The fastest interceptor. Russia is developing a promising long-range interception aircraft system with unique speed characteristics.
The most high-altitude aircraft means of interception aircraft and missiles of the enemy in our country is supersonic fighter MiG-31. Its feature is high speed(up to 3,000 km/h) and flight range (up to 3,000 km with external fuel tanks), as well as a wide range of weapons. Various modifications of the interceptor can strike both air and ground targets and be a platform for air launch of small spacecraft(up to 160 kg) into orbits up to 600 km. The unique characteristics of the aircraft allow it to actually climb into the stratosphere and reach heights of 30,000 m (quiet work can take place at an altitude of 20,600 m), which made it possible to equip the “machine” anti-satellite missile 79M6 "Contact"(we will tell about it in the near future, come back often) to destroy low-orbit spacecraft.
Rocket 79M6 (left) and its carrier MiG-31D
US Air Force F-15 Strike Eagle fighter launches ASM-135 ASAT anti-satellite missile
aircraft capabilities in the latest modification of the MiG-31BM make it possible to securely cover the air border of Russia in the zones of "weak" air defense and missile defense from aviation and missile means of destruction of a potential enemy. The aircraft is most applicable to the Arctic. Read about the system of military bases in the conditions of the Far North in the material "Russia in the Arctic"(link at the end of the article) .
MiG-31 at launch
It is expected that the MiG-31, which made its first flight back in 1975, will end its service in 2028, and a new interceptor will replace it. You can talk about the incredible records and high-profile victories of the MiG-31 for a long time, but the future of Russian aviation lies with such machines as the Su-57 and the one being developed today promising aviation complex long-range interception (PAK DP) MiG-41(under this number it is mentioned in the press).
What do we know about the promising ultra-high-speed interceptor?
The first episodic mentions in the press about the start of the development of a new interceptor to replace the 31st appeared in the summer of 2017. Representatives of the RAC "MiG" then announced the start of initiative work on a new fighter without a corresponding order from the Ministry of Defense. We have already told you that the result of similar "initiatives" of the corporation was the project strike drone"Skat" (link to material about him at the end of the article). Specific dates were not called, but the start of R&D was planned for 2019, the launch of the series no earlier than 2025.
Sketch of the PAK DP
On December 20, in an interview with Interfax, Viktor Bondarev, Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Defense and Security (formerly Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Aerospace Forces), said that official (that is, already on order) design work on the new machine will start already in next year, a commissioning is expected in 2025. Thus, the "old man" MiG-31 is guaranteed to retire, according to the length of service.
The combat radius of the new interceptor will be from 700 to 1500 km (for the MiG-31 - 720 km), the main armament will mainly be R-37 long-range air-to-air guided missiles, as well as the hypersonic Zircons being developed today (there is a link to this terrible dream of the West at the end of the article). Although the latter may be too heavy for a fighter, but our "defense" will definitely come up with something smaller, but just as deadly.
Rocket R-37 on the external sling MiG-31
Rocket R-37 is the heaviest and long-range in its class. Its launch range is more than 300 km, length is 4.2 m, warhead weight is 60 kg, launch weight is 600 kg. Nearest foreign analogue the American AIM-152 AAAM missile, with a weight of 172 kg and a warhead mass of 22.7 kg, has a launch range of 270 km and is not in service with the US Air Force.
The designers of the RAC "MiG" expect that new state arms program will give a "green light" to the development and design of 6th generation aircraft that will be able to solve combat missions in near space, a promising long-range interceptor will become a prominent representative of which. It will have to become the fastest in the world and as "invisible" as possible. Its tasks, in addition to the standard interceptions of low-maneuverable threats (cruise missiles, bombers, strategic UAVs), will be the fight against hypersonic targets (missiles and advanced aircraft).
Sketch of the PAK DP
P.S.
In our country, everything always rests on the issue of funding. The good news is that President Vladimir Putin already has a ready-made document on the allocation of 19 trillion rubles for the rearmament of the army and navy within the framework of the new state armaments program. We hope that there will be a couple of tens of millions of reasons for a new and such a necessary “car” to be born.
The Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG, using internal economic reserves, is developing a new interceptor that should replace the MiG-31. This was reported CEO Corporation Ilya Tarasenko. Development on the analogy with a promising fighter and bomber is called the "Promising Aviation Complex for Long-Range Interception" (PAK DP).
At the moment, development is at the stage of choosing the concept of the aircraft and working out its technical appearance. That is, it will take at least another 10 years to get a fully finished product, based on the experience of creating such machines. It is these dates that are called in the corporation - 2028. The date is also tied to the moment when the MiG-31 will need the next upgrade. If a new fighter appears on time, modernization will most likely not be needed.
