchase new equipment instead - MiG-29 SMT (a contract was signed in 2014 for the supply of 16 aircraft) and MiG-29UBT, and also promising MiG-35 fighters.
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Main characteristics of the MiG-29 SMT |
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1 person |
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Wingspan |
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Wing area |
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Empty mass |
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Normal take-off weight |
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Maximum take-off weight |
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Engines |
2 × RD‑33 turbofan engines |
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Maximum thrust |
2 × 5040 kgf |
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Afterburner thrust |
2 × 8300 kgf |
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Maximum ground speed |
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Cruising speed |
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about 700 km/h |
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Practical range with PTB |
2800…3500 km |
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Service ceiling |
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Practical range |
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On external sling: Guided air-to-surface missiles - Kh‑29 L/T, Kh‑31 A/P, Kh‑35 Containers KMGU-2 |
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MiG-35
The new Russian multi-role fighter of the 4++ generation MiG-35 is a deep modernization of the MiG-29 M series aircraft, developed at the MiG Design Bureau. In 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 signature, 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 superiority and intercept enemy air attack weapons and carry out strikes precision weapons against ground (surface) targets without entering the air defense zone day and night in all weather conditions, as well as conducting aerial reconnaissance using on-board equipment.
The question of equipping the Russian Air Force with MiG-35 aircraft remains open until the contract with the Ministry of Defense is signed.
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Main characteristics of the MiG-35 |
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1 - 2 people |
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Wingspan |
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Wing area |
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Empty mass |
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Normal take-off weight |
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Maximum take-off weight |
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Engines |
2 × TRDDF RD‑33 MK/MKV |
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Maximum thrust |
2 × 5400 kgf |
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Afterburner thrust |
2 × 9000 kgf |
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Maximum speed at high altitude |
2400 km/h (M=2.25) |
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Maximum ground speed |
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Cruising speed |
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about 700 km/h |
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Practical range with PTB |
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Combat radius |
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Flight duration |
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Service ceiling |
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Rate of climb |
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Practical range |
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Built-in - 30 mm GSh-30–1 cannon (150 rounds) On external sling: Guided air-to-air missiles - R-73, R-27 R/T, R-27ET/ER, R-77 Guided air-to-surface missiles - Kh‑25 ML/MR, Kh‑29 L/T, Kh‑31 A/P, Kh‑35 Unguided missiles - 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, RBK-250, OFAB-100 |
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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 models of “4+” generation fighters were developed. Along with the fourth-generation light front-line fighter, the MiG-29 was one of the best aircraft of its class in the world. According to Western classification, it is called “Flanker”.
Currently, the Air Force combat units include 226 Su‑27 and 52 Su‑27UB fighters of old production. Since 2010, re-equipment to the modernized version of the Su-27 SM began (first flight in 2002). Currently, 70 such vehicles have been delivered to the troops. In addition, fighters of the Su-27 SM3 modification are supplied (12 units were produced), which differ from the previous version in the AL-31 F-M1 engines (afterburner thrust 13,500 kgf), reinforced airframe design and additional weapons suspension points.
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Main characteristics of the Su-27 SM |
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1 person |
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Wingspan |
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Wing area |
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Empty mass |
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Normal take-off weight |
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Maximum take-off weight |
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Engines |
2 × AL‑31F turbofan engines |
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Maximum thrust |
2 × 7600 kgf |
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Afterburner thrust |
2 × 12500 kgf |
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Maximum speed at high altitude |
2500 km/h (M=2.35) |
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Maximum ground speed |
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about 700 km/h |
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Service ceiling |
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Rate of climb |
more than 330 m/sec |
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Takeoff/run length |
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Practical range |
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Built-in - 30 mm GSh-30–1 cannon (150 rounds) Guided air-to-surface missiles - Kh‑29 L/T, Kh‑31 A/P, Kh‑59 Air bombs, cassettes - FAB-500, KAB-500 L/KR, ZB-500, FAB-250, RBK-250, OFAB-100 |
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Su‑30
The heavy two-seat multirole fighter Su‑30 of the “4+” generation was created at the Sukhoi Design Bureau on the basis of the Su‑27UB combat trainer aircraft through deep modernization. The main purpose is to control group combat operations of fighters in solving problems of gaining air superiority, supporting combat operations of other types of aviation, covering ground troops and objects, destroying landing forces in the air, as well as conducting aerial reconnaissance and destroying ground (surface) targets. The Su-30 features a long range and flight duration and effective management a group of fighters. The aircraft's Western designation is "Flanker-C".
