On the waves

A Saturday reading. A little article about Russian fast boards from the last Naval Show in San-Petersburg. After the article - a couple of words about other projects from RosoboronExport Catalogue. The reference to a Columbian delegation visit is totally irrelevant in my humble opinion, since this country is in US orbit, it fights its own people, has offered basis for US forces etc. Maximum what Russia's leadership might sell them is a few of light-armed boats to keep them a bit away from becoming an American marionette. The real Russian friends in LA are the Bolivarian initiative countries of course. By the way,  the Russian president will take participation in next summit of this states.   

Nerpa-Chakra bhai-bhai!

As the Russian RIA-Novosti news agency on Friday reports with reference to 'a high-ranking fleet official': the Nerpa nuclear attack submarine will enter service with Russia's Pacific Fleet in December 2009 and will then be leased out to the Indian Navy. "The submarine has undergone a range of sea trials, and [final] state tests will begin in late October or early November, after which the Nerpa will be adopted by the Pacific Fleet," the spokesman said. He said a crew of Indian submariners would undergo a course of training together with Russian specialists and servicemen in early 2010. They will subsequently operate on their own under the supervision of Russian instructors, after which the submarine will be leased to the Indian Navy under the name INS Chakra. India reportedly paid $650 million for a 10-year lease of the 12,000-ton K-152 Nerpa, an Akula II class nuclear-powered attack submarine. End of report.

The Indo-Russian special relationship in nuclear sphere is continuing despite growing Obama's pressure for 'non-proliferation', and could be only comparable to the relationship between US and GB in strategic weapons. In my humble opinion of course…

Moscow afterparty

According to the Russian new agencies and DM reports, the 9th session of India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on military-technical cooperation (IRIGC-MTC) was rather successful. Some of questions and problems were resolved – was declared by the sides. The protocol for prospective joint military programs' realization was signed by two DMs. It includes:

1)      Complete the bureaucratic formality of PAKFA/FGFA project till year end.

2)      Speed up resolving of Gorshkov's payment issue 'in mutual interest'.

3)      Brahmos air version was confirmed, the acceleration of manufacturing too.

4)      New joint ventures in helicopters' development – the plans for this was confirmed. According to Russian DM was told about a prospective medium lift helicopter.

5)      Joint venture for future IFV development will be esteblished.

6)      New modernization programs: Su-30MKI, MiG-27, T-90S, T-72M1, BMP-2.

7)      The project of Program of military-technical cooperation on 2011-2020 and the project of after-selling support & service agreement were discussed. They will be signed in Dec.2009 during Indian PM visit to Moscow.

OLS-35 IRST option for Su-30 family

A contemporary fighter needs periodically upgrade to keep pace with the human technical progress. One of the most promising sensor system for this is the IRST systems, allowing detection of the enemy in air, on the ground and ocean surface. One of the most prominent developers and manufacturers of such systems in Russia is FSUE 'Science-Research Institute for Precision Instrument Engineering' (Moscow). Its traditional specialization was the laser-optical systems for space installations. The production is intended for high-precision trajectory measurements in visible and IR spectrum and laser ranging of objects, like satellite and missiles.

Other products are as follow:

-         Quantum-optic systems for trajectory measurement, photometry, satellite and missiles in fly picturing.

-         Laser retro-reflecting systems

-         Geodesic satellites

-         Inter-satellite laser communication systems

-         GLONASS satellites communication systems

-         Laser range-finders for space crafts

-         Ecologic monitoring systems

-         Atmospheric laser communication systems

The IRST (OLS) systems – are a relative new part in the Institute's activity. Despite this, it offers now two IRST systems with superb technical characteristics. One of them – OLS-UE is offered as a part of MiG-35 program, and the second – is OLS-35 installed on Su-35 fighter, 50 of which were contracted by the Russian AF. OLS-35 is also available for all Su-27/Su-30 family upgrade. It can be a part of Su-30MKI upgrading deal, which is negotiated now in Moscow (Oct.14-15) in the Indo-Russian tech-mil committee summit.

The new Russian anti-radar materials

The Russian researchers go further for developing more advances compounds and technologies for an anti-radar covering. As it's well known, the airframe and the shipframe stealth geometry gives only a partial answer for the contemporary radar development. Only the centimeter and millimeter long radar waves are effectively deflected by such method while the L-band radars progress is remained the growing treat for military devices. Other complimentary methods are composite use and covering.