It would seem that by 2028 the MiG-31, put into service in 1981, will be completely old. He will be almost fifty years old, which is normal except for aircraft of the Military Transport and Long-Range Aviation. However, as it turns out, the Soviet designers have put a huge flight and technical resource into our interceptor. The aircraft is currently the absolute record holder for speed among all, including the best foreign fighters. And it is equipped with the world's longest-range air-to-air missile.
That is, when NATO reconnaissance aircraft dangerously approach Russian borders, the MiG-31 is able, without particularly straining, to catch up with them and give a devastating response. If the best American F-22 fighters in the world decide to visit us as "uninvited guests", then they also have little chance of returning to their airfields with impunity. Since the MiG-31, in conjunction with the ground systems of the Radio Engineering Troops, is capable of fighting any stealth aircraft. And the principle “I saw it earlier, I hit it earlier” is on the side of the Russian interceptor with an ultra-long-range missile, aiming at the target, say, with the help of the Nebo-M radar.
In addition, the interceptor was recently upgraded to a modification of the MiG-31BM. And this is a completely modern, in terms of the quality of avionics, fighter.
The fact that the Russian aircraft was far ahead of its time is evidenced by hard facts. This fighter, which became the first Soviet aircraft of the fourth generation, began to enter the air defense units in 1980. And until 2000, it was the only one in the world with an airborne phased array radar. Until now, the MiG-31 is the fastest (3,000 km/h) and high-altitude (20,000 m) in the world. At one time, the Americans tried to surpass its capabilities by developing the F-14 Tomcat interceptor, which was also armed with a long-range missile. However, the F-14, in terms of its main characteristics, could not even come close to the MiG.
The main quality of the interceptor is the limiting line of interception. That is, the removal of the target, when the interceptor, having started on alarm, is able to catch up with it and destroy it. With a target speed of 2.35 M for the MiG-31, this parameter is 720 km. For the “American”, the target, flying at a speed of only 1.5 Mach, is reachable no further than at a distance of 250 km. At a subsonic speed of Mach 0.8, the milestones are: 1250 km and 800 km.
And this despite the fact that the missile range of the "American" is 25 km higher - 185 km against our 160 km. However, the capabilities of airborne radars are incommensurable. F-14 could only track 4 targets at the same time, MiG-31 - 18.
In 2006, the F-14 was withdrawn from service. And it was replaced on aircraft carriers by the F / A-18E / F Super Hornet multi-role fighter. It has more limited air interception capabilities than the F-14. With approximately the same flight characteristics as the F-14, its missiles have a range of 40 km. And the United States does not have land-based interceptors at all, since the Americans believe that the North American mainland is inaccessible to enemy aircraft.
And at this time, the MiG-31 went even further ahead. Since 2008, the interceptor has been upgraded to the modification of the MiG-31BM. Almost all the electronics on the plane are changing. Added a super-long-range rocket R-37, flying at 300 km. And the gun was removed, since it does not make any sense for a long-range interceptor, which does not need to get involved in close combat. It is for this reason that the aircraft has a low maximum technical overload - only 5g. At the same time, for modern fighters designed to gain air supremacy, this parameter reaches 9.5g.
The most important update is the Zaslon-M radar. The station detects bombers located at a distance of 400 km, fighters - at 320 km. At the same time, 24 targets are tracked, up to 8 can be attacked at the same time. The updated interceptor has the ability to destroy aerodynamic targets with a speed of up to 5 M. As well as satellites in low (up to 150 km) orbits.
The MiG-31BM has a new engine with increased thrust D-30F6M - 16500 hp. afterburner instead of 15500 hp A two-channel optical-location system has been installed, which allows searching for targets without turning on the radar in order to reduce the visibility of the interceptor.
Also, a modern station was installed on the aircraft electronic warfare operating in the radar and infrared ranges. There is the possibility of automatic targeting from a ground or air CP.
For the MiG-31BM, the range of tasks to be solved was somewhat expanded. Now the aircraft is able to work on ground targets - anti-radar missiles, air-to-surface missiles, as well as adjustable bombs have been introduced into the ammunition load.
Thus, the MiG-31BM strengthened its position as the best interceptor in the world. However, at the end of the 2020s, it will have to be replaced by a new aircraft, which should solve the same tasks, but at a higher technical level.
Little is known about the prospective development. For sure, we can only say that it will be a fifth-generation aircraft. With the qualities inherent in this generation - a radar with an active phased antenna array, afterburning supersonic speed, low visibility, built-in into a single information field for network-centric operations, a high level of computerization, when the control system is able to "think" at the level of the pilot and operator. In this case, super-maneuverability is not required.
