Russia Aircraft and Aerospace Programs

[Vergennes]

Russian state-controlled United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has announced that Sukhoi Company (part of the UAC) has manufactured the last batch of Su-34 multirole bombers under a long-term contract with Russia’s Defense Ministry.

“The Sukhoi Company (within the United Aircraft Corporation of the State Corporation Rostec) has completed the fulfillment of the next long-term contract for the delivery of a batch of Su-34 fighter-bombers to Russia’s Defense Ministry,” the UAC said in a statement.

The last fighter-bomber of the final batch has been manufactured at the Novosibirsk Aircraft Enterprise (a branch of the Sukhoi Company) and has passed trials, it said.

About a hundred Su-34 fighter-bombers have been manufactured under the long-term contract with the Defense Ministry, United Aircraft Corporation and Sukhoi Company CEO Yuri Slyusar was quoted by the press office as saying.

“At the same time, we have started implementing new contracts signed at the Army forum that have helped utilize the capacities of our enterprises and provide work for our personnel in several regions of the country,” Slyusar said.

The Su-34 combat aircraft is designed to engage ground, surface and air targets day and night in any weather conditions.

According to the Russian MoD website, the Su-34’s flight range is up to 4,000 km, maximum speed – up to 1,900 km per hour. The Su-34 carries long-range air-to-surface and air-to-air missile armament with the multi-channel employment capability.

Russian Air Force receive final batch of Su-34 multirole bombers

Russian state-controlled United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has announced that Sukhoi Company (part of the UAC) has manufactured the last batch of Su-34 multirole bombers under a long-term contract with Russia’s Defense Ministry. “The Sukhoi Company (within the United Aircraft Corporation of the...

defence-blog.com

 

[Vergennes]

 

[Test7]

The Russian long-range aviation is acquiring new combat capabilities. Engine development is one of the guidelines. The production of NK-32-02 engines for upgraded strategic Tu-160M bombers has begun. In November 2020, the aircraft with the new serial engines made the maiden flight at the airfield of Kazan Aircraft Plant, the Army Standard writes.

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Tupolev Tu-160 Blackjack supersonic, variable-sweep wing heavy strategic bomber (Picture source: Russian MoD)

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NK-32-02 engines will increase Tu-160 range by 1,000 kilometers. The absence of the engines impeded the ambitious plans to resume Tu-160 production, which was stopped in 1994. Turbojet NK-32 is a Soviet engine designed in 1977 for Tu-160. Its creation was a major success of Soviet engine manufacturing. The engine was compact and reliable.

Trud enterprise launched NK-32 batch production in 1983. It continued up to 1993 and was stopped. Most of the technical documentation was lost. In ten years, over 30 bombers were equipped and a stock of 250 engines and components was accumulated. The production of Tu-160 stopped in the same time. The overhaul of available aircraft was done with spare parts and engines produced before 1994.

The long-range aviation had to rely on the stocks of NK-32 for a long time. They were sufficient, as the fleet of Tu-160 radically decreased after the Soviet collapse. Some bombers remained in Ukraine and were scrapped upon an agreement with the United States. The latest bombers with a big resource were scrapped.

The reduced fleet of bombers and low flight intensity because of a lack of fuel saved Tu-160 resource and decreased the need for new engines. However, it was necessary to resume engine production and upgrade Tu-160. Production programs were numerously launched, but stalled because of the absence of NK-32 engines.

The engine technology was likely lost forever. However, the Kuznetsov enterprise in Samara restored some documentation and advanced towards the production of the engine. Large-size magnesium and titanium casting revived the engine and improved its characteristics.

The new NK-32-02 retained the compact size of the predecessor, but decreased fuel consumption 10 percent. The range of Tu-160 increased over a thousand kilometers depending on the operational regime. NK-32-02 has a new cooling system. Compressor and turbine blades are made of modern heat-resistant materials. The engine thrust is over 25 tons. It is to be used as the basis for the design of the power plant for Prospective Airborne Complex of Long-range Aviation (PAK DA).

The Kuznetsov enterprise had to be upgraded with new production lines, modern logistics and unique technologies to launch NK-32-02 production, the Army Standard said.

