“As early as Soviet times, this concept was formed when our armed forces simultaneously used front-line fighters of both heavy and light.” “If in the fourth generation, the MiG-29 plays the role of a twin-engine light fighter and the corresponding heavy is the Su-27, in the fifth generation we have the same twin-engine Su-57. for expensive”. “Until recently we did not have an aircraft of another light weight class,” said AviaPort’s head of analysis, expert Oleg Panteleev. At the same time, light and heavy fighters are designed to solve different problems. “Heavy fighters are needed to cover large areas, which means they have to fly a long enough distance before completing the mission,” the expert explained. “For light fighters, aircraft with fuel reserves and a smaller combat range, another mission has been determined. Figuratively speaking, it would fight over a protected object and tackle an equivalent range of missions in terms of versatility, including aerial combat and assault against ground and water targets, but at a shorter distance from its base,” added Panteleev. Concept graphics of a new generation of Russian single-engine light fighter This expert considers the idea of ​​​​building a single-engine fighter to be right. “Common sense, a single-engine aircraft will always be cheaper than a two-engine aircraft if we consider comparable performance,” he said. “However, in the event of one engine failure, the plane is likely to crash, while a twin-engine aircraft can continue to fly thanks to the other engine.” “But with the progress being made in improving the engines and increasing their reliability, situations where engine failure leads to the loss of an aircraft are quite rare. Second, rescue work has developed well enough to ensure guarantee the rescue of the pilot,” Panteleev said. The expert also pointed out that at the test stage, Al-31FN series 3 and 4 engines can be used. In addition, during aircraft construction, flight tests can be performed on existing engines to check the operation of systems independent of the dynamometer. Of course it does not match the full range of engine characteristics that are the target of the aircraft. “We also know that the AL-31 and its modifications are a well-run and mass-produced engine with high reliability due to the modernization carried out. So at the experimental stage, its use proved to be quite reasonable,” said Panteleev. At the same time, the expert noted that the construction of engines that can be used in the light version of the fifth-generation aircraft has been taking place in Russia for a long time. “We remember that the new engine for the Su-57 was used and the T-50 prototype of the Su-57 fighter even flew with this engine. So there will certainly be no delay in creating a new engine,” Panteleev said. As for the difficulties that need to be solved when building a fifth-generation light fighter, the expert notes a large number of requirements for it. Often these requirements conflict – “compact, low reflectivity and high payload, long flight time and, if possible, supersonic cruise; deployment of concealed weapons and an increase in the range of weapons carried, including relatively large long-range missiles”. “So the main difficulty is how to achieve the optimal combination of requirements, and at the same time to compete on price so that the aircraft does not burden the Russian budget and is attractive for export.” Mr. Panteleev concluded.

In the current payroll of the Russian Aerospace Forces, there are more than 2000 jet aircraft of all types. However, this force only uses two-engine fighters, does not own any single-engine fighters. One of the main reasons is that most of the fighters in the current Russian Aerospace Forces, most of which are fighters developed from the previous Su-27 series, use two jet engine. However, part of the reason why Russia did not use single-engine fighters in service, came from the lack of it in the final stage when the Soviet Union was about to disintegrate. Specifically with the MiG-29 fighter. This type of fighter, when developed, was aimed at a single-engine fighter design, to compete with the US-made F-16 fighter. However, this design encountered a very difficult obstacle, that is, the Soviet Union at that time did not have a jet engine strong and light enough to be applied to the design of the MiG-29 at that time. . Designer Mikoyan then had to revise the drawings of the MiG-29, forcing it to use two jet engines instead of one as originally envisioned. Basically, at the last stage when the Soviet Union was about to disintegrate, it was very difficult to spend money on research and manufacturing of new generation jet engines. The fighter designers were then forced to use all that was available to them, and the idea of ​​a single-engined Moscow fighter jet ended since. However, it can still be considered that twin-engine fighters have more advantages than single-engine fighters. The US itself at the present time has also stopped producing single-engine fighter aircraft, the F-16 version, although very popular, has only received further upgrades so far, the new production line has been closed. Doors from 2017 to 2019 are allowed to reopen, but only for export. Compared with single-engine fighters, dual-engine combat is considered to be more stable in operation. In the event of one engine failure, at least one remaining engine is enough to bring the plane to a safe landing. Two engines, which means that the aircraft will have two independent power supplies to power the computer system, and also the hydraulic systems on the plane. With single-engine fighters, once the engine stops working, the aircraft will immediately fall into a state of loss of control. Especially with today’s modern aircraft, which use fly-by-wire electronic steering, as soon as the engine is turned off, the computer will also turn off and the steering system will be useless immediately. The American F-16 fighter itself also uses special fuel, along with an electrical energy storage system, allowing the aircraft to operate for an additional 10 minutes after the engine is turned off. At the end of 10 minutes, the energy reserves will run out and the aircraft will also be uncontrollable. In the opposite direction, a single-engine fighter has the advantage of being more compact, lighter, and more fuel-efficient when compared to a twin-engine fighter with the same output thrust. Even the US F-16 fighters, capable of carrying weapons up to 7.7 tons, are only 300 kg inferior to the Russian twin-engine Su-30 aircraft. In the future, Russia is looking to replace its MiG-29 fighters with a single-engine fighter. However, up to now, the design of the new Russian single-engine fighter is likely still on paper. The first thing Moscow needed was a jet engine powerful enough to carry the fighter. Image source: Pinterest. Russia’s MiG-29 fighter is still considered the most “light” fighter that Moscow owns. Source: Mikoyan.

