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3(70).2013

C O N T E N T S ARMS MARKET

EDITORIAL

4 Here are turks coming PUBLISHING HOUSE MOSCOW

NAVAL AMMUNITION

Director General

8 Artillery rounds

Valeriy Stolnikov Deputy Director General Ilya Kolikov

LAND FORCES

Mikhail Khondoshko

10 The KBP’s Combat Modules as effective means for the armored vehicles upgrade

Editors

LAND FORCES

Chief Editor

Alexandr Buharov Maxim Khrustalev Dmitry Sergeev Designers Mariya Marakulina Timofey Babkin Print-manager Anton Patsovsky

12 Bakhcha combat module – weapon of the 21–st century

MODERNISED VEHICLE 16 Т–90MS main battle tank

PROPULSIONS

Office-manager Olesya Lazareva

18 Motor Sich. The most powerful engines

MODERN 20 Su–35 the last and the best in fourth generation

WEAPONS

Circulation: 5000 The magazine is registered in the Committee for Press of the Russian Federation. Certificate № 016692 as of 20.10.1997. Certificate № 77-15450 as of 19.05.2003.

Any material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. The editorial staff’s opinion does not necessarily coincide with that of the authors. Advertisers bear responsibility for the content of provided materials.

26 Flyung over wave.

Russia builds unique hovercrafts

NAVY 36 Silent killers of enemy missile carriers. Conventional submarines in nuclear world

HISTORY ARMS, 2013 ADDRESS P.O. Box 77, Moscow, 125057, Russia Tel.: + 7 495 459 9072 Fax.: + 7 495 459 6042 E-mail: market@a4press.ru

www.interarms.ru

44 The Birth of Russian nuclear fleet. Who and where was engaged in development of the missiles against aircraft carriers and nuclear– powered cruisers

Great respect for you, Turkey!

Dear organizers, participants and guests of the IDEF-2013!

The editorial staff of the A4 Publishing house «Arms» magazine glad to meet once again with you on the hospitable Turkish ground. So, we have one more chance, as they say in Russia – to meet the people and prove ourselves.

The IDEF fair has a really impressive list of participants and displays. The most famous weapons manufacturers and military companies of the fifty leading countries on the field of military technologies will present their proven and up-to-date developments. Hundreds of specialists will attend a Tuyap Fair Convention and Congress Center in Istanbul, where the fair will be held. It is also expected that some Ministers and their Deputies as well as other military authorities will visit the exhibition stands and pavilions. They will visit the fair in order to get acquainted with the modern defense technologies, various military industry developments and up-to-date military equipment presented for exports on the arms world market. Many participants will attend a fair with already formed tasks – to sign delivery contracts or to purchase some of presented military hardware.

For sure, the exhibition displays and stands of the Russian Rosoboronexport holding company that presents developments of famous Russian weapons manufacturers and design centers will not disappear in a wide variety of military companies.

Of course, the Turkish developers and manufacturers of military equipment traditionally will demonstrate a large and wide exposition as they have a number of interesting developments.

All the achievements in development of national high technology industry could not be possible without the efforts made by government and its senior leaders – Abdullah Gul, the President of Turkey and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Prime Minister of Turkey. A great educational and propaganda campaign among population of the country realized by national authorities of all levels resulted in patriotic enthusiasm that meets all, no matter – great or small, achievements of Turkish defense industry.

That is why we have to say: “Great respect for you, Turkey!”

Mikhail Khondozhko, Editor

ARMS MARKET

HERE ARE TURKS COMING is a common knowledge that Turkey is a resort and cheap consumer goods paradise. Therefore, our newsmen and political scientists are greatly surprised if they found something iron and electronic besides leather jackets, low-karat gold and fruits.

Meanwhile, if we will look closer at this country, we will find in addition to hotels and markets a number of development centers, factories and maritime shipyards that already nowadays deliver dozens of models of combat equipment to armed forces. It could be easy to understand if it was MRAP-type (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected)

It

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ARMS Defence Technologies Review

armored vehicles which production is still not available in our own country. An Altay main battle tank (MBT) was demonstrated on IDEF-2011 defense fair. It was developed in cooperation with South Korean company – Hyundai Rotem.

The weight of this combat vehicle is 60 ton. It is equipped with 1500 hp diesel engine and 120 mm smoothbore gun. The tank will be produced of only Turkish-made components and its delivery to armed forces will begin in 2016.

It is also amazing as only 15 years ago the Turkish stock of tanks was comprised of relatively up-to-date Leopard (1А and 2А), old US M48 and M60 as well as Wehrmacht Pz. III and Pz. IV combat vehicles. In

1996, the leadership of Turkey took a decision to equip its armed forces with new-generation tanks. They examined even Ukrainian Yatagan main battle tank but the choice was made in favor of the German quality. Currently, Turkey makes a resolute steps – it upgrades its Leopard and M60 tanks and performs a disposal of old models.

The Turkish company Aselsan has already developed its own upgraded version of Leopard 2A4 that was named as Leopard 2NG (Next Generation). The tank is equipped with new electronic, mechanical and hydraulic systems. Besides that, it has a dual fire control system, inertial navigation system, dual periscope system, external re-

ARMS MARKET motely-operated combat module, stabilization system, additional anti-mine and ballistic armor as well as friend-or-foe identification system. Some upgrade technologies will be used on Altay MBT as its development started only in 2007.

Moreover, the Turkish defense industry develops corvettes, hightechnology patrol ships of small capacity and high-speed boats. It has a serial production of multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) as well as aircraft components and ammunition. Furthermore, the defense industry was tasked to develop in addition to MBT the country’s own frigate, combat helicopter and fighter-aircraft.

It is well-known that nowadays Turkey is one of the five largest importers of arms in the world.

But its own production is also increasing. If in 2004, the total volume of defense industry contracts was approximately $1.4 billion and exports of military products was less than $200 million, then in

2010 these figures amounted to $2.7 billion and $634 million, respectively. The national industry covers not only more than half of the needs of the Turkish Armed Forces, but also exports its products. In 2012, the volume of export increased by 43% and reached $1.262 billion.

Among the active importers of Turkish weapons are Azerbaijan, Egypt, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and other countries. Currently the list of customers for military equipment with “Made in Turkey” trademark includes not only small countries but also the leaders of this market – the USA, Russia and Great Britain. Last year, the main exported military products of Turkish defense industry were spare parts for aircrafts including helicopters, tanks and armored vehicles. In 2012, the USA again topped the list of Turkish defense industry products importers as it imported the aircraft/helicopter spare parts and various types of weapons and ammunition for $490 million.

The achievements of Turkish defense industry are great, but it is forgotten that the impulse for that was the US embargo in 1975 – as a result of Ankara intervention on the Cyprus conflict. It was a shortterm embargo affected on Turkish defense policy – they realized that the Americans were not so close friends and the best hope was for national capabilities. Today we can see the results of system and consistent efforts of the state for nearly forty years. The private business funds in addition to effective MOD leadership and support of defense industries became the main source and the basis of the military-industrial miracle in Turkey. The defense industry of this country enjoys the political and military leadership respect. Industrial development including the military-industrial complex of the Republic of Turkey is considered as an organic part of the real (not fake) modernization of the country. Therefore, any success including modest achievements in this field meet with genuine en-

THE GROWTH OF MILITARY PRODUCTION IN TURKEY (MILLION USD) 2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Total volume of sales

1377

1591

1720

2010

2317

2319

2733

Exports of military equipment

196

337

352

420

576

670

634

-

-

135

195

208

172

219

Exports of civil aviation equipment

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ARMS MARKET

thusiasm. It means that this modernization is supported by state patriotism (for some reason we call it nationalism). Unconsciously we compare this situation with Russia where the private companies actually ousted from the defense industry or nationalized, and in fact expropriated, and where all reference to the word «Russian» it seems to be excluded.

The increasing needs of the Turkish army give a new opportunity for our manufacturers and exporters of arms. Although Ankara is generally oriented for western military-technical market, its military and political priorities could be changed. Nowadays, Turkey demonstrates the increasing rate of independence from Europe and even from the United States. The success of the country’s modernization and increasing distance from the western countries as much could be a suitable platform for promotion of Russian economic interests in Turkey.

So far the Turks used the Russians 6

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ARMS Defence Technologies Review

exclusively as an instrument of pressure on the European and American suppliers of armaments.

Such a situation was in case related to helicopter tender, when the better in technical and economic terms the Russian offer was rejected. The same thing happened when the Turkish government chose main battle tank. The above mentioned cases, of course, will be taken into consideration when making future

decisions on the transfer of Russian defense technologies to Turkey.

However, if Turkey will continue its tendency to strengthening the relatively weak by now military-technical independence, Russia will be a natural source of defense-oriented intellect and technologies for Ankara.

Mikhail Timoshenko, Military Expert

NAVAL AMMUNITION

ARTILLERY ROUNDS D

Sergey Rusakov, Joint Stock Company “Mechanical Engineering Research Institute” 8

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espite all the variety and strength of missile weaponry, naval artillery still remains an important component of different class ship’s armament and coastal units of Russian and foreign navy.

The main missions of naval artillery are as follows: ■■ Anti-aircraft ship defense in combination with AA rocket systems.

■■ Defeat of surface and land targets.

■■ Support of landing of marines.

■■ Land forces fire support.

■■ Counter landing missions (coastal artillery).

■■ Patrol and boarder service, counter piracy missions etc.

The missions, mentioned above, are carried out using respective artillery rounds that, in combination with auxiliary rounds, constitute ammuni-

ARMS Defence Technologies Review

NAVAL AMMUNITION tion loads of naval and coastal artillery systems.

JCS “NIMI” is the leading developer of 76 mm, 100 mm and 130 mm artillery rounds that present the firepower of modern Russian naval artillery.

Nowadays there are the following rounds for AK-726 and AK-176 naval gun mounts: ■■ Rounds with high-explosive projectiles (HE) and VGh-67 point detonating fuze.

■■ Rounds with HE anti-aircraft projectile and AR-51 LM radio proximity fuze.

The rounds are developed to eliminate small visible surface and land targets as well as air attack means at ship’s close defensive line, including “dead” zone of AA rocket systems’ range. Auxiliary rounds with practice and drill projectiles are also in service.

As for AK-100 and A190 the following rounds are developed: ■■ Rounds with HE projectile and V-429 point detonating fuze.

■■ Rounds with AA projectile and DVM-60M1 mechanical time fuze.

■■ Rounds with AA projectile and AR32 radio proximity fuze and its modifications.

The rounds are designed to defeat warships and transport vessels in duel combat, to suppress land targets as well as to defeat air attack means at ship’s close defensive line.

The ammunition loads also contain drill, practice and discharging rounds.

130 mm rounds for AK-130 naval gun mount and A-222 coastal artillery defense system (as part of artillery system “Bereg”) include: ■■ Rounds with HE projectile and 4MRM base fuze (penetrating projectile, detonates behind target area).

■■ Rounds with AA projectile and DVM-60M1 mechanical time fuze.

■■ Rounds with AA projectile and AR32 radio proximity fuze and its modifications.

The rounds mentioned above are designed to destroy enemy’s defense bases, warships and transport vessels, air attack means at close defensive lines. Auxiliary rounds include drill, warming, discharging and practice ones.

The modern naval ammunition are fixed, that allows to use all naval gun mounts’ potential in rate of fire, which is up to 120 rounds per minute (e.g. in 76 mm guns). Yet it required thorough work in developing rounds and assembly technology. Due to motion along a complicated feeding tract and during seating to the gun’s chamber, a round is subject to strong reversal axial and lateral overloads.

The mentioned rounds, developed by JCS “NIMI” in cooperation with other research institutes and plants are supplied to foreign countries as well as to Russian Navy.

Effectiveness and high reliability of rounds are provided by decades of complex R&D, technologies and quality control during manufacture process.

Today researchers, designers and production engineers are carrying out the mission of sufficient improvement of naval artillery rounds that would be competitive among the world’s best rounds. We should replace obsolete, outdated items with more effective and universal ammunition. Simultaneously ammunition suits have to be amended with new types of artillery rounds that will sufficiently improve functions and possibilities of naval artillery during preparation and combat.

The progress in these spheres is connected with and based on the achievements in science and technology, new fields such as microelectronics, information science and nanotechnologies as well as in traditional science.

As for fuzes and detonation devices the breakthrough in microelectronics is a question of principle.

Multi functionality and adaptability to target of the so called “smart fuzes” allows to drastically improve ammunition lethality against various types of targets.

The technology of data input with the use of inductive fuze setter in combination with digital fire control system allows inputting all possible precise settings in fuze or detonation device.

Today for trajectory correction it’s possible to use information from satellite navigation sys-

tem GLONASS on board a projectile with subsequent generation of steering commands to actuating correction device.

Traditional ways of modernizing artillery rounds are also applicable, for example, the use of low-sensitivity explosives, bursting charges’ initiation schemes optimization, the use of preformed fragments including those of heavy alloys, development of prefragmented bodies etc.

Another very important route of ammunition development is between services and inside services ammunition unification. This sphere has obvious economic and technical advantages.

Our enterprise also plans to design explosion-safe fireproof ergonomic and endurable package made of composite and plastic that will replace traditional wooden package.

Naval artillery rounds development is a part of State armament program (GPV-2020). Implementation of the program will allow to equip naval and coastal artillery with effective, reliable and characteristically competitive rounds.

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LAND FORCES

The KBP’s Combat Modules As Effective Means For The Armored Vehicles Upgrade he lightly armored vehicles under conditions of present-day war conflicts are the best multipurpose means, which allows solving a wide range of missions aimed to engagement of all targets typical for land-based combat operations.

In the sector of the lightly armored vehicles armament KBP is a worldwide leader being a developer of armament for the BMP-1 (the 73-mm weapon), BMP-2 (the 2А42 gun of 30mm and guided weapon) , weapon system for BMP-3 (automated FCS, the 2А72 gun of 30-mm, 2A70 gunlauncher of 100-mm and guided weapon), upgraded fighting module B05Ya01 for BMP-2 and for BMD-4 in whole.