The Russian Air Force currently has 3 Su‑30, 16 Su‑30 M2 (all produced by KNAAPO) and 32 Su‑30 SM (produced by the Irkut plant). The last two modifications are supplied in accordance with contracts from 2012, when two batches of 30 Su-30 SM units (until 2016) and 16 Su-30 M2 units were ordered.
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Main characteristics of the Su-30 SM |
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2 people |
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Wingspan |
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Wing area |
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Empty mass |
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Normal take-off weight |
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Maximum take-off weight |
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Maximum take-off weight |
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Engines |
2 × AL-31FP turbofan engines |
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Maximum thrust |
2 × 7700 kgf |
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Afterburner thrust |
2 × 12500 kgf |
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Maximum speed at high altitude |
2125 km/h (M=2) |
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Maximum ground speed |
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Flight range without ground refueling |
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Flight range without refueling at altitude |
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Combat radius |
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Flight duration without refueling |
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Service ceiling |
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Rate of climb |
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Takeoff/run length |
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Practical range |
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Built-in - 30 mm GSh-30–1 cannon (150 rounds) On external sling: Guided air-to-air missiles - R-73, R-27 R/T, R-27ET/ER, R-77 Guided air-to-surface missiles - Kh‑29 L/T, Kh‑31 A/P, Kh‑59 M Unguided missiles - 80 mm S-8, 122 mm S-13 Air bombs, cassettes - FAB-500, KAB-500 L/KR, FAB-250, RBK-250, KMGU |
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Su‑35
The Su-35 multi-role super-maneuverable fighter belongs to the “4++” generation and is equipped with engines with thrust vector control. Developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau, this aircraft is very close in characteristics to fifth-generation fighters. The Su‑35 is designed to gain air superiority and intercept enemy air attack weapons, strike with high-precision weapons against ground (surface) targets without entering the air defense zone day or night in all weather conditions
conditions, as well as conducting aerial reconnaissance using airborne means. In the west it is designated “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 expected to conclude another contract for the supply of these aircraft in 2015–2020.
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Main characteristics of the Su-35 |
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1 person |
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Wingspan |
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Wing area |
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Empty mass |
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Normal take-off weight |
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Maximum take-off weight |
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Engines |
2 × turbofans with OVT AL‑41F1S |
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Maximum thrust |
2 × 8800 kgf |
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Afterburner thrust |
2 × 14500 kgf |
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Maximum speed at high altitude |
2500 km/h (M=2.25) |
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Maximum ground speed |
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Ground range |
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Flight range at altitude |
3600…4500 km |
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Service ceiling |
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Rate of climb |
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Takeoff/run length |
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Practical range |
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Built-in - 30 mm GSh-30–1 cannon (150 rounds) On external sling: Guided air-to-air missiles - R-73, R-27 R/T, R-27ET/ER, R-77 Guided air-to-surface missiles - Kh‑29 T/L, Kh‑31 A/P, Kh‑59 M, promising long-range missiles Unguided missiles - 80 mm S-8, 122 mm S-13, 266 mm S-25 Air bombs, cassettes - KAB‑500 L/KR, FAB‑500, FAB‑250, RBK‑250, KMGU |
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MiG-31
The two-seat supersonic all-weather long-range fighter-interceptor MiG-31 was developed in the USSR at the Mikoyan Design Bureau in the 1970s. At that time it was the first fourth generation aircraft. Designed to intercept and destroy air targets at all altitudes - from extremely low to very high, day and night, in any weather conditions, in difficult jamming environments. In fact, the main task of the MiG-31 was to intercept cruise missiles across the entire range of altitudes and speeds, as well as low-flying satellites. The fastest combat aircraft. The modern MiG-31 BM has an on-board radar with unique characteristics not yet available to other foreign aircraft. According to Western classification, it is designated “Foxhound”.
