Air force troops. Russian military aviation. Organizational structure of the Air Force

Any state at all times needed devoted people who would be ready to come to his defense at any moment. After all, humanity throughout its history has used violence to conquer the weaker. Therefore, martial art has become an integral activity in every state. In this case, it should be noted that people engaged in such a craft have always enjoyed honor and respect in society. This fact is not surprising, because they were always at risk. The work of such people was associated with the performance of dangerous tasks. To date, the essence of military craft has changed somewhat. However, the status of military personnel remains the same. This sector human activity highly developed in many modern states. Speaking specifically about Russian Federation, then this country has one of the most combat-ready armies in the whole world. The armed forces are made up of several professionals. Against the backdrop of the entire structure of the Russian army, military aviation stands out. This sector of the armed forces plays a significant role. At the same time, the majority of citizens of the Russian Federation tend to serve in the aviation industry, which leads to the existence of many educational institutions that produce specialists in this field.

Air force concept

The tasks of military aviation

Any division combat type exists to perform certain tasks. Modern military aviation of Russia in this case is no exception. This functional element of the armed forces is entrusted a large number of various areas of activity. Considering given fact, we can single out the most urgent tasks of Russian military aviation, for example:

• protection of airspace over the territory of the state;
• destruction of enemy manpower from the air;
• transportation personnel, weapons, provisions;
• conducting reconnaissance activities;
• defeat of the enemy air fleet;
• combat assistance to ground forces.

At the same time, it should be noted that the modern military aviation of Russia is constantly evolving. This leads to the expansion of its functional tasks. In addition, the current legislation may impose other obligations on aviation.

Combat strength of aviation

The new military aviation of Russia, that is, the formation of an independent Russian Federation, is presented large quantity various technology. To date, as part of this sector of the armed forces, there are various technical specifications aircrafts. All of them are suitable for combat missions of any kind and complexity. It should be noted that the military aviation equipment belongs to the domestic manufacturer in full. Thus, the following devices are used in the activities of military aviation:

There is also a special aviation sector, which includes devices used for atypical tasks. This includes refueling aircraft, air command posts, reconnaissance aircraft, as well as aviation guidance and radio detection systems.

Promising innovation

The armament of the state is effective only if it is constantly developed. To do this, it is necessary to invent new technologies that will help in the implementation of the tasks of the military sector. In the aviation industry today there are several innovative developments. For example, the family of fighters will soon be replenished with new aircraft of the 5th and 4th generation, which include the T-50 (PAK FA) and MiG - 35. Transport aviation did not stand aside. Soon, new aircraft will appear in the fleet of this type of aircraft: Il-112 and 214.

Training in the relevant sector

One should be aware of the fact that the military aviation of Russia consists not only of aircraft, but also of people, personnel, which directly performs the functional tasks of the represented sphere of the armed forces. Therefore, the availability of qualified personnel is essential. For the training of specialists in the mentioned field, Russian military aviation schools operate in our state. In such educational institutions, qualified professionals are trained for the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.

Qualities required for admission to specialized educational institutions

Aviation schools of Russian military aviation are special places of education. In other words, to enter this kind of institution, a person must possess a number of certain qualities. First of all, you need to be in excellent health. After all, the control of aircraft is associated with heavy loads on the body. Therefore, any deviation from the norm will put an end to the career of a pilot. In addition, pilots wishing to write an article must have the following characterizing aspects:

• have high level performance in general education subjects;
• have high stress resistance;
• a person must be ready for team work;

In this case, all the moments presented are not inherent in all people. However, the military sphere is a rather specific type of activity that requires employees with a special temperament. If a person in future profession attracts only the form of a Russian military aviation pilot, then he clearly should not work in this area.

List of schools

For everyone who wants to join the ranks of professionals in the military aviation of the Russian Federation, special educational establishments. It should be noted that in order to enter such places, it is necessary to have all the qualities listed above, pass a competition and a series of test exams. Every year, the requirements for applicants to specific educational institutions of military aviation change. As for the choice of a particular university, it is quite large. Today, the following specialized schools operate in Russia:

Thus, everyone who wants to connect their lives with flying in the sky can safely enter the presented educational institutions, which will later give them the opportunity to do what they love.

Conclusion

Thus, in the Russian Federation today, the flight sector of the armed forces is quite well developed, which is supported by the corresponding photos. Russian military aviation is experiencing a moment of technical evolution. This means that in a few years we will see completely new aircraft in the sky. In addition, the state does not spare funds for the training of specialists in the relevant field of military art.