The weapon systems now offered

by KBP to equip lightly armored vehicles are based on the armament developed and produced by KBP, including 30-mm guns 2А42 and 2А72, 100mm gun-launcher 2A70, 30-mm grenade launcher AG-30M, 100-mm HE-F

T

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ARMS Defence Technologies Review

projectile 3UОF19 Vishnya with contact and proximity fuses and 30-mm grenade GPD-30 of increased lethality and firing range, guided weapon, dayand-night precise FCS. The fire control system comprises the combined gunner’s sight, panoramic commander’s sight, weapon stabilizer with digital control, ballistic computer with a sensor unit, automatic target tracker.

The automatic FCS ensures capability of operative survey and precise firing from stationary position, on the move and afloating, by day and night against targets moving at a high velocity, including air threat; under severe weather and terrain conditions at any firing distances suitable for the weapon with all ammunition types, including newly developed ammunition.

With small size and modular design FCS can be used within both new armored vehicles and previously upgraded tanks and IFVs, meanwhile they require minimum retrofitting for FCS installation.

Combat module B05Ya01 that weights up to 3 tones has been developed within the frame of the infantry fighting vehicle BMP-2 (BMP-1) upgrade. It presents the weapon system, which comprises the unified automatic FCS, modern Kornet-E ATGW, 30-mm automatic gun 2A42, grenade launcher AG-30M and 7.62-mm machine-gun PKT. The combination of the flat trajectory fire of the gun projectile and the lofted trajectory fire of the grenade allows engaging hostile manpower and soft vehicles.

Heavily protected targets are engaged by the Kornet-E weapon system with first shot at distances of up to 5.5 km. Engagement of modern and future tanks equipped with systems of active protection is provided through firing of two guided missiles within one beam (tandem).

Single-seat fighting compartment that weighs up to 1.8 tones is designed to equip lightly armored vehicles, including wheeled ones (BMP-1 IFV, BMD-2 AAV, BRD ARV). The mod-

LAND FORCES ule comprises the Kornet-E ATGW, 30mm automatic gun and 7.62 machinegun PKT. This armament ensures effective engagement of tanks, manpower and vehicles without armor protection.

Combat module B8Ya01 has 3.2–4.0 tones in weight and is intended for installation on vehicles like BMP-3, BMD-3, BMD-4, weighing as much as 20 tones. It is offered for mounting on light tracked and wheeled tanks.

Combat module B8Ya01 is equipped with GLONAS/GPS navigation system that allows for indirect firing from the 100-mm gun-launcher.

The guided missiles of increased lethality with tandem warhead and a firing range of up to 5.5 km are able to effectively engage armored and soft land-based targets as well as low-flying aerial threats. The 100-mm HE-fragmentation projectiles of enhanced lethality and precision ballistic engage hostile manpower, hard-

ware and engineering constructions by direct and indirect firing at distances of up to 7.0 km.

Combat vehicles with new module get high effectiveness, versatility and can operate not only as IFVs, but they also can be used like light tank, artillery system, antitank weapon and AD gun.

Due to such armament the motorized infantry and assault units can fight autonomously without assistance of artillery and tanks.

By this means the KBP’s novel developments and works on modernization of the whole nomenclature of lightly armored vehicles allow to provide crucial superiority over any current hostile armored vehicles, including tanks and helicopters.

A.G. Shipunov N.I. Khokhlov, L.M. Shvets

When this issue was getting ready we received the sad news that on the 86th, died Arkady Shipunov, the first deputy managing andscientific director of KBP, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the International and the Russian Engineering Academy, the Russian Academy of Missile and Artillery Sciences, Honorary Academician of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences, doctor of technical sciences, professor.

Publishing house A4 expresses sincere condolences to the family and friends of Arkady Shipunov with whom we have cooperated fruitfully for many years.

Unified automatic FCS BMD-4

BMP-1, BMP-2

BMP-3 Combat module Bakhcha-U

BMD-2 BMP-2 combatmodule

T-72

BTR Rostok

BTR-90

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LAND FORCES

BAKHCHA COMBAT MODULE – WEAPON OF THE 21-ST CENTURY T

he experience of the last decades has shown that lightly armoured hardware (IFVs, Armoured Assault Vehicles, APCs, etc.) constitutes a significant component of any land grouping both in local conflicts and in integrated all-arms battle. Infantry fighting vehicle is the main transport asset of the infantry and its weapon system remains the main fire support means for a motorized infantryman.

Throughout its history KBP Instrument Design Bureau has been developing small-arms and gun armament as well as guided weapons for Land Forces, Air Forces and Navy.

A large scope R&D work in respect of armament structure and its efficiency has been carried out. All that provided 12

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ARMS Defence Technologies Review

for development in 1980-s the unique weapon system for the new IFV. In 1987 the new BMP-3 IFV was put in service with the Soviet Army. Exactly the original armament package of high fire power (2A70 gun-launcher, 2A72 automatic gun and 7.62 machine-gun integrated in a single module and an automated fire control system) developed for BMP-3 by KBP Instrument Design Bureau (Tula city) predetermined popularity of BMP-3 vehicle in the world market and nowadays it is in service with many Armies worldwide.

Within the past twenty years a high experience of combat vehicles operation was gained. Scientific and technical achievements in the areas of sighting systems development, ammunition upgrade, computer engi-

neering and new electronic components created the prerequisites for development of the new fighting compartment with an armament package featuring high performance specifications that meet modern requirements. A great upgrade potential of the BMP-3 vehicle was realized in the course of Bakhcha combat module development.

Research and development activities were carried out within the three areas: 1. Armament package and fire control system upgrade; 2. Development of the new fighting compartment and its components; 3. Development of the new guided and conventional ammunition of increased lethality.

LAND FORCES ARMAMENT PACKAGE AND FIRE CONTROL SYSTEM UPGRADE The work was carried out in the following directions: ■■ Fighting vehicle efficient employment at night. To provide this the fire control system (FCS) was outfitted with an integrated gunner’s sight featuring 3-rd generation thermal imager and laser rangefinder. At the same time the sight retained missile guidance channel and sighting channel of variable magnification.

■■ Increasing commander’s combat efficiency. The FCS was outfitted with commander’s panoramic sight with low-level TV-camera and laser rangefinder. The sight extends surveillance capability, broadens the conditions for firing

all types of ammunition by day and at night and in case of emergency – using the gunner’s thermal imager.

■■ Automation of the crew’s combat operation. To provide this the FCS was outfitted with a TV/TI automatic target tracker and the fighting compartment – with a single loader for 100 mm rounds (short artillery rounds and long guided rounds). Thus, an automatic loading for all types of 100 mm rounds is ensured as well as automatic target tracking is provided. Moreover, precise “fire-and-forget” operation is provided when firing an ATGM. ■■ High-effective firing against lowflying targets is ensured thanks to new fire algorithm that includes

all required factors of fire, as well as a HF rangefinder, TV/TI automatic target tracker, commander’s panoramic sight mirror with high elevation angles (up to 60 º).

■■ High-effective firing from stationary position, on the move and being afloat, against moving and static targets is ensured thanks to the use of automatic FCS outfitted with a range of sensors and digital units as well as to the availability of integrated multi-purpose commander’s and gunner’s sights.

■■ High reconnaissance performance of the sights is ensured thanks to availability of sighting, thermal imaging and TV channels (1.5÷2 times increase in number of targets detected per time unit when compared to standard IFVs).

MAIN FEATURES OF THE BAKHCHA B8YA01 COMBAT MODULE Designed for installation on wheeled and tracked Purpose vehicles weighing from 14 to 30 tones Differentiation Armor protection (for each type of chassis) Differentiation Combat weight, kg (for each type of chassis) Distance measurement error, m No more than 10 100mm gun-launcher 2A70 Armament of fighting compartment: 30mm automatic gun AP 2A72 7.62mm machine-gun PKTM in a single unit -elevation laying angle, degree -6…+60 Single for 100mm round with guided missile Automatic loader and HE-F rounds Ammunition load (ready to fire), pcs: - rounds with guided missile 4 - 100mm rounds with HE-F 34 - 30mm rounds 500 - 7.62mm cartridges 2000 Firing rate, rnds/min - GM 6-8 - 100mm HE-F 12 FCS Automatic Precision All-weather day-and-night Indirect firing Degasifier

ensured available

ATGW Firing range, m Guidance system Jamproofness

3UBK23-3 Arkan 100-5500 Laser beam High

100mm HE-F rounds 3UOF19 Firing range, m Destruction of fortifications Reduced area of destruction, m2 - With contact fuse - With proximity fuse

Up to 7000m Ensured 368 600

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LAND FORCES

PKT machine-gun 2A70 gun-launcher

2A72 automatic gun

Gunner’s sight

PPB-2 backup sight

Commander’s panoramic sight

Azimuth laying drive 2A72 gun feed channel

Elevation laying drive

Cases and links collector

100mm HEF shell

HEF shells con-veyor per 34 pcs B8Ya01 fighting compartment

14

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Accumulator with 4 guided missiles

■■ Control of the FCS parameters

■■ New digital weapon stabilizer pro-

■■ Reliability of the fighting compart-

thanks to built-in test equipment.

■■ Capability to fire 100 mm HEF from indirect firing positions. To provide this the fighting compartment is equipped with GPS/ GLONASS sensors that show combat vehicle coordinates. Ballistic computer features an algorithm ensuring indirect firing provided the target coordinates are available. Firing can be done to the range of up to 7000 m.

■■ High precision of ATGM firing on the move at night and in adverse weather conditions (using thermal imager) thanks to integration of optical channel, TI channel and ATGM guidance channel within a single sight.

vides for high precision of stabilization and maximum speeds of weapon slewing in elevation and azimuth channels up to 60º.

ment mechanisms is increased thanks to the use of smaller actuators in the single automatic loader.

At the same time automatic loader doesn’t require any greasing and is immune to dust and dirt due to the use of the rollers that squeeze out dirt and dust (self-cleaning effect).

■■ An upgraded 100mm gun-launcher providing for firing the new HEF rounds with a range of 7000 m as well as future munitions is used.

■■ Gas contamination of the fighting compartment is reduced thanks to the employment of ejector that increases gas ejection outwards the fighting compartment when firing 100 mm gun-launcher.

ARMS Defence Technologies Review

FIGHTING COMPARTMENT AND ITS MECHANISMS UPGRADE ■■ Variable types of armour provide for fighting compartment installation on chassis of various weights.

Structurally it is implemented in the form of additional add-on armour.

■■ The ammunition load of 100 mm HEF rounds is increased up to 34 pcs, guided missiles – up to 4 pcs.

Loading is done by a single loading mechanism without distracting the gunner from target tracking.

LAND FORCES ■■ Accuracy of firing all types of am-

■■

■■

■■

■■

munition is increased thanks to the employment of the built-in muzzle reference system that helps the gunner to check and adjust 100 mm gun-launcher and 30 mm automatic gun in an automatic mode.

Accuracy of target designation from the commander’s sight to the gunner’s sight is increased (< 1 mil). For the first time target designation is given not only in azimuth but in elevation that is of primary importance when firing against aerial threats.

Manual loading of 100 mm rounds of both types is also provided (when there are no transported personnel) for the crew when the conveyor gets jammed, for example, in case of mine blast.

Vehicle safety in case of mine blast is increased thanks to extension of the gap between the floor of combat module and the chassis bottom up to 160 mm and vertical location of the rounds.

Gunner and commander entrance and leaving the turret became easier thanks to enlargement of turret hatches by 30%.

AMMUNITION UPGRADE ■■ The 3UBK23-3 round and the

9M117M guided missile are developed providing for the following (when compared to a standard round): - engagement of targets outfitted with ERA; - increase of armour penetration from 550mm to 700 mm; - extended fire range from 4000m to 5500 m.

■■ The new 3UOF19 Vishnya HEF round is developed providing: - extended fire range from 4000m to 7000 m - enlarged by 2 times fragmentation area (up to 360 m2) - elimination of the round weight marks and increase of fire accuracy due to higher stability of muzzle velocity.

Further upgrade of the 3UOF19 Vishnya HEF round regarding fitting it with proximity fuse allowed to enlarge the reduced area of destruction from 368m2 to 600m2.

The carried work made it possible for the Bakhcha fighting compartment to outperform almost by 2 times the M2A3 Bradley fighting compartment

in fire power. The said fighting compartment was successfully test fired on the chassis of BTR-90 APC, BMP-2 and BMP-3 IFVs. It can be mounted on the other carriers of corresponding weight and payload capacity.

The main advantage of this vehicle is the availability of two-caliber artillery systems - 100 mm and 30 mm and automatic FCS providing for fire mission fulfillment with various ammunition types while stationary and on the move against a range of targets (tanks, IFVs, helicopters, lying infantrymen, etc.) with high efficiency.

The said combat module is serially manufactured by KBP Instrument Design Bureau.

The engineering solutions realized in the combat module have a good upgrade potential. Thus, availability of TV and TI channels, automatic target tracker as a component of FCS even nowadays provide for combat module unmanned employment.

N.I. Khokhlov, L.M. Shvets

BAKHCHA-U COMBAT MODULE BMD-4

BTR-90

BMP-3

Patria

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MODERNISED VEHICLE

Т-90MS MAIN BATTLE TANK

We have a wrong idea that it is quite difficult to sell any product with brand «Made in Russia». The following event overturned our mind – T-90 was recognized as the most traded combat vehicle in the world. It happened after killing criticism from military department authorities – one of them said that «it is good and deep upgrading of T-34 tank». He was right only in one thing – both tanks are equipped with diesel engines. However, the engine of T-90 is twice as powerful – 1,000 hp. Another common feature – both tanks were designed to fight against equal or more powerful enemy in the wide theaters of military operations characterized by lack or poor infrastructure. These characteristics are common for all tanks designed in Nizhny Tagil. evelopment of T-90 started in 1986. In January, 1989, the manufacturer began tests of four tanks. The combat vehicles were tested during one and a half year in mountainous, swampy and sandy areas as well as on the roads. Test engineers decided to indicate in technical passports only data received in worst conditions –

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ARMS Defence Technologies Review

up to this point they indicated averaged data. In usual conditions these tanks demonstrated better results. In 1992, the enterprise started serial production of T-90.