The MiG-31 fighter-interceptors currently in service with the Russian Air Force (252 units) have several modifications:
- MiG-31 B - serial modification with an in-flight refueling system (adopted 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 an in-flight refueling boom.
- 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, and capable of using air-to-surface guided missiles. By 2020, it is planned to upgrade 60 MiG-31 B to the level of the MiG-31 BM.
- The second stage of state testing of the aircraft was completed in 2012.
MiG-31 BSM is a modernized version of the MiG-31 BS with the Zaslon-M radar and associated electronics. Modernization of combat aircraft has been carried out since 2014.
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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 a new interceptor, codenamed MiG-41, will appear in the future. |
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2 people |
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Wingspan |
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Wing area |
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Empty mass |
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Maximum take-off weight |
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Engines |
Main characteristics of MiG-31 BM |
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Maximum thrust |
2 × TRDDF D‑30 F6 |
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Afterburner thrust |
2 × 9500 kgf |
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Maximum speed at high altitude |
2 × 15500 kgf |
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Maximum ground speed |
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3000 km/h (M=2.82) |
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Cruising speed subsonic |
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about 700 km/h |
Cruise speed supersonic |
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1450…3000 km |
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Combat radius |
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Service ceiling |
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Rate of climb |
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Takeoff/run length |
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Practical range |
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High altitude flight range with one refueling Built-in: On external sling: 23‑mm 6‑barreled gun GSh‑23–6 (260 rounds) Guided air-to-air missiles - R-60 M, R-73, R-77, R-40, R-33 S, R-37 Guided air-to-surface missiles - Kh‑25 MPU, Kh‑29 T/L, Kh‑31 A/P, Kh‑59 M |
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Promising developments
Air bombs, cassettes - KAB‑500 L/KR, FAB‑500, FAB‑250, RBK‑250
PAK-FA The 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. The totality of characteristics will have to exceed all foreign analogues
and in the near future, after being put into service, it will become the main fighter aircraft of the Russian Air Force.
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 possible. In particular, an export modification is being created together with India, designated FGFA (Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft).
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Main characteristics (estimated) of PAK-FA |
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1 person |
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Wingspan |
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Wing area |
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Empty mass |
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Normal take-off weight |
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Maximum take-off weight |
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Engines |
2 × turbofan engines with UVT AL‑41F1 |
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Maximum thrust |
2 × 8800 kgf |
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Afterburner thrust |
2 × 15000 kgf |
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Maximum speed at high altitude |
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Cruising speed |
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Practical range at subsonic speed |
2700…4300 km |
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Practical range with PTB |
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Practical range at supersonic speed |
1200…2000 km |
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Flight duration |
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Service ceiling |
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Rate of climb |
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Practical range |
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Built-in - 30 mm gun 9 A1–4071 K (260 rounds) On the internal sling - all types of modern and promising air-to-air and air-to-surface guided missiles, aerial bombs, cluster bombs |
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PAK-DP (MiG‑41)
Some sources report that the MiG Design Bureau, together with the design bureau of the Sokol aircraft plant (Nizhny Novgorod), is currently developing a long-range, high-speed fighter-interceptor with the code name “advanced long-range interception aircraft complex” - PAK DP, also known as MiG-41. It was stated that development began 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 a deep modernization of the MiG-31, which was worked on earlier, but was not implemented. It was also reported that the promising interceptor is planned to be developed as part of the weapons 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 on the creation of a promising long-range interception aircraft complex.
