Su-35 strike fighter

MOSCOW, March 6 (RIA Novosti) – The Sukhoi aircraft maker has conducted another test flight of its new state-of-the-art Su-35 Flanker multirole air superiority/strike fighter, the company said on Thursday.

A company spokesman said the aircraft was flown for over two hours, primarily to test the operation of its engines and control system, adding that both had performed admirably.

The manufacturer said last month that the new aircraft, billed as “4++ generation using fifth-generation technology,” would enter service with the Russian Air Force in two to three years.

The Su-35, powered by two AL-37F engines, combines high maneuverability and the capability to effectively engage air targets using both guided and unguided missiles and weapon systems.

The Su-35 prototype made its maiden flight on February 18, and two more aircraft are being prepared for similar tests at an aircraft manufacturing plant in Russia’s Far East.

Sukhoi, which is part of Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation, is planning to export over 40 combat aircraft in 2008.

In 2007, Sukhoi exported about 50 Su-30MK2, Su-30MKM and Su-30MKI aircraft, including to Algeria, India, Malaysia, Indonesia and Venezuela.

The company also announced that its 2007 sales had grossed over 50 billion rubles ($2 billion).

http://en.rian.ru/russia/20080306/100859557.html

JAS-39s in South Africa

The Gripen is a true 4th+ generation lightweight fighter and significantly more capable than category competitors like the F-16 and Mirage 2000, though the MiG-35 may give it a run for the money. Gripen NG begins to address the aircraft’s range limitations, and would include an AESA radar among its other enhancements. Other strengths include a wide choice of integrated weapons and pods; reasonable purchase cost; the fact that it has been designed for exceptional cost of ownership; and the ability operate from roads instead of runways if necessary. With respect to industrial offsets, Saab has made a strong offer, backed by excellent record in countries like South Africa, Hungary, The Czech Republic et. al.

As an interesting side note, the JAS-39NG’s use of GE’s F414G engine could create future commonality with the failed Kaveri engine’s successor. The Tejas LCA will use GE’s F404 engines until an Indian substitute is ready, and GE’s F414 is one of 2 engines under consideration as the basis for the Tejas Mk2’s power plant.

The JAS-39’s drawbacks include its short range; the fact it’s a new aircraft type for the IAF; its AESA radar’s developmental status; and a low volume of international orders to date that raises questions about the platform’s ability to modernize over the next 30-40 years. While ordering a Swedish fighter carries spin-off geopolitical benefits, the platform does have a wid card in South Africa’s adoption, and Brazil’s potential adoption. These 3 countries are beginning to collaborate more closely in defense matters, and a common fighter platform could offer intriguing military and industrial benefits.

AESA usage concept

Recent changes in India’s needs and the contest participants are changing the relative rankings of the contenders. Geopolitical considerations are also intruding, as most of these choices have the potential to improve relations with an important potential ally. Standardization arguments will also carry weight. As of January 2006, India’s Air Force operated 26 different aircraft types, and the IAF is not eager to add to its support headaches.

Rather than attempting to predict, DID will simply summarize the strengths and weaknesses of the listed competitors. These aircraft also group into two very different categories: single engine lightweight fighters in the $25-50 million flyaway cost range (F-16 Falcon, JAS-39 Gripen, MiG-35); and larger dual-engine mid-range fighters in the $65-120 million flyaway range (Eurofighter, F/A-18 Super Hornet, Rafale).

Note that Active Electronically-Scanned Array (AESA) radars have a number of benefits over conventional mechanically-scanned radars, including durability, maintenance, the ability to track both air and ground targets via continuous scans instead of rapid switching, and potential electronic attack uses. A narrower field of view with less sidelobe “leakage” is both an asset and a drawback, depending on the situation. All MMRCA contenders to date appear to be proposing AESA radars in their fighters.

Jaguar, Mirage 2000 SU-30K, MiG-27, MiG-21BiS

“It’s the biggest fighter aircraft deal since the early 1990s,” said Boeing’s Mark Kronenberg, who runs the company’s Asia/Pacific business. DID has offered ongoing coverage of India’s planned multi-billion dollar jet fighter buy, from its early days as a contest between Dassault, Saab, and MiG for a 126 plane order to the entry of American competitors and even EADS’ Eurofighter.

What began as a lightweight fighter competition to replace India’s shrinking MiG-21 interceptor fleet appears to have bifurcated into 2 categories now, and 2 expense tiers. What’s going on? In a word, lots. The participants changed, India’s view of its own needs is changing, and the nature of the order may be changing as well – but with the release of the official $10 billion RFP, the competition can begin at last. DID offers an in-depth look at the MRCA/MMRCA competition’s changes, the RFP, and the competitors; and also offers an updated timeline regarding competitive moves since this article was published in March 2006.

The RFP responses were submitted in April 2008, and the IAF is beginning the competitive fly-off. France’s Rafale has climbed back into the race, even as Russia promises a new radar for the MiG-35 – and the USA uses strongarm tactics to block Israeli help for Saab’s bid…

The Su-27SKM

The Su-27SKM single-seat multi-role fighter is an upgraded derivative of the Su-27SK air superiority fighter. Su-27SKM is intended for killing aerial targets in free air and against the background of land; and destroying surface (ground and sea) targets as well, with guided and unguided weapons at day and night under the all-weather conditions.

Turkish F-5A Freedom Fighter

An F-5A Freedom Fighter aircraft of the Turkish air force taxis on the flight line at Incirlik Air Base.

RAF Typhoon Fighter

Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18 Hornet

The Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18 Hornet is a multi-role fighter designed for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. It is capable of air interception, air combat, close air support of ground troops, and interdiction of enemy supply lines including shipping.

The Hornet is operated by:

• No 3 Squadron, RAAF Base Williamtown, near Newcastle
• No 75 Squadron, RAAF Base Tindal, near Katherine
• No 77 Squadron, RAAF Base Williamtown
• No 2 Operational Conversion Unit, RAAF Base Williamtown, who train pilots transferring to Hornet squadrons.

Hornet weapons include:

• 20mm nose-mounted cannon
• wide range of air-to air and air-to-surface missiles
• laser-guided and conventional bombs.

The Hornet is capable of air-to-air refuelling from our current Boeing B-707 aircraft and the KC-30B Multi-Role Tanker Transports being delivered from 2009.

The Hornet was developed for the US Navy and Marine Corps and has been a very successful aircraft. It is also used by Canada, Finland, Kuwait, Malaysia, Spain and Switzerland. The fleet has just undergone a major avionics upgrade to ensure effective operations for the next 10 to 15 years.

Air Force will obtain 24 Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornets by 2010 to ensure Australia's air combat capability edge is maintained until the full introduction into service of the F-35 Lightning Joint Strike Fighter.