T-90MS vs Land Rover, HD video

No new details of the tank, just a good resolution video:

T-90MS again...

New video from UVZ/Gur-khan source:

PAK DA news

Russian source reports PAK DA is developed by Sukhoi, 120 t class, and will be equipped with 4 Al-41 engines. It means Sukhoi has finally won competition with Tupolev for PAK DA program. The new prospective bomber will have the same range like Tu-160 (14+ thousand kms) and will gradually replace Tu-95 (60+ units), Tu-160 (15 units) and partially Tu-22M3. The technical-economic reasons played important role in the decision, the better shape of Sukhoi design house too. To make an adequate replacement  for such high number of planes  by Tu-160 size bombers (a new kind or refurbished)  is impossible, they said.

Su-34 crew work and other video

From 'Zvezda-TV'

Hi-Res T-90MS video

High-resolution T-90MS (early variant) testing video is published in Internet. It's a part of UVZ corporative presentation ( on 9:45 min). The language is Russian, however, no new  verbal information is included. Url for downloading. Source.

FCS 'Kalina'

FCS 'Kalina' was presented 1st time in the last N-Tagil-2011 mil. show/

source

Whale Jump

An interesting book about how two American immigrants in Russia developed the FCS for Kilo-class submarines. Unfortunately, only the abstract is translated in English:

“Whale Jump” is an extremely complex emergency surfacing
manoeuvre, which can save a submarine in distress, provided that its
captain and crew have courage, experience and determination. An
action taken in extreme circumstances by a talented and brave leader
and his team to save the day can be called a “Whale Jump”.
“Whale Jump” is the name of this book, about the creation of the
command system of Soviet submarine Project 877 (Kilo class) also
known as “Varshavyanka”.
“Whale Jump” is a historical account of how the submarine’s
combat and navigation system “Usel” (Russian for “The Knot”) came
into being.
“Varshavyanka” and “Usel” are still deployed in the 2st century by
the navies of Russia, India, China, Iran, Algeria and other countries.
Their creation 40 years ago has tied an incredible «destiny knot»
of many peoples’ lives – a Leningrad team of young and enthusiastic
developers and their forever to be loved teachers and leaders: Philip
Staros and Josef Berg, talented American engineers of amazing and
tragic fates. More than once they had to execute a “Whale Jump”, was
luck always with them?
Intelligence service conflicts, daring scientific endeavors, collaboration
with the great creators of submarines, aircraft and spacecraft, the
emergence, development and downfall of Soviet microelectronics, all
formed the destiny knot described in this book.
The author, Mark Galperin, was born in Leningrad and educated at
LITMO University. He joined the design bureau headed by Philip Staros
as a student and worked under his guidance for 14 years. Mark was the
first deputy to Philip Staros in the “Usel” design and was awarded the
State Award of the USSR for his part in the Varshavyanka project. He
now resides in Australia.

T-90MS ERA&ammo layout

Ammo formula: 22 + 8 + 10

source

New AIP modules in Russia - brief report

TsKB Rubin is testing an AIP generator for submarines, RIAN reported in Sep 13 according to Rubin's Gen Director Andrey Dyachkov. He criticized the German hydrogen elements for flammability of their storage. The currently developed Russian AIP is built on the same electro-chemical generation principle, as hydrogen elements, but uses different less flammable reagents. The chemical ingredients used in the new AIP are not disclosed however. Like foreign analogs the last Russian AIP is built in plug-in module. Dyachkov also said Rubin is working in parallel to improve the lithium-ion batteries for subs. Currently the installation of lithium-ion batteries allows to make underwater  time longer on 40%, while it's only 35-40% of the theoretically limits of this technology.

(to note:   4 years ago  on BRF discussions I have pointed out about signs of efforts for developing much more powerful lithium-ion batteries for submarines instead of less powerful lead or silver-zinc accumulators or unsafe and sub-powerful hydrogen elements.)

New video about Russian artillery: 'Plant № 9'

Т-90MS in move

Putin takes explanation of T-90MS specs. 550 mm against cumulative for hull and turret from the side.