However, it was a difficult time for Russian defense manufacturers. Export was the only chance to save tank-construction capabilities. But the main problem was home bureaucracy. Confrontation

between manufacture and bureaucrats lasted for five years.

In 1997, at Abu Dhabi Exhibition military specialists from India displayed a sincere interest in T-90S (export version). Their requirement was to upgrade the combat vehicle as it should be competitive during the whole service life. The new tests of this tank were performed in Thar Desert, where the air temperature was up to +55 degree Centigrade.

The announced characteristics have been not only maintained but also improved. After oil changing from Russian into British one, the engine power increased up to 1,100 hp. After that, Indian Minister of Defense Mr. D.Singh said that «according to its effectiveness, the T-90S will be the second deterrent power after nuclear weapon». Therefore, Indian authorities took a decision to re-equip the 21st armor regiment by T-90S main battle tanks. The governments of two countries signed an agreement about licensed production of 1,000 T-90S tanks in India till 2019, along with delivery of 600 tanks from Russia. In August, 2009, the first ten Indian-made tanks were delivered to Indian Armed Forces.

After India another countries signed contracts for T-90S delivery – Algeria, Turkmenia, Azerbaijan and Uganda. The total number of exported tanks exceeded a number of 1,000 vehicles! As a result, this combat vehicle, designed in the town of Nizhny Tagil, became the most traded main battle tank (MBT) in the world within the period from 2001 till 2010. The market niche of T-90S is unique. Money, which enterprise received from export, allowed the company to upgrade the tank and design the new T-90MS combat vehicle.

Let`s compare the last version of T-90 (designed in 2011) with its foreign opponents – Abrams, Leopard, Leclerc, Challenger and Merkava main battle tanks.

Weight of Russian T-90 tank is 48 ton. Weight of opponents is – from 55 ton (Leclerc) up to 70 ton (Merkava). Multilayered armor of T-90MS is designed from steelcomposite-steel construction

MODERNISED VEHICLE with built-in reactive armor and active protection system. Reactive armor consists of rectangular containers which contain explosives.

When the enemy round hits the tank, reactive armor detonates and diverts the round or explosive jet.

The effectiveness of this design is equal to one-piece steel armor with thickness of 1,600 mm. The inner part of the hull is covered by fragmentation protective kevlar. The active protection system is sensitive to laser irradiation of antitank missiles – T-90 immediately turns its gun in dangerous direction and sprays the smoke cloud. Besides that, the tank is equipped with electro-magnetic protection system from mines. The opponents has also multilayered armor with effectiveness equal to one-piece steel armor with thickness of 1,200-1,400 mm.

Some of these combat vehicles are equipped with reactive armor as well as Merkava tank is equipped with active protection system.

Armament. In this field our tanks hold leading positions. So, T-90MS is equipped with 125-mm smoothbore gun. At the same time, this gun can be used as a launcher for Invar guided missiles, with killing range of 5 km, it provides effective destruction of the enemy tanks, helicopters and protected combat emplacements. Nowadays the main feature of the armored combat is range of fire – if tank will have a small range of fire it will become an easy target for its enemy. The effective range of fire of tank guns is about 2 km, at the same time the Invar launcher gives an opportunity for T-90 to extend its range of fire by 3 km. It means that our tank will have 3-5 minutes of time gap; it will allow launching from 5 to 10 missiles. Only Israeli Merkava is equipped with the similar gun and LAHAT missiles.

T-90 was born with the most advanced fire control system and X-diesel engine with the power of 1,500 hp – the opponents reached the same characteristics only towards the end of nineties. But, due to lack of financing, both projects were delayed till now. Currently, special attention is given to

improvement of target acquisition and fire control at day and night – the system is equipped with thermal imaging device, GPS/GLONASS units and the whole system is integrated into tactical-level automatic C2 system. The driver`s compartment is equipped with a manual control, automatic transmission, night-vision device and rear-view camera. Engine power is – 1130 hp.

There is no doubt in good market perspectives of T-90MS tank – it was demonstrated on arms exhibitions in Delhi and Paris, which were held in 2012. At present time it is still not clear what version of tank will be produced for Russian Armed Forces. Our military authorities say that the turret with combat compartment of T-90 complies with all requirements, but other parts of tank – engine, transmission and so on – do not comply with their requirements.

On the one hand, if we compare the T-90 diesel engine and manual transmission with French Leclerc small-sized turbo-charged diesel engine with power of 1,500 hp and automatic transmission – it looks old-fashioned.

It looks like all components were designed in order to improve the mobility of tank. Of course, western main battle tanks look very glorious in temperate European climate.

However, hydro mechanic transmission is heavier than mechanic transmission – it means that the weight of tank will also become heavier. So, the 1,500 hp engine will be a real dilemma. Besides that, the maintain systems of tank will also increase the weight of tank as well as its fuel consumption.

All above mentioned words mean that the western tanks are not able to move on difficult terrain which is easy to operate for T-90 combat vehicles. Both military operations in Iraq demonstrated that within two days of operation a large number of tanks got out of service. Another reason that limited the US armor mobility was a large consumption of fuel – they had to refuel the 500-halon fuel tanks every day. Due to lack of fuel US Abrams tanks could not overtake the Iraqi Republican Guard T-72 tanks! At that time, the US military supply system was the best in the world and there were not the enemy artillery firing or any air strikes. At the same time, the Iraqi forces did not have any supply at all.

Now look at the map of Eurasia, please and answer the question – what tanks will dominate in this area in case of military conflict – heavy western tanks or cross-country, reliable, easy to operate T-90 tanks?

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PROPULSIONS

Motor Sich The most powerful engines oday Motor Sich JSC is well known as the manufacturer of several thousand turboshaft engines TV3-117 for medium-class military and civil helicopters such Мi-14, Мi-24/Mi-25/ Мi-35/, Мi-8МТ/МТV, Мi-17, Мi-28, Ка-27, Ка-29, Ка-31, Ка-32, Ка-50, Ка-52 and their modifications. The company produces the most powerful engines in the world D-136 for the heaviest lifter Mi-26 and its modifications.

Motor Sich engines fly aboard helicopters manufactured in Russian Federation in more than 60 countries worldwide.

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For further improvement of helicopters flight performance and efficiency during hot and high operation, in September 2007 Motor Sich accomplished work on helicopter engine ТV3-117VМА-SBМ1V incorporating continuous takeoff rating that provides, when necessary, continuous operation of both engines at takeoff for more than 5 (up to 30) minutes. As regards performance, this engine complies with up-to-date technical requirements, and in 2007 was issued Type Certificates of IAC Aviation Register and State Aviation Administration of Ukraine.

In 2009 the ТV3-117VМА-SBМ1V engine was put in service in MoD of Ukraine.

In the course of tests in 2010 at Konotop aviation repair plant ‘Aviacon’, the Мi-8МТV helicopter equipped with ТV3-117VМА-SBМ1V gained record height of 8100 m.

In 2011 the ТV3-117VМА-SBМ1V successfully passed sate bench tests in Russia and confirmed compliance with requirements of MoD of Russian Federation .

In 2012 the ТV3-117VМА-SBМ1V engines successfully passed preliminary flight tests on Мi-8МТV-5-1 helicopter at MIL helicopter plant.

PROPULSIONS On accomplishment of tests the helicopter was transferred to the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation and now is being tested in flight.

Today Motor Sich is busy with helicopter projects. The company organized design bureau and helicopter manufacturing facilities carrying out development, designing, upgrading, repair, and re-engining of helicopter products.

The company received the Certificate from State Aviation Administration of Ukraine recognizing Motor Sich JSC as the designer of aviation products.

For improvement of performance characteristics, reliability as well as extension of Мi-8 helicopters operating life and increase of their efficiency, Motor Sich developed and incorporated the program of their upgrading in Мi-8МSB version providing for installation of ТV3-117VМА-SBМ1V 4Е engines of own manufacture in place of obsolete ТВ2-117s which are not manufactured any longer.

The engine inherited the best design solutions tested on basic engine ТV3-117VМА-SBМ1V, which allowed to establish a new assigned life of 15000 hours/cycles, introduce 2.5-minute and 60-minute emergency ratings (equal to 1700 hp) with one engine inoperative, which were not available in the ТВ2-117, and 60-minute rating equal to that of takeoff.

The new engine is equipped with electrical starting system, thus the process of upgrading Мi-8 helicopter in Мi-8МSB version does not require

installation of auxiliary power unit (APU), which considerably reduces the time and cost of modernization as compared Мi-8МТV helicopters.

Maximum weight of cargo carried inside the Мi-8МSB cargo compartment is 4000 kg, and that on external load sling system is 3000 kg. The Мi-8МSB helicopters can be delivered in transport, passenger, search and rescue, fire-fighting, agricultural and military versions.

In September 2012, at International Air Show ‘AVIASVIT 2012’, the Мi-8МSB helicopter powered with new generation engines ТV3-117VМА-SBМ1V, Series 4E, gained 8250 m attitude, setting a new world record in E-lg class (FAI category for helicopters with takeoff weight of 6000 to 10000 kg).

In 2012 Motor Sich organized overhaul of Mi-2 helicopters with standard build-up. The helicopters are overhauled by qualified employees at specialized overhauling facilities in Vinnitsa, the company’s subsidiary since 2011.

If necessary, avionic equipment of overhauled helicopters can be upgraded and compartment conversion carried out.

As the main disadvantage of Мi-2 helicopters, powered with GTE-350 engines, is poor reliability and insufficient power of engines, Motor Sich JSC develops and implements program on overhaul and upgrading of Мi-2 helicopters in MSB-2 version.

At present the experimental work is underway on MSB-2 helicopter, in which the GTE-350 engines will be replaced with up-to-date and cost-

efficient engines AI-450M. The upgrading will considerably improve its flight performance. As compared with Мi-2 helicopters, the MSB-2 are expected to: - save fuel consumption per hour by more than 30 %; - increase static and dynamic ceiling; - considerably improve helicopter hot and high performance.

Motor Sich gained great experience with CIS and non-CIS countries and offers the market a wide range of promising new engines for helicopters.

Vyacheslav A. Boguslayev, President Motor Sich JSC

The TV3-117VMA-SBM1V series 4E turboshaft engine

MOTOR SICH Motorostroiteley, 15, Zaporozhye, 69068, Ukraine Tel: (+38061) 720-48-14 Fax: (+38061) 720-50-05 E-mail: eo.vtf@motorsich.com http//www.motorsich.com

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MODERN

SU-35

THE LAST AND THE BEST IN FOURTH GENERATION u-35 is positioned as aircraft complex intended for heavy multi-role fighters Su-27 and Su30 niche filling before mass furnishing of the 5th generation aircraft. Furthermore, scientific and technical groundwork is used in maximum possible degree during fighter development, which was cre-

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ated in the network of the 5th generation perspective aircraft complex (PAK FA) program. In turn, Su-35 has a function of specific flying laboratory perfecting many technologies and processes of T-50.

Upon declaration of aircraft industry representatives, Su-35 overtops all aircraft of 4+ generation existing abroad by its combat efficien-

cy in tasks of gaining air superiority, closely approaching to 5th generation American aircraft complex F-22A (and overcoming it by attack facilities). A number of foreign analysts also agree with such assessment.

At first sight Su-35 practically does not differ from Su-27. But differences become more evident by close examination. Though they

MODERN have a local character, concern- However Stealth technology is ading certain units and parts only, it opted rather moderately by Su-35 (as seems that aerodynamics and de- though by American F/A-18E/F Super signers of Sukhoi Design Bureau Hornet, and also European Rafale have well worked with aircraft air- and Typhoon). The aim of its applicaframe, seeking to eliminate, as far tion – not to make aircraft completeas possible, all shortcomings and ly invisible (by the way it is imposimperfections revealed during 30 sible), but to turn to good account years of Su-27 exploitation, and the rate of ranges of radar mutual also implement a number of ad- detection in rendezvous with enevanced technologies, avoiding my fighters. structure radical alteration requirThe use of a new complex digiing long and expensive tests. tal flight control system KSU-35 deSu-35 has no air brake on the top signed by MRPC Avionica, solving of the fuselage, its functions are as- the tasks of Su-35 several particular sumed by differentially-moving rud- systems at once, provides improveders. Landing gear is reinforced and ment flight and maneuvering pernose landing gear is two-wheeled formances. Besides, KSU-35 at the because of Su-35 increased take-off same time assumes functions of acweight. tive safety system.

Su-35 airframe design provides inThe major difference of Su-35 creasing the internal fuel load more from preceding aircraft of Su-27 famthan 20% - by the full loading it is filled ily is a new power plant with more 11 500 kg in comparison with 9 400 kg powerful and advanced NPO Saturn of serial Su-27. With the external tank engines of 117C type, which reprethe total fuel quantity on Su-35 reach- sent the advanced modernization es 14 500 kg. Aircraft is equipped with of by-pass turbojet afterburning enin-flight refueling system (hose-cone gine AL-31F. Engines are equipped structure) with telescopic probe on the with thrust vector control system portside. Rate of fuel pumped in refu- (UVT). Thrust in modes Maximal, Full eling reaches 1 100 l/min.