(continued in the next issue)
Summary table of the quantitative composition of aircraft
Air Force of the Russian Federation (2014–2015)*
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Aircraft type |
Quantity |
Planned |
Planned |
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Bomber aircraft as part of long-range aviation |
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Strategic missile carriers Tu-160 |
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Strategic missile carriers Tu-95MS |
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Long-range missile carrier-bomber Tu-22M3 |
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Bomber and attack aircraft as part of front-line aviation |
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Su-25 attack aircraft |
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Su-24M front-line bombers |
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Su-34 fighter-bombers |
124 (total) |
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Fighter aircraft as part of front-line aviation |
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Frontline fighters MiG-29, MiG-29SMT |
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Frontline fighters Su-27, Su-27SM |
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Frontline fighters Su-35S |
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Multirole fighters Su-30, Su-30SM |
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Interceptor fighters MiG-31, MiG-31BSM |
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Promising aviation complex for front-line aviation - PAK FA |
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Military transport aviation |
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Transport aircraft An-22 |
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Transport aircraft An-124 and An-124-100 |
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Transport aircraft Il-76M, Il-76MDM, Il-76MD-90A |
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Transport aircraft An-12 |
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Transport aircraft An-72 |
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Transport aircraft An-26, An-24 |
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Transport and passenger aircraft Il-18, Tu-134, Il-62, Tu-154, An-148, An-140 |
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Promising military transport aircraft Il-112V |
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Promising military transport aircraft Il-214 |
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Army Aviation Helicopters |
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Multi-purpose helicopters Mi-8M, Mi-8AMTSh, Mi-8AMT, Mi-8MTV |
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Transport and combat helicopters Mi-24V, Mi-24P, Mi-35 |
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Mi-28N attack helicopters |
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Ka-50 attack helicopters |
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Ka-52 attack helicopters |
146 (total) |
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Transport helicopters Mi-26, Mi-26M |
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Perspective multi-role helicopter Mi-38 |
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Reconnaissance and special aviation |
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Aircraft AWACS A-50, A-50U |
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Airplanes RER and electronic warfare Il-20M |
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An-30 reconnaissance aircraft |
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Tu-214R reconnaissance aircraft |
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Tu-214ON reconnaissance aircraft |
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Il-80 air command posts |
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Il-78, Il-78M refueling aircraft |
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Promising AWACS aircraft A-100 |
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Promising aircraft RER and electronic warfare A-90 |
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Il-96-400TZ tanker aircraft |
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Unmanned aerial vehicles (transferred to the Ground Forces) |
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"Bee-1T" |
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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 was collected from open sources - from media materials. There are no claims to absolute accuracy, because the ways of the State... ...defense order in Russia are inscrutable, and are often 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 be made up of newly built aircraft 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 new equipment in the armed forces 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). The latest best military aircraft of the Russian Air Force and the world photos, pictures, videos about the value of a fighter aircraft as weapon capable of ensuring “superiority in the air”, was recognized by the military circles of all states by the spring of 1916. This required the creation of a special combat aircraft, superior to all others in speed, maneuverability, altitude and the use of offensive weapons. small arms. In November 1915, Nieuport II Webe biplanes arrived at the front. This was the first aircraft built in France that 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 cars of designers J. Gakkel, I. Sikorsky, D. Grigorovich, V. Slesarev, I. Steglau began to appear. In 1913, the Russian Knight heavy aircraft made its first flight. But one cannot help but recall the first creator of the aircraft in the world - Captain 1st Rank Alexander Fedorovich Mozhaisky. Soviet military aircraft of the USSR Great Patriotic War sought to hit enemy troops, his communications and other targets 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 to bomb enemy forces in the tactical and operational depth of the fronts led to the understanding of the fact that their implementation must 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, latest models military aircraft of 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 an attempt to arm existing aircraft with small offensive weapons. Mobile machine gun mounts, which began to be equipped with aircraft, required excessive efforts from pilots, since controlling the machine in maneuverable combat and simultaneously firing from unstable weapons reduced the effectiveness of shooting. The use of a two-seater aircraft as a fighter, where one of the crew members served as a gunner, also created certain problems, because the increased weight and drag the machine led to a decrease in its flight qualities. What types of planes are there? 