55ZH6M Nebo-M radar station of the Russian military. Photo: Russian Ministry of Defense Yan Noviko, General Director of Almaz-Antey, said at a forum on new technology in Moscow on May 23: “The Nebo-M radar system is the ‘killer’ of stealth technology. Radar can detect F-22, F-35 relatively easily. Mr. Niviko also said that Almaz-Antey is capable of producing about 30 types of mobile multi-purpose radar, thanks to proper investment in research projects as well as new technology. 55ZH6M Nebo-M is the latest Russian radar, designed and manufactured by the Nizhny Novgorod Radio Engineering Research Institute (NNIIRT) of Almaz-Antey. Along with the Container radar, the Nebo-M surveillance station is considered the backbone of the battlefield radar network on Russia’s land borders. So far, 55ZH6M Nebo-M has been deployed in all the most important directions in Russia. The first Nebo-M complex was delivered to the Western Military District in 2017, followed by combat units stationed in Transbaikalia, Khabarovsk and Primorye. A year later, this advanced radar network was deployed in an air defense unit based in Crimea. The portable Nebo-M system can be rapidly redeployed to other locations by land or air. The new Nebo-M series is capable of detecting aircraft and ballistic missiles at a distance of up to 1,000 km, a big step up from the early Nebo radar systems developed under the Soviet Union. This radar station operates on the principle of active electronic scanning, making the 55ZH6M Nebo-M capable of resisting enemy jamming. When specifically installed to track targets at medium altitudes, Nebo-M radios are sometimes equipped with low-altitude radar systems like the Podlet-E. Is it really something to worry about with US stealth fighters? TASS news agency (Russia) quoted Noviko as saying that stealth technology does not cause difficulties for Russia’s new radar complexes. In theory, this is true, because VHF high-frequency radars like the 55ZH6M Nebo-M can identify an F-35 or F-22 in flight. American stealth fighter F-35. Photo: Reuters American experts say that there are many things to confirm in the Russian statement. Identifying a new target is the first step and part of the process of catching and killing the target with many stages. After locating the target, for example the F-35, the requirement for the radar station is to fix the target, track, and “catch” successfully before transferring the parameters to the unit tasked with destroying the target. target. According to General Dan Flattley, a former F-35 pilot of the US Air Force, in order to destroy the F-35, Russia must build a chain of target destruction. This task is usually performed by Russian anti-aircraft missiles, such as the Russian S-400 defense system. Until now, whether the S-400 is capable of destroying the F-35 or F-22 stealth fighters is still a subject of debate. Technically, it is clear that the 55ZH6M Nebo-M watchdog can identify the US 5th generation fighter. But that’s only part of the battle sequence. Locating is one thing, but whether Russian air defense systems can destroy the F-35 and F-22 is another story, because many factors are involved. If “detect” but not have the ability to “precise attack”, the radar’s performance does not make much sense. US stealth technology only needs to overcome the “destroy” limit of Russian missiles to be considered successful.

