Sukhoi military programs presented at the 50th International Paris Air Show

Moscow, June 17. The Sukhoi Company presents its military programs at the 50th International Paris Air Show that starts today in Le Bourget, France.

Su-35 Multirole Fighter

The development and production of the Su-35 (the Russian modification — Su-35S) 4++ generation super-maneuverable multirole fighter is one of Sukhoi's top priority programs. Sukhoi is a United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) subsidiary.

The State Joint Acceptance tests are now underway. The flight tests fully proved the asserted main specifications of the aircraft and its suite of onboard equipment. They also demonstrated its super-maneuverability, checked the stability and controllability, and confirmed the power plant parameters and navigation system operability. The maximum close to land speed is 1,400 km/h, at altitude — 2,400 km/h. The operational ceiling is 18,000 meters. The radar target detection range is over 400 km in the air-to-air mode, which considerably exceeds that of the currently in-service aircraft. The phased antenna array radar detects targets at a longer range and simultaneously tracks and engages more of them (tracking of up to 30 and engagement of up to 8 air targets, tracking of 4 and engagement of 2 ground targets plus an option of simultaneous monitoring of the in-air and on-land situation). The onboard optic radar detects and tracks several targets at a range of more than 80 km. The system is ready to undergo operational suitability tests.

All work associated with the State Acceptance tests of the new fighter proceeds according to the approved plan. The airborne weapons were tested successfully during operational suitability tests.

The flight test results testify that the performance of the Su-35/Su-35S is much superior to that of similar in-service counterparts, whereas the onboard equipment performs a wide range of missions and tactical tasks. The aircraft's designed potential is essentially higher than that of the 4 and 4+ generation tactical fighters like Rafale and EF 2000, and upgraded F-15, F-16 and F-18, F-35 aircraft. Thus it is a potent rival to the F-22A aircraft.

The Su-35/Su-35S employs many advanced technologies widely used in the frontline aviation's advanced airborne complex (PAK FA). In a way, this is a platform for optimizing advanced technologies used in the fifth-generation aircraft now under test. This applies in the first place to a new avionics suite integrated on the basis of the information control system (ICS) built using the latest information technologies employing stand-by multiple processor computers and high speed information exchange channels ensuring complex hypothesis processing of information obtained from surveillance and aiming systems and providing intellectual support to the pilot in performance of difficult combat missions. The Su-35/Su-35S extensively uses the situation awareness technologies applied in the spherical information field and the real time mode resorting to the capabilities of the communication system, the aircraft's radar, optronic surveillance and reconnaissance systems as well as on-land control systems of various levels. In addition, the aircraft is fitted with new engines (similar to those on the PAK FA) featuring an increased vectored thrust, built-in auxiliary power plant (BIAPP), and a new radar. The Su-35/Su-35S has a wide range of airborne guided munitions for target engagement at short, medium and long distances plus unguided weapons. The aircraft can carry a 8,000 kg combat load.

The Su-35S is series-produced by the Sukhoi's Yu.A.Gagarin Aircraft Plant of Komsomolsk-on-Amur (KnAAZ). The production proceeds in compliance with the state contract with the Russian Defense Ministry signed in 2009 for the supply of a large batch of aircraft till 2015.

Fifth Generation Airborne Complex

The program to create the frontline aviation's advanced airborne complex (PAK FA) of the 5th generation envisions its designing, series production and introduction into service with the Russian Air Force. This will strengthen the Force's fighting capability, radically update the aviation and associated industries, give impetus to the scientific research, and provide a steady load for defense enterprises involved in designing and manufacturing weapons. As a top priority of Sukhoi, a United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) subsidiary, this will promote the development and introduction of new materials, components, and science-based technologies assuring an innovative potential for the country's aviation industry and economy. Also, this will help realize other projects of standardized airborne complexes of the new generations.