Reheat and Extreme Reheat makes It was announced that fighter air- 8 800, 14 000 and 14 500 kgf respecframe reinforced design would al- tively. low considerable gaining of resource The base of armament control sysextension – up to 6 000 hours or tem (ACS) of aircraft complex Su-35 is 30 years of use. Life time up to the radar system with passive phased arfirst checking and reconditioning re- ray, known as Irbis-E in export varipair and overhaul period are extend- ant. System is developed by JSC ed nearly to 1 500 hours or 10 years V.V. Tikhomirov Scientific Research of use. Airframe design reinforce- Institute of Instrument Design (NIIP) ment should provide Su-35 maxi- and is a further development of Bars mum take-off weight increasing up station mounted on Su-30MKI fightto 38 800 kg. But the empty air- ers furnished to Indian Air Force and craft weight is also increased, closely Su-30MKM serving Malaysian Air reaching 19 000 kg.

Force. Radar feature is the system of Antiradar detection measures antenna’s mechanical corrective turn are realized at Su-35 development. allowing extend scanning sector in Furthermore, effective radar cross- horizontal plan from +/-60 up to section decreasing is provided in +/120 degrees. It should be said that centimeter waves range in sector at the moment this technology is adof +/-60 degrees in heading plane. opted in Europe and used in phased

array radars intended for modernized Eurofighter EF2000 Typhoon.

Passive phased array Irbis-E of 900 mm in diameter is mounted on twodegree-of-freedom electrohydraulic actuator ensuring the turn by azimuth and roll. System can detect and track up to 30 air targets when keeping continuity of space scanning. It ensures possibility of simultaneous missile attack of up to eight air targets or up to four ground ones (by keeping the air control).

Irbis-E has unique facilities, overcoming foreign analogs facilities, range characteristics practically verified by flight tests. It can detect air targets with effective radar crosssection equal to 3 m2, at the distance up to 400 km.

Complex of optoelectronic information systems used on Su-35 (and demonstrated at MAKS-2011) is partially unified with analogous complex of fighter MiG-29M(M2) and, as it seems, it is close by conception to optoelectronic complex of American fighter F-35 having passive infrared system with distributed aperture AN/AAQ-37 with assembled multi-channel optoelectronic system EOTS. It includes: ■■ six conformly placed detectors installed over airframe surface and

Cheif-pilot of Sukhov Company Sergey Bogdan and President of Sukhoy Michail Pogosyan

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MODERN ensuring spherical scanning with generation of mnemo- and video images of the ambient space ■■ two laser radiation detectors (OLO) ■■ optical-location search-and-track station intended for ground targets attack (OLS-A/G), made in container variant, mounted on external suspension ■■ optical-location search-and-track station intended for air targets attack (OLS-A/A) ISSUED AND PLANNED TENDERS FOR FRIGATES Length 21.9 m Height 5.9 m Wing span 15.3 m Wing area 62.2 m2 Take-off weight: - normal, at incomplete refueling 25,300 kg - maximum 38,800 kg Maximum fuel reserve in internal tanks 11,500 kg Maximum armament weight 8,000 kg Service ceiling, 18 km Service range with maximum refueling: - ground-level at М=0.7 1,580 km - at cruising altitude with cruising speed 3,600 km Ferry range with two external fuel tanks 4,500 km Maximum rate of climb (at the altitude 1,000 m) not less than 280 m/s Maximum flight speed: - at the altitude 200 m 1,400 km/h - at the altitude 11,000 m 2,400 km/h Maximum limit load factor 9.0 Take-off run by normal take-off weight, in Full Reheat mode 400-450 m Take-off run with ski-ramp 200 m Landing run by landing on concrete runway with drag parachute and wheel brakes, by normal landing weight 650 m

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OLS-A/A has sufficiently high performances comparable with ones of the best foreign systems of analogous purpose. It has operation limits by azimuth equal to +/-90 degrees and by angle of elevation -15/+50 degrees. Maximum detection range of air target of Su-27 class is 90 km in rear hemisphere and 35 km in the forward one. Measurement of range to air target can be executed by laser rangefinder at a distance up to 20 km, and to the ground target – up to 30 km.

Cockpit management information system is designed with use of two large-size (9x12") full-color multifunction LCD displays MFI-35. By its information area the system of these two displays MFI is capable to work in multiwindow mode, is not inferior to panoramic MFI of aircraft F-35. Display definition is 1,400x1,050 pixels.

MFI are intended for displaying of graphical, alpha-numerical and symbol data, images from onboard TV and infrared detectors with overlaying of alpha-numerical and symbol synthesized data, as well as video signal forming and delivering in the video recording system in a digital form.

Multifunction control panel with integrated display processing unit is provided for operating data displaying and commands issue with the help of corresponding buttons on the display frame. Besides, there is a wide-angle head-up display HUD-1M in the cockpit with integrated pro-

cessor ensuring the field of view of 20x30 degrees.

Su-35 onboard equipment, systems and armament control is provided with buttons and switches on the control stick and throttle control levers (TCL) as well as with MFI frame’s buttons. As a result HOTAS concept is realized on the fighter (piloting without taking away hands from controls).

The aircraft is equipped with modern navigation and radio communication equipment, systems providing fighters group actions as well as with high-performance electronic countermeasures complex. Su-35 armament can be placed on 12 units of external suspension. Its weight can reach 8,000 kg. As the other aircraft of Su-27 family Su-35 has a build-in gun GSh-301 (30 mm, ammunition load – 150 cartridges).

Mass media give the following general performances of fighter Su-35: Fighter's advantages and shortcoming can be assessed by its comparison with foreign analogs only, with which it should carry on fight to the death for gaining air superiority in an armed conflict. Among modern foreign combat aircraft which may really fight with Su-35 in air combat, in the first place it should be named American multifunction fighter Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet, serving USA Navy, and advancing in export As Su-35, Super Hornet is a modernized variant of 4th genera-

MODERN tion aircraft which passed into service in 1980s. As export object Su35 must actively compete in international aviation market with unified strike fighter Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. But the most serious opponent of Su-35, the aircraft which can be theoretically met in air fight by Russian aircraft and its partners ones, undoubtedly is American aircraft of 5th generation Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptor – the most powerful and modern American machine intended for gaining air superiority (USAF should receive the latest 187th aircraft of this type in May, 2012). Therefore it would be interesting to compare even approximately these aircraft complexes in general terms, using available channels of information.

In the comparison of Su-35 and F-22А it is aerodynamics arrangement conformity that comes to the front. Both are built according to normal aerodynamics design with allmoving tailplane and twin-stabilizer vertical tail (canard which was so popular in 1980-1990s, is not used).

Fighters’ power plant includes two by-pass turbojet engines with reheat chambers. F-35 differs from them by its power plant having one by-pass turbojet afterburning engine.

Su-35 and F-22A are close by theirs weight parameters: the weight of empty F-22A (according to official data given by manufacturer) is 19,700 kg. From all appearances, Su35’s feature approximates to 19,000 kg. For comparison, empty fighter F/A-18E weight is somewhat less – 14,550 kg, and empty serial F-35A after all necessary modifications should have weight about 15,000 kg, by Americans’ assessment (what will decrease its possibilities to act as a fighter).

Take-off thrust-to-weight ratio of Su-35 by normal take-off weight equal to 25,300 kg, with incomplete fuel reserve, is 1.14, and F-22A (by 25,800 kg) – 1.23. This is rather more than other fighters of 4+ and 5th generation have (except T-50 maybe). However, this characteristic can have in the foreseeable future modernized Super Hornet, Typhoon and Rafale with engines having augmented thrust.

Compared aircraft have perfect aerodynamic characteristics (that was more than once shown at international air shows). So, Su-35 accelerates from 600 km/h to 1,300 km/h just by 21.8 s, and its rate of climb is more than 280 m/s. For comparison, initial rate of climb of F/A-18E is 228 s.

Su-35 has pronounced integral design and fuel tank capacity higher than F-22A has (containing 11,500 kg and 8,200 kg respectively). Considering approximately equal efficiency of engines this ensures for Sukhoi aircraft a service range equal to 3,600 km. F-22A service range is not superior to 2 500 km. Aircraft ferry range (with external fuel tanks) is equal to 3 000 and 4 500 respectively.

For comparison, fighter F/A-18E has ferry range of 3,330 km.

At the same time, Raptor’s creators was able to made three quite capacious sections inside the fuselage (total capacity - 6.73 м3) accounting for approximately 20% of airframe interior volume, whereas it was not possible to do something similar on Su-35 (as though on Super Hornet). It should be said that these sections have 5th generation fighters only, such as F-22A, F-35 (USA), Т-50 (Russia) and J-20 (China), and the last three did not pass into service yet.

Maximum speed (one of the main combat aircraft performances) of Su35 is 2 400 km/h. F-22A performance is somewhat lower 2 100-2 200 km/h.

This is specified in particular by the use of incontrollable air intakes on American fighter; their design provides low radar detectability, but in

the same time, limits Mach number by 2.0 – 2.1. By specialists assessments of Lockheed Martin, if F-22A uses controllable air intakes, it will flight with M = 2.45, but in this case it will become more detectable. It should be noted that F/A-18E and F-35А aircraft also having incontrolla-

ble air intakes, have maximum speed even less than Raptor has (1,900 and 1,700 km/h respectively).

Fighters F-22А and Su-35 are equipped with by-pass turbojet afterburning engines Pratt&Whitney F119-PW-100 (11,700/15,900 kgf) and 117C (8,800/14,500 kgf) respectively.

American engine corresponding to the 5th generation level has high operating characteristics. Engine’s stated life time, by the manufacturer statement, makes 7,000 hours, that is comparable with the life time of aircraft itself. F119-PW-100 modernization potential is also very high.

Advantage of Russian engine, besides its characteristics (which are also very high), is a high degree of design succession with by-pass turbo3(70).2013

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MODERN

Cheif-pilot Sergey Bogdan

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jet afterburning engine АL-31F produced since 1980s and used on nearly 1,000 aircraft Su-27, Su-30, Su-33, Su-34, J-10, J-11 and J-15 being build in Russia, India, China.

Generally, close to optimal combination of high endurance and thrust characteristics, high-performance automated control system and improved operational characteristics are specific for F119-PW-100 and 117С engines.

Important element of new generation fighters’ maneuverability enhancement is the thrust vector deflection system (OVT), used both on F-22А and Su-35. But if Su system allows differential nozzle deflection, Raptor's nozzles can be deflected synchronously only (that de-

ARMS Defence Technologies Review

creases OVT performance capabili- Raptor's low detectability. But even ties of aircraft control). At the same such decreasing of detectability levtime American plane nozzle ensures el perceptibly increases combat surmuch more low radar and infra-red vivability of aircraft and decreases detectability, than axisymmetric enemy radars detection range. nozzle of the Russian aircraft (howF-22А is equipped with Northrop ever, a number of measures of de- Grumman radar AN/APG-77, the first tectability decrease has been also re- in the world (except dozen of actualalized in its design). ly experiment stations AN/APG-63(V)2 Besides the use of OVT system, mounted in 2000 on F-15С aircraft) high maneuver characteristics of production radar station with active Russian aircraft in close air combat phased array. Officially this radar charare provides by its aerodynamics. Su- acteristics are not communicated, but 35 (as Su-27) has a wing of high as- according to unofficial, more reliable pect ratio with bulk quasi-adaptive figures, station is able to detect air lift devices having lifting features targets with effective radar cross-secgreater by М<1 than Raptor’s wing tion of 3 m2 at distance up to 220 being the compromise between – 230 km (in the absence of active aerodynamics and low detectability jamming counteraction on the enemy requirements. side). Radar scanning sector makes +/It is necessary to zoom in on the 60 degrees, it is possible to track simulsubject of low detectability. F-22А – taneously up to 28 air targets. is the first maneuverable aircraft in It will be recalled that radar the world, which was adjusted for N035 Irbis mounted on Su-35 and low radar detectability requirements. equipped with passive phase array, Consequently it succeeded decreas- realizes design of antenna’s mechaning its minimum effective radar cross- ical corrective turn allowing extend section in heading plane in compar- passive phase array scanning sector ison with fighters of 4th generation up to +/240 degrees. Irbis can de(in which design a number of mea- tect air targets on the record long sures by radar detectability decreas- range—up to 400 km (by target efing have been also realized) approx- fective radar cross-section equal to imately by an order of magnitude, 3 m2) that overcomes AN/APG-77 up to 0.1 – 0.5 m2 (the best possible performance capabilities by half as value - 0.3 m2). As a result, Raptor at much. It should be noted that as earthe subsonic speed, receiving exter- ly as 1997 the first, much less perfect nal target designation or using on- prototype of actual Irbis equipped board passive radio intelligence sys- with common notch antenna, has tem, can take an optimal position for shown in practice capability of deenemy aircraft attack, due to multi- tection of Su-27 class air targets at a ple superiority in mutual radar detec- distance up to 330 km. tion. Meanwhile it will stay “invisible” At the same time active phase arup to the last moment of stealth’s on- ray use in American radar complex board radar station activation for def- theoretically provides it with more inition of target movement parame- wide range of operating modes as ters and launched AMRAAM missiles well as with better safety and survivradio guidance. ability characteristics.

Su-35 has a number of measures It pays to compare duel facilities (much less radical, not affecting air- of Su-35 and F-22A Raptor radars. frame configuration and having no Russian machine equipped with Irbis, effect on its aerodynamics) realized can detect target with the effective for radar detectability decreasing in radar cross-section of 0.1-0.5 m2 (i.e. the forward hemisphere. As a result Raptor) at the distance 165-240 km. one can expect that Su-35 effective American fighter detect its enemy radar cross-section is close to rates of with much more great (about 1 m2) such aircrafts as Super Hornet, Rafale effective radar cross-section and alor Typhoon (i.e. about 1.5 – 1.0 m2). so at the distance about 200 km.