According to the latest reports, the number of F-35 fighters in service with the US Air Force, now surpassing all other aircraft of this force, rose to second place – after injections. click F-16. Specifically, with a squadron of F-35 fighters up to 283 aircraft, the number of F-35s of the US Air Force has surpassed both the F-15 and F-10 – two types of backbone aircraft of this force. throughout the decades. The single-engine F-16 fighter with the advantage of low maintenance costs and low operating costs is still the most popular fighter in the US Air Force. Specifically, the US Air Force owns 934 F-16 fighters. This number of F-16s will be gradually replaced by F-35 fighter jets in the future. Designed to be a mixed-attack fighter and strike aircraft, the US F-35 is capable of replacing all other fighters currently in service with this force. However, while the F-35 is being finalized and corrected for hundreds of defects, it still cannot become the backbone of the US Air Force at the present time. In fact, the heavy F-15 fighter jets still have a dominant position in the US Air Force’s bombardments if there is a war. The latest version of the F-15 is the F-15EX, which was rushed into service by this force shortly after making its first flight earlier this year. It is expected that until the 40s of this century, the F-15 will still serve in the US Air Force. As for the A-10 fighter jet, this type of aircraft that is nearly half a century old is still considered “without a worthy substitute”. The failure of the US Air Force to develop a serial version of the A-10 is simply because the aircraft is currently too efficient, and effective enough, until the F-35 comes into its own. future. Up to the present time, the US Air Force owns 279 A-10 Warthog attack aircraft in service. However, only about 60% of these are qualified to fight, the rest need constant revolving maintenance. The US Air Force expects the entire A-10 strike group to be phased out gradually from 2032, even sooner if there are serious accidents in the future. By that point, the F-35 would have to be completed to take the place of the A-10. Photo source: BI. The US is producing F-35 fighters at breakneck speed, both for domestic service and for delivery to allied countries as planned. Source: Chosul.

Today, according to the accepted features of the 6th generation fighter, the aircraft can be piloted with or without a human presence and although today, experts note. Unmanned version of the Su-57. However, the fact is that Russian fighters can be used in unmanned aircraft (UAV) mode and will most likely be controlled by an artificial intelligence system that enhances the fighter type. Level up to generation 5+ or even to generation 5 ++. The Su-57 fighter developed in 2002 was Russia’s first stealth fighter. (Photo: RIA) For information on the use of drones by Russian Su-57 fighters, military analysts said the Su-57 fighter aircraft will be carried inside and outside the cabin. And development of the cockpit device and the control software program has begun. “A rack is also being built to conduct ground testing of the UAV’s interactive system with fighters and between UAVs in real time using a semi-autonomous simulation system. of course, ”said a source in the military industry. It is known that a fifth generation Su-57 fighter aircraft can house more than 10 reconnaissance and attack UAVs, as well as electronic warfare systems. Currently, work related to the testing of these drones is already underway. However, under the control of fighter aircraft systems, Russian designers will likely execute the plan no sooner than 2024-2025. “The devices in the group operation through safe communication channels will interact with the control complex on the fighter aircraft carrying the UAV and between the UAVs together,” the source explained. Earlier, in the context of the completion of the repair and modernization of the Russian heavy aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov, it emerged that the Russian fleet was preparing to equip the deck of this aircraft carrier with a group of engines. Su-57 fighter jet. A carrier-based version of the fifth generation fighter, moreover, the second version could appear in 1.5-2 years. The Russian designers are actually working on developing a carrier-based version of the fifth generation fighter Su-57, while the development stage is not disclosed, however, the appearance. of the possible carrier version of the Su-57 by 2023. To date, there is no official confirmation of this data, however, the Russian fleet is clearly interested in increasing Admiral Kuznetsov’s aircraft carrier’s combat capabilities through the use of technology fighters. high – even a current version of the Su-57 alone enough to defend against an entire group of enemy carrier attacks. The fifth-generation fighter Su-57 is considered Russia’s most high-tech fighter, and although the mass production of this fighter faces some difficulties, its prospects are still very high. By the end of 2020, the first stealth fighter Su-57 in the mass production batch with ID number 01 was staffed for the Southern Military Region and operated at the Novosibirsk base. Sources in the Russian defense industry said that four more Su-57 will be delivered to the Russian Aerospace Forces in 2021. Currently Russia has only one mass-produced variant of the Su-57, although it claims to be able to develop several variants from the original. Russia for the first time promoted a second version, the Su-57E, in March 2019 that could be used for export.