Russian prospective tank engine

New information about Russian prospective tank engine was published recently in the  blog of a known blogger from UVZ . The engine A-85-3 (another name 12N360 )  was over successfully testes on T-95 in 2010 including high altitude and non-standard oils. It has nominal power of 1500 hp with option for uprating up to 2200 hp or derating to 1200-1350 hp. The automatics ensure  defense against overheat. Transmission characteristics are not disclosed yet. The engine is a 4-stroke X-shaped opposite diesel belongs to 2V serial, which includes also the engines for Sprut 125-mm light tank and BMD-3. It is developed by ChTZ, which is now a part of UVZ concern.

Specs:
- Power 1500 hp
- torque backup - 25%
- Fuel consumption - 217,9 g/kW*h (160 g/hp*h, 155 g/hp*h on derated ) - (MTU 883-1500 has only 170 g/hp*h)
- Rate - 2000 R/min
 - Mass - 1550 kg
- 1 hp/kg
- 1088 hp/m3 (MTU 883-1500 has only 949 hp/m3)
- 1845x900x830 (MTU 883-1500 has 1700x964x965)

For comparison the spec of V-93 (V-92S2F), V-92S2 tank diesels:
Lifespan -  1000, 1200 h

T-95 3D rendering

Russian journal 'Popular mechanics' published an article about T-95 tank with rather realistic 3D models based on previously leaked low resolution photos. The original issue of the journal can be downloaded here.

 

New information & pics of modernized T-90

(pic from here) 

This is the export-oriented modernized T-90S on the pictures. New modernization of T-90 named T-90AM for domestic army is slightly different. It has new 2A82 125 mm MG (2A46M-5 for export version) with improved autoloader allowing long rods using, with 22 ready to use rounds (40 rounds all), 70% better barrel lifspan. -10 - 45 grad vertical and 316 grad horizontal angle

Turret FCS complex called 'Kalina' has panoramic commander view PK PAN with IR camera, and gunner view PNM Sosna-U. Remote controlled 7.62 turret UDP T05BV-1, GLONASS+inertial navigation, improved radio (two independent stations) and tactical awareness system.

V-93 1130 hp engine giving 23 hp\t (for 49 t tank), steering wheel & automatic gear, chassis sensory control system. 

The ERA is Relict for improved performance against tandem rounds, maximal distance of penetration for APFSDS rods М829А2 is - 1km, М829А3 –  1,2km (NII Stali). +Shtora-2 modernized soft kill APS for incoming ATGMs. The APU is alternatively of two types:  5 kWt DGU5-P27.5V-VM1, or 7 kWt DGU7-P27.5V-VM1. Track pressure - 0.98 kg/cm2. The tank was promised early to be shown in N-Tagil show in 8-12 Sep. 

Russian admiral dispelled the uncertainty

Vladimir Vysotsky the commander of Russian Navy said about Nerpa deal prospects.

Q: There are on Pacific Fleet the Indian crew of Nerpa trains, the last is prepared for transfer to India. How successful this work, and when she will be transferred?  

A: The submarine will be transferred to Indian Navy this year. The Indian crew has completed its training.  No big problem with the transfer exists. Now the last preparing for final tests before the transfer happens.

Mi-28N in hi-res pics

Since it can be difficult for non-Russian speaking people to find hi-res pics of Mi-28N from here, I put some of them in my blog separatly.

Serial Ka-52 helos pics

Excellent video and pics were recently published by a Russian blogger from Torzhok Airbase. There is also an interesting discussion with the explanation for all details of Ka-52 cabin. Although the cabin still has a number analog devices, as used to be on Russian aircraft from different reasons, the MFD are rather informative and comfortable (the pilots opinion). However, some problems with the radar Arbalet still remain. Since Ka-52 doesn't contest in Indian attack helicopter tender, the high resolution pics of Mi-28N in the same Russian blog may be even more interesting for my Indian friends...

Havy pictures:

NK-93 conference

Since there is number of persons who are interesting in aircraft engines development in Russia between the readers of this blog, I put here new original text from the meeting on NK-93 engine prospects, which happen 15.06.11. NK-93 - was the engine tested on Il-76 flying lab before Kaveri. The text is in Russian because I'm too busy now and cannot translate it even in shorten variant.  However, will answer on questions, if asked.  The source is a Russian aircraft builders online forum.

