F-14 Gallary - Tom Cat Beast

The F-X gallary

F-4, F-15, F-117 and F22 in formation

F-4, F-15, F-117 and F22 in formation

F-4, F-15, F-117 and F22 in formation

Mythological MiG 37

Mythological MiG 37

Find few photos of the mythological MiG 37. It was just a hoax and no such aircraft was reported to be seen. Entertainment folks.

Stealth Baptized

Stealth Baptized

I watched a bollywood movie named "Airlift" yesterday, depicting how a couple of men, left on their own, found a way out of wartrodden country, Kuwait. It also reminded me how I was called Sadam Hussain by my neighbor in jocund tone. But it just reminded me the operation Desert Storm and how the curtain was lifted from the word Stealth in form of F117 "Night Hawk".

Stealthography

 People who are aware of and are in love of the term stealth may find easy to track the history of how stealth came to existence accidentally in the form of flying wing, Northrop N1. Starting the point of how USA indulged into Opration Desert Storm, by a firm stance of then President H.W. Bush. It was not only a historical geopolitical moment that changed the course of human events but it is widely seen as the wide-scale introduction of modern “smart” warfare driven by miniaturized computer technology and reliance on precision air power.

The Flying Wing

Desert Storm’s goal was to expel Iraqi forces from neighboring Kuwait, which Saddam Hussein’s military had invaded months before. The U.N. had put forth the deadline of Jan. 15 for Iraq to withdrawal from Kuwait, which was never adhered to. As a result, the U.S. and its broad coalition began an air campaign against Iraq—the likes of which the world had never seen.

Over five weeks coalition aircraft rained weaponry down from skies over Iraq and Kuwait. Then ground forces stormed across the deserts of Saudi Arabia and into Kuwait and Iraq. Just just over four days after beginning the ground assault, Iraq capitulated and a ceasefire was agreed to.

The war was a supernova-like event for the U.S. military, a big capstone showcase of advanced American combat capabilities that were acquired in the last stretch of the Cold War. Yet Desert Storm’s fairy tale-like execution clearly misled future power players as to the limits of air power and the danger of large-scale ground engagements.

Baptism of Stealth: F117's combat proven stealth

On the first night of Desert Storm, the small force of “Black Jets” were given the job of sneaking through Iraq’s border radar defenses, and were to be over Baghdad right as the air war kicked off at 3 a.m. They would use their hardened 2,000lb GBU-27 laser guided bombs to hit telecommunications, power and command and control centers, along with other strategic targets. In effect, they would cut out the Iraqi military’s eyes, striking at the heart of their ability to see what is going on around their country and their ability to react to it militarily.

Stealth Baptized: F117 enters Operation Desert Storm

 

At 2:51 a.m. on the morning of January 17, 1991, Major Greg Feest dropped the first bomb of Operation Desert Storm as part of the first ten aircraft to raid key strategic sites around Baghdad. Two more waves of F-117s would follow on the 17th. Even though estimates for combat losses were as high as five percent, all the jets returned after their sorties that first night. Stealth had passed with flying colors.

Another aspect of this war was F117's "insurance policy" like support, EF-111 Raven, a highly versatile electronic warfare variant of Aardvark. This duo made several sorties together, ensuring F117's safe home return. However, it wasn't that always Raven was present when F117 performed sorties in the night. Though, if together, they performed perfectly.

EF-111 Raven - F117's Insurance Policy

In all, F-117 crews would wrack up 1,280 combat sorties totaling more than 6,900 hours of flying during Desert Storm, and even though they flew directly through some of the most well defended air space on the planet, not one was shot down. Even when faced with a near visual encounter with an Iraqi Mirage F-1, the insidious Nighthawk was able to slink away unscathed. Although the F-117 force was retired from front-line service in 2008, the legacy of their performance in Desert Storm served to largely validate stealth technology. Eventually it would migrate from a niche capability to a holistic procurement strategy for U.S. and allied air arms around the globe.