The usually used antiradar materials are the resins and paints with ferromagnetic. The new nano-metric anti-radar covering is much more light and stable. It's made with magneto-dielectric layering 2-80 nm thick on a high temperature-steady material. The radar-absorption is about 10 Db in 8-80 GHz diapason, i.e. lg (P1/P2) = 1, while P1 – is the incoming radar power and P2 – the reflected. By the formula with these materials the RCS can be reduced 10 times. Its relative mass is as  1 – 1.5 kg/m2. High resistance against climatic factors is provided. They have the one-layer structure instead of usually 5-6.

Serial production of 117S will started soon

The Russian ARMS-TASS agency has reported Oct. 9, that the contract between the Russian Air Force and UMPO plant (merged in 'United Engine-building Corporation') was signed for 96 Al-41F-1S engines purchase. They will be installed on the serial Su-35S fighters. The first party of the engines would be delivered in 2010, and the whole contract – till 2015.  Al-41F-1S ('izdelie 117S') is developed by 'Saturn' with UMPO input, and it has a thrust vectoring nozzle . Two months ago the contract between the Russian Air Force and 'Sukhoi Corp.' was signed for delivering 48 Su-35S, 12 Su-27SM и 4 Su-30М2 fighters until 2015. About 15 Al-41F engines were produced early for the canceled '1.44 project' of 5th generation fighter, which was developed by MiG corp. during 90th. Al-41F-1S - is the intermediate engine solution for the Indo-Russian PAK-FA/FGFA fighter too, it is going to fly till year end with according to the RuAF plan. India could gain these technologies too if wants. As HAL Indian airspace industry corporation's chief and others admitted early, India has already got the single-crystal blade technology during Al-31F ToT agreement.

Added latter:  The Al-41F-1S ('izdelie 117S') engine is a re-dimensioned version of Al-41 engine for fitting Su-30/Su-35 and FGFA/PAKFA fighters. It's as 15% lighter than the predecessor, according to the Saturn's chief engineer.  The t/w ratio on wet is 10 kgf/kg. The '117S' engine - is an initial and export version with 14.5 t thrust, while '117' - is a 15 t thrust domestic version for PAKFA (and probably FGFA too) on the first stage of project. Latter the even more advanced 5th+ gen. engine with t/w = 11.5 - 12.5 kgf/kg is planned for PAKFA.

RD-33 for Tejas?

India Defence Online reports India is seriously considering to use the Russian 33/RD-33MK engines for the homegrown Light Combat Aircraft, as it already used the Indian Air Force fleet of MiG-29 aircraft.
  I have already wrote about this possibility in this blog early. I think, the allegedly selling of an uprated RD-93 engine to China and the current Indian activity around RD-33MK are two related events. Indeed, during some years (more than 5) Russia repeatedly refused to sell the RD- 33 variant with increased thrust to China. One possible reason for this – is the Indian pressure and the agreement between two nations for not allowing China to have more advanced weapons than India. The second one – Russia by self doesn't want China to be too assertive, so the weapons sold for China were always inferior in some degree relative to what Moscow sells to Delhi.

But the technological development is continuing. Sometimes you must run for keeping your place intact. Russia cannot refuse to sell 9 t RD-93 engine for China infinitely (till now it sold only 8.3 t thrust variant). It because the China copy WS-13 (with 7.8 t thrust) is gradually improved and becoming close in its characteristics to the regular RD-93. If Russia refuses now it will lose both the market and the leverage on China. So, the refusing loses its sense. Now the Russian engine manufacturers use Chines money for R&D, so India benefits from this situation too, since China in reality pays for India's advantage. Otherwise the price for new Russian engines, imported to India would be significantly higher.

'Vikramaditya's Combat Management System

The 'Lesorub-E' CMS is installed on the Indian 'Vikramaditya' carrier (former 'Admiral Gorshkov'), now refurbished in 'Sevmash'. It's the export variant of 'Lesorub' CMS for the Russian prospective carrier project. According to the developer, NPO 'Mars', the system is designed for combat control of a ship and a task force on basis of the weapon integration into one complex and for the automation of decision making concerning force and armament engagement.

Tech characteristics and technologies:

Indian MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB operate from the Russian carrier

MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB fighters were over carrier deck take-off/landing exercises. The exercises were successful, ARMS-TASS reported Sep. 29. Both planes have accomplished a number of take-offs and landing in September 28 and 29 from the Kuznetsov carrier in Barents sea. The planes are made for Indian Navy and will be based on Vikramaditya carrier now refurbished in Severodvinsk, Russia. The pre-serial MiG-29K took-off in January, 2007. The first serial MiG-29K plane was made in March, 2008.

Russian TV reports: the radar has a capability for 10 TWS with 4 simultaneously  attacked targets. After accomplishing the Indian contract  the planes (24) will be made for Russian Navy too. RAC MiG can produce first plane within 18 months after a contract would been signed. The airframe life resourse of the new planes is more than twice longer than a regular MiG-29 has. The fly time cost is 2.5 times lower than with an old MiG-29. 