Vikramaditya new photo

New UAC chief interview

Russian UAC's chief Pogosyan interview in SPIEF-2011 video. Many interesting words about PAKFA, cooperation with India etc. Highly recommended for view! The video for downloading.
Summary:

Russia-India business dialog

An interesting business dialog is available on the site of SIEF. Between most important high technology news : one Indian company will produce GaN chips in S-Petersburg starting from the  next year. I think the news can be crossed with PAK FA development (radar choice). Some other news regarding the cooperation between India and Russia were published there too. However, they mistakingly put the English translation on the Russian version and vice versa, which is very typical for all Indo-Russian cooperation last 5 years while best intentions are mixing with poor organization.  Some points of the critics from me: Sergey Ivanov is not the best figure to sit around the table since he is personally responsible for Gorshkov failure   (he signed the first Gorshkov agreement without deep insight). Despite some discomfort  I heard the Indian police maker and diplomats with pleasure, especially a bank-men, from which we can learn much how to behave in time of financial turmoils. BTW I think it's not a skill of politicians but the peculiarity of the long live Indian civilization - to know how struggle  the most hard economic circumstances with minimal damage for society. We Russians have a way to learn from Indians in financial sphere I always said. The speeches of Russian businessmen were sometime interesting too.

Brief summary 

Light 5th gen program remark

About the recent news: 'Besides the common heavier platform, Russia has also agreed to jointly develop a lighter fifth generation fighter tailored to meet specific requirements of the Indian Air Force (IAF).' I must add some words:

1) Surviving of a fighter project is depending of an alive and progressing engine program, which it is built around. Respectively the 5th gen fighter project has to be built around a 5th gen engine already exist or in active developing.
2) Light class 5th gen fighter  can be built around a 10-12 t thrust engine (if two) or a 15-18 t thrust engine (if single).
3) Only one true 5th gen engine program in the world is valid in 10-12 t thrust category: it's EJ200, but it cannot be ToTed to India for many reasons. The indigenous Kaveri engine is a promising program but it's unrealistic to expect from it 5th gen level in visible future.

Then, I think the only option to push the Indian medium 5th gen fighter program ahead and to avoid LCA-type delays is to build it around 117/type30 engine, which should be ToTed and produced in India like  Al-31FN for Su-30MKI and RD-33 ser 3 for MiG-29. Time will say if they indeed discussed such possibility in Moscow.

Trikand after launch

The new pics of pr.11356 Trikand FFG after its launch in Kaliningrad.2011/05/25

via forums.airbase.ru

New interview with Al-41F chief designer

In Russian Parliament sponsored 'Russia Today' journal (May, 2011) a new interview with Victor Chepkin was published. He first time reported about the difference between 'izdelie-117S' and 'izdelie-117' engines for new fighters. Then he didnt give interviews almost 3 years.

Chepkin Victor M. - is the doctor of technical sciences, professor, General Designer, the first deputy general director of NPO Saturn, on research and development projects, advisor to the Director of Lulka design buraue.

After graduating the Moscow Aviation Institute   in 1957, he was sent to the   Perm Motors   design Bureau  , where he worked as a design engineer and latter - the chief designer. He was the chief designer of the outstanding improvement on their engine, "D-30F6" for the world's fastest fighter-interceptor MiG-31 ". In 1980 Viktor Mikhailovich worked as Deputy Minister of Aviation Industry of the USSR.

Under his leadership,  design , finishing work and conducted official testing of turbojet engine "AL-31F was  successfully completed . Victor M. spearheaded the creation of a turbojet engine of the fifth generation, AL 41F and modernization of the AL-31F.

I have translated only those parts of the interview which are relevant  to PAK FA issue.

Q -  Since United Engine Corporation  been formed ,   5 th generation Fighter T-50 "  climbed into the sky and is undergoing flight tests , the first Superjet already been transferred to commercial airlines ... What in your opinion the most important changes occurred in the Russian aviation industry during this period (3 years) that we acquired, and what can be lost?

A - The main thing in my opinion, is that joint efforts succeeded in stopping the fall of the industry. This required the efforts of many, first and foremost, I would note Mikhail Pogosyan  and Eugene  Marchukov - the General Designer of the engine for the T-50.