Apache For India: Diversification or strategy

Apache For India: Diversification or strategy

Back in 2009, India released its tender for acquiring attack helicopter. Its indigenous plan of attack helicopters hasn't run totally smooth. LCH is still in production when the delivery is awaited. Combat in the Kargil War highlighted the requirement of an attack helicopter made for such high altitude operations. This requirement forced India to mull over acquiring attack helicopters. Its tender saw see-saw of processes and arguments of indigenous helicopters. But in 2009, N.K. Antony, with agreement of the parliament, released the RFQ (tender).

HAL LCH Attack Helicopter

 The choppers participating in the combat attack contract include Bell's AH-1 Super Cobra, Boeing's AH-64 Apache, Eurocopter's Tiger, Russian Mil for Mi-28 N and Augusta Westland's Mangusta. Eventually, Apache 64E turn out to be victorious defeating Mi-28 N, in a tight competition. These Apaches will replace the Indian Air Force's present fleet of Mi-35 Hind-E helicopters.

The winner and the competition in yellow

Closely competing with each other, Apache 64 and Mi-28 N

The result was not very much obvious. Definitely for the reason on logical ground that India has been known as biggest Russian arms importer. In this tender too, if integration of existing British/French air to air missile integration and service ceiling, the MI could have won without doubts. Then it comes to the time when we ask if it was a diversification strategy. The MiG-21, notoriously known to India as "flying coffin", could be the reason. Even after upgrading the aging fleet of MiG-21, it is not performing so well to the expectations. The very reason why Bison was not used in Kargil war.

This diversification strategy could be a way of reducing dependency on a single source. India has been irked since Russia shown interest to export Sukhoi-37 to China. And this could be seen in results of not considering SU-37 in MMRCA. Adding to the fact, according to sources, the Boeing Apache AH-64 D was placed above the Russian Mi-28 N in its staff evaluation report submitted to the Indian Ministry of Defence. Even the Indian Air Force (IAF) is said to have marked the Apache AH-64 D consistently over the Russian Mi-28 N contender in trials held mid-2010 at the desert and mountain air bases in India, according to sources. The Apache-AH 64 D did have an upper hand since it was a matured and battle-proven heavy weight gunship. The Apache AH-64 D can fulfill some specific sniping purposes in air to ground warfare as well.

Mi-28 Havoc - the runner up

Make in India movement: an unforeseen advantage

India, under government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is very much marketing its "Make in India" policy, welcoming large assembly lines and production houses to India. Boeing, on the visit of Prime Minister Modi, shown its interest in the same. It also discussed how it is mulling over to produce Apache or Chinook in India.

Boeing Chairman Jim McNerney McNerney said: "Large sections of the Chinook fuselage are already manufactured in India and discussions are ongoing with our Indian partners to make Apache parts". "The value to India is a very modern production system integrated to make a very sophisticated machine. That kind of industrial base capability is as important as the fighter itself. These modern manufacturing techniques can go into many different industries", he added.

Summing up:

Summing up the discussion, be it a strategy or a diversification ploy, choosing Apache is very important and right at the moment. An unbiased review may be required to judge how US is going to make this deal smooth. It has sanctioned arms deal previously after Indian nuclear tests. Judging from the stance, it may not be the same henceforth. Hoping so.

Titbits:

A group of Swedish experts, who compared the previous modifications of the Mi-28H and AH64 Apache, said that the US chopper was inferior to the Russian aircraft. The experts came to such a conclusion after the exercise that took place in Sweden in 1995. Three Mi-28A choppers, piloted by Swedish and Russian pilots, produced quite an impression on foreign military men. The helicopters were not detected by the Swedish air defense system and remained unnoticed in the air space of the country for 30 kilometers.

According to experts' estimates, the Russian and the American helicopters are quite comparable, despite the statement from the Indian side. Moreover, foreign experts believe that the Mi-28H was just as good as the AH-64D Apache Longbow. The experts particularly noted the performance of the radar station on board the Russian chopper.