China tries to achieve engines with enhanced capability for its FC-1 fighter

During long time the Chinese try to achieve RD-93 engines with enhanced capability, the Russian 'AviaPort's correspondent reports. They said that if Russia agrees to sell them this class engine with 9 t thrust they are ready to buy up to 1000 units in total cost of $3.75. Till now Russia didn't agree to repeating and insisting Chinese desire.  India was strongly against this deal. It was said in  Delhi that in such a case RD-93 will be comparable to RD-33MK engine which is installed on MiG-29K fighter exported for India's 'Vikramaditya' carrier, said an 'Aviaport' source.

 So Russia has agreed to export for China only a downgraded 8.3 t thrust variant. This engine is installed on the Chinese FC-1 light fighter, recently exported to Pakistan. The initial China contract with Moscow's 'Chernyshev' plant was for 100 RD-93 engine,  $238 mil, signed in 2005. First 15 engines were departed to China in late 2006.  

Two Kirov's class atomic cruisers will be resurrected

The Russian naval program goes ahead. After declared intention to buy in one of the European countries (France, Nederland or Spain) an amphibious assault ship, also known as a helicopter carrier, a Russian military top said that two additional now conserved nuclear-propelled cruiser Kirov's class can be resurrected and enter the Navy service. The deputy MoD Vladimir Popovkin said to 'Moscow Echo' radio-station yesterday that the program for this is already developed. The atomic cruisers 'Admiral Nakhimov' and 'Admiral Lazarev' will come back to service on Pacific and Northern fleets. For the force projection in the remote pelagic areas Russia needs at least two such cruisers on the North and one – on Pacific he said. The current activation of Russian military policy in Latin America has to be supported by additional transportation and strike capacity. Russia needs it urgently otherwise its old and new friends there never can be calm about US invasion. 

Zhuk-AE is ready for fight

Russian Phasotron corporation reports Sep. 17 , that it has finished the testing program for Zhuk-AE AESA radar. The detection range for a standard aerial target is 148 km and in the perspective it will be raised to 200 km. The Phasotron's General Director Victor Tishchenko said that one of the Indian MMRCA tender request is an AESA radar with 130 km detection range. So, Zhuk-AE fulfills this request, he says. 

Seemingly, Zhuk-AE is the first non-american AESA radar for fighter jets ready for use. The others still remain 'paper radars' in many aspects.

Novella - Sea Dragon system. Short review.

The Novella anti-submarine and maritime reconnaissance system (export name 'Sea Dragon') was developed by 'Leninets' (San Petersburg) and intended for Tu-142, Ka-27 and Il-38 modernization. The Sea Dragons variants were named 1SD (for A-40 'Albatros' and Tu-204P), 2SD (for Il-38), SD(H) (Ka-27), 4SD (light planes and UAVs). The weight of SD(H) is only 220 kg. The system has magnetic, electro-optical, IR, acoustic, radar and ESM subsystems. 

The low-light-level TV and FLIR are installed in a stabilized turret. Two fields of view 2 x 2 and 9 x 12 deg with a tracking rate of up to 20 deg/sec. Other source reports about 5 optic windows. In addition the aircraft has an IR sensor for initial submarine detection based on water surface temperature – something very useful, if the enemy subs have conventional or MESMA propulsion. The TV-FLIR system can track targets detected by the radar too.

Indian delegation visited RD-33MK production plant

The Indian military delegation has visited in September, 15 a Russian 'Chernyshev' plant, where RD-33/RD-33MK engines for MiG-29K/MiG-35 are manufactured. The deputy Minister of Defense R.K.Singh and HAL's chief Ashok Nayak headed the delegation, 'Interfax-AVN' news agency reports. Two years ago India and Russia signed agreement for RD-33 ser. 3 engine license  production in India and ToT. Only the first 20-40 aircrafts will be produced with imported of the shelf GE404 engines. The current delays in development fully indigenous 'Kavery' engine for HAL's LCA fighter and the new IAF ambitions for better payload pushes Indian tops for seeking more powerful engine for upgrading LCA. The currently installed GE404 doesn't fulfill the IAF specification and isn't powerful enough for Navy LCA variant. According to the new request they need minimum 90 kN wet thrust for the strengthened LCA airframe and increased load. 