“The MiG-35 has completed the integration test and received a very positive response from the pilot. There are only a few minor defects that need correction before the MiG-35 officially joins. training and combat in the Russian Air Force, “said a representative of the manufacturer MiG. MiG-35 fighter. MiG-35 fighter (NATO designation Fulcrum-F) is designed to operate in all weather conditions. Can strike air, land and sea, whether it’s a static or dynamic target. Recently, the Russian manufacturer announced the development of a new profile MiG-35D. An impressive showcase version but it’s not really a new platform. Because they are only developed based on the prototype MiG-29KR from the Soviet era. “The name MiG-35 is essentially the Russian manufacturer’s clever intent to market to the market because the number 35 makes many people pay attention to the same power as the Su-35 – a product of the manufacturer Sukhoi or Lockheed Martin’s F-35. But apart from the number 35 with the above fighters, the MiG-35 hardly performed much in the Russian Air Force’s tests and exercises, although they were integrated with the most advanced technology. Now compared to fighters of the same generation, “wrote Peter Suciu. The manufacturer equips the MiG-35 with the Phazatron Zhuk active phase array radar, and the RD-33MK engine pair allows the aircraft to reach maximum speeds of up to Mach 2.5. In terms of weapons, this fighter jet is designed with 9 armaments under the belly to help it carry most types of bombs and weapons available in the Russian Air Force including: Kh-31A anti-ship missiles with active radar probes, Kh-31P anti-radar missiles, Kh-29TE missiles and TV KAB-500Kr guided bombs … In addition, the MiG-35 is also equipped with a gun. 30mm high speed cannon. Information about the MiG-35 program has been known since 2007, but due to slow development, it was not until 2013 that the Russian Air Force announced an order for a plane for testing and evaluation before official. buy 37 pcs. But after 3 years, the manufacturer produced 3 more units. Thus, on average, each year MiG produces 1 MiG-35 fighter. At the current production rate, US experts say it is unclear whether the Russian Air Force will continue to pursue the 37-aircraft deal as agreed or not. This is also the reason why Indian customers have expressed special interest in this fighter line for a long time, but no agreement has yet been signed with the MiG manufacturer. The situation also appears to some customers in Africa and Southeast Asia. “A line of fighters produced for the purpose of domestic and export equipment, but this goal is difficult to accomplish with the MiG-35. Until now, no Russian fighter has produced any quality product. So hiu “, the American expert wrote. However, the MiG-35 is still highly appreciated by the Russian manufacturer. MiG affirmed that, although it is only a 4 ++ generation fighter, the MiG-35 fully converges the leading advanced technologies of the world military aviation industry. MiG-35 is highly competitive with the world’s leading fighters such as the Rafale, Typhoon … because MiG-35 dominates in this race because they have many outstanding features. The MiG-35 is more maneuverable, has more arsenal and is cheaper. Their specifications, avionics, electronic warfare equipment and arsenal allow the MiG-35 to compete with any kind of potential foe. With these systems equipped, in theory, it is not unreasonable for the Russian manufacturer to see the MiG-35 as a rival to the F-35.

Pilot Wang Zunxi (a fairly well-known PLAAF officer) in an interview with China Central Television (CCTV 7) gave a very remarkable point of view. According to the veteran pilot, the multi-purpose fighter J-16 manufactured in Shenyang Aircraft Corporation and is being massively employed for PLAAF combat units of generation 4 ++. “J-16 fighter jets (including the J-16D electronic warfare version) have surpassed Russia’s Su-30 series heavy multi-role fighters in almost all tactical specifications. “. “The superiority shown in both avionics and electrodynamic properties, the radar reflection area reduction coefficient (RCS), the J-16 retains only the aerodynamic layout of the airframe”, pilot Vuong said clearly. Faced with the above situation, the Russian press stated that in order to seek export contracts or bring high morale and psychological state to the soldiers, the weapons manufacturers used very sophisticated promotional tools and are not always objective. Russian military experts rebuttal when emphasizing that the Chinese pilot is comparing the technical specifications of the electronic equipment on the Su-30MKK and Su-30MK2 fighters that are somewhat out of date. These fighters were supplied to the PLAAF 20 years ago, and they are actually significantly inferior to the J-16 when facing exercises (both for surface attack and long-range interception missions). ). The reason is that China’s Su-30 integrates the N001VE passive phase array radar (PESA), which ensures the realization of “truncated” synthetic aperture and “truncation” (SAR) mode with low resolution. , only allows the detection and classification of targets with large RCS parameters. In addition, the capacity and anti-interference ability of the N001VE radar is quite low, it can only catch the 1m2 RCS aerial target, 75 – 80 km away in case the enemy does not use electronic countermeasures. In fact, the J-16’s high energy and anti-interference active phase array (AESA) radar has a target capture range with 1 m2 RCS from 130 to 150 km, and high anti-interference ability, range is only slightly reduced in a highly noisy environment. This is due to the presence in the electronic architecture of the advanced AESA radar, which consists of more than 1,500 transceiver modules, each equipped with an individual arsenide / gallium nitride microwave transistor. Moreover, this type of radar is also capable of operating in synthetic aperture (SAR), reverse synthesized aperture (ISAR) and tracking ground targets moving in real time. Although the equipment for the J-16 is very advanced, the Russian side thinks that it is necessary to compare the J-16 with more modern modifications, for example the Su-30SM2 variant is about to enter service. Although the N035 Irbis radar that will equip the Su-30SM2 of the PESA class may be significantly inferior to the J-16’s AESA radar in terms of interference resistance, the capacity is higher (providing target acquisition range. with 1 m2 RCS at a distance of 250 – 270 km). With the N035 Irbis radar, the Su-30SM2 will have the ability to “foresee and shoot before” the J-16 in a direct confrontation situation, especially when Russia is still completing the long-range air-to-air missile “product. 180 ”. But it must be noted that the Su-30SM2 is still on paper, while the J-16 has been on duty for many years and there is no guarantee that the Russian fighter really possesses outstanding features. as they still publish.