The first flight of the PAK FA occurred on January 29, 2010 in Komsomolsk-on-Amur. On April 8, the first example of the fighter and an on-land test bench used for optimizing flight control systems were delivered to the Zhukovsky flight test and optimization centre of the Sukhoi Design Bureau near Moscow. Once the systems, assemblies, static example and flight prototype underwent on land the required number of tests, including the strength trial, test flying began on April 29, 2010 as part of the preliminary flight tests of the aircraft.

On March 3, 2011 the second flying prototype took to the air in Komsomolsk-on-Amur. Following the factory trials it was included in the preliminary tests program.

The third flying prototype made its debut flight on November 22, 2011. After a series of on-land preparations and addition of onboard controls, it also joined the preliminary tests program.

On January 17, 2013 the fourth flying prototype arrived itself to the airfield of Zhukovsky from the Far East.

At present, four flying prototypes undergo on-land and flight tests.

All tests proved solid stability and controllability characteristics at subsonic and supersonic speeds, at low and high altitudes, at supercritical angles of attack. The onboard equipment — radar and optical systems — is being tested. In-flight refueling was carried out successfully. The aircraft behavior in a variety of configurations, including the one with open compartments, was also tested successfully.

The main objectives of the current flight tests are working out of combat modes of the aircraft systems, docking with weapons and combat use.

Compared to the previous generation fighters, the PAK FA combines the functions of a strike aircraft and a fighter, thus offering a number of unique capabilities. As the 5th generation aircraft it has an essentially new thoroughly integrated avionics package providing superior automatic control and intellectual support of the crew. This considerably reduces the workload on the pilot, enabling him to better concentrate on the tactical functions. The onboard equipment of the new aircraft makes it possible to exchange information in a real time mode with on-land control systems and airborne teams as well as to act on its own.

The use of composite materials and innovative technologies plus the aerodynamic layout of the aircraft, special airframe coating and measures to reduce the power plant, antenna and cockpit signature assure unprecedentedly low radar, optic and infrared observability. This considerably improves the operational effectiveness against air and ground targets at all times and in all weathers.

The export version of the 5th generation fighter — a perspective multi-functional fighter (PMF-FGFA) is being created in association with the Republic of India.

The Russian and Indian governments have generally agreed on the workshare of each party. The parties have approved the PMF-FGFA specifications, defined their contributions and singled out the systems and subsystems to be developed by India.

At the present time the contract to develop a preliminary design project of the perspective multi-functional fighter (PMF-FGFA) has been completed. The fighter design was fully developed. The Russian party has trained the Indian specialists, supplying them with the basic data and software to create a single working environment.

India and Russia work in a team. The Indian working group of experts worked in Russia in January — October 2012 and a group of Russian specialists — in India. The required information exchange was established.

The both parties have agreed upon the amount and division of work during the research and development (R&D) stage. A contract for the R&D is being prepared. It is to be signed this year.

The PMF/FGFA fighter developed by the parties will have some differences from the Russian prototype due to specific requirements of the Indian Air Force.

Russian-Indian Project of Perspective Multi-Functional Fighter (PMF-FGFA)

Development and production of perspective multi-role fighter is the largest joint project of Russian-Indian military-technical cooperation. In December 2010 during the visit of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to India, the Rosoboronexport, the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and the Sukhoi Company, a United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) subsidiary, signed a contract to develop a preliminary design project of the new aircraft.

The PMF project includes the design and development of a next-generation fighter, which will have such advanced features as stealth, supersonic cruise speed, high maneuverability, highly integrated set of avionics, an advanced warning system about the situation, the internal deployment of weapons and the possibility of a centralized reporting and electronic warfare system. The fighter is being developed on the basis of the Russian perspective aviation complex (PAK FA) according to stringent technical requirements of the Indian side. The further development of the program envisages design and development of a two-seat version of the aircraft and integration of an advanced engine with increased thrust. The two sides are supposed to cooperate in joint marketing of the aviation complex in other countries.

