Некоторые материалы 2-ого номера за 1998 (март-апрель) /Digest/


Рост боевой эффективности модернизируемым "МиГам" обеспечен



Batch method of modernisation. It calls for changes in the architecture of the initial on-board avionics suite and data-control field; installation of new or upgraded radars, electro-optical aiming systems and weapons; modernisation of the airframe and essential systems; installation of new on-board systems from local and western manufacturers. Choice of basic options. The customers are offered two options, one for the maximum combat efficiency, the other a low-cost solution enabling firing with new air-to-air missiles. Comprehensive offer covering modernisation, restoration, repair, prophylactic work and lifetime extension. Joint ventures could be established to undertake manufacture and supply of spare parts and consumables. Project financing for batch upgrade programs and exchange trade.

Су-22М4: гибкая программа модернизации



In order to increase the combat efficiency and simplify maintenance of the Su-22M4 fighter-bomber (export version of the Su-17M4), Sukhoi design bureau is now looking at a new angle at the aeroplane's modernisation program. Its materialisation will allow to provide the following at the lowest time and cost possible: round-the-clock capability; night firing with guided missiles at ground targets; integration of new avionics and weapons systems including ones from western manufacturers; preserving the high flight performance of the basic aircraft during modernisation.

Огненное сердце самолетов



Although no-body in the Soviet Union was awarded a patent for a single-contour turbojet engine (which was simply never issued), Arkhip Lulka was namely the man who created the first indigenous turbojet engine. Later, he did receive a patent for design of a two-contour turbojet engine - the document is dated 22 April 1941, number 312328/25. Sukhoi aircraft, which are powered by Lulka engines, are considered my the many as the best in the world. The deed of Arkhip Lulka continues to live in the actions and dreams of his team, followers and students. Nowadays, the team is headed by general designer Victor Chepkin, a charismatic leader of the world's leading engine design office.

Истребитель всегда истребитель



In the beginning of the next century the air superiority will undoubtedly belong to the new-generation fighters developed on the base of the new technologies worked out in the late Nineties. That is why it is necessary to complete flight test programs of the Sukhoi S-37 Berkut and the Mikoyan Article 1.42. It would allow to amass invaluable experience in fifth-generation fighter technologies. Sukhoi design bureau is ready to develop state-of-the-art technologies jointly with Mikoyan. In its turn, the Russian Government should understand all its responsibility before the nation and make it possible to complete flight test programs on both new designs. Specialists in stability and controllability are waiting for the results of the S-37 flight tests to have a proof of the forward-swept wing configuration merits. According to the US Defence Ministry, development of the S-37 may lead to the USAF pilots meeting a more dangerous threat in the 21 century that it has been previously believed.

Трамплин во Вселенную



Since the foundation in the Fifties, Baikonur cosmodrome has become a unique scientific-research test centre. It appeared thanks to the talent and hard work of dozens and dozens of big scientific and research establishments, design offices, manufacturers and transport enterprises of the Soviet Union. The cosmodrome now has powerful facilities for Soyuz, Proton, Zenit, Tsiklon-M, Energia-Buran and other space systems. Russia continues its space activities in Baikonur, which involve about a hundred of leading space organisations, including Russian Space Agency, Energia Rocketry-Space Corporation, Design Bureau of General Machinery-building, TsSKB-Samara State Scientific-Industrial Rocketry-Space Centre, Khrunichev State Scientific-Industrial Space Centre and the others. Until recently, the problem of an interstate status for the Russian cosmodrome in the Kazakh territory had been unresolved. Only on 7 October 1994 Russia and Kazakhstan Republic signed agreement on Baikonur. According to it, Russia may use the cosmodrome for 20 years, paying a yearly rental of $115 m. On 17 December 1997 the President of the Russian Federation issued a decree to hand over Russian Defence Ministry assets at Baikonur cosmodrome to the Russian Space Agency.

ВВС и ПВО: яд и противоядие



Air-defence systems came on the scene almost immediately after the advent of warplanes. The final stage of WW1 marked a clear difference between the three main sorts of combat aircraft: fighters, bombers and reconnaissance airplanes. By that time the air-defence system had been shaped as well. The never-ending battle of Sword and Shield occupied the airspace. A danger of being bombed prompted development of anti-aircraft artillery, barrage balloons, interceptors and target-detection systems. In reply, the air forces kept ordering more powerful strike aircraft, improving combat tactics and developing technical devices to suppress the air-defence. The most important invention in the air-defence sphere was the radar, which considerably extended the borders of the "aviation against air-defence" battle. Will it ever end?