According to China’s Sina site, owning an air force ready to fight requires the state to pay huge costs, something not every country can do. “Any country that intends to build its own air force must have a solid economic foundation, otherwise they will not be able to maintain a fleet of fighter aircraft,” Sina said. clear. Chinese military experts noted that the Flanker-class fighters were the main foundation of the country’s air force, and they tried to enumerate the factors that influence the cost of the flight. The first indicator to take into account is the fuel consumption, which is influenced by the fuselage weight and the weapon’s weight. Besides, there is also the flight mode (at a lower fuel consumption rate as opposed to tactical maneuvering); engine model (consumption increase is proportional to engine power); pilot skills. The Su-27 Flanker is used as an example. The total weight of fuel carried by the aircraft is 9.7 tons. At the same time an aviation fuel specific gravity of 0.85 will result in a fuel volume of 11,200 liters. “In a normal flight, the Su-27 in cruise mode, excluding maneuvers, fuel consumption per hour is 3,750 liters, its flight time is 3 hours”. If you calculate that with the current jet fuel price of 6,500 yuan per ton ($ 990), the Su-27’s one-hour flight time will cost 63,000 yuan ($ 9,590), “Sina said. just the most economic state “. If we take into account take-off time and the pilot’s tactical actions, fuel consumption increases by at least three times, or about 200,000 yuan per hour ($ 30,400), Sina said. Given this fact, the Chinese newspaper argues that average countries simply cannot have a large-scale Air Force, if one takes into account these factors. In addition to the amount of fuel consumption, the purchase of ready-made fighters abroad requires the payment of tens of millions of dollars per aircraft, possibly hundreds of millions of dollars. After solving the problem of purchasing combat vehicles (including accompanying weapons), it is necessary to continue investing in the maintenance, maintenance, construction of ground infrastructure and pilot training. “The money to maintain a large number of fighters is extremely expensive. But without its own air force, any country in the modern world could be plundered by the opponent”, Sina confirmed. However, the Chinese newspaper also noted that the flight on the Su-27 is not the culmination of costs, as an hour of flight of the F-35 stealth fighter is estimated at $ 36,000, even though it is only a single engine. The aforementioned amount is mainly calculated into the depreciation cost of machinery or the wear and tear of stealth coating, guaranteed weapons, showing that owning the fifth generation fighter is still a dream of many countries.