Implementation of the Russian-Indian PMF project enhances the strategic partnership between the two countries and strengthening of regional and global security. The project is based on innovative technologies that promote the aviation industry and allied industries, total military-industrial complex of the two countries. The joint development and creation of a fifth generation fighter will facilitate the development of scientific schools. It will provide sustainable load of defense industry enterprises involved in the design and manufacturing of the PMF. This program provides an opportunity to accelerate the development and introduction of new materials, components and high technologies with a high potential for innovation, opens up prospects for the development of other projects of the unified aviation complexes of new generations.

At the present time the contract to develop a preliminary design project of the perspective multi-functional fighter (PMF-FGFA) has been completed. The fighter design was fully developed. The both parties have agreed upon the amount and division of work during the research and development (R&D) stage. A contract for the R&D is being prepared. It is to be signed this year.

The agreement on cooperation in the development and production of the fifth generation fighter was signed in Moscow on October 18, 2007 at the 7th Session of the joint Russian-Indian Intergovernmental Commission on Military and Technical Cooperation. It is the largest joint project of the Russian-Indian military and technical cooperation. In the course of the first stage of the project the Russian side has trained Indian professionals, provided them with the original data and the software to create a single working environment. The Indian working group of experts worked in Russia in January — October 2012 and a group of Russian specialists — in India. Both parties exchange the necessary information. The PMF/FGFA fighter developed by the parties will have some differences from the Russian prototype due to specific requirements of the Indian Air Force.

The Sukhoi Company also participates in other Russian-Indian joint programs, such as modernization of the Su-30MKI fighters of the Indian Air Force, as well as integration of the BrahMos air-to-surface missile on Su-30MKI.

Su-32/34 Frontline Bomber

The Su-34 frontline bomber (the export version Su-32) will be the striking core of the Russian frontline aviation. This is an adequate successor to the Su-24M all-weather day/night frontline bomber. Its development and production is among Sukhoi's top priorities. Sukhoi is a United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) subsidiary.

The State Joint Acceptance Tests of the Su-34 were completed in November 2010. The Russian Air Force commander signed the Su-34 State Tests report in April 2011 recommending its deployment to the Russian Air Force.

The series production of the Su-34 is organized at the Sukhoi Company's Novosibirsk aircraft plant. The aircraft are supplied under a state five-year contract with the Russian Defense Ministry signed in 2008. In March 2012, Sukhoi Company signed another state contract to supply a large batch of Su-34s to the Russian Defense Ministry.

The Su-34 effectively engages ground, sea and air targets by using the complete range of airborne munitions, including high-precision types under adversary's fire and information warfare in all weather conditions, day and night. In terms of operational capabilities this is a 4+ generation aircraft. Its active protection system together with the latest computers creates extra opportunities for the pilot and navigator to carry out precision bombing and maneuver under adversary's fire. The superior aerodynamics, large internal fuel tanks, highly efficient digitally controlled bypass turbojet engines, air refueling system, add-on tank suspension and a comfortable crew cockpit enable a long distance flight up to 10 hours. The onboard digital open architecture equipment allows an easy replacement of its complexes and systems for new models.

The aircraft features excellent flight performance and agility, long-range aiming system, and modern onboard system of communication and information exchange with on-land flight control centers, ground troops, surface ships and flying aircraft. The Su-34 employs highly efficient long range guided air-to-surface and air-to-air weapons using a multiple channel capability. It is equipped with a smart radar countermeasure and defense system. The Su-34 has a sophisticated survivability suite, including an armored cockpit. Presently the operational capability of the aircraft is being increased with new airborne weapons.

According to pilots and navigators, the aircraft offers excellent ergonomics and extensive automation from takeoff to target approach, operational use, and landing. The machine is easy to handle.

The Su-34 bomber has set seven world records, including that of the horizontal flight altitude with a 5,000 kg load.