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 flight modes of fighter aircraft. However, the race for speed also had its negative sides - the takeoff and landing characteristics and maneuverability of the aircraft sharply deteriorated. During these years, the level of aircraft construction reached such a level that it became possible to begin creating aircraft with variable sweep wings. For Russian combat aircraft, in order to further increase the flight speeds of jet fighters exceeding the speed of sound, it was necessary to increase their power supply, increase the specific characteristics of turbojet engines, and also improve 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. To significantly increase thrust, and therefore flight speed, afterburners were introduced into the engine design. Improving the aerodynamic shapes of aircraft consisted of using wings and tail surfaces with large sweep angles (in the transition to thin delta wings), as well as supersonic air intakes. Designed to protect centers, regions of the country (administrative, industrial and economic), troop groups and important facilities from enemy air and space strikes, support the actions of the Ground Forces and, strike the enemy's aviation, land and sea groups, his administrative, political and military-economic centers. The main tasks of the Air Force in modern conditions are:
In peacetime, the Air Force performs tasks to protect the state border of Russia in the airspace and alerts about flights of foreign reconnaissance vehicles in the border zone. The Air Force includes air armies Supreme High Command for Strategic Purposes and Supreme High Command of Military Transport Aviation; Moscow Air Force and Air Defense District; Air Force and Air Defense armies: separate Air Force and Air Defense corps. The Air Force includes the following types of troops (Fig. 1):
Bomber aircraft has long-range (strategic) and front-line (tactical) bombers in service various types. It is designed to defeat troop groups, destroy important military, energy facilities and communications centers primarily in the strategic and operational depth of enemy defenses. The bomber can carry bombs of various calibers, both conventional and nuclear, as well as air-to-surface guided missiles. Attack aircraft designed for air support of troops, destruction of manpower and objects primarily at the front line, in the tactical and immediate operational depth of the enemy, as well as command of the fight against enemy aircraft in the air. Rice. 1. Structure of the Air Force One of the main requirements for an attack aircraft is high accuracy in hitting ground targets. Weapons: large-caliber guns, bombs, rockets. Fighter aircraft air defense is the main maneuverable force of the air defense system and is designed to cover the most important directions and objects from enemy air attack. It is capable of destroying the enemy at maximum ranges from defended objects. Air defense aviation is armed with air defense fighter aircraft, combat helicopters, special and transport aircraft and helicopters. Reconnaissance aircraft designed for conducting aerial reconnaissance of the enemy, terrain and weather, and can destroy hidden enemy objects. Reconnaissance flights can also be carried out by bomber, fighter-bomber, attack and fighter aircraft. For this purpose, they are specially equipped with photographic equipment for day and night photography at various scales, high-resolution radio and radar stations, heat direction finders, sound recording and television equipment, and magnetometers. Reconnaissance aviation is divided into tactical, operational and strategic reconnaissance aviation. Transport aviation designed for the transportation of troops, military equipment, weapons, ammunition, fuel, food, airborne landings, evacuation of the wounded, sick, etc. Special aviation designed for long-range radar detection and guidance, refueling aircraft in the air, electronic warfare, radiation, chemical and biological protection, control and communications, meteorological and technical support, rescuing crews in distress, evacuating the wounded and sick. Anti-aircraft missile forces designed to protect the country's most important facilities and troop groups from enemy air strikes. They constitute the main firepower of the air defense system and are armed with anti-aircraft guns. missile systems and anti-aircraft missile systems for various purposes, possessing great firepower and high accuracy in destroying enemy air attack weapons. Radio technical troops- the main source of information about the air enemy and are intended for conducting radar reconnaissance, monitoring the flights of their aircraft and compliance by aircraft of all departments with the rules for the use of airspace. They provide information about the beginning of an air attack, combat information for anti-aircraft missile forces and air defense aviation, as well as information for controlling formations, units and air defense units. The radio technical troops are armed with radar stations and radar systems capable of detecting not only airborne but also surface targets at any time of the year and day, regardless of meteorological conditions and interference. Communication units and subdivisions designed for deployment and operation of communication systems in order to ensure command and control of troops in all types of combat activities. Electronic warfare units and units designed to interfere with airborne radars, bomb sights, communications and radio navigation of enemy air attack systems. Units and subdivisions of communications and radio engineering support are designed to provide control of aviation units and subunits, aircraft navigation, takeoff and landing of aircraft and helicopters. Units and subdivisions engineering troops, and units and divisions of radiation, chemical and biological protection designed to perform the most complex engineering and chemical support tasks, respectively. The Air Force is armed with aircraft Tu-160 (Fig. 2), Tu-22MZ, Tu-95MS, Su-24, Su-34, MiG-29, MiG-27, MiG-31 of various modifications (Fig. 3), Su -25, Su-27, Su-39 (Fig. 4), MiG-25R, Su-24MP, A-50 (Fig. 5), An-12, An-22, An-26, An-124, Il -76, IL-78; helicopters Mi-8, Mi-24, Mi-17, Mi-26, Ka-31, Ka-52 (Fig. 6), Ka-62; anti-aircraft missile systems S-200, S-300, S-300PM (Fig. 7), S-400 “Triumph”, radar stations and complexes “Protivnik-G”, “Nebo-U”, “Gamma-DE” , "Gamma-S1", "Casta-2".
