OOB-11 Russia

[rsetiawan]

Hi, actually im in the SEAsian oob consultant but i have some input concerning other region
the MiG-27 and Su-17 had long been withdrawn from russia service but in SPMBT they are still available till 2020 (at least the MiG-27)....
there is some talk about it in ACIG (you must register first)
http://acig.org/forum/viewtopic.php?...er=asc&start=0

same case with T-64 but long time ago when i post about it in spmbt (DOS) forum there were some RUssian fanatist saying NOOOO T-64 WILL LAST FOREVER and slam, some ppl shut my mouth up
The reason there is no pic of T-64 in chechnya is because they no longer with rusarmy (russian only use old stuff T-62, T-72B and all other oldies here cept some msta)

[Kone]

Mig-23s and 27s were withdrawn in the 90's as well as su-17s, leaving Russia without a serious strike fighter. Perhaps the reason why they're still available is, that many were not scrapped but are kept in open air storages theoretically as reserves. Same thing with many tanks I guess.

Another matter is if the craft remain airworthy or not. I guess they could be resurrected even a couple of years after being mothballed but at 2020; no way.

[serg3d]

Kone said:
Mig-23s and 27s were withdrawn in the 90's as well as su-17s, leaving Russia without a serious strike fighter.

Aren't Su-27 modified for precision guided munition not enouth ? And I think I've read Mig-29 got modification too.

[Kone]

For MiG-29, the SMT and UBT upgrade programs are offered, but were at test stage at early 2000's propably remaining so...

Su-27SM multirole (PGM capable) variant became operational just before the end of 2003 when a few (some say 5) of them entered service. Estimated number of these in service at the moment is around two dozen (Seven entered service 2004). Avionics are said to be better than in Su-27MKK or MKI export versions.

[Kone]

Flanker family in service with Russia

I tried to find out which versions of the Su-27 family are really in service with the Russian air force. Seeing through the intense hype and the circus of alphabets describing different models is not easy though...

Let's see...

Su-27 / Su-27S - the basic "vanilla". Entered to service in the mid-80's, Some sources say early 80's though. Around 350 are in service. Avionics are obsolete and the plane lacks multirole capabilities. It can carry 4000kg of bombs and unguided rockets. Built-in GSh-30-1 30mm cannon with 150 rounds.

Su-27UB - 2 seat trainer version of Su-27. Combat capable. Entered service around 1987. Armament similar to the Su-27.

Su-27SM - A mid-life upgrade to the Su-27. First 5 entered service 26th of December 2003. Some sources say all basic Su-27's are subject to this upgrade, but due to financial reasons some 40 - 50 planes (one regiment) are planned at the first phase. Su-27SM is multirole capable all-weather craft. Armament options include 1 x KAB-1500Kr or 4 x KAB-500Kr, Kh-31A&P, Kh-59M, Kh-29T&TE&L and dumb weapons up to 8000 kg. Upgrade includes glass cockpit, far better onboard computing capabilities and targeting pod ability. Lack of money have however caused some compromises in the programme, like leaving the radar unchanged at least on some craft.

Su-27PU / Su-30 - Despite the information in many internet sources, the Su-27PU is not a multirole aircraft. It is derived from Su-27UB as a long range interceptor and engagement leader. Only 5 were built before the program was terminated in the early 90's. Offensive armament as for Su-27. Sukhoi developed the Su-30M multirole variant none of which have entered service in Russia.

Su-27K / Su-33 - Navalized version of Su-27 with structural modifications to fit carrier service. Production began in 1990 and the first patch of 24 craft was also the last. Avionics were upgraded for over water air combat but offensive capabilities remained the same as on Su-27. Upgrade programs are planned, but they will propably be less radical than the Su-27 -> Su-27SM program.

Su-27IB / Su-32FN/MF / Su-34 - The long range strike versions with re-designed forward fuselage. Su-32FN and MF are naval strike variants. The Su-34 is the main version and is designed to replace elder strike, recce and EW planes in service. The Su-27IB is a top priority project for Russian air force along with the Su-27SM modernization. Su-27IB carries a payload of 8000 kg and is compatible with virtually all present and future Russian tactical attack munitions both smart and conventional. However the production has been delayed, again because of financial problems. There are reports of one aircraft being combat-evaluated in Chechnya in 1999. Possible service entry in 2006.

Su-27M / Su-35 - There are reports of 3 aircraft of this "Super Flanker" -type entering service in the 90's. Unlikely to be operational however. Su-35 acted as a technology demonstrator and paved way for Su-27SM upgrade package. Is offered for export.

Main sources were Airforces Monthly and Combat Aircraft magazines plus some net sources. I only trusted websites which referred to "reliable sources" such as Jane's.

[Kone]

According to Rostvertol PLC, the Mi-28N entered joint trials with company's representatives and military specialists July this year. Production rotorcraft should enter service 2006. An entry date for optimists... Jane's says the test programe will take 2-5 years according to funding.

The Ka-50's night fighting capabilities remain doubtful. Many sources indicate that the early production Ka-50 is a daytime only helicopter. The "second stage" in the program is the Ka-50N equipped with NVG and modern FLIR with high quality image processing. Ka-50N may have been axed in favor of Ka-52.

*oops...fixed a confusing error mi-28n, not 26*

Further note: There's some speculation about the Ka-50's Shkval sighting system incorporating LLLTV for night targeting. Some even say it's high end. On the other hand, the army considers the vessel daytime only. Whatever the case, the night vision value should definitely be below 40.