Russian aircraft maker Mikoyan recently said it is developing a new generation of intelligent target recognition system for MiG-series fighters, including the MiG-35. The new system will be able to target not only when the object is completely discovered, but even a small amount of exposure. “Work is underway to create an automated landing assistance system, along with an accurate target recognition complex thanks to neural circuit-based artificial intelligence,” said the company representative. . Mikoyan has repeatedly talked about the possibility that the MiG-35 will receive a steering assistance system with artificial intelligence elements. The MiG-35 is Russia’s latest generation 4 ++ multipurpose fighter, it is an upgrade from the MiG-29 with the integration of many applied technologies on the 5th generation fighter. The aircraft has an empty weight of about 24,500 kg, the largest weapon payload is 6.5 tons. The speed of 2,100 km / h, the maximum thrust of the engine reaches 18,000 kgf. Actual ceiling is announced about 16,000 m, a range of 3,000 km. MiG-35 has 9 external suspension points and a 30 mm cannon integrated in the body, armament includes air-to-air missiles at various ranges, air-to-ground missiles, guided aviation bombs, Uncontrolled rockets and free-fall bombs. Currently, the Russian Air Force has officially received six MiG-35S fighters belonging to the first mass production batch. Under the state procurement program of weapons, by 2027, the manufacturer will hand over a total of 24 MiG-35S fighters. The official operation of the MiG-35S by the Russian Aerospace Forces will open up export opportunities for this fighter, because many customers, though showing interest, are not ready to order because reliability concerns have not been verified. After integrating additional artificial intelligence, MiG-35 can make customers more bold in “opening the purse” when its reliability has increased significantly. But in the opposite direction, there are also many comments that Russia’s claim is very suspicious, because this technology is still foreign to them, and Moscow is also significantly behind the US and the West. MiG-35, Su-57 or many other Russian weapons, although advertised very “monumental”, but in fact so far they have not perfected the features as designed, or have not been proved in operation. . In addition, Russia is also known for its “way” to sell weapons with incomplete features to “ask” for a perfect partner, which is reflected in the fact that the MiG-35 has been sold in India for decades now on. Therefore, perhaps the manufacturer must deploy new technologies on the aircraft serving the Russian Air Force and have a good performance on the battlefield, for example in Syria, the export prospects of MiG- 35 is really bright

Vietnam used to pay off a large number of MiG-21Bis, this is the last version of the famous light fighter line MiG-21 produced by the Soviet Union. The combat capacity of the MiG-21Bis is comparable to that of the US F-16A / B light fighter. The birth of the MiG-21Bis was conceived by the Soviet Union in the late 1960s. In order to continue to improve the performance of the MiG-21 and Su-15 fighters, in winter 1971, the Soviet government issued a resolution of love. bridge The MKB Soyuz engine design department in Ufa built a new turbojet R-25-300 engine with a takeoff thrust of 7,100 kg, while in low flight with a sound speed of 9,900 kg. On the basis of the new engine, the MiG-21 fighter upgrade project officially began, this version was designated as MiG-21Bis. The production of the MiG-21Bis was deployed in that same year (1971) at the factory in Gorkiy city. In addition to the TRDF turbojet engine for the MiG-21Bis, the fuel system has been perfected, the reserve points found (mainly thanks to the auxiliary oil tank) have allowed for increased capacity. fuel system volume by nearly 239 liters, thus compensating for the long range loss due to increased fuel consumption. Recognizing the efforts of the MKB Soyuz engine manufacturers, they completed the mission. The R25-300 generates thrust in the emergency mode of 7,100 KG, while in accelerated first-grade 6,850 KG. Keeping the same size as the previous engine model, the engine’s dry weight increased slightly and did not exceed 1,215kg. In fact, the thrust capacity of the R25-300 engine has exceeded the initial requirements, thus helping the aircraft to have better maneuverability. Unfortunately, the MiG-21Bis’s fuselage has made full use of the space, including the exhaustion of the internal compartments, otherwise the power of the MiG-21Bis would be much stronger. The radar equipped for the MiG-21Bis, although not large in size, also significantly expanded the aircraft’s ability to capture the target. The aircraft is equipped with the RP-21 tadar; optical viewfinder ASP-PFD-21; The PNK Polyot-OI navigation-pilot combination helped the MiG-21Bis become an extremely powerful opponent in the air at that time. The MiG-21Bis retains the Lazur anti-interference communication channel, which ensures communication with the Vozdukh-1 ground-based automated command system. Pilots are equipped with a KM-1 or KM-1M parachute ejection seat, the PVD-18 air pressure receiver. With this equipment, the pilot can safely escape in case the aircraft is shot on fire. The maneuverability of the aircraft is close to that of the fourth generation fighter F-15, F-16 and Mirage 2000. The radar scattering area (RCS) of this aircraft is close to that of the aircraft. F-16 fighter aircraft. Compared with previous variants of MiG-21, MiG-21Bis fighter has improved wings, aircraft equipment is improved, significantly increasing the list of weapons. The MiG-21Bis’s armament load is about 1.3 tons, allowing up to four K-13M, RS-2US, R-3S, R-3R, R-60 and R- heat-range air-to-air missiles. 60M; or can carry 57 and 240mm rockets or 500kg free-fall bombs. Four mounting brackets can allow carrying “gun pods”, aviation cameras, and electronic radio reconnaissance facilities. In the fuselage is arranged a 23mm GSh-23L aviation gun with 200 rounds of ammunition. In 1972 the aerospace plant in the city of Gorkiy built the first 35 MiG-21bis interceptors, and in that same year the aircraft entered service. From 1972 to 1985, the Soviet Union built 2,013 MiG-21Bis with three main configurations: product “75” for the Air Force of the Soviet Air Defense Army (PVO); “75A” for socialist countries and “75B” for capitalist and developing countries. MiG-21Bis fighter entered Vietnam People’s Air Force in 1979. It could be the MiG-21bBs 75A version for the socialist bloc. Currently, all MiG-21Bis have been disqualified due to their expiry date.