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Tupolev Tu-160 cockpit (Picture source: Rostec)

Russia begins production of engines for upgraded Tu-160M strategic bomber

The Russian long-range aviation is acquiring new combat capabilities. Engine development is one of the guidelines. The production of NK-32-02 engines for upgraded strategic Tu-160M bombers has begun. In November 2020, the aircraft with the new serial engines made the maiden flight at the...

www.airrecognition.com

 

[Test7]

Russian MiG-35 Jet

Rostec, Russia’s umbrella organization for several aerospace and defence enterprises today announced the development of a concept single-engine fifth generation fighter jet in manned and unmanned versions.
"Indeed, the creation of a combat aviation system of the future in the light and middle class is being worked out. According to the plan, it can be a universal platform, in manned and unmanned versions. The concept and tactical and technical requirements for such a complex are being worked out," Chemezov said.
"So far, we are doing this proactively without budget funds. The Ministry of Defense has not made any orders. Nevertheless, we believe that this is a promising aircraft and we are considering various options for cooperation with foreign partners," the head of Rostec said. This topic is interesting from the point of view of promoting such an aircraft for export.

According to him, if the development of the aircraft is carried out by Rostec corporation's own funds, then Rostec can independently sell this technology abroad, especially in the case of joint development with any (foreign) state.
In February 2017, Chemezov announced that Russia and the United Arab Emirates would jointly develop a fifth-generation lightweight fighter. According to him, the aircraft can be created on the basis of the MiG-29, work will begin in 2018 and will take about 7-8 years.
The signing of an agreement with the United Arab Emirates on the subject of a light front-line multifunctional fifth-generation aircraft was also reported by the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) of Russia.

While there is no progress on the UAE-Russia joint project, Abu Dhabi has ordered US-made F-35 jets along with drones as part of a mammoth $23 billion deal. It is not clear if it would stil be interested in pursuing its agreement with the UAE on the 5-Gen fighter jet.

Defense World

View News at Defense World

www.defenseworld.net

 

[Test7]

Flight tests of the second-stage engine aboard the aircraft are underway, according to the head of Russia’s state tech corporation Rostec

MOSCOW, December 7. /TASS/. The first Su-57 fifth-generation fighters with the advanced second-stage engine will be assembled in 2022, Head of Russia’s state tech corporation Rostec Sergei Chemezov said on Monday.

"We continue work on the second-stage engine. <...> And I hope that somewhere in 2022 the engines will be made and mounted on the planes and we will launch their serial production in the next few years," the Rostec chief said.

Russia is currently holding the flight tests of the second-stage engine aboard the aircraft, Chemezov said. "Several prototypes of the new engine have already been manufactured. Now work is underway to finalize its assemblies and systems."

The second-stage engine codenamed Item 30 will be serial-produced at the UEC-Ufa Engine Production Association (part of the United Engine Corporation within Rostec). The Ufa enterprise earlier manufactured the first prototype of the second-stage engine that entered flight tests in December 2017. It was earlier reported that the serial deliveries of Su-57 fifth-generation fighters fitted out with the new engines would begin in 2023. The second-stage engine will allow the Su-57 fighter to develop supersonic speed without using an afterburner.


The Su-57 is a fifth-generation multirole fighter designed to destroy all types of air, ground and naval targets. The Su-57 fighter jet features stealth technology with the broad use of composite materials, is capable of developing supersonic cruising speed and is furnished with the most advanced onboard radio-electronic equipment, including a powerful onboard computer (the so-called electronic second pilot), the radar system spread across its body and some other innovations, in particular, armament placed inside its fuselage.

The Su-57 took to the skies for the first time on January 29, 2010. Compared to its predecessors, the Su-57 combines the functions of an attack plane and a fighter jet while the use of composite materials and innovation technologies and the fighter’s aerodynamic configuration ensure the low level of radar and infrared signature.

The plane’s armament will include, in particular, hypersonic missiles. The fifth-generation fighter jet has been successfully tested in combat conditions in Syria.

Russia to roll out Su-57 fifth-generation fighter with 2nd-stage engine in 2022

Flight tests of the second-stage engine aboard the aircraft are underway, according to the head of Russia’s state tech corporation Rostec

tass.com

 

[Huelague]

What is the second stage engine ?

 

[Vergennes]

Russia’s airborne command post nicknamed the “Doomsday plane” for its ability to survive nuclear war has been infiltrated and robbed of radio equipment during upgrades, media reported Monday.

