Russia Aircraft and Aerospace Programs

[Soldier30]

Pilots of Russia's Northern Fleet shared rare footage of Su-24M bombers refueling in mid-air. During a routine flight shift, the crews of Su-24M frontline bombers practiced one of the most challenging aspects of pilot training: aerial refueling. Operating in designated areas, the Su-24Ms approached and performed a contact docking with the refueling cones of an Il-78 tanker. The maneuvers were performed during the polar night, taking into account the challenging weather conditions of the Far North. Airborne refueling is one of the most challenging aspects of pilot training.

 

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The Russian Su-57 fighter jet made its first flight with the fifth-generation "Izdeliye 177" engine. Cutting-edge technologies, materials, and innovative design solutions have enabled the creation of an engine with significantly improved performance compared to previous-generation power plants. The fifth-generation "Izdeliye 177" turbofan engine is designed for tactical aircraft. The "Izdeliye 177" engine produces up to 16,000 kgf of afterburning thrust and boasts a longer service life and improved fuel efficiency compared to the previous generation of engines. The Su-57 is constantly being modernized, and the aircraft is already being exported. A full-scale mockup of the Russian-made 177S aircraft engine was unveiled for the first time at the Dubai Airshow 2025 (link below).

Russian aircraft engine 177S

 

[TR_123456]

The Russian Su-57 fighter jet made its first flight with the fifth-generation "Izdeliye 177" engine. Cutting-edge technologies, materials, and innovative design solutions have enabled the creation of an engine with significantly improved performance compared to previous-generation power plants. The fifth-generation "Izdeliye 177" turbofan engine is designed for tactical aircraft. The "Izdeliye 177" engine produces up to 16,000 kgf of afterburning thrust and boasts a longer service life and improved fuel efficiency compared to the previous generation of engines. The Su-57 is constantly being modernized, and the aircraft is already being exported. A full-scale mockup of the Russian-made 177S aircraft engine was unveiled for the first time at the Dubai Airshow 2025 (link below).

Russian aircraft engine 177S

New?

 

[Soldier30]

The Russian Northern Fleet has received Mi-8MTV-5MM helicopters. The Mi-8MTV-5M helicopters completed a flight from the factory in Tatarstan to the Northern Fleet base. The crews covered over 2,500 kilometers, including several refueling stops. According to the pilots, the new autopilot system significantly simplifies piloting, including at night. Thanks to the powerful powerplants, starting has been simplified. The helicopter's cabin and equipment can now be warmed up without even starting the engines, a crucial feature in the North. The Mi-8MTV-5M helicopter is an improved version of the Mi-8MTV-5-1, which is in service with the Russian army. The basic version of the Mi-8 helicopter was introduced in 1961. It is the most widely produced twin-engine helicopter in the world.

 

[Soldier30]

New?

No

 

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The United Aircraft Corporation delivered the seventh and final batch of new Su-35S multirole fighters to the Russian Aerospace Forces this year. The company reported that this year has been a record for combat aircraft production in Russia. The Su-35S is a 4++ generation fighter, requiring only 500 meters to recover from a spin.
The aircraft is equipped with an N035 Irbis-E passive phased array radar. The Irbis-E radar can detect targets with an effective reflective surface (ERS) of 3 m² at a range of up to 400 km. For example, Ukrainian Flamingo cruise missiles, with an RRS of approximately 0.5-0.7 m², can be detected at a range of approximately 250-300 km. Less visible American Tomahawk missiles with an image intensifier of 0.1-0.2 m² are detected at a distance of 150-200 km.