A group of Swedish experts, who compared the previous modifications of the Mi-28H and AH64 Apache, said that the US chopper was inferior to the Russian aircraft. The experts came to such a conclusion after the exercise that took place in Sweden in 1995. Three Mi-28A choppers, piloted by Swedish and Russian pilots, produced quite an impression on foreign military men. The helicopters were not detected by the Swedish air defense system and remained unnoticed in the air space of the country for 30 kilometers.

According to experts' estimates, the Russian and the American helicopters are quite comparable, despite the statement from the Indian side. Moreover, foreign experts believe that the Mi-28H was just as good as the AH-64D Apache Longbow. The experts particularly noted the performance of the radar station on board the Russian chopper.

- See more at: http://www.pravdareport.com/russia/economics/26-10-2011/119442-india_russia-0/#sthash.pPFCbz1F.dpuf

A group of Swedish experts, who compared the previous modifications of the Mi-28H and AH64 Apache, said that the US chopper was inferior to the Russian aircraft. The experts came to such a conclusion after the exercise that took place in Sweden in 1995. Three Mi-28A choppers, piloted by Swedish and Russian pilots, produced quite an impression on foreign military men. The helicopters were not detected by the Swedish air defense system and remained unnoticed in the air space of the country for 30 kilometers.

According to experts' estimates, the Russian and the American helicopters are quite comparable, despite the statement from the Indian side. Moreover, foreign experts believe that the Mi-28H was just as good as the AH-64D Apache Longbow. The experts particularly noted the performance of the radar station on board the Russian chopper.

- See more at: http://www.pravdareport.com/russia/economics/26-10-2011/119442-india_russia-0/#sthash.pPFCbz1F.dpuf

A group of Swedish experts, who compared the previous modifications of the Mi-28H and AH64 Apache, said that the US chopper was inferior to the Russian aircraft. The experts came to such a conclusion after the exercise that took place in Sweden in 1995. Three Mi-28A choppers, piloted by Swedish and Russian pilots, produced quite an impression on foreign military men. The helicopters were not detected by the Swedish air defense system and remained unnoticed in the air space of the country for 30 kilometers.

According to experts' estimates, the Russian and the American helicopters are quite comparable, despite the statement from the Indian side. Moreover, foreign experts believe that the Mi-28H was just as good as the AH-64D Apache Longbow. The experts particularly noted the performance of the radar station on board the Russian chopper.

- See more at: http://www.pravdareport.com/russia/economics/26-10-2011/119442-india_russia-0/#sthash.pPFCbz1F.dpuf

A group of Swedish experts, who compared the previous modifications of the Mi-28H and AH64 Apache, said that the US chopper was inferior to the Russian aircraft. The experts came to such a conclusion after the exercise that took place in Sweden in 1995. Three Mi-28A choppers, piloted by Swedish and Russian pilots, produced quite an impression on foreign military men. The helicopters were not detected by the Swedish air defense system and remained unnoticed in the air space of the country for 30 kilometers. - See more at: http://www.pravdareport.com/russia/economics/26-10-2011/119442-india_russia-0/#sthash.U0MxD4O9.dpuf

References:

Boeing Make In India

Arms Import Diversification 

Iran to Co-Produce Su-30 Fighter Jet

Iran to Co-Produce Su-30 Fighter Jet

In a recent events of confirmation, Iran’s defense minister revealed that Iran is set to receive the Su-30 fighter jet. However, the future date of delivery stays undisclosed. General Hossein Dehqhan, announced that Iran will sign a contract with Russia for the co-production of an undisclosed number of Russian-made Sukhoi Su-30 multirole fighter aircraft. This will form a strong strategic relationship of Iran with Russia. Su 30 jets have been globally acclaimed for its agility and maneuverability.

Should the deal go through, Iran will be the second country in the world after India to produce a variation of the Su-30 fighter jet locally. However, as of now, it still remains unclear in what capacity Tehran will be involved in the aircraft production process.

A source within Iran's Defence Ministry revealed that contract could be signed as early as February 16, when the Iranian defense minister will arrive in Moscow to discuss the deliveries of S-300 air defense systems and the Sukhoi Su-30 aircraft.