The Russian Ministry of Defense on April 16 released a video of a MiG-31 interceptor deployed to monitor and escort a US Air Force RC-135 strategic aircraft reconnaissance as it approached airspace. Russia in the Kamchatka region.

In the video, the MiG-31 flies at a fairly high speed, passing the nose of the RC-135 at a close distance. “After the foreign military aircraft turned to leave, the Russian fighters have returned to a safe base,” the Russian Ministry of Defense added.

The Russian side has said it will “not allow” any violation of the border to occur. The time of the encounter is unknown, but almost a week ago, on April 10, the Russian side also deployed a MiG-31 to chase away US RC-135 aircraft operating near the Russian border. Pacific.

MiG-31 fighter of the Russian army. Photo: Sputnik

The incident comes in the context of an escalating tensions between Russia and the US following rhetoric, as well as the West’s criticism of Moscow to increase its forces to press Ukraine.

The MiG-31, designated by NATO as Foxhound, has been in service with the Soviet army since 1982, seven years after its maiden flight in 1975. Despite its relatively high age, the MiG-31 is still a battle. fastest match in the world when reaching a maximum speed of Mach 2.83, about 3,000 km / h.

The MiG-31 is currently in service with the Russian Air Force and the Kazakh Air Force. This is the first fighter in the world equipped with a passive electronically scanned array radar (PESA), allowing 24 targets to be tracked and 6 targets simultaneously.

According to Sputnik, a squadron of four MiG-31s ​​can manage 800km2 of airspace, suitable for the vast Russian airspace. The MiG-31 is also an aircraft modified by Moscow to be equipped with the Kinzhal supersonic attack missile.

The Joe Biden administration notified the US Congress of its decision to sell a $ 23.37 billion arms shipment to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), US congressional officials said on Monday. April 13.

The deal includes 50 F-35 stealth fighters, 18 MQ-9B armed drones (UAVs), and air-to-air and surface-to-surface missiles.

A State Department spokesperson said the Biden administration would execute the deal while “continuing a detailed assessment and consultation with UAE officials” on how the weapons were used.

The initial negotiated terms indicated that the UAE could receive the first F-35 by 2027.

The Biden administration in late January suspended a series of arms sales initiated under former President Donald Trump, including a contract of more than $ 23 billion with the UAE to review and demonstrate a commitment to “transparency. and good governance “.

The arms deal with the UAE has been opposed by many bipartisan lawmakers, on the grounds that they could be used in the war in Yemen, the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.

The US Senate last year tried to block the deal but failed.

The decision also made the UAE the first Arab country and the second Middle East country to own the F-35 after Israel. Israeli officials have repeatedly expressed concerns about the possibility of the US selling the F-35 stealth fighter to Arab countries, saying it would affect the balance of military power in the region.

However, Tel Aviv expressed no objection to the deal passed by the Biden administration.

The F-35 is the fifth generation stealth fighter in the United States, along with the F-22 they are the only fifth generation aircraft to enter service.

Representatives of Russia, China, and Japan are still in the experimental and final stage.

Despite its reputation, training tests show that the F-35s are formidable fighters and have excellent combat prowess.

Against famous fourth-stance fighters such as the US F-15, French Rafale and European Typhoon, the F-35 often wins overwhelming. Currently the F-35 has been produced in numbers in the thousands. with all three versions A, B, C.

The F-35 was developed from the X-35 under the Joint Attack Fighter Project (JSF), which is a single-seat fighter, capable of stealth, multipurpose, real missions include: air support, tactical bombing, and air-to-air combat.

The F-35 was designed and built by an aerospace industrial complex led by Lockheed Martin with other members BAE Systems and Northrop Grumman.