Lesson 41

AIR FORCE, THEIR COMPOSITION AND PURPOSE. WEAPONS AND MILITARY EQUIPMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

Subject: OBJ.

Module 3. Ensuring the military security of the state.

Section 5. Fundamentals of State Defense.

Chapter 14. Types and types of troops of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.

Lesson number 41. Air Force, their composition and purpose. Armament and military equipment of the Air Force.

Date: "____" _____________ 20___

Lesson held: teacher OBZh Khamatgaleev E.R.

Target: consider the composition and mission of the Air Force (Air Force), get acquainted with weapons and military equipment Air Force.

Course of lessons

Class organization.

Greetings. Checking the list of the class.

Message about the topic and purpose of the lesson.

Knowledge update.

What are the main types of troops that are part of the Ground Forces of the Russian Federation?

What are the combat capabilities of motorized rifle and tank troops can you list?

What are the main types of small arms the Ground Forces are equipped with?

What examples of the use of the Ground Forces in peacekeeping operations can you give?

Checking homework.

Listening to the responses of several students to homework(at the choice of the teacher).

Working on new material.

The Air Force (Air Force) is a branch of the Armed Forces designed to protect the organs of the highest state and military administration, strategic nuclear forces, groupings of troops, important administrative and industrial centers and regions of the country from reconnaissance and air strikes, to gain air supremacy, fire and nuclear destruction of the enemy from the air, increase mobility and ensure the actions of formations different types of the Armed Forces, conducting integrated reconnaissance and performing special tasks.

The Russian Air Force consists of associations, formations and military units and include types of aviation: distant, military transport; front-line (it includes bomber, assault, fighter, reconnaissance aircraft), army, as well as kind anti-aircraft troops: anti-aircraft missile troops, radio engineering troops.

Long-range aviation home impact force The Air Force, capable of effectively hitting important objects of aviation groups, carrier ships of sea-based cruise missiles (SLCMs), energy facilities and facilities of the highest military and state administration, nodes of railway, automobile and maritime communications.

Military transport aviation - the main means of landing troops and military equipment in the interests of operations in the continental and oceanic theaters of war, it is the most mobile means of delivering materiel, military equipment, food, units and subunits to specified areas.

Front-line bomber and attack aviation designed primarily for air support of the Ground Forces in all types of military operations.

Frontline reconnaissance aviation designed to conduct aerial reconnaissance in the interests of all types and branches of the troops.

Frontline Fighter Aviation is designed to destroy enemy air attack weapons when solving the tasks of covering groupings, economic regions, administrative and political centers, military and other objects.

Army Aviation designed for fire support of the Ground Forces. It is also entrusted with the tasks of combat and logistics support. During the battle, army aviation strikes at enemy troops, destroys its airborne assault forces, raiding, advanced and outflanking detachments, provides landing and air support for its assault forces, fights enemy helicopters, destroys its nuclear missiles, tanks and other armored equipment .

Anti-aircraft rocket troops designed to cover troops and facilities from enemy air attacks.

Radio engineering troops designed to detect enemy air attack means in the air, identify them, escort them, notify the command, troops and civil defense agencies about them, to control the flights of their aircraft.

Armament and military equipment air force

Strategic supersonic bomber with variable geometry wing Tu-160(insert, photo 25)

Designed to destroy the most important targets with nuclear and conventional weapons in remote military-geographical regions and deep in the rear of continental theaters of military operations.

Strategic missile carrier Tu-95MS(insert, photo 26)

Designed to solve strike missions to defeat the most important targets in remote military-geographical regions and in the deep rear of continental theaters of military operations.

Heavy military transport aircraft An-22 ("Antey")(insert, photo 27)

Designed for transportation over long distances of heavy and large-scale military equipment and troops, as well as for landing by parachute and landing method.

Heavy long-range military transport aircraft An-124 ("Ruslan")(insert, photo 28)

Designed for the delivery of troops with standard military equipment and weapons from the deep rear of the country to theaters of military operations (theater of operations), transportation of troops between the theater of operations and inside the rear zones, reinforcement airborne assault heavy military equipment, the delivery of goods to the forces of the fleets to the ocean theater of operations, the transportation of heavy and large-sized national economic cargo.

Front-line bomber with variable geometry wing Su-24M(insert, photo 29)

Designed to destroy ground and surface targets in any weather conditions, day and night, in the tactical and immediate operational depth of the enemy territory.

Attack aircraft Su-25(insert, photo 30)

Designed to destroy small-sized mobile and stationary ground targets in conditions of visual visibility day and night, as well as low-speed air targets on cutting edge in tactical and immediate operational depth.