“Minister Dehgan is taking a number of the Defense Ministry’s representatives to the Russian capital to meet with their Russian colleagues and other highly-ranked officials,” the source notes.

“The last stages will be discussed of delivering Iran the S-300 complex, the first part of which should arrive before the end of next month, and the second by the end of June. Minister Dehqwan will also discuss the delivery of Su-30 airplanes because the Defense Ministry believes the Iranian Air Force needs this type of plane. We’ve moved far in these discussions of purchases and I think that during the upcoming visit a contract will be signed,” according to the source.

It is unclear what variant of the Sukhoi Su-30 Iran is interested in, nor how many aircraft it wants to procure and within what timeframe. During his recent television interview, General Hossein Dehqhan, also rejected the idea of procuring Chengdu  J-10 lightweight multirole fighter aircraft from China.

Blue Angels: Fatality Rate 10%

Blue Angels: Fatality Rate 10%

Probably world's best air acrobatic team, Blue Angels, who fly F-18 hornets, holds records of doing more than five thousand air shows around the world and holds the record of more than 15 thousand hours of air acrobatics. It is surprising to know that the fatality rate of the Blue Angels is around 10%. So far, out of 262 Blue Angels pilots, 26 have been killed during training or show accidents, giving the job a 10% fatality rate. Hats off to the brave hearts who for the sake of spirit of air and motivating the youngsters.

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Angels#Accidents

Coming soon to India : Sukhoi T50 PAK FA

Coming soon to India : Sukhoi T50 PAK FA

Sukhoi T50 PAK FA

A project currently being developed jointly by India and Russia, the T50 PAK FA is fifth generation fighter with advanced features like stealth, super cruise and thrust vectoring. It is going to be in production in 2017 and India likely to get more than 144 such awesome machines. This info-graphics is really awesome and shows the armaments T-50 is likely to carry.

References:

Sukhoi T50 PAK FA

Feedback for Sukhoi Club: Honest one only

With love from Russia to Iran : 5 deadly gifts

With love from Russia to Iran : 5 deadly gifts

Iran, a nation in intense global pressure, finally, have found an ally to help it defend its borders. US media has already started alarming against the delivery of S-300 which is to be delivered in March 2016, there are another shocks are in wrapper and ready to be unwrapped.

1. S300 Surface to Air Missile System

   A much debated and very deadly S300 is to be delivered to Iran in March 2016. With S300 present in Iran's arsenal, it would be deadly for any American or Israeli air raid. This missile is capable of reaching to Mach 4 and range upto 350kms, Iran ground and aerial establishments could have a sigh of relief. Clubbed with Zhuk ground based passive radar systems, this would prove much of deterrence for Iran's air space protection.

   

   S300 SAM

2. T-90 Tank

   Now since the S300 protects against aerial attacks, T90 is another nail in the coffin. It could be devastating when used as main battle tank. A two contact reactive armor protects it against many ground and air attacks such as anti-tank missiles. Currently being operated by seven countries, it is a diesel powered monster can reach upto 60 to 75kms an hour and can work in complex formations in extreme conditions.

   

   T90 Main Battle Tank

3. SU-35 Flanker E

   Moving forward to Air Force Modernization, Iran is too keen to purchase Su-35 Flanker E.This is one multi-role fighter the west is rightly concerned about. This super maneuverable aircraft can prove lethal when armed with R73 archer air to air missile with 40kms range which is offered in bundle. Confirmation.

   

   S300 SAM

4. Ivan Gren-class Landing Ship

   

   Ivan Gren Landing Ship

5. Klub Anti-ship missile

   Klub is an antiship missile currently in operation by more than three countries. Not exact version of Klub is disclosed but it is certain that this could keep enemy ships at bay once deployed. It could strike up to 50 kms to 2500 kms on air or ground surface. Active radar homing makes it versatile in most terrains.
    

