VLADIMIR KARNOZOV / MOSCOW
Current aircraft to be upgraded as air force prepares ground for introduction of new fighter at end of the decade
The Russian air force plans to concentrate on upgrading its aircraft as it prepares for a fifth-generation fighter to enter service at the end of the decade.
Russian air force commander Col Gen Vladimir Mikhailov says the air force wants to upgrade 25-30% of the tactical aviation fleet to "fourth-plus generation" by 2005. The air force will, however, receive 20 new aircraft this year, although Mikhailov cannot specify types.
A fifth-generation fighter is due to fly in 2006-7 and enter production in 2010. "It's impossible to move to a fifth-generation fighter without having produced and operated fourth-plus generation aircraft, notably in avionics," Mikhailov says.
Sukhoi Su-27s have been given priority for upgrade. Twelve of the type are receiving upgrades to a common standard, with completion due this year. "When selecting between upgrade offers we should take export potential into account," Mikhailov adds. To raise funds for the modernisation programme, the air force will offer surplus aircraft for export that were retired following recent cuts.
The air force is to continue the gradual upgrade of Antonov An-124s to the -100 standard, retrofit "a part" of the Ilyushin Il-76MD fleet with Aviadvigatel PS-90A engines and acquire new Il-76MFs.Antonov An-22 transports will be withdrawn as their life expires or when significant maintenance is required.
The air force is considering the Antonov An-70, Irkut/Ilyushin/ Hindustan Aeronautics Il-214 and Tupolev Tu-330 for its medium airlift requirement. The Tu-330 seems to be the favourite, despite the An-70 having been in development for 16 years, as the air force prefers a jet-powered design based on an airliner. "The Tu-330 is 70% common with the already in-service Tu-204, and in fact is just a ramp-equipped cargo derivative of the passenger airliner," Mikhailov says. This will reduce development and production costs, the air force believes.
The service has ordered an acceleration of the Yakovlev Yak-130 jet trainer programme and has dropped plans to upgrade its Czech-built Aero Vodochody L-39s. "Such an upgrade is fraught with complications as the L-39 was designed and built in a foreign country," Mikhailov says.
Four Yak-130s will be built this year. "The Yak-130 will be made in Russia, including the engine, which although developed in Ukraine, is being put in production at Moscow-based MMPP Salyut," he says.
Long-range aviation programmes will focus on the development of new munitions and service-life extensions of the bomber fleet.
Source: Flight International