Conclusions.

The Air Force consists of long-range and military transport aviation, front-line bomber and attack aviation, front-line reconnaissance aviation, front-line fighter aviation, army aviation, anti-aircraft missile and radio engineering troops.

The air force is intended for air strikes against enemy groupings, his rear and transport.

The Air Force conducts aerial reconnaissance and organizes air transportation.

The military transport aviation of the Air Force is capable of landing and dropping airborne assault forces, transporting troops and military equipment over long distances.

Questions.

What branches of aviation are part of the Air Force?

What types of anti-aircraft troops are part of the Air Force?

What are the main aircraft in service with long-range aviation?

In what type of front-line aviation served legendary heroes Great Patriotic War Alexander Pokryshkin and Ivan Kozhedub?

Tasks.

Prepare short message on the purpose of the anti-aircraft troops and their weapons and military equipment.

Prepare a message about the heroic deeds and records of the famous Russian pilot of the First World War, Pyotr Nesterov.

Using historical literature, write an essay on the topic "Chief Marshal of Aviation A. A. Novikov - Commander of the Air Force during the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945."

Using special materials and the Internet, prepare a story about one of the modern military pilots.

Additional materials to §41.

Long-range radar patrol, detection and guidance aircraft A-50(insert, photo 31)

Designed to detect and identify air objects, determine their coordinates and movement parameters, issue information to command posts, target fighter-interceptors and bring front-line aircraft to the area of ​​ground targets during their combat operations at low altitudes.

Multipurpose fighter MiG-29(insert, photo 32)

Designed to destroy air targets mainly within the radar control field, as well as to destroy ground targets using unguided weapons in visual visibility conditions.

Su-27 air superiority fighter(insert, photo 33)

Designed to conduct long-range and short-range air combat, intercept and destroy manned and unmanned aircraft over its territory and ensure the actions of our aviation at a distance of 300-400 km from the line of contact between troops.

Multipurpose fighter Su-30(insert, photo 34)

Designed to destroy air, ground and water targets using guided and unguided weapons.

Transport and combat helicopter Mi-24P(insert, photo 35)

Designed to increase the firepower and mobility of units and subunits of the Ground Forces.

Combat helicopter Mi-28(insert, photo 36)

Fire support helicopter Ka-50(insert, photo 37)

Designed to destroy armored and unarmored vehicles, low-speed low-flying air targets, as well as manpower on the battlefield.

Anti-aircraft missile system S-300 PMU1(insert, photo 38)

Designed to destroy modern and advanced aircraft, strategic cruise missiles, tactical and operational-tactical ballistic missiles and other means of air attack, including when exposed to intense active and passive interference.

Short-range air defense system "Pantsir-S1"(insert, photo 39)

Designed for use against air targets, including low-flying ones, as well as for the destruction of ground (surface) targets and enemy manpower. The system can be produced in a stationary form, on tracks and wheels, on ships.

End of lesson.

Homework. Prepare for retelling § 41 “The Air Force, its composition and purpose. Armament and military equipment of the Air Force”; complete tasks 1 - 4 (p. 220).

Giving and commenting on ratings.

1. The work program of the teacher Kutyrev Vladimir Viktorovich on the subject "obzh" for grades 5-11 I qualification category

   Working programm

   ... subject life safety fundamentals, ... them compound and purpose. Armament and military technique ground forces. 13.2. Military-air Forces Military-air Forces (air force), them compound and purpose. Armament and military technique air force. 13.3. Military- navy Military ...

2. Program for conducting training camps (grade 10) 24 Thematic planning of the subject "Fundamentals of life safety" (grade 11) 27

   Program

   ... them compound and purpose, armament and military technique Ground forces. Military-air strength (air force), them compound and purpose. Armament and military technique Military-air forces. Military-Navy (Navy) compound and purpose. Armament ...

3. Ground Forces - a type of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, designed to cover the state border, repel attacks by the aggressor, hold the occupied territory, defeat groupings of troops and capture enemy territory

   Lesson

   GROUND TROOPS, THEM COMPOUND And PURPOSE. WEAPONS And MILITARY TECHNIQUE GROUND FORCES Subject: life safety fundamentals. Grade: 10. Module 3. Provision military state security...

4. Work program of the course "Fundamentals of life safety" (2)

   Working program of the course

   ... subject... cabinet life safety fundamentals and... them compound and purpose. Armament and military technique ground forces. 13.2. Military-air Forces: Military-air Forces (air force), them compound and purpose

The modern Air Force of the Russian Federation is traditionally the most mobile and maneuverable branch of the Armed Forces