RAC "MiG" has a certain groundwork for creating a new machine. Here, in the 80s, active work was carried out to develop a line of successful MiG-25 and MiG-31 interceptors. By the end of the 80s, five prototypes were created, which became a deep modernization of the original modification. The glider was partially adjusted, increased by 5 tons takeoff weight, new equipment appeared. Tests have begun. However, the money soon ran out and everything fell into place.
Some of this was used in the MiG-31BM. Something might come in handy for PAK DP. Also, the Design Bureau can use the backlog of the MiG-1.44 front-line fighter, the prototype of which has already flown, but subsequently the work was curtailed. This aircraft is capable of speeds up to 3200 km/h.
However, the American magazine The National Interest, which sometimes spreads the most incredible rumors, seems to know about the new development even what is unknown to the developer himself. He claims that the new interceptor (incorrectly calling it the MiG-41) will develop hypersonic speed (albeit a little less - 4500 km / h) and will be armed with hypersonic missiles.
However, this was not enough for the authors of the publication. A certain “aviation expert” is quoted as saying: “A new long-range interceptor on the MiG was already being developed in the early 90s under the code “project 701”. New development was not similar to the previous MiG fighters and, according to its characteristics, was supposed to become the most powerful air defense combat aircraft with an estimated speed of up to 7000 kilometers. But there wasn't enough money."
Undoubtedly, American pilots read this in order to cheer up. A sort of American Petrosyan.
August 12, 2015 agency RIA News, Commander-in-Chief of the Aerospace Forces (VKS) of Russia, Colonel-General Viktor Bondarev, told reporters on Wednesday thatexperimental design work on the development advanced aviation complex of long-range interception (PAK DP), which will replace the MiG-31 in the future, will begin no earlier than 2019.
"The start of development work on the creation of the PAK DP is planned no earlier than 2019. At the moment, the Russian Ministry of Defense is successfully modernizing existing complexes interception - MiG-31 aircraft," Bondarev said.
Bondarev noted that the timing of the development work on the creation of the PAK DP will not affect the state of the VKS fighter-interceptor fleet.
Fighter-interceptor MiG-31 (tail number "91 blue") from the 22nd Fighter Aviation Regiment of the 303rd Mixed Aviation Division of the 3rd Air Force and Air Defense Command of the Eastern Military District. Central Corner, June 2014 (c) alexeyvvo.livejournal.com
In turn, the CEO"Research Institute of Instrument Engineering named after V.V. Tikhomirov" ("NIIP named after V.V. Tikhomirov", located in Zhukovsky)Yuri Bely on August 12 stated thatin "NIIP named after V.V. Tikhomirov" have already begun pwork to determine the appearance of the electronic complex of a promising long-range interception aviation complex (PAK DP), which will replace the MiG-31 in the future.
"The development of the Zaslon system of the MiG-31 fighter-interceptor was a milestone for our institute and became its " calling card". Therefore, of course, we could not stay out of participation in the work on the creation of a new electronic complex for the PAK DP. Research work has begun to determine the appearance of the system based not only on the modernized Barrier, but also on all the latest developments, including Bars ", Irbis, an electronic system for PAK FA and others," Bely said.
He noted that for the new interceptor, all other systems should be developed on a modern basis.
“If NIIP is chosen as the developer of the radio-electronic complex, then it will be necessary to ensure interaction with all on-board systems. We are also ready for this, we have the necessary experience,” added the general director of the developer.
NIIP is a developer of weapons control systems (SUV) for fighter aircraft, as well as a developer of medium-range anti-aircraft missile systems for air defense of the Ground Forces, whose task is to protect against air attack weapons. At present, the shareholders of NIIP named after V.V. Tikhomirov are Air Defense Concern Almaz-Antey (56% of shares) and Concern Radioelectronic Technologies (44%), which is part of the state corporation Rostec.
The promising aviation complex of front-line aviation T-50, although it is a classified project, is nevertheless on everyone's lips. However, this is far from the only development of Russian aircraft designers. What is known about other aircraft complexes being developed?
PAK YES- a promising long-range aviation complex, work on which was launched in 2009. As a result, it is planned to obtain a single type of long-range bomber, which will make up the Tu-160, Tu-95MS and Tu-22M3. The development contract was won by JSC Tupolev, after which it passed the stage of determining the appearance of the machine.
The terms of reference for the bomber were issued by the military in December 2011, and by the beginning of 2012, the research part of the program was completed and the development of the preliminary project began.