The Russian body armor will help Indians in the war against terror

 The Russian ARMS-TASS news agency reports, that a batch of body armor was transferred to India. The ceremony was occurred in Indian embassy. 30 sets of the body armor were given for gift in order to activize the cooperation between two countries in their war against terror. The Indian Internal Ministry Department chief Redhey Shiam Sharma expressed gratitude for Russian side. The body armor sets will be sent to Indian police forces struggling naxalites armed groups. After Dec. 2008 Medvedev's visit to India the cooperation between two countries in anti-terrorist war was become stronger. The 'Common working group against terrorism' has started its work. Then Medvedev confirm Russian readiness to help for India in its war against terror. Isn't clear, what this new cooperation includes, the bulk part of it is classified for obvious reasons. 

Russian naval diesels and gas-turbines

In answer to my Indian friends question I've composed a short review about the Russian naval propulsion systems, mainly about the diesels and gas-turbine. Russia makes almost all dimension propulsion for maritime use, from the little dimention diesels, steem  and nuclear propulsion with excepts of those including the gas turbine with power over 27,000 hp  (are still made in Ukraine).

The high rate desels for the fast boats are made by 'Zvezda JSC'. It makes diesel propulsion systems for fast boats, submarine and civilian ships. The tropical versions of the engines are manufactured too.

1)      ChN 16/17 dimension

-M532, M534 civilian class                               1904- 4044 kW

-M503, M504, M507, M520 military variants   2015-7794 kW

Main Specs:

A Russian UCAV/UAV killer

The Russian aircraft industry site 'AviaPort' reports 2009-09-09 about the development of an anti-UAV weapon in Russia. According to the plant chief-designer Sergey Yelizarov, the 'Radiozavod' company from Penza has started the tests of a new system for struggle the incoming UAVs\UCAVs. The system is based on the movable PU12M7 command point of the integrated anti-aircraft system, which can include "Strela-10", ZSU-23, "Tunguska", "Tor" and other SAAMs. This command point is initially used for the anti-aircraft purpose. For anti-UAV capability it was equipped with a new radar, the ELINT staton and the optic-electronnic sensors. The ELINT station discloses the UAV/UCAV datalink emission, giving the initial coordinates to the radar and OELS. 

Russian AAMs. Part 1

In general, the serial Russian air-to-air missiles are divided into 4 families: short-range R-73 (AA-11 'Archer'), median range R-77 (RVV-AE) and R-27 (AA-10 'Alamo') and long range R-33 modifications. All these weapons were developed by the missile design house 'Vympel' and now are manufactured by relative new corporation 'Tactical Missiles Weapon', where 'Vympel' was merged. The upgraded variant of R-33 missile is the 300 km range AA-13 'Arrow' (R-37, K-37, Izdeliye 610 or R-VD), but the fighters with needed radar capability (Su-35) is only entering a serial production.  The same is about 'Novator's KS-172 (RVV-L) missile wich extramally long range (400 km) demand according radar capability. The anti-radiation Kh-31 missile previously has only a limited AWACS-kill capability due to the lack of an active radar. The other kinds of new generation missiles are in active development process in Russia and used to be installed on 5^th gen PAK-FA/FGFA fighter. They are yet to be de-classified.

Kh-35UE technical details

RIAN's correspondent Dmitry Litovkin reported a week ago about a new improved variant   Kh-35UE of the well known 'Uran' ('Harpoonsky') subsonic AShM. According to his information granted by 'Tactical Missiles Weapon Corporation', the change of the engine to lighter one has allowed bigger fuel tank, which in turn raised the range of the missile more than twice .
Most probably they have changed the old Ukrainian made missile turbo-engine to newest 'Saturn's gas-turbine 36MT engine. It has only 25-33 cm in diameter and thrust of 250-400 kg, dry/total weight 85/100 kg, 0,71 kg/kgf.h fuel efficiency. It allowed the drastic increasing in range for all sorts of Russian subsonic missiles, from tactic to strategic. The missiles speed was also raised.

Russian tactical air-to-ground weapons. Part 2

The 'Tactical Missiles Corporation' is a manufacturer of the 'big bad boys' like Kh-59 long range air-to-ground missile and KAB-1500 guided bomb. During last couple of years a number of new lethal modifications of these weapons were offered for Russian allies. The new weapons have modular structure with changeable warheads, longer range and better defense against jamming. One example: the range of Kh-38 family is rised from 10 to 40 km against its Kh-25M\Kh-29 predecessors. It's known from other sources Kh-59MK2 can have penetrating or cassette warhead (320 and 283 kg). Kh-58UShKE has shorter folded wing for use from internal bays. It hits radars working in 1.2 - 11 GHz A, A', B, B', C diapasons, with preprogramming option for guiding. The range of Kh-58UShKE is rised from 200 to 245 km. Speed - 1200 m/s. The broad using of satellite navigation in both GPS abd GLONASS standards are implemented. This is an interview with the Director General of the Tactic Missiles Corporation Boris Obnossov in Russian English language 'National Defense' issue 1, 2009.