Rice. 2. Strategic supersonic missile carrier-bomber Tu-160: wingspan - 35.6/55.7 m; length - 54.1 m; height - 13.1 m; maximum take-off weight - 275 tons; maximum combat load - 45 tons; cruising speed - 960 km/h; range - 7300 km; ceiling - 18000 m; weapons - missiles, bombs (including nuclear); crew - 4 people
Rice. 3. Multi-role fighter MiG-31F/FZ: wingspan - 13.46 m; length - 22.67 m; height - 6.15 m; maximum take-off weight - 50,000 kg; cruising speed - 2450 km/h; range - 3000 km; combat radius - 650 km; ceiling - 20,000 m; armament - 23 mm six-barreled gun(260 rounds, rate of fire - 8000 rounds/min); combat load - 9000 kg (UR, bombs); crew - 2 people
Rice. 4. Su-39 attack aircraft: wingspan - 14.52 m; length - 15.33 m; height - 5.2 m; maximum speed near the ground - 2450 km/h; range - 1850 km; ceiling - 18,000 m; armament - 30 mm cannon; combat load - 4500 kg (ATGM with ATGM, anti-ship missiles, NUR, U R. bombs - conventional, guided, cluster, nuclear)
Rice. 5. Long-range radar detection and control aircraft A-50: wingspan - 50.5 m; length - 46.59 m; height - 14.8 m; normal take-off weight - 190,000 kg; maximum cruising speed - 800 km/h; range - 7500 km; ceiling - 12000 m; target detection range: airborne - 240 km, surface - 380 km; crew - 5 people + 10 people tactical crew
Rice. 6. Combat attack helicopter Ka-52 "Alligator": main rotor diameter - 14.50 m; length with rotating propellers - 15.90 m; maximum weight - 10,400 kg; ceiling - 5500 m; range - 520 km; armament - 30 mm cannon with 500 rounds of ammunition; combat load - 2000 kg on 4 hardpoints (ATGM, standardized containers with machine gun and cannon weapons, NUR, SD); crew - 2 people
Rice. 7. Anti-aircraft missile system S-300-PM: targets to be hit are aircraft, cruise and tactical missiles of all types; affected area - range 5-150 km, altitude 0.025-28 km; number of simultaneously hit targets - up to 6; number of simultaneously aimed missiles at the target - 12; readiness time for combat work from the march - 5 minutes The history of military aviation began almost immediately after the first flight of the American Wright brothers' aircraft, which took place in 1903 - within a few years, the military of most armies of the world realized that the aircraft could become an excellent weapon. With the beginning of the First World War, combat aviation as a branch of the military was already quite a serious force - first, reconnaissance aircraft were used, which made it possible to obtain complete and operational data on the movements of enemy troops, followed by bombers, first improvised, and then specially built, that took to the skies. Finally, fighter aircraft were created to counter enemy aircraft. Appeared air aces, about whose success films were made and newspapers wrote with admiration. Soon the navy also acquired its own air force - naval aviation was born, and the first air transports and aircraft carriers began to be built. Military aviation truly showed itself to be one of the main branches of the military with the beginning of the Second World War. Luftwaffe bombers and fighters became one of the main instruments of the German blitzkrieg, which predetermined the successes of Germany in the first years of the war on all fronts, and Japanese naval aviation as the main striking force navy The attack on Pearl Harbor set the course of hostilities in Pacific Ocean. British fighter aircraft were the decisive factor in preventing an invasion of the islands, and strategic bombers Allies brought Germany and Japan to the brink of disaster. Soviet attack aircraft became a legend of the Soviet-German front. Similar articles
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