It is considerably greater than fight- Thereby low-detectable Raptor with er F-22A has and does not provide active phase array has no real supeso substantial tactical advantages as riority over Su-35 in the way of on-

MODERN

board radar complex in air combat at air-to-air missiles included in aircraft the out-of-vision range. armament. This allows to Sukhoi to The marked advantages of Su-35 use in full unique possibilities of its raover F22A both in close and long- dar complex and destruct air targets range air combat are also provid- at the distance of hundreds of kilomeed by high sensitive and jam-proof ters. Against it Raptor complex charmulti-channel (capable to operate acteristics look much less balanced. air and ground targets) optical-locaUnlike F-22A created for gaining tion station (Raptor has no such sys- air superiority and only now acquiring tem, though it was specified initially possibility to fight the ground (mainin technical specifications). ly with enemy air defense ground faF-22A pilot cockpit as well as Su-35 cilities), Su-35 as well as Su-30MK and is equipped with wide-angle HUD hav- Su-27SM has always been regarded ing 20х30 degrees field of view for dis- as multifunction combat aircraft carplaying flight, navigation and aiming rying heavy strike (both high-preciinformation, as well as integrated iden- sion and common) weapons with totification system information, commu- tal weight up to 8,000 kg. By the nication and ECCM information. number and nomenclature of airIn center of American fighter’s to-ground weapons Su-35 is equal cockpit panel there is a master multi- with modernized European aircraft function LCD display with 8х8" screen EF2000 Typhoon and Rafale, as well as for displaying synthesized tactical sit- American F/A-18E/F Super Hornet pouation information. On each side and sitioned as multifunction fighters in at the bottom there are three multi- international aviation market. function colour LCD displays with 6х6" Generally, when compared F-22А screens. On the top of the cockpit to Su-35, it may be concluded that panel there are two 3х4" displays for currently they have close combat navigation and communication infor- performances. But the significant mation. It should be said that above- Raptor’s advantage as aircraft commentioned Su-35 cockpit seems rath- plex manufactured in whole with er more up-to-date than F-22A cock- the use of state-of-the-art technolpit, whatever the appearances of ogies is its greater modernization Russian avionics “hopeless lag”. potential. At the same time Su-35 One of the Su-35 essential advan- considered to be temporary meatages over Raptor is also long-range sure called to maintain the level of

Russian combat aviation quality until 5th generation aircraft pass into service, is evidently called to play a small part in our Air Force history.

However Sukhoi combining extremely high characteristics approximating to the ones of 5th generation aircraft with the moderate price (mass media have announced aircraft export price equal to $85 million), should keep for years its commercial attraction, staying claimed by foreign customers even after the coming of Т-50 and F-35 5th generation aircraft in international aviation market.

Vladimir Ilyin

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WEAPONS

FLYUNG OVER WAVE

Russia builds unique hovercrafts ilitary air-cushioned landing ships (craft) are the most unique variation of the amphibious landing ships. They are based on small- to mid-displacement multi-purpose hovercraft and sometimes known as ‘over the beach’ craft. Technically, hovercraft is a craft capable of traveling over surfaces by means of a specially created cushion of slow moving, high-pressure air which is ejected against the surface below and contained within a so-called ‘skirt’. Due to a cushion of air, hovercraft or air-cushion landing ship is capable to travel equally well over land, ice, and water. Ships of this type provide military planners

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with the opportunity to conduct amphibious operations in a wider range of regions of the World, and allow troops and material to access more than 70% of the World's coastline, comparing with only 15% of that coastline available for amphibious operations with conventional, nonair-cushion landing ships and craft.

ZUBR CLASS The whole set of development programmes, research projects and various design works on the ships using a layer of compressed air for support carried out in the Soviet Union since 1934 resulted in creation of the World’s famous and largest air-cushion landing ship. The pro-

totype of the ship, named Project 12322 Zubr (‘Aurochs’ or ‘Bizon’) by the Soviet Navy or Pomornik by the NATO reporting system, was finished in 1985 and underwent twoyear comprehensive trials. The series construction of the class, named by the customer as ‘maly desantny korabl na vozdushnoy podushke’ (small air-cushion landing ship) was started in 1986 at the Almaz Shipyard (Sudostroitelnoye Obyedineniye Almaz), St. Petersburg, and Yuzhnaya Tochka (‘Southern Point’) Shipyard, Feodosiya, currently named Morye Shipyard of Ukraine.

The design has an unmistakable profile that is characterized by a narrow superstructure located

WEAPONS

on the centerline amidships; a short, tapered mast topped by the gun fire control radar; and three large ring shrouds, housing the four-bladed air propellers, mounted side-by-side on the fantail. The square-shaped pontoon structure of the Zubr’s hull provides a rugged, stable and seaworthy design. It is the main loadcarrying part of the craft’s hull.

The pontoon is made of pressed aluminium-magnesium alloy panels of 3mm and 4mm thick. The pontoon’s superstructure is divided by two longitudinal bulkheads into three functional sections. The middle section accommodates the compartment for main battle tanks or armoured combat vehicles to be landed with taxi tracks and loading/unloading ramps. The two outer sections house the main and auxiliary power plants of the craft, four troop compartments (140 marines), crew living cabins, as well as life support and NBC protection systems.

The space occupied by the vehicles can be alternatively equipped with detachable benches and other accessories to accommodate an additional 360 troops. Ventilation, air-conditioning and heating systems are installed in the marines compartments and in the crew living cabins. These areas are also fitted with thermal and sound insulation coatings and vibration isolation structures.

The ship is fitted with light armour plating (Amg-62T alloy) to provide a degree of protection to the crew and the troops against ammunition and blast fragments. Central command post and MS-227 launchers compartments are strengthened with Amg-62T alloy armour too.

There is no way for the ship to be blown up with contact sea mines.

Zubr is also protected from influence mines with the horizontal winding to compensate for the ship’s and the transported materiel’s magnetic fields. Zubr-class ships have small bow and stern ramps for fast landing of troops and combat materiel. The design of tank ramps ensures protection of the skin against damage by tank tracks.

Considering the use of the aluminium-magnesium alloy as a main structure material and a bulk of electric equipment and armament, a par-

ticular attention is given to fire protection and fire-fighting systems.

The latter includes distributed remote fire detection/warning system, fire main system, artillery mount firesprinkling system, fire volume chemical system, foam fire-fighting system and portable fire-fighting means.

Zubr-class air-cushion landing ships are equipped with main machinery which includes three ZoryaMashproekt designed and built GGTA M35-1 gas turbine engines (10,000 hp output each), two GGTA M35-2 superchargers to power lift fans (10,000 hp output each), four NO-10 axial turbochargers (air blowers or lift fans) and three AV-98 air propellers. Three high-temperature gas turbine engines are mounted on pylons and provide the power to drive the air-cushion blowers and the air propellers. They are equipped with exhaust thrust diverters to enhance mobility.

The lift-fan superchargers drive four blowers to maintain skirt pressure and are mounted near the stern in the wing compartments and exhaust through the stern. To form an air cushion, four NO-10 air blowers are used. Each of them includes an axial impeller of 2.5 meters in diameter, adjustable guide vanes, a flow straightener, supports with

ZUBR CLASS Type

air-cushioned landing ship

Class

Zubr (Project 12322), NATO — Pomornik

Displacement

340 tons (light), 480 tons (standard), 550 tons (full load) length, hull — 56.2; length, on air cushion — 57.3; beam, hull — 22.3; beam, on air cushion — 25.6; max hull height — 21.9; draught (max) — 1.6; air cushion height — 2.7 five Type NK-12MV gas turbines — two for lift and three for propulsion three four-bladed variable pitch propellers

Dimensions, m

Main machinery

Propellers Power, main power plant, hp 50,000 (36,765) (kW) Power, electric 400 power system, kW max with 50% fuel capacity and 130t cargo loaded — Speed, knots 60; max with air temperature more than +25 degrees Centigrade –40 Range, nautical at 55 knots, 131-ton load — 300; at 55 knots, 115-ton miles load — 400; at 55 knots, light — 1,000 Complement 27 officers and enlisted Endurance

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WEAPONS

an independent lubrication system and elastic couplings to engage with a reduction gear of the transmission. The blowers ensure high efficiency over the wide range of cargo weights. The four-bladed, reversible, variable-pitch air propellers, 5.5 m in diameter, generate air thrust providing the Zubr air-cushion landing ship with a maximum speed of about 60 knots. The entering edges of the blades are protected against erosion. The propellers are

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mounted into the ring shrouds of 6m in diameter made of polymeric materials and given Zubr its distinctive appearance.

Electric power is supplied by four GTG-100 gas turbo-generators (100kW output each), arranged in two electric power plants.

The plants generate 220 V/400 Hz current. To energize users requiring currents of other characteristics and to start up engines, there are static converters, rectifiers, and storage

batteries. During anchorage the craft can be supplied with electric power from the shore (up to 100 kW).

The ship’s movement and systems operation are managed by Flora-32 automated remote control system. The control is performed from the main command post, the central control post and remote control consoles. The main control console (with an aircraft-type wheel, control handles and buttons) allows an operator to easily control aerodynamic vanes, jet vanes, propeller blade pitch; perform craft liftoff and landing, emergency braking and automatic course stabilization, as well as monitoring of motion parameters (heel, trim, course, speed and drift). The central control post ensures controlling the main and auxiliary power plants, the electric power system, as well as craft’s systems and monitoring their parameters.

The fuel capacity (56 tons) ensures the ship’s voyage to the range up

WEAPONS to 1,000 nm in case no cargo loaded. At-sea replenishment capability is also provided.

Basic Zubr-class air-cushion landing ships, owened by the Russian and Ukrainian Navies are armed with the following wepoans systems: ■■ 140.3-mm Ogon multiple rocket launching / flame-throwing system with two 22-barrelled MS-227 retractable stabilized launchers (–10/+65 deg. In elevation and –160/+160 deg. In azimuth; 66 rockets per each launcher) and DVU-3 fire control range-finder/ sight system. In a stowed position launchers, which were specially designed for the Zubr class, are under the deck and pop out only to fire rockets. The rockets are ripple-fired at 0.2-second intervals and have a range from 4.5 to 10 km; ■■ four Igla-1M (or Stinger in the Hellenic navy) MANPADS launchers (up to 32 SAMs);

■■ two six-barrelled 30-mm AK-630M

automatic Gatling guns (3,000 rounds per mount) with fire control, provided by MR-123-01 radar (basic variant for Russian Navy ships), or Laska radar system with Rakurs-IK optronic device, or MR-123-02Ts radar; ■■ Zubr class is also capable of laying minefields, takin up to 80 mines in lieu of vehicle cargo, and has a set of removable equipment for such purpose.

In an air cushion mode Zubr can operate and use its armament at a wave height up to 2 m and a speed of wind of any direction up to 12 m/sec.

Russian and export-oriented ships of the class could be equipped with a wide range of electronic equipment and EW systems: MR-244-3 surface search and MR-123-01 (Vympel AME, NATO — Bass Tilt; except of the first ship of class) gun fire control radars; GKU-2 gyro- and KM-60-M2 magnetic compasses; RDL-3-AP100 Doppler drift log; radionavigation system and NAVSAT receivers; Rumb radio direction finder; RS-1 radionavigation system; Baza central gyro stabilization system; VNTs-452 day and night vision drift sight; Zvyozdochka-12322 ECCM equipment; Buran-6 automated communications system and R-159 and R-855UM portable radios, as well as Quad Look E/O device and TV-camera, mounted just below the pilothouse.

Zubr-class air-cushion landing ship is the largest military hovercraft in the world, featuring the full displacement of up to 550 tons and length on air cushion of 57.3 metres and compaering with 56.4-metres length and 310-tons displacement of the World's largest civil hovercraft of BHC SR.N4 Mk.III class.

The ship has a troops accommodation of three 50t MBTs, or eight BMP2 IFVs or ten BTR-70 APCs with 140 marines totaling up to 115 tons, or 500 fully equipped marines with 360 of them in the cargo compartment, or 140 fully equipped marines and 130 tons of cargo. The full displacement ship is capable of negotiating up to 5-degree gradients on nonequipped shores and 1.6m-high vertical walls. It remains seaworthy in up to 4 Sea State sailing at 30–40 knots on air cushion. Zubr is easy in control with maneuverability enough to pass through narrow waters and to go inland. In a displacement mode it can sail and maneuver at a wave height up to 3.5 m and a wind speed up to 20 m/sec. It is also worth to mention, that Zubr won a bronze medal at the 44th Brussels Eureka 1995 Salon of Innovations.

ZUBR FOR EXPORT Greece signed two agreements to buy four Zubr class craft: the 101-million USD deal with the Russian Rosvooruzhenie (now 3(70).2013

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WEAPONS

Rosoboronexport) State Corporation on January 24, 2000 for two craft (one new and one used from the Russian Navy) and the 97-million USD deal with the Ukrainian Ukrspetsexport State Corporation in January 2000 for another two ships. Russian part of the deal was given to the Almaz Shipyard, while the Ukrainian part ws submitted to the Feodosiyabased Morye Production Association, which has been a long-time manufacturer of high-speed craft and passenger ships, including sush militarypurpose hovercraft as Project 12322 Zubr, Project 12061 Murena, Project 1206T Kasatka, Project 1206 Kalmar and Project 1209 Omar.

Two ships — L180 Kafellinia (Shipyard number 104, launched

by Almaz in 1993 and served with the Russian Navy since 1994 under Hull number 717, with official handover of the ship from the Hellenic

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Navy and the rise of Greek flag taking place on January 22, 2001 with Commanding Officer Commander X. Zisimopoylos) and L183 Zakynthos (SY number 107, laid down by Almaz in August 2000 and launched in May 2001; embarked to Greece in September 2001, the integration in the Hellenic Navy as well as the rise of the national flag was conducted on October 5, 2001 with Commanding Officer Commander M. Tsenempis) — were delivered by the Almaz Shipbuilding Company in the autumn of 2001, the third ship, L181 Ithaca, was supplied by Ukraine (launched by Morye in 1992, the official handover by the Hellenic Navy and the rise of Greek flag took place on March 2, 2001 with Commanding Officer Commander G. Tatakos).