   Klub Antiship Missile 

   If Iran manages to procure all this armaments, it will have a power to deter and counter any threat brought upon it. However, it is not thoroughly sufficient but given the relationship development between Russia and Iran, it could expect to offer more than the above.

References:

Iran would love to

Western media watching closely

From wretched fettle to journey to the skies: LCA Tejas

From wretched fettle to journey to the skies: LCA Tejas

It was 1960s when Indian Government hit with the notion of developing an indigenous aircraft, primarily, a light combat aircraft in nature. After a year of formalities, the idea started on paper. Indians had already been in sound relationship with Germany who came to aid to develop a conventional delta wing air frame which later was powered by Orpheus engine. Marut did its first flight in 1961 and got inducted in 1965. The airframe was ready to go to Mach 2 but failure to acquire enough powerful engine never realized its true potential. In 1974, India tested its first nuclear weapon in Pokhran. And subsequent prohibitions barred India from acquiring new powerful engines. And the journey for Marut ended in 1985.

HF 24 Marut

Then came the era when the MiG-21 Bison, known as Flying Coffins started crashing and India had the second largest inventory of the aircraft. India laid down a plan to meet its requirement to medium range light aircraft that can match extreme conditions for Indian terrains spanning over from Himalayan to Thar desert. Self-reliance was another attribute Indians wanted to earn.

LCA airframe finalised in 1990 as a tail-less delta winged machine with relaxed static stability (RSS) to enhance maneuverability performance and a host of other advanced features. In 1989, Review committee that Indian infrastructure, facilities and technology had advanced sufficiently in most areas to undertake the project. It was decided that the full-scale engineering development (FSED) stage of the programme would proceed in two stages.

LCA Tejas

At initial scale, proof of concept took more focus than the aircraft as a whole. This was going to be costlier mistake for the program. Prototypes were worked on GE's engines whereas whereas Kaveri engine's development was going through rough stages.Then in 1999, India tested five nuclear bombs and further sanctioned were imposed. It eventuated in cease of UK and French aids in building Kaveri engines. Without engine, the aircraft is nothing more than a toy. The program faced extreme delays and the cost started escalating in multi-folds. Estimated project cost $85 million reached to $2.6 billion and still it faced issues of quick obsoletion at the time of Final Operational Clearance (FOC) in 2011. Still naval LCA Tejas development was missing many critical aspects when pitted against MiG 29K which was chosen to operate on Admiral Gorshkov.

LCA Tejas in Bahrain Air Show

The CAG report further noted that due to the delay in the LCA program the IAF had to make temporary arrangements to upgrade its MiG fleet and revise its timeline for phasing out MiG-21 FL fighters. And it is the LCA program’s failure to address this issue that has brought the IAF to its knees. The Indian government first opted to purchase the Russian-made MiG-21s in 1961. Thereafter India introduced 872 MiG 21s into its air force, forming the backbone of its fleet. Having seen action in 1965, 1971 and 1999, many squadrons of this once venerable fighter have reached operational redundancy. However, the delay in the LCA program and possible vulnerabilities due to force accretion compelled the IAF to push back the phasing out of its MiG-21 fleet. The MiG-21s, which were upgraded to “Bison” standard in a last-ditch attempt to keep them in the air, are on “their last legs” warned Air Chief Arup Raha in 2014.

Naval LCA Tejas MK-II

With the LCA program entering a critical production phase soon, the IAF has announced an additional order of 100 modified Tejas fighter aircraft. The Tejas Mark-IA will be an upgraded version of the Mark-I but will fall short of the Mark-II version, which is still in the design phase. As the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft nears operational service it is important that India’s defense research establishment does not forget the costly lessons it learnt during the course of the LCA’s development program. Defense indigenization is a worthy ambition and one that India should pursue. However, the establishment’s inability to achieve it in a phased manner has cost scores of lives.