For military aircraft, we have created two engines - one for the aircraft, like Su-35 ", the second - for the Russian aircraft 5 th generation of T-50". The first - is "117C" - is mainly intended for export. He is more simple in terms of aerodynamics, and most importantly - targeted for aircraft with conventional arms, suspended on pylons outside the fuselage, with no strong constraints on dimensions. Such schemes fro example are used on  4-th generation  aircrafts  , exported to India and Malaysia. 

The second engine - is "117" - though only differ by one letter in the title, much more advanced engine - this is a real engine of the 5-th generation. From the rivals can sometimes be heard  the  5-th generation   engine  should be with such a blade, such and such materials, high-speed rotors, and you do not have this ... None of this is all just ways of achieving the goal. A single goal - increasing specific thrust, ie the ratio of thrust to its weight. For example, the first jet engine Arkhip Mikhailovich Lulka weighed 1350 kg and had the same thrust, that is, its specific thrust is equal to 1. The 4 th generation engine  , "AL-31F, has already managed to achieve specific thrust of 8.7, and on a 5 th generation, the figure is 10.

The new engine delivers a supersonic speed without afterburner   mode. What it gives? If before the fighter was flying to the target with the speed of 700 km / h,  now - it is twice as fast.

Our "117" today is already flying on two T-50s. For the company it is quite a major achievement, a large move forward. Although it never was easy. We also have new ideas, we can boast some good groundwork. What is needed in the field of military aviation - the beginning of this mass production? To protect such a large country like ours, from a serious attack the number as 500-1000   aircrafts is needed  . For this needed orders, money, production infrastructure. 

Q - What are the new challenges encountered when creating the plane 5 th generation?

A -   There are thousand  problems   to solve  . Say, for reducing the radar visibility "T-50 has a scheme with an internal arrangement of weapons, so is becoming increasingly important problem of reducing its size. And that means    new weaponry  has to be developed and put into service , but since it has low volume, it must be highly accurate. It is therefore necessarily need a fully functional GLONASS. The American GPS, for obvious reasons is not suitable, since in times of crisis they will disable it, like during the Ossetian-Georgian war, would impose an artificial shift in the coordinates of 300 km. Also is needed to be known exactly,   how do you shoot, so should be a modern mapping system. The missile itself should be stealthy . Such weapons are now manufactured, and all this affects the design of the engine. The work is proceeding according to plans ... In general, in my opinion, the plane turns out good, no worse than the American "F-22". 

Q - By the way, if we compare the T-50 "with the" F-22 ", Western sources say that the T-50" is much behind in  infrared engine visibility in the rear hemisphere.

A - We're working very intensely,   to reduce the infrared and radar visibility, and were twice as better performance in comparison with the "F-22" (at least for those data that are published and which I have). 

Q - In the difficult years for the Russian aircraft industry, aircraft building companies that produced military aircraft survived by exports, especially in China and India. Today, the Chinese have copied our Su-27 "and are ready to sell it on world markets at dumping prices. Not whether as a result we lose  our traditional markets of combat aircraft?

A - We dont, because such an aircraft as we have, the Chinese have no and will have no in  visible prospective. They say that they have made a 5-th generation plane, but one can say anything ... Their best engine was copied from our "AL-31F. And we produce  5-th generation   engines  , and they are in all of their parameters of thrust,   specific fuel consumption correspond to the 5-th generation. I opened the secret and say that we actually already have two   5-th generation engines. The second, which is now conventionally called the "Type 30", has already been tested in flight on the fighter T-50 ". In the future it probably will give the name of "AL-...." According to its parameters it a 15-25 percent better than "117 th". 

Q - You can hear that the 5 th generation engine of a plane is not as important as its electronic filling ...

A - If you compare the share of the motor and electronics to provide the functionality of combat fighter, then I, as you know, though being a minder and a patriot of the industry, yet I must admit that electronics "weighs" is  much higher. Without a doubt. That's why a little better, or slightly worse engine - has no special meaning. But, if the engine parameters are much better, as we have done on the "117"  (25 percent), the performance characteristics can be seriously improved, even due to increasing the allowed weight of the aircraft.