However, the second Ukrainian craft was rejected by the Hellenic Navy because of its hull de-

fects, and on November 14, 2002 the Hellenic Ministry of Defence and the Rosoboronexport State Corporation signed an agreement worth 180 million USD for building of two additional Zubr class craft at the Almaz Shipyard, one of them in option mode, delivering of spare parts, auxiliary equipment and training aides for crews and technicians and for shore support installations construction in Greece. The price for one craft was reported around 63.9 millions USD. Each of the new craft should be fitted with VolvoPenta diesel-generators instead of Ukrainian Energiya GTG-100K gas turbo-generators, as well as feature the new navigational radar, which required redesigning her mast, and IR imagery display system.

The third Almaz-built ship, L182 Kerkyra, was laid down on January 24, 2003, and early 2004 saw the assembly of her systems and equipment completed. On March 17, representatives of the customer and manufacturer signed the dockside trials acceptance certificate.

The ship was launched on July 24 the same year with a floating dock and St. Petersburg’s Mayor Valentina Matviyenko became the ship’s godmother. The ship arrived in Greece on December 22, 2004 and the integration in the Hellenic Navy and the rise of the flag was conducted on January 4, 2005 with Commanding Officer Commander H. Koyplakis.

WEAPONS All the Zubr-class ships, designated by the Hellenic Navy as the Kefallinia-class air-cushion landing craft, were placed under the Amphibious Forces Command of the Hellenic Navy. They are greatly appreciated by Greek seamen, they put them out to sea regularly during combat training. According to the NATO specialists, each Zubr can carry eight M-113 armored personnel carriers or three LEOPARD 1A5 main battle tanks or up to 140 troops and 130 tons of cargo.

On August 7, 2009, Kiev-based correspondent of The Earth Times Online Newspaper, registered in the UK, told, that China's Navy is to purchase four Zubr-class hovercraft in a 315-million-dollar deal. The Feodosia-based Morye Shipbuilding Plant will construct two Zubr-class craft, and a second pair of ships will be built in China under the supervision of Ukrainian technicians. According to the online newspaper, the Ukrainian government publication listing state contracts confirmed the order without giving its value, while officials at the Morye Shipyard in Feodosia declined comment. The Chinese Navy currently lacks heavy capacity hovercraft of the Zubr type. The most modern Chinese naval hovercraft in operation today, the Jingsah II class craft, has a maximum capacity of 70 troops.

Thus, the Zubr hovercraft's capacity to deliver substantial combat forces by water at speeds doubling con-

ventional landing ships would, once in Chinese inventory, complicate defence planning for South China Sea nations.

It is worth to mention, that China in 2006 was in talks with the both Almaz design bureau and shipyard on the purchase of six Zubr hovercraft, ended without result. But management of the Ukraine's Morye Shipyard, one of production site of Zubr-class hovercraft, began talks with Chinese naval representatives in 2008. However, official information for the deal is not available by the time of finishing the article.

MURENA AND CHILIM CRAFT The other two Almaz-designed air-cushion landing craft currently marketing abroad are Project 12061/12061E Murena/Murena-E or ‘Moray’ (NATO reporting name — Tsaplya) and Project 20910 Chilim multipurpose vessels.

The first one was based on the basis of the Soviet-era Project 1206 Kalmar (‘Squid’; NATO reporting name — Lebed) air-cushion landing craft, designed under the leadership of L.V. Ozimov in 1968–70 and built by the Yuzhnaya Tochka Shipyard in Feodosiya (14 craft plus

MURENA-E CLASS Type

Main machinery

air-cushioned landing craft Murena/Murena-E (Project 12061/12061E), NATO — Tsaplya 80 (light); 104 (standard); 150 (full with 24-ton payload) length on air cushion — 31.3; beam on air cushion — 14.8; skirt height — 1.5; hull height above waterline (at rest) — 15.2 two MT-70M main gas-turbine sets

Power, main power plant, hp (kW)

20,000 (14,700)

Class Displacement, tons

Dimensions, m

Electric system

two Volvo Penta diesel-generators

Power, electric system, kW

6.4

Propulsors Full speed at calm sea and full displacement Range at 50-knot speed with 24-ton payload Endurance

two AV-96 air propellers

1–3 days

Crew

12 men

55 knots 200 nautical miles

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WEAPONS three Project 1206T Kasatka air-cushion minesweepers) and Primorskiy Zavod Shipyard in Leningrad (five craft). Kalmars were intended for the Ivan Rogov class landing dock ships, one craft was sold to Vietnam in 1980s.

Murena is designed to take landing assault units and combat materiel from equipped/non-equipped shores, large-displacement landing ships and transports and land them onto non-equipped shores or in shallow littoral waters, as well as to patrol littoral and naval base/port water areas. She features improved structural and seakeeping qualities thanks to the use of advanced anticorrosive alloys, extruded profiles and panels, as well as a powerful propulsion plant. The craft is fitted with integrated steering and equipment control system. Steering control is accomplished with hydraulically-driven jet and aerodynamic rudders on commands of an aircraft-type control column in the pilot house. Murena aircushion landing craft can carry two infantry combat vehicles, or two armoured personnel carriers, or three light armoured vehicles, or two amphibious tanks, or one medium battle tank, or 130 fully equipped troops.

While sailing on cushion the ship can be operated and its weapons em-

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ployed at wave height of up to 1.5 m and wind velocity of up to 12 m/sec.

Murena’s welded hull is a watertight pontoon with a mounted superstructure with the conning bridge (pilot) house atop it. It is made of corrosion-resistant Type 1561 aluminummagnesium alloy with broad application of extruded panels. The pontoon is divided by the transverse and longitudinal bulkheads in several watertight compartments. The compartment for accommodating vehicles, marines and cargo is in the middle part. The bow ramp is 5.5 m long and 5.0 m wide. The cargo deck has about 130 sq. m useful space. In addition to a bow ramp Murena is fitted with a housing device to load more

cargo on the landing deck during reloading it from large landing ships or transports. To facilitate the vehicles, troops and cargo loading/unloading the craft is equipped with a hydraulically powered bow ramp and a ramp-hatch cover. A 12-person crew is accommodated in a comfortable four-bunks cabin and eightbunks living compartment with ventilation, air-conditioning and heating systems.

Main propulsion plant of the craft consists of two main gas-turbine sets incorporating one MT-70R (or MT-70M) gas-turbine engine with 10,000-hp (7,360 kW) output, one gearbox, as well as one BT-56K (or BT-56) axial lift fan and one AV-96

CHILIM CLASS Type

air-cushioned patrol (landing) craft

Class

Chilim (Project 20910)

Displacement, full load

9.5 tons

Max length on air cushion

12.0 metres

Max beam on air cushion

5.9 metres

Height overall on air cushion

4.34 metres maximum — 43; full speed at nominal Speed, knots (sustained) power — 38 Range at 38 knots with full load 162 nautical miles Ferry range

not less than 350 nautical miles

Endurance

1 day

Complement

two men (plus six border guards)

WEAPONS

variable-pitch airscrew propeller on either side. The main gas-turbine engine includes high- and low-pressure compressors and a combined power turbine. Placed side-by-side AV-96 four-bladed propellers have 3.5 m in diameter and wrapped up in ring-type nozzles. Two B-56K axial flow fans are 2.2 m in diameter and positioned on the craft’s sides near the bridge housing. Modified main gas-turbine engines, produced by Ukrainian Zorya-Mashproekt company, is capable to operate at the ambient air temperature of up to 40 deg. Centigrade and in water areas with 35 pro mile salinity. A flexible air-cushion skirt runs over the external edges of the hull. The detachable, rubberized cloth flexible skirts are cylindrical in section. Two AV-96 type airscrew propellers placed into ring-type nozzles in the stern part of the craft.

Murena has a more moderate armament, which consists of: ■■ eight Igla MANPADS; ■■ two six-barrelled 30-mm/54-cal.

AK-306 Gatling remotely-controlled light gun mounts, mounted on platforms at the bow abaft the bridge housing and equipped with SP-521 Rakurs (NATO — Kolonka II) ringsight directors (500 rounds per mount); ■■ two 12.7-mm Utyos-M machine guns (Project 12061 only); ■■ two 40-mm BP-30 Plamya (‘flame’) automatic grenade launchers with

ammunition load of up to 1,200 grenades (Project 12061 only).

Murena features improved structural and seakeeping qualities thanks to the use of advanced anticorrosive alloys, extruded profiles and panels, as well as a powerful propulsion plant. The craft’s propulsion plant ensures operation on unprepared beaches, snowy, marshy areas or ice fields, tundra or sandstone regions, as well as water ways of various types. The craft is also capable of negotiating up to 0.8-high obstacles and ascend 6-degrees slopes ashore.

While sailing on cushion the ship can be operated and its weapons employed at wave height of up to 1.5 m and wind velocity of up to 12 m/sec.

Murena has cargo capacity up to 42 tons: three light armored vehicles, or two IFVs, or two APCs, or one MBT, or 130 fully equipped marines.

Pelikan (Project 1206T Kasatka) mine warfare variant was also built in three units series, but two craft probably are non-operational and one modernized as fire support ship with 2x22 Grad-M rocket launchers and two more BP-30 grenade launchers.

The Murena-class air-cushion craft was put into series production at the Ussuri Shipyard, Khabarovsk (Russia) and Yuzhnaya Tochka Shipyard, Feodosiya (Ukraine). Eight craft were built in total and in 1994 were transferred from the Russian Navy to the Coast Guard Force of the Russian Border

Guard Service (now under the control of the Federal Security Bureau).

However they were stricken from service in 2001 (replaced by the Chilimclass craft, economic reasons were cited for their somewhat premature departure from active service.

Murena-E secured one significant export order on August 5, 2002, when South Korea ordered three craft for 100 million USD as part payment of the Russian debt. On April 27, 2005, Khabarovsk Yard laid the keel for the third Murena-E destined for South Korea to complete delivery in 2007. During the Euronaval-2010 naval exhibition held in Paris last year, Dmitry Litinsky from the Almaz CMDB stated that the contract for three Murena-E craft is under negotiation with one of the Persian Gulf country (probably Kuweit).

The second serially-constructed Russian military-designed hovercraft is the Project 20910 Chilim air-cushion patrol boat, which is designed to guard maritime state borders in littoral zones at a range of up to 25 miles off its home base all year round. Chilim is capable of successfully accomplishing the following tasks: high-speed patrolling of littoral waters; detection, interception, and inspection of trespassing ships; landing/evacuation of border guard detachments on/from remote areas; search and rescue of distressed ships.

Chilim can negotiate shallow waters and rivers with snaggy bottoms, 3(70).2013

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WEAPONS three additional craft were built in Yaroslavl in 1997-99. Chilim was introduced into the service with to the Coast Guard Force of the Russian Border Guard Service (now under the control of the Federal Security Bureau). According to the official sources, four Chilims were in service in 2004.

rapids, sandy and swampy coasts, sludge and floating ice during ice motion and freeze-up, snow-covered ice and ground. The boat can be shipped by air and other transportation means due to its modular design. She is powered by two Deutz BF 8L513 air-cooled diesels with maximum power output of 320 hp and propulsive-lifting system. The latter incorporates two transmissions, six centrifugal superchargers, and two variable-pitch air propellers featuring enhanced reliability in all operational modes. Electric power is supplied by two 1.5kW mounted genera-

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tors and four storage batteries.

The craft is armed with one 7.62mm Kalashnikov machine gun, one RPG-7 grenade launcher and one Igla MANPADS, and features the Gals navigation radar, satellite communications system, DS-83 magnetic horizon compass and KM 69-M2 magnetic compass. The craft is capable of carrying six Border Guards with their weapons and equipment.

Series construction of the craft was organized at the Jaroslavski Shipyard in Jaroslavl, Russia. The first craft was laid down on February 24, 1998 and entered service in early 2001, while

CONCLUSION Future of the Russian military hovercraft is not so bright as of the Project 11356 guided-missile corvette or Molniya-family missile craft. The option for the fourth Zubr-class ship, ordered by Greece, is very hard to be fulfilled. The same situation we can found in ‘the Chinese case’. So the only chance for the Russian military hovercraft builders at the World’s naval market should be associated with MurenaE-class craft, which has potential customers in East Asia and Persian Gulf region, and Chilim-class multipurpose craft.

Vladimir Shcherbakov

NAVY Whale's jump

SILENT KILLERS OF ENEMY MISSILE CARRIERS Conventional Submarines in Nuclear World n those days when funds for defence are limited and under watchful eye of the public, the Russian navy faces a dilemma on whether to proceed with procurement of dieselelectric submarines. There are some doubts whether Russia should continue funding R&D and acquisition of such vessels in the time when the US, UK and France abandoned such practices long ago. The three lead-

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ing shipbuilding nations of the West do not buy conventionally powered submarines for the navies of their own. Instead, they spend their money on perfecting and building nuclear submarines.

In contrast, China and India – the two developing countries possessing the atomic technologies – continue to buy both conventional and nuclear powered U-boats. Both are Russia’s long standing customers and in the need of Russian expertise.

Prediction can be made: if Beijing and New Delhi continue with acquisitions of conventional submarines built in Russia, the local military will buy a quantity also.

In one of its recent public statements, the Kremlin said that development of military organization will remain a state policy priority. Big funds will be channeled for national defence until 2020: at least 2.8% of GDP. Substantial funds have been allocated for the implementation of

NAVY the programme: over 23 trillion rubles [US dollar 800 billion]. By 2015, the share of new armaments must increase to 30 percent, and by 2020 – to above 70 percent.

Throughout 2011 and the first half of 2012, large domestic orders for military equipment have been awarded to local manufacturers.