References:

LCA Tejas Home Site

Team BHP

Harshal Pushkarna's Blog 

Advanced Pilot Training Solution by Lockheed Martin

Advanced Pilot Training Solution by Lockheed Martin

Major US defense contractor Lockheed Martin recently unveiled its Advanced Pilot Training Solution in a press release.T50-A is jointly developed by LM and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI).  T50-A is a rejoinder between 4th and 5th generation fighter aircraft, much needed by USAF. An aerial combat curriculum is developed as a guide to operate on T50-A as a trainer. It includes maneuvers and tactics along with warfare preparedness tests which pilots must find very essential.

Bridging a gap - T50 A

T50 is developed to closely match avionics of the disputed F-35. It would not only match avionics but also some of its tailed moves. Also allowing it fly at a supercruise of 1.6 mach, it would definitely add much to lost confidence. Indian Airforce recently RFQed Lockheed Martin about this program and may show interest in developing it further.

References: Lockheed Martin Press Release

Russian Jets vs Western Jets

Russian Jets vs Western Jets

I had come across this video last year. I do not know what is so funny about it as it is titled "Funny Comparison American Jets Vs Russian Jets". But I do appreciate the efforts taken to compile such valuable moments of comparison. Now coming to the point about the comparison. There has been a contrast in how technology is introduced, used and evolved by both thought patters.

Start with the NATO countries, they are very innovative. Most advanced aeronautics technologies like the stealth, thurst vectoring and the supercruise have come from these set of countries. They design, they build and they use. Then they constantly improvise unless it becomes obsolete. Take an example of the F-15 which is legendary never downed aircraft.

Now the counter part, the Russian, the Chinese and the Indian. Drop the other two i.e. the Chinese and the Indian. The Indians, mostly rely on the Russian. They took 30 years to develop an indigenous aircraft which is just 60% indigenous. And the Chinese, the copy cat, bought from Russia and copied. Even their new flagship fighter which they fancy to compete with the F-22, J-31 is just modified Russian discontinued MiG 1.44 and some server hacked information stolen about F-22. You think I am joking, find the comparison.

The truth about J 31, the Chinese "copied" Dragon

That leaves us to evaluate Russian, the old arch-rival of western dominance. Russian have shown some tremendous skills in sustaining as a competitor to the west. When the Russians discover something, they try to bring it to most feasible form. Try to make it rougher and more rugged in operation. When their operational improvisation reaches to a point, they stop and keep up with the same stand. They do not modify unless its obsolete. When it is obsolete, they try to increase its life span by adding new contemporary add-ons and do further refit and again keep it in use. But at this point, the perceive the need for an updated and more modern machine. And then they innovate. This cycle goes on and on. E.g. Sukhoi T50 PAK FA. They started building it when first F22 was already in the sky. Before that, they just kept modernizing Sukhoi 37 and MiG 35. Nothing new came up unless they were threatened. They still stick to S75 that shot down Gary Powers' U-2.

Eurofighter Typhoon escorting a TU-95 Bear

But then Americans tend to do things on costlier basis and try to achieve the best. E.g. B-2 stealth bomber. Its huge, modern and stealth. Whereas the Russian keep coming up with new RAM materials to go to minimal RCS with TU-95 Bear (Hope they do something about its eerie sound that can be heard from 30 kms away).

Hypersonic Bombers?

Hypersonic Bombers

Do you believe in superstitions? I apologize if you think I am superstitious. But I am hit by a thought. Is it possible to see hypersonic bombers? Scram Jets are already thriving in the labs and are very keen to make it to the world. Check the Northrop Grumann's Super Bowl Advertisement below.

You might want to concur to my thought. I do believe we're on the verge of an era when traveling five to six time faster than the sound is possible. SR 71 BlackBird, though recon aircraft, flew at blazing mach 3.2. Known to the world, specially to Pakistan, how the Indian MiG 25 flew inside Pakistan airspace and to much of their shame there was no aircraft in their inventory who could intercept it.

Bombers are different. They are big, bulky and weighty. However, they've evolved too. Hope my thoughts are inline with the point I am trying to make. Making a bomber supersonic was difficult but making it hypersonic could be next to impossible in next two decades. No wonder, you'd find me thinking myself a superstitious.