The reports said the Ilyushin Il-80 was undergoing maintenance in the southwestern Russian city of Taganrog last Friday when unknown thieves broke open its cargo hatch and stole 39 pieces of radio equipment.

Interfax said an unnamed Russian transport police source confirmed that an inquiry has been opened into a Taganrog-based aircraft manufacturer’s report of the break-in. It added that authorities were considering opening a criminal investigation.

“The Beriev Aircraft Company reported that a cargo hatch breach was discovered during an inspection of one of the aircraft,” the news agency quoted the source as saying.
All equipment was intact at last inspection on Nov. 26, said the Ren-TV broadcaster, which first reported the Il-80 break-in. It added that investigators took fingerprints and shoeprints from inside the aircraft.

Interfax previously reported that the robbed “Doomsday” plane had been undergoing routine maintenance since early 2019.

The Il-80 is one of four secretive “Doomsday planes” in service in Russia, with reports this fall suggesting plans to replace the aging fleet with upgraded Il-96-400M wide-body airliners. The United States also operates four E-4B Nightwatch airborne command posts.

The windowless Il-80 is designed to withstand a nuclear attack and ensure that a Russian president could issue orders to the military onboard.

Russia's ‘Doomsday’ Plane Robbed During Upgrade – Reports - The Moscow Times

Russia’s airborne command post nicknamed the “Doomsday plane” for its ability to survive nuclear war has been infiltrated and robbed of radio equipment during upgrades, media reported Monday.

www.themoscowtimes.com

 

[Deliorman]

Boy, if such things happen in such a strategic asset one can only imagine the level of corruption in the Russian armed forces and state in general.

 

[Test7]

Sukhoi Company holding company, which incorporates leading Russian design bureaus and serial aircraft production plants, is using mixed reality headsets to assist workers during the production of Russia’s 5th generation fighter aircraft.

Video and presentation posted to Twitter appeared to show that Russian engineers and workers began assembling the modern Russian fighter aircraft uses mixed reality headsets.

According to a tweet from SwankyStas, JSC Sukhoi Company, part of the United Aircraft Corporation, provided a use case detailing how its engineers are using the mixed reality headsets to help assemble the Su-57 fighter jets.


Moreover, the released a short video showed the company’s engineers wear on their heads special devices similar to Microsoft HoloLens.

Sukhoi company has used HoloLens headsets on a number of processes during Su-57 production and development according to a leaked internal presentation slide obtained by Twitter user. In one such application, HoloLens headsets provide guidance as holographic overlays on fuselage and landing gear components.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1336982923975725056

According to the Microsoft website, HoloLens is the most comfortable mixed reality device available, with industry-leading solutions that deliver an immersive experience—all enhanced by the reliability, security, and scalability of cloud and AI services from Microsoft.

Under Secretary of the Air Force, Matthew P. Donovan, looks at a C-130 turbo-prop engine through a set of HoloLens goggles during a visit to the 361st Training Squadron’s aircraft propulsion apprentice course at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, Feb. 14, 2019. Photo by Airman 1st Class Madeleine Jinks

The Su-57 is a Russian fifth-generation multirole fighter designed to destroy all types of air, ground and naval targets. The Su-57 fighter jet features stealth technology with the broad use of composite materials, is capable of developing supersonic cruising speed and is furnished with the most advanced onboard radio-electronic equipment, including a powerful onboard computer (the so-called electronic second pilot), the radar system spread across its body and some other innovations, in particular, armament placed inside its fuselage.

Microsoft HoloLens helping Russian engineers build Su-57 fighter jet

Sukhoi Company holding company, which incorporates leading Russian design bureaus and serial aircraft production plants, is using mixed reality headsets to assist workers during the production of Russia’s 5th generation fighter aircraft. Video and presentation posted to Twitter appeared to show...

defence-blog.com

 

[Test7]

Russia’s state-run Rostec announced today that tests of gas generator for PD-8 engine that will power Sukhoi Superjet 100 airliner will take place in March 2021.
If successful, the gas generator is likely to be certified in 2023.
The parent company of Sukhoi Civil Aircraft (SCAC), Rostec, revealed it started working on the PD-8 engine. This new engine will replace the Superjet's SaM146 power plant currently produced by Powerjet, a 50:50 joint venture between France’s Safran and Russian NPO Saturn.