The F-35 made its maiden flight on December 15, 2006, making it the second stealth fighter in the world.

In terms of specifications, the F-35 has a length of 15.67m; wingspan 10.7m; 4.33m height; wing surface area 42.7m2; unladen weight 13,200kg; loaded weight 22,470m2; the largest take-off weight 31,800kg.

The F-35 can reach a maximum speed of 1,930 km / h; Maximum flight range of 2,200km; combat radius of 1,100km; Wing lift 526 kg / m2.

In terms of weaponry, the F-35 fighter has 1 GAU-12 / U 25mm cannon mounted in the F-35A body with 180 rounds or mounted outside the wings as on the F-35B and F-35C versions with 220 bullets.

The aircraft can carry up to 3.5 tons of weapons in stealth mode, while in “monster” mode the F-35 can carry up to 10 tons of weapons including air-to-air, land-to-air and anti-aircraft missiles. ship to bombs.

In addition, it also owns a state-of-the-art electronic warfare system, helping to gain advantage over opponents.

The F-35 has had an impressive performance in Afghanistan and Syria, the fighter’s effectiveness in combat has somewhat defeated but earlier doubts about its strength.

Currently, the US continues to increase capacity of F-35 factories to hand over to customers.

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According to Defense World, the US Air Force recently announced blueprints for a new fighter jet being developed under the “Next Generation Aviation Advantage” (NGAD) program, which includes including unmanned and manned fighters.

Design image of 6th generation fighter aircraft of the US Air Force. Source: Sina.

The image shows a triangular flying fighter and its aerial weapons on display as well. The configuration of this fighter is also very different from today’s fighters, the plane is relatively flat, triangular seen from above, has a pair of vertical V-shaped tails and the air intakes located above. fuselage.

The photo shows that this fighter jet has very highly modular characteristics, can quickly replace engines, landing frames … thereby reducing the load of logistics maintenance, missile pods inside. The aircraft is also equipped with a variety of missiles.

The NGAD program was originally proposed as a joint project of the US Air Force and Navy. Although there is still some joint cooperation between the two sides, each side has in turn set up independent offices to research and develop next-generation fighters.

From 2019 to 2025, the budget for the NGAD program of the US Air Force is 9 billion USD, of which the budget for the fiscal year 2021 is 1 billion USD and the budget of the fiscal year 2022 is 1.5 billion USD.

According to the report, the NGAD program aims to complement the F-22 and F-35 fighters, creating a system with multi-domain cognitive capabilities, flexible information and strong operational advantages. air raid attack. The program will apply digital technology to large-scale fabrication and replacement of small components.

This approach is based on the automotive industry’s digital transformation and uses models to solve design, assembly, maintenance and repair issues before, the Air Force said. build a physical system.

The US Air Force report did not specify the cost of the project to build the aircraft. However, the report mentions that a mysterious jet under the project was tested in 2020, and it is still unclear whether the plane is manned or not.

Concept art of a fighter in the NGAD project. Source: Sina.

“We have built and tested a new aircraft and broke all aircraft records,” said Will Roper, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for US logistics and technology equipment procurement. fight. We are now ready to build the next generation aircraft in an unprecedented way. “

Some previous reports suggested that the NGAD program plane will have an artificial intelligence co-pilot, maybe even the ARTU system (artificial intelligence system built by algorithm to play chess. ).

The artificial intelligence system will act as a support for true pilots, but the weakness of AI systems lies in their logic, while actual military actions may not obey this logic. Human presence is then required to make a decision in unusual, non-standard situations.

It is known that from March 2018, the US Air Force Laboratory has released the image of the next generation F / X aircraft, showing that this aircraft will have a stealth design, eye-catching appearance with laser. High energy capable of cutting enemy aircraft in half.

This is also the main aircraft in the NGAD program, also known as the Penetration Jet. The future F / X aircraft is expected to have longer range and payload, as well as the ability to carry hypersonic weapons.

Under the NGAD program, the US Air Force advocates to exploit advanced capabilities of the new generation of aircraft such as air combat systems linked to fighters, drones and networking platforms. . With the aim of increasing air superiority, the F / X fighter program offers significantly enhanced stealth and works closely in coordination with the drone.

Until now, all information about the capabilities of the F / X is still a military secret. If the program progresses at a rapid rate through streamlined processes and uses current technology, the new generation fighter could join the US Air Force earlier than expected in 2030. .