I recently came across this video made by Lockheed Martin. I do see a future cruising at a steady speed. Some leaks of Russian supersonic bombers revealed that they are capable of super cruising at Mach 3. And that is fair enough to hope that hypersonic bomber is en route.

Russian Readiness To Send More MiG 29K to India

Russian Readiness To Send More MiG 29K to India

Russia and India have been strategic partners since cold war days. It is well know how India could survive when American 4th fleet was en route to aid Pakistan. More than 75% of arsenal of India is Russian and this tie ups are stretched to Sukhoi T-50 PAK FA, the Indo-Russian 5th Generation stealth air craft.

MiG 29K - Clubbed deal with Admiral Gorshkov

India inducted Admiral Gorshkov aircraft carrier and successfully integrated its current weaponry to newly imported MiG 29K. Trusted resources report that Russia (Irkut Corporation) is ready to send more MiG 29K/KUB to India if required. When India choose MiG-29K instead of Sukhoi 33, it was really a big surprise. However, compared to Sukhoi 33, MiG 29K is said to be more naval friendly. It also comprises of smaller RCS and more advanced Zhuk radar. A video below shows the MiG 29K in operation.

Sukhoi Club: Sukhoi For Australia

Sukhoi Club: Sukhoi For Australia

Sukhoi For Australia

Yeah. Your read it right. Sukhoi for Australia is now under consideration by RAAF. Australia has already considered pulling out of the behemoth costly F-35 program. Canada too wants to pull our of F-35 program to stay away from bankruptcy. Australia has already endured some couple of billion dollars before realizing the "mistake". The problem of F-35 is not only cost, but also operational feasibility in any near future.

Super Sukhoi - A Sukhoi 30 MKI Variant

We are here talk about defending a country as large as Australia. Australia who is operating its aging inventory of F-18s is looking around for another option. Now eyeing currently successfully operating futuristic aircrafts, the list is limited to Sukhoi 37, Rafale and EuroFighter typhoon. Now considering the cost factor which Australia should limit its vision to, then Sukhoi is the best choice available.

It is well known to the world how western jets like F-16 got pitted against Russian Sukhoi in Turkey. There were instances when those Turkish jets had to go out of Turkey air space to get out of those Sukhoi radar locks and to disengage. Indian Air Force had down four Eurofighter block 5 in mock combat. Now since the only common factor to proving point is to have these jets with Australia, instead of against.

Concluding the discussion, I invite questions, suggestions and criticism in the comment box. Counter arguments with logic would be desserts.

MI-8 Gunship Rotorview

Found a wonderful video of a rotor cam of MI-8

A wonderful video that shares the top of the rotor view of an MI-8 Gunship. If you'd try to listen carefully, you'd be able to hear a kind of cantankerous sound of jet friction. MI-8 is part of at least 7-8 airforces of the world and is a well known transporter. Below is the image of a decommissioned MI-8.

MI-8 on the land

YF - 23 Black Widow

YF 23 Black Widow - A Northrop Grumman Marvel

Most agile jets of the world

Most agile jets of the world

Look at these jets and you rate them. Do you think this video justifies the rankings? Or its just another American praising slideshow?

Sukhoi 27 - T 50 PAK FA - F22 Raptor

The behemoths - 5th Generation Jets

I believe this is the best way to compare Sukhoi jets including Sukhoi 27 Flanker D (operated by China), Sukhoi T-50 PAK FA (Under testing trials) and F-22 Raptor (the most advanced jet as of now).

As you see, Su-27 is longer than both T-50 and F-22. The eventual tallness of Su-27 is also seen. What is more interesting is the width of F-22 compared to PAK-FA. From the avionics and from aeronautical models perspective, F-22 would be more dependent on super computers installed in it compared to PAK-FA. PAK-FA doesn't look so modern compared to F-22 as you'd see the thrust vectoring of the jet compared to F-22 which is looks and believed to be more agile.

Stealing the Show Sukhoi 30 MKI

 

Sukhoi vs Rafale - Why India should stick to Sukhoi more instead of Rafale?