Powerjet's SaM146 Engine for SSJ100 aircraft

“Based on the solutions used in the PD-14 gas generator for MC-21, we are developing the PD-8 engine. This is a power plant with a wide range of applications - it can be used both as part of the Superjet and Be-200 (amphibious), and can be used in promising helicopters,” Vladimir Artyakov, first deputy general director of Rostec, had said.
Regarding the PD-14 engine for the MC-21 airliner he said – “We have already transferred the first PD-14 engines to Irkut Corporation for installation on an airplane. Currently, they are being installed on the airliner. Our specialists are making every effort to ensure that the first MC-21 with Russian engines takes off in 2020.”

Tests of New Sukhoi Superjet Engine’s Gas Generator in March 2021

Tests of New Sukhoi Superjet Engine’s Gas Generator in March 2021

www.defenseworld.net

 

[Test7]

Russia's sixth-generation MiG-41 fighter.

Russia has been secretly developing the new MiG-41 (or PAK-DP) interceptor aircraft since 2013. According to the few details that have emerged, it will be a sixth generation single-seat, single-engine hypersonic aircraft capable of operating with or without crew. It was conceived by the MiG Corporation to replace the old MiG-31 Foxhound in the Russian Air Force fleet.

The aircraft will be able to carry out interception missions in low temperatures, such as in the Arctic and at altitudes close to space. Its engine will work even in the absence of atmosphere.

The MiG-41 will be able to fly at hypersonic speeds (up to 5,500 km/h) with a range of up to 1,500 kilometers at altitudes of up to 100 kilometers.

It will boast new stealth technologies, as the existing radar absorption materials used in the fifth-gen Su-57 fighter are designed for supersonic missions only, and will be able to load all modern types of missiles, such as anti-ship Zircon and Kinzhal multi-purpose missile. In addition, it will carry the world's most powerful R-37 air-to-air missile, capable of hitting targets at a range of up to 300 kilometers (In the future, the R-37 will be replaced by the KS-172 designed for 400 kilometers).

The MiG-41 will also become a hypersonic missile interceptor thanks to the provision of a multifunctional long-range interceptor missile system (MPKR DP) which, once launched, will deliver several submissiles to annihilate hypersonic weapons.

According to the popular Russian website Avia.Pro, the MiG-41 will make its maiden flight in 2025 (if all goes smoothly). It says the first prototype will be completed by 2023 and then undergo a series of ground tests for about two years. Russian forces will be able to receive the first PAK-DPs around 2028. The MiG-31 is expected to be withdrawn from service in 2030.

Written by Matteo Sanzani

Russia's sixth-generation MiG-41 fighter to make maiden flight in 2025

Russia's sixth-generation MiG-41 fighter to make maiden flight in 2025

www.blogbeforeflight.net

 

[500]

The MiG-41 will be able to fly at hypersonic speeds (up to 5,500 km/h) with a range of up to 1,500 kilometers at altitudes of up to 100 kilometers.

 

[Deliorman]

Okay.

 

[Raptor]

Good luck to Russia

 

[adenl]

I wouldn't shed a tear if this thread is deleted

 

[Philip the Arab]

They are playing catchup and losing badly.

 

[Fuzuli NL]

I wouldn't underestimate Russia's abilities and innovations in the aerospace field.
They've always been a step ahead of the west in many areas of aircraft design.
Just look up Tu-144, MiG-25, Yak-36/38/141, Su-27 to name a few of the relatively modern marvels before the west followed suit.

The conceptual design looks awesome and I believe that this will have a hypersonic speed but maybe not 5,500. The MiG-25 could reach Mach 2.8 which was only broken by the US SR-71 (Mach 3+).

 

[adenl]

The conceptual design looks awesome and I believe that this will have a hypersonic speed but maybe not 5,500. The MiG-25 could reach Mach 2.8 which was only broken by the US SR-71 (Mach 3+).

This stealthy Mig-21 has been around for years now and it's being used a lot in reference to the Mig-41. This article is just a rehash of the many articles in the past about the Mig-41. If I was a mod, I would delete this thread.

 

[mulj]

I like tnis look a like mig 21 nose. Funny how modern solutions could be inspired by past ones.

 

[Philip the Arab]

I like tnis look a like mig 21 nose. Funny how modern solutions could be inspired by past ones.

isn't the same engines how the SR-71 was able to move at high speeds? I'm not good with aircraft design though, so pardon me if I am incorrect.