New fighters were shown for Indian general

After last China's supportive gestures towards Pakistan, Russia is demonstratively standing alongside India. The second PAK FA prototype was showed in Gromov' center (Zhukovsky, Moscow region) for Indian AF commander Pradip Vasant Naik reports ARMS-TASS. UAC and Sukhoi chief M. Pogosyan personally took part in this meeting too. The cooperation in joint FGFA development has started in October 2007, in Dec 2010 the joint agreement was contracted between HAL and Sukhoi.  Pogosyan said he believes joint civilian aviation programs will be coming after last military and transport aviation ventures maturing between two countries.  Modernized MiG-29UPG was shown to the Indian delegation too. As was explained in other ARMS-TASS story MiG-29UPG, prepared for Indian AF will be maximally unified with MiG-29K\KUB by avionics and radar. However the airframe will be closer remember MiG-29SMT modification, since the old Indian MiG-29 airframe cannot be transformed in one MiG-29K/KUB.

Tank news

The pictures of Object 195 ("T-95") have appeared in Internet. The almost certainly uninhabited turret is seen on them. High caliber (most probably 152 mm) MG, 7-rolls chassis, ADS installations on the turret.

Gorshkov's 101st anivesary

Today is 101st anniversary of Sergey Georgievich Gorshkov, a Soviet-Russian admiral and the most known abroad Soviet Navy strategist.

Replacement for 'Satan'

The previous information about Russian plans to develop a replacement for Satan (Voevoda) ICBM was confirmed yesterday ( February, 24) by Russian deputy DM Popovkin. An additional unnamed source in Russian mil-ind complex has confirmed the information for ITAR-TASS. He said the new missile will have 10 warheads with 1 Mt capacity each, but probably will be slightly lighter than Satan. He confirmed the new missile uses liquid fuel and is planed to be ready in 2018.

MiG-29UPG detailes

The characteristics of Indian MiG-29 upgrade was confirmed by TsAMTO analytic center in Russia.

Engines RD-33 ser 3 with BARK-88 FADEC and KSU-941UB removed control system.

Radar Zhuk-ME

FLIR KOLS

Sh-3UM-1 Helmet Mounted Integrated Targeting system

Displays’ number - 4

K-36D-3.5 – ejecting chair

BTsVM-90/BTsVM-486-2 – onboard computer

BKTsO Digital signal processor

L-150NU – passive guiding missiles station

A new EW station (not elaborated)

SVR video recording system, KARAT-B whole recording system

BINS-SP navigation system with GPS

A-053 radio-altmeter

MS-2 voice warning system

The weapon: RVV-AE, R-73E, R-27R1/R-27T1, R-27ER1/R-27ET1, Kh-29T/L, Kh-31A/P, Kh-35, KAB-500KR/OD/L, unguided bombs 50-500 kg, S-24B, S-8 unguided rockets.

1500 and 1900 liters dropped fuel tanks

The contract for 63 Indian MiG-29 modernization was signed 2008, March 7 for $964 mil.

Some third part partners are involved in the contract, like Thales with NSM cryptographic system and CIT identification systems (the contract was signed in 2010, March).

Meanwhile, the Russian government committee of mil-tech cooperation vice-president Dzirkaln said Russia won 75% of Indian (finished) tenders during last 3 years.

The first fly of MiG-29UPG was occured February 4, 2011 in LII Gromov center, Moscow region. 

technical post

Considering my long absence would be good to explain: the only cause for this is my extensive work and other important commitments lead to lack of free time. I have no intention to close this blog or change its specialisation.  Although the site works distressingly slow on my comp, significantly prolonging each posting, may be a new notebook will solve this problem. My regards to all those, who read my blog despite last 'glitches' and delays with answers. You are all my true friends)

The current status of Vikra. Video update.

After recurrent asking. The video about Vikramaditya building, partially - the officially information from 'Sevmash'.







- The first plane will take off the sip in middle of 2012 (MiG-29K). The readiness is 70% (Dec. 2010). Cables 2400 km long. The fans are new - about 1000 units. The pumps re new too. The nose ungle is 14 grad. 16 MiG-29K/KUB and as 10 helos. Le length of the desk is 283 m.