It is believed that the machine will be subsonic, made according to the "flying wing" scheme; the requirements for the aircraft were formulated based on the efficiency of the power plant and the increase in patrol time with a high combat load. The airborne armament will include a significant list of guided weapons, including promising hypersonic cruise missiles. The Tactical Missiles Corporation noted that additional air-to-air missiles will be included in the ammunition load. The engines for the aircraft are made by JSC Kuznetsov on the basis of the upgraded NK-32 from the Tu-160.
PAK KA- a complex of naval aviation, a new carrier-based aircraft, the younger brother of PAK FA. Work in this direction has just begun and for the most part is not formalized. But it is known for sure that the hypothetical PAK KA will be created on the basis of the PAK FA.
PAK TA- development of a family of new heavy and super-heavy military transport aircraft (complex transport aviation) began in 2013 as part of the Ermak project, or PTS (promising transport aircraft).
According to the plans, the project will create a whole line of vehicles unified in terms of on-board equipment with a maximum carrying capacity of 80 to 200 tons.
PAK DP- a promising long-range interception aviation complex, which will be developed to replace the MiG-31 interceptors, which occupy a special niche in the country's defense against air attack weapons (including cruise missiles). MiG-31s are used to strengthen the air defense of poorly defended sections of the border - in particular, until recently they formed the basis of the Russian Arctic air defense grouping.
Aircraft of the MiG-31 type were not called “flying air defense systems” for nothing: their radars and fire control system (Barrier on-board complex) give them solid capabilities to control airspace and intercept targets (including group ones). The MiG-31 has the ability to work in the mode of a radar patrol and guidance aircraft for other vehicles.
PSSH- a promising attack aircraft based on the Su-25 type aircraft. The developers decided to create an aircraft with minimal design changes relative to the base Su-25. In particular, it is planned that he will receive improved R-195 engines and almost completely retain the airframe. The machine will receive a new sighting and navigation system and the ability to use new guided weapons (including those with a satellite guidance system). Work will also be carried out to reduce the radar visibility of the aircraft.
The Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG expects to further develop an unmanned version of the PAK-DP, a future replacement for its MiG-31 interceptor.
However, many doubt that the PAK-DP will ever be created in principle. In addition, it is not entirely clear whether the RSK MiG will be able to Soviet time known as the design bureau of Mikoyan and Gurevich, maintain independence in a Russian umbrella company called United aircraft corporation". Perhaps it will be absorbed by the Sukhoi company, its main rival, which dominates the Russian market fighters since the collapse of the Soviet Union.
“This will be a completely new aircraft, where completely new technologies will be applied to work in the Arctic sphere,” MiG Director General Ilya Tarasenko told the TASS news agency at the Army-2017 military-technical forum held in the Moscow region.
“This aircraft will guard the entire border of our Motherland. Then it will be transferred to an unmanned project.”
The TASS article says, citing the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Space Forces, Colonel General Viktor Bondarev, that the development of the PAK-DP will not begin until 2019. In fact, if the PAK-DP program is launched, it will not be until the mid-2020s.
“In my opinion, with all the existing restrictions, it is unlikely that anything will arise before 2023-2025,” the senior told The National Interest. Researcher Center for Comprehensive European and International Studies, Moscow high school Economics Vasily Kashin.
Context
How the MiG-29 appeared in Yugoslavia
Kurir 24.04.2017Russia wants a sixth generation super fighter
The National Interest 07.04.2017The truth about the MiG-29
Air & Space 26.08.2014“First, we need to move on to mass production of the PAK-FA,” he said.
Specialist on the Russian armed forces from the Naval analytical center Samuel Bendett agrees.
“It’s hard to say anything just yet—to develop such an aircraft, the Department of Defense would need to allocate quite a few resources,” Bendett told the National Interest.
“Russia is signaling that it is moving towards stealth and unmanned aerial vehicles, but these are costly projects even for the wealthy US military.”
"The conversion of existing manned aircraft into their unmanned versions requires significant technical potential and significant resources - while Russia has serious problems with modern UAV technologies," he stressed.
“For example, Tarasenko said in his statement that the MiG corporation produces medium and heavy unmanned aircrafts. Meanwhile, this statement is not entirely true: several MiG projects remained on the drawing board for years. For example, the development of the Skat strike UAV was never completed and eventually developed into a joint project of the Sukhoi and MiG Okhotnik design bureaus.
Moreover, even if Russia launches the PAK-DP project, it is not known whether MiG will remain an independent entity long enough to take part in it. It is believed that Sukhoi has long been planning to take over the legendary MiG corporation, which, despite its glorious history, is going through hard times in the post-Soviet era.
“They will be lucky if they remain an independent design bureau,” Michael Kofman, a researcher at the Naval Think Tank, who specializes in the Russian armed forces, told the National Interest.
The materials of InoSMI contain only assessments of foreign media and do not reflect the position of the editors of InoSMI.