MMRCA - The biggest arms import tender in the history

Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) has been causing stirs among world's biggest arm exporters and merchants. Initially, six wonderful jets competed comprising Dassault Rafale, Mikoyan MiG-35, Saab Gripen, Lockheed Martin F-16, Boeing F-18 and the much discussed Eurofighter Typhoon. After a stringent check and tests, Indian Air Force chose Dassault Rafale which passed in maximum of its parameters and price band. It was close to that of Eurofighter Typhoon. However, French being more flexible in technology transfer, slightly cheaper Rafale and familiarity of Indians with French made delta wing Mirage turned it to winner. However, there was much a buzz about the loss of Eurofighter. After this results, many other countries such as Brazil showed its interest in Rafale, quoting the Indians "Rafale has satisfied us both on grounds and in the air. It is an awesome machine powerful enough to be called Game Changer."

Dassault Rafale

If we keep the Eurofighters buzz aside and try to circumspect, there was much asked question which went unanswered. Russia and India are known tie-ups since the cold war era. More than 70% of Indian Air Force comprises of Russian aircrafts including Sukhoi 30 MKI, MiG 29, MiG 21, MiG 27, Ilyushins etc. People ask why Russia chose to offer MiG 35 when Sukhoi 37 (NATO Terminator) is far better in the fighter interceptor as well as multirole capability. And MMRCA was about "multirole" from the very definition. Reltively similar to the MKIs, Su 37 could also be the game changer. It would require least reconfiguration of infrastructure since MKIs are already with India for more than a decade.

The powerful and agile Sukhoi 30 MKI

Coming to the point of Sukhoi vs Rafale (Rafale vs Sukhoi 37), there is much discussed on the front. Both aircrafts have flew together but never engaged in a dog fight. Lets evaluate both in few other parameters:

• Dog fight

• Proven in many engagements, dog fights can be a stiff measurement of air superiority when it comes to these two marvelous machines. However, with its agile thurst vectoring and conventionally stable airframe, Sukhoi holds the edge over Rafale for sure.

• Ground attack

  • When it comes to ground attack, Rafale is the winner. Its ability to fly low and a smaller RCS compared to Sukhoi, it can devastate as many as 20-30 ground targets. Loaded with Exocets, it can prove lethal enough to frustrate enemy morale. French have other deadly accurate smart bombs. Syria has seen the wrath of French Rafale who performed 500+ sorties from Charles de Gaulle.

• Ground support

  • When it comes to ground support, Sukhoi's capability to engage more than 10 aircrafts simultaneously brings it to the front seat. Its super maneuverability offsets Rafale's super cruise capability and its post stall maneuvers gives the edge and defeats Rafale in this parameter.

Now, adding to these following are the quick facts that would help you understand further while I bring more points.

Sukhoi SU-37 is cheaper.

Sukhoi SU-37 is more economical.

Dassault Rafale is faster.

Sukhoi SU-37 is better armed.

Dassault Rafale is better dogfighter.

Dassault Rafale is smaller than Sukhoi SU-37.

Sukhoi vs Rafale

Super Sukhoi

India’s capabilities to maintain its Su-30 fleet quickly and effectively has received a boost after a new deal signed with Russia. The agreement allows for the Indian Air Force (IAF) to receive spare parts of Su-30 aircraft within 30 days instead of the previous 12 months. The five year agreement will cut away red tape such as license, customs clearance and bank guarantees which in the past had to be completed for each part ordered. This will allow for the IAF to keep its Su-30 fleet at optimum levels of operational capacity. For two countries who love bureaucracy, 12 months to 30 days is quite an achievement.

Super Sukhoi

Adding to this, there have been rumors that Russia will upgrade India's existing inventory of Sukhoi-30 MKI (NATO Flanker with Canards) to Super Sukhoi. It will impart Indian MKI a considerably smaller RCS (Radar Cross Section), better weaponization and slightly improved Vectoring Thurst.

Sukhoi 30 MKI

He who destroys danger is known as Hari