In particular, the share of domestic military orders in the order portfolio of Russia’s largest naval equipment enterprise, Sevmash, has risen above 70%. During 2011, another prominent company, the Admiralty Shipyards, laid down three improved Project 636 diesel-electric submarines for the Russian navy’s Black Sea fleet. The Defence Ministry intends to increase the order up to six hulls.

In other words, Russia continues to procure conventional submarines.

But in the terms of financial values, respective orders are overshadowed by those for nuclear vessels.

In terms technical, the immediate future of the Russian diesel electric submarines takes its shape in the Project 677 design codenamed Lada.

Early June shall see departure of the Saint Petersburg from the Admiralty Shipyards in the city of St. Petersburg, where the vessel was built, to the Arctic waters for deep water trials.

The Saint Petersburg is the head vessel of the Project 677; the Amur 1650 is the latter’s export derivative.

The Lada was conceived by General Designer Yuri Kormilitsin at “Rubin” Central Design Bureau for Marine Engineering. Earlier he headed development of the Project 641B, 877 and 636 diesel electric submarines and certain nuclear programmes.

The Amur’s primary competitor is the Type 214, an export derivative of the baseline Type 212 in service with the German Navy. Also, strong competition is provided by the Scorpene. Although the French Navy operates only nuclear-powered submarines, DCNS has been successful with the Scorpene sales to foreign customers: a pair of such submarines went to Chile, another pair to Malaysia. Six such vessels are to join the Indian navy. They are being constructed locally in India under license-production contract with Mazagon Dock Ltd (MDL).

Sevmash headquarters The shipbuilders of Germany, France and Russia are locked into a fierce battle in India which seeks to buy six conventional submarines. Nothing new: these three have been competing for submarine orders round the world for decades. Each of the three has its

strong and weak points. Broadly speaking, the West Europeans are considered better at air-independent propulsion (AIP) technologies.

The Germans claim their Type 212 can move submerged at speed of three knots for nearly 14 days. This is made possible through the use of

Project 677 head vessel Saint Petersburg

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NAVY 300kWt AIP, based on fuel cells, and the use of stored oxygen.

Since 1998, Howaldtswerke Deutsche Werft has been supplying Type 212 U-boats to German and Italian navies with eight deliveries, so far. The exportable Type 214 is larger, with displacement of 1,960t against 1,450t. Nine deliveries have been made to Portugal, Republic of Korea and Greece.

Early sales success was somewhat marred by media reports about numerous design deficiencies. The U-boats tended to be unstable when surfaced, especially in strong winds, their AIPs produced lower output and overheated. There were reports of water leaking into hydraulics, periscope vibrations, cavitation, which decreased the propeller’s efficiency, and certain onboard sensors worked unstably. In 20102011, the RoK Navy reportedly withdrew submarines from active service temporarily for repairs, as nearly 30 cases of loosing bolts were discovered on three vessels.

Arguably, the Type 212/214 was very advanced and innovative design for the turn of the century and yet it could not escape the inevitable teething problems. Most of them are believed to have been cured. Rightfully, the German product is widely considered front-runner in the ongoing completion.

France has already won Indian order for six Scorpene vessels.

Increasing the numbers to 12 may be beneficial to local partner MDL. France does not operate Scorpene

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for itself, but Portugal and Malaysia operate them in a simplified 1,500-t version without AIP. KD Tunku Abdul Rahman and KD Tun Razak completed in 2009, for the Malaysian Navy, reportedly had problems when getting submerged. Contract worth over two billion Euro raised concerns in the country. Claims were made against certain government members, adding to DCNS’ charges of corruption made earlier.

DCNS has produced unique type of AIP called MESMA (Module d’Energie Sous-Marin Autonome).

MESMA makes use of a steam turbine. Steam is generated by combustion of ethanol and oxygen stored under pressure of 60 atmospheres. There is only one submarine actually outfitted with MESMA, the Pakistan Navy’s third hull of the Agosta 90B class. The S137 Hanza differs from her sister ships in having displacement of 2,050 tons against 1,760, and comes equipped with a 200kW MESMA. Reportedly, she did not manage to develop the advertised four knots, her actual speed falling one knot behind the promise.

Naturally, use of compact steam turbines predetermines relatively low efficiency, in range of 15-26 per cent compared to 42-46 per cent for the German AIP solution and 50-55 per cent for the Russian. The latter two centre on use of fuel cells and electrochemical generators and have power output in the region of 300-350 kW, just enough to make three-four knots under water.

NAVY

The Russian submarines have better chances in a duel situation. In this respect, the current production Project 636 (06363) is pictured as prevailing over the contemporary German and French designs.

The newer Amur 1650 is even better, due to more powerful acoustic system, lesser noise and lower displacement: 1,765t against 2,350t.

As an added bonus, the Russian submarines can be equipped with Club-S missile system from Novator, an export version of the Caliber on the Russian Navy ships. The Club-S can fire three types of missiles, the anti-ship 3M-54, the anti-subma-

rine 91R and the land-strike 3M-14.

Today, such missilery is available only from Russia. In the course of their refit and modernization, the Indian Navy Project 877EKM submarines have been obtaining the Club-S. Next step in that direction is the integration onto submarines of the BrahMos Aerospace PJ-10 supersonic cruise missile able to strike at stationary and moving surface targets, such as warships. Based on the Russian systems known under names of the Onix, Alfa and Yakhont, the Indo-Russian PJ-10 has a launch weight of four tons and

firing range nearly 300km. In the case of a diesel electric submarine, the PJ-10s can find place in a special compartment amidships of the stretched hull, aft of the conning tower. The one would house a number of vertical launch containers.

Models of the Amur 1650 exhibited at international show how this will be done. Russians designers can smoothly integrate the BrahMos on their ships, as they have a rich experience in vertical launches. More importantly, the PJ-10 is a derivative of the Onix system in use on the Project 885 Yasen fast-attack submarine.

Photo of INS Project 877EKM

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NAVY

Rubin headquarters

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The Russian weaknesses are chiefly aftermaths of the system crisis in their defence industrial complex that developed after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Meeting offset requirements is particularly an issue. Negotiations on the matter of offset need active participation of Russia’s integrated structures such as the United Shipbuilding Corporation (OSK) and Russian Technologies State Corporation.

In many ways, Chinese and Indian orders are critical to the future of the Russian military shipbuilding. They provide a considerable addition to the domestic orders. From a manufacturer’s point of view, foreign orders is the butter on the bread from the local buyers.

India is expected to lease one more Project 971, with respective governmental decision expected shortly. Also, there are some chances for the Project 636, a previous generation diesel electric submarine in relation to the Project 677 Lada and the Amur 1650. It has been popular with China, which added six improved ships in 2004-2006 to a pair acquired in 1997-1998. Besides, China has commenced building copies known as the Yuan class.

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Meantime, media reports emerged recently stating that China is experiencing troubles with getting its “home grown” submarines up to modern standard – they are too noisy. In these reports the German MTU diesels and their local copies are pictured as being two generations behind the world’s level. This creates new opportunity for Russian suppliers in the sense that they may expect additional Chinese orders.

Algeria ordered two Project 636 vessels in 2009 – they have been completed and are ready for delivery. Vietnam has signed for six.

Last year, the Admiralty Shipyards in St Petersburg laid down the Novorossiysk and the Rostov-uponDon for the Russian Navy’s Black Sea Fleet. The local customer has ordered four more improved Project 636 (06363) vessels.

The Project 636 was on offer in India sometime ago. Today, however, the Russians bid in the ongoing competition there with the more modern Amur 1650. Such a decision was influenced by the Russian Navy commander’s order dated 6 May 2010,

on inclusion of the St Petersburg, the head vessel of Project 677, into inventory of the Baltic Sea Fleet, supplemented by ritual hoisting of the Russian Navy flag.

Development of the Lada and Amur commenced in the mid-1980s. It was meant to be a sort of interceptor, able to defeat US fast-attack submarines, operating off Russian coasts which were trying to detect and then shadow Russian strategic nuclear submarines on deterrent patrols. For this purpose, the Project 677 was made quieter and smaller than its predecessor Project 636, yet equipped with much more powerful acoustic sensors.

At the turn of the century, the Admiralty Shipyards laid down two series hulls, the Kronshtadt and the Sevastopol for the Russian Navy, and a third for export. The Admiralty Shipyards reports that first two hulls are 40 per cent and 10 per cent complete respectively, while the export hull is ready for outfitting with systems. This creates good foundations for fulfilling would-be foreign orders, should overseas customers buy the Amur 1650.

NAVY In 2011, Sevmash declared its intent to built diesel-electric submarines along with the Admiralty Shipyards. Based in Severodvinsk, Northern Russia, the company specializes in nuclear-powered submarines, with 128 units having been built so far. The company says that, without slowing down construction of nuclear-powered submarines for the Russian Navy, it can produce at least one diesel-electric submarine for export customers annually.

This statement comes along with another one: Sevmash and its patron OSK are talking to the Russian defence ministry on construction of three to four improved Project 636 submarines for the Russian Navy. Initially, the customer wanted to take six units from the Admiralty Shipyards, but latter was booked to capacity with previous orders, including that from the Vietnamese Navy.

The importance of Sevmash is that, it adds considerably to the Russian export capabilities, especially in terms of production quality, and fulfilling industrial offset requirements. With workforce of 27,000, it is not only the largest shipbuilder in Russia, but also the best equipped and financially stable.

In November 2011, the Russian defence ministry awarded OSK and Sevmash orders for construction of four Project 955A Borey-A strategic nuclear submarines, in addition to three Project 955 Boreys, already built in Severodvinsk. The customer had ordered five Project 885M Yasen-M nuclear fast-attack submarines, in addition to the head vessel, now under sea trials. The exact sum of these contracts has not been made public but it is known that the Alexander Nevsky, a second Boreyclass vessel, was build under contract worth Rouble 23 billion, which equates to USD 0.75 billion.

The Saint Petestburg, head vessel of the Project 677, has been undergoing sea trials for nearly six years already. These highlighted issues that need to be resolved before the Project 677 goes into full scale production. It is a standard Russian practice that head vessel of a brandnew type goes through vigorous testing before permission is given for mass manufacture. For instance,

a previous generation Russian design had a four-year operational trails period on two ships during which the navy made nearly thirty major and half-a-thousand minor claims, and these were subsequently addressed and resolved by the industry before launching the type into quantity production.

Since entering service, Saint Petersburg sailed Baltic waters regularly every year, for trials and working out war tactics. Work on preparations of improved design for the Russian Navy is proceeding well, in view of the completion date of 2013.

Today, AIP is the hottest issue for Russian conventional submarines.

Due to huge investments in new technologies in the Soviet times, the Russian scientists have amassed large experience in fuel cells, and have tried them on submarines and spacecraft, and more recently, on unmanned air vehicles. However, the Russian shipbuilders do not have exportable projects of AIP-equipped submarines that might be offered off-the-shelf to foreign customers.

In February 2012 the Russian navy confirmed its interest in further

improved Lada. Then- Russian navy commander Admiral Vladimir Vysotsky said the head vessel should continue her operational trials. At the same time he stated that Lada’s propulsion system needs further improvement. So that the next two hulls, the Sevastopol and the Kronshtadt being completed at the Admiralty Shipyards, should use a redeveloped propulsion system featuring an air independent propulsion. “Our key task is to create non-nuclear submarines with locally-developed air-independent propulsion. We have already achieved some positive results. [AIP] development goes at high speed, even above our expectations”, Vysotsky was quoted as saying.

The Admiral was referring to bench prototype under tests at Rubin. The design house experiments with reformation of diesel fuel so as to eliminate the need in onboard storage of hydrogen for fuel cells. Vysotsky further said the completion of the follow-on Project 677 hulls is “worth it” since the submarine has some potential for further improvement. “If we install the new propulsion into

PLAN's Project 636 submarine at Admiralty Shipyards

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Photos of Indian submarines the Lada, it will get new functions and capabilities, and, in the end, we will get a good ship”. First example of completely operable AIP shall be ready for installation into submarine hulls in 2014.

That time the Rubin company said bench testing of a technology demonstrator unit were complete. Their purpose was to attest technologies on generation of hydrogen onboard the submarine through reformation of diesel fuel. The hydrogen is fed to an electrochemical generator charging the submarine’s batteries. Next step is construction of a full-size AIP in 2012-2013. This work is being done by Rubin under the company’s initiative, in reply to requests of potential foreign customers.

In India, the Amur 1650 is offered with a new type of AIN. By the time the tender committee comes to the selection process of the most suitable supplier, work on shaping Amur 1650’s AIP should be complete. In the respective competition, the Amur 1650 is offered with AIP that employs fuel cells and reforming of diesel fuel for hydrogen by means of electro chemical generator. This solution permits to escape the need of storing hydrogen onboard submarines, as the Germans do, and rather generate it, as necessary. This eases issues with coastal infrastructure and crew safety.

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gies, the Russian thinking is that underwater time of conventional diesel can better be enlarged by increased capacity of accumulator batteries.

The classic acid batteries are giving way to newer ion-lithium. As of now, the Saint Petersburg is equipped with a classic battery, but in future, it will be replaced by ion-lithium, when latter gets available. It is expected that the Amur-1650 with ionlithium batteries can get a two fold increase in underwater time – from 9 days currently up to 16-18.

Russian and European shipbuilders are divided not only on AIP issues.

Another example illustrating difference in their approaches is a duel scenario. Starting from the Project 641B, the Soviet (and then Russian) thinking was focused on lowering acoustic fields so that diesel-electric submarines could be effectively employed on defence of naval bases and coastal waters against US fastattack submarines, seeking to shadow Russian strategic nuclear submarines. The Soviet Union invested heavily in powerful acoustic sensors that would enable its submarines to detect enemy ships at greater distances, and allow for timely execution of evasive maneuvers or firstsee-first-strike sort of action.

Acoustic signature can be decreased by means of employing electrical motors on permanent magnets. The Russians and the Germans

went that way, brining to life, motors like Siemens Permasyn on Type 212/214, a unitary engine for ‘creeping’ towards target, economic cruise and full speed. This has been a new direction in conventional submarine development, which met numerous difficulties. Higher-than-advertised noised levels were reported for RoK and Helenic navy vessels. In turn, the Russians managed to achieve noise levels, but still worked on their SED-1 motor, trying to make it deliver the full advertised power. During sea trials of St Petersburg, underwater speed tended to increase, but it is still some two-three knots below specification.

The Project 677 features state-ofthe-art Lira acoustic detection system from Elektropribor company, complete with huge quasi-conformal antennae. As a result, the Saint Petersburg fared better in simulated duels with previous-generation submarines. The Lira has demonstrated stable work in Baltic waters but still needs checking in deeper ocean waters. Following completion of the Saint Petersburg modernisation and repairs, the ship will go to the Arctic for testing purposes in 2012.

During public discussions on future of the Russian Naval forces in the time when the Russian Navy was choosing between the improved Project 636 and Project 677, to equip the Black Sea Fleet, lots of informa-

NAVY tion became available on results of Saint Petersburg testing. This included making public certain facts about her teething problems such as that with SED-1. Bits of that information have been skillfully used by interested parties in a campaign against the newer Russian project, seemingly in an effort to decrease its chances in the global marketplace.

Immediate target is India. In the meantime, this country continues development of its “home grown” nuclear submarine called Advanced Technology Vehicle. The head vessel, Arihant, is at sea, undergoing sea trials. Besides, under a special deal between Kremlin and New Delhi, the Indian Navy has accepted a Project 971 submarine. The ship’s name is Nerpa, tactical number K-152. After completion and acceptance trials in Russia, she has been ferried to India and is now serving as INS Chakra.

The Indian Navy may have as many as five or six nuclear-powered submarines in 2020. This would be a big development, but the need for modern conventional submarines will remain.

As of today, the Indian navy operates four Shishumar class submarines of the German Type 209 and 10 Russian-built Project 877EKM attributed to the Sindhughosh class.

It used to have eight older Russian submarines of the Foxtrot class. But the last of those, the INS Vagli, retired in 2011 after 36 years of service.

Of the existing fleet, only four submarines are expected to remain operational in 2020 and none in 2025.

According to the local defence procurement practices, suitable companies from major exporting countries are invited to bid in open international tenders. In the course of the ongoing completion for six conventional submarines, India issued Request for Information (RFI) in 2010. Request for Proposal (RFP) is expected any time soon. Selection of the collaborator country is due by 2014, and the delivery of the first vessel by 2016-2017. India has plans for 24 new non-nuclear submarines, of which, 12 shall be built locally and 12 by the collaborator.

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The Birth of Russian Nuclear Fleet Who and where was engaged in development of the missiles against aircraft carriers and nuclear-powered cruisers

Vehicle-mounted missiles of the C-75 Dwina air defense system equipped with surface-to-air missiles

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The history of our domestic defense-and-technical developments counts lots of little-known pages including those related to the miraculous achievements in NIOKR area and advanced technologies development. Thus, for instance, not everyone knows that the national heavy engineering giant – “Uralmashzavod” – for the purposes of the State’s defense power enhancement has distinguished itself not only in the area of tanks, self-propelled guns and field artillery construction, but it has participated in development and creation of missiles against nuclear-powered submarines and aircraft carriers. Whereas, Uralmash’s designers and technologists have solved a lot of sophisticated engineering and technological tasks.

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HISTORY OBJECTIVE MILITARY AND DEFENSE NEEDS ithin the second half of the fifties of the previous century, the new generation of submarines has appeared in the world and characterized with high velocity, self-guided ballistic missiles able to precisely hit the ships and any other targets at long ranges. Therefore, the submarine force has become much more menacing than it previously was.

Because a single submarine could devastate vast territories using its missiles with nuclear warheads, to destroy a city or an industrial area, to inflict the irrecoverable damages to transport infrastructure apart from the military facilities. In this case the military designers (by the way, on both sides of the “iron curtain”) have commenced their active work on counter-weapons against the occurred threat. In the other words – how to destroy such powerful and dangerous submarines.

The first effective anti-submarine was created in USA. On May 1, 1962 the American destroyer has launched the anti-submarine missile ASROC in Pacific Ocean.

According to the documents, the missile has flown 3650 m, then ran into the water and the warhead of about 1.5 kilo ton has successively exploded at the depth of 200 m.

That was enough for destruction of any submarine. In the same year the anti-submarine weapons system ASROC was commissioned in US Navy. The new missiles were able to carry either self-guided torpedoes or depth charges with conventional and nuclear charges. ASROC’s range of fire was up to 11 km.

However, the simple engineer’s supposition states: the nuclearpowered submarine could be destroyed using the missiles launched from the torpedo tubes of another submarine. In early sixties in USA they were developing the anti-submarine missile SUBROC launched from the conventional 533 mm torpedo tube. The idea of American engineers was like that: after being launched from the torpedo tube

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at a safe distance from the friendly submarine the engine is started, the bottom cover is detached, and the self-guided missile continues its movement towards the enemy submarine: first – under the water as a torpedo, and after escaping from the water – as a missile with hypersonic speed to the set target. At the reference path point the reversible engine is started by the command of onboard control system, and the charge itself is detached from the missile.

So “delivered” nuclear depth charge continues its flight along the ballistic path following it using the aerodynamic stabilizers. After submersion the charge is exploded at the preset depth. Casualty radius of the charge explosion with TNT equivalent from 1 to 5 kilo tons shall be equal to 5-8 km, maximum flying distance is 56 km. The SUBROC missiles were expected to be used in submarines of Thresher type, and then Permit and Sturgeon types.

However, Soviet engineers kept pace with these activities. On October 13, 1960 the Soviet Council of Ministers has adopted the resolution on development of the first “Snowstorm” missile system of “submarine-air-submarine” type.

Its construction was assigned to “Uralmashzavod” by that time acquired the extensive industrial experience, but it was unlikely related to missiles construction.

“URALMASH” IS RECONSTRUCTED Construction of any sophisticated machine of a new type requires at least two component parts – wellselected design bureau and production capacities able to implement the designers’ ideas.

On February 13, 1958 Victor Krotov has become the Director of “Uralmashzavod”, and previously worked as the Director of Sverdlovsk Engineering Works

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HISTORY “Urals” being the first computer in the Middle Urals.

For missile subassemblies production (first of all their bodies welding) the two shops were reconstructed. Saying more: in spring 1962 the new huge building for experimental missile production was commissioned at the Works, and the laboratories for altitude chambers and missile test equipment were constructed nearby.

named after M.I.Kalinin. He came to “Uralmashzavod” from the position of the Head of Defense Industry department of Sverdlovsk Sovnarkhoz (National economy council). It seems the top positioners have come to the decision that the Uralmash’s production and processing services will also participate in the missile armament construction. The more so, because the well-experienced “defense expert” was nominated as the Director. And shortly after his nomination the additional capacities were brought (or truly returned) into “Uralmashzavod”, namely the defense-purpose plant No.9 together with OKB-9 in due time detached from the Works.

At once the new defense-purpose line appearance was appreciated at the Works. Modernization of artillery production has started; at the same time the capacities for missile construction were provided. As far back as 1959 the long-term preserved engineering building for OKB-9 was completed (previously the designers worked terribly squeezed on the fifth floor of the Works managerial building). The new building has accommodated the then technological wonder – electronic computer 46

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FIRST MISSILES OF “URALMASHZAVOD” “Uralmashzavod” has started its “missile” topics with the booster engines (powder boosters) PRD18 production using the third-party drawings, and the engines were designed for the newly commissioned ground-to-air missiles S-75 “Dvina”.

Of course, the new business was not very easy: according to veterans, the defective welded seams were initially detected, but welding experts of the Works have solved all the issues quite operatively and the engines were constructed in series.

By the way, the final assembling of “Dvina” missiles was organized next door, at the Engineering works named after M.I.Kalinin. And soon Uralians discussed in whisper the certain combat result of their work: on May 1, 1960 the American reconnaissance aircraft was defeated over Sverdlovsk, and the missile pieces were marked with OTK mark of Kalinin works. Two Uralmash work-

ers were awarded that time with decorations: V.V.Krotov, the Works Director, and P.G.Kopysov, the foreman of the shop where PRD-18 was constructed.

The upgrading of tactical “Vulture” missile of “ground-to-ground” type created in Moscow-region Kaliningrad (now Korolev) was the first independent work of OKB-9 designers in the area of missilery.

Uralmash engineers were assigned to revise the missile design and to replace the liquid engine with the solid engine, with modernization of ballistic characteristics and creation of new nozzle set. The experts of OKB-9 have successfully completed the engineering side of the task, but the missile production was transferred to another plant due to unavailability of sufficient production capacities at the Works at that time.

“ONEGA” EXPERIENCE Somewhile Uralmash armorers used to deal with jet-driven Army “Onega” system with solid guided missiles.

It was the first experience of independent construction of a missile with above-ground equipment.

The implemented work was gigantic. It should be mentioned that on the basis of a shop the new sections were organized within the shortest possible terms: the section for solid engines production, for aluminum welding, for plating, for machining of such materials as titanium alloys, molybdenum, graphite

HISTORY and even tungsten. For the purpose to obtain the calibrated geometry of thin-walled engines’ bodies a lot of equipment for thermal processing, welding and machining was delivered and a portion thereof was acknowledged as inventions in terms of its specifications.

The extrusion technique was tested for the first time, namely the cold straightening within the special mold through creation of high hydraulic pressure inside the cylinders.

The method was later used while producing any other missiles, as well as that at Motovilikhinskie plants for tubes production for the “Grad” rocket systems. The special milling machine for body elements processing and the test stands for vibration resistance tests of the assemblies and missile itself were developed by their own efforts. They have suffered a lot with the technology for application of light but efficient thermal insulation coatings.

The dual “Onega” launchers were mounted on tracked and wheeled chassis, and the design has later become the primary one for the similar machines designing at the other plants. The missile itself was equipped with inertial control system, in the modern terms it was rather bulky and not very reliable.

After the missile completion it was tested on the firing range Kapustin Jar. But all works related to the missile system were terminated under the resolution of USSR Government because the similar “Moon” system was concurrently under development at the other plant and the latter system had displayed more reliable results.

At the same time the Uralmash project of the solid rocket probe MR12 appeared to be very successful.

The rockets and launchers were tested in different climatic conditions and have played very important role in operations with air sampling in course of nuclear explosions at high altitudes. In 1966 the MR-12 rocket (at that time the project was transferred from “Uralmashzavod” to ZiK) was exhibited at VDNH of USSR and it was awarded with Golden medal. The rocket was so good that the French government has ad-

dressed to the USSR Government for its joint use. Several years together with French experts the MR-12 rocket used to be launched for the upper atmosphere research in the Northern latitudes (including those on Heisa Island), in Southern aquatic areas of the World ocean and at the equator.

“SNOWSTORM” FOR “SALMON” Underwater missile system (PRK) “Snowstorm” has become the latest Uralmash product of missilery.

The system was developed by analogy with the American SUBROC, but it was multipurpose one – it could be effectively used for aircraft carriers defeating since they are almost impossible to be hit by conventional torpedoes since they are covered with a fleet.

Uralmash designers have created the missiles of two calibers: 533 and 650 mm (“Snowstorm-53” and “Snowstorm-65”). “Snowstorm-53” was 8.2 m long and represented the analogue of the American SUBROC missile, and “Snowstorm-65” was 11.3 m long. The helical self-guided small-scale torpedo was used as the warhead with the charge of the ordinary explosive and effective range of 8-10 km.

Officially, the chief designer of “Snowstorm” system was F.F.Petrov, but the main volume of engineering developments was produced under the leadership of his deputy Nicolay Kostrulin. For operative res-

olution of any technical issues in course of “Snowstorm” construction the Director of Uralmashzavod has timely (for three months) relieved chief engineer Pavel Malkov and chief technologist Yuri Kondratov of all other works. It should be noted that, according to the eyewitnesses, the leaders worked at the missiles by 14-16 hours a day together with all other workers.

Yuri Kondratov was surprised with the following picture: at the section

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of steering parts some workers were milling the steering parts profiles from the solid plate of pure tungsten using the carbide tool hardly

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“biting” into the material. It was extremely labor intensive operation, and each missile had four parts like that one. The chief technologist of Uralmashzavod told Fedor Petrov: “The plate could be used for production of tens thousands of tungsten-containing cutters. Why couldn’t we make the steer of the ordinary or alloyed steel and to coat it with tungsten, and we have a number of coating techniques?”

And in several days the designers have created the latticed steering gears, and two steers instead of four ones. They became easier for production in welded option made of profiled strip bars, whereupon the technologists have learned how to coat them with heat-resistant materials. The experts have selected the original heat-resistant materials, and the engine nozzles were molded in die molds.

“Uralmashzavod” was given the firing range in Crimea for the missiles testing, near Feodosiya. The field was fenced with barbed wire, the torpedo tube was installed for the missiles launching, and the han-

gar for storage and assembling of the missiles was constructed. First launches were not very successful, but then the missiles had followed all commands. However the test program was not completed – in 1964 all missile tasks were transferred from “Uralmashzavod” to ZiK together with production and laboratory bases, designers and technologists participated the “Snowstorm” project. Nicolay Kostrulin has become the deputy chief designer of ZiK Veniamin Lyuliev in marine programs and had completed the “Snowstorm” program.

On August 4, 1969 RPK-2 “Snowstorm-53” with 81R missile was commissioned in USSR Navy. The missiles were mounted even on the very modern submarines of 671RT project “Salmon”. Later on, under the leadership of Nicolay Kostrulin the effective missile systems were developed: RPK-6 “Waterfall” and RPK-7 “Wind” with longer range of fire, with the deeper launch depth, and the self-guidance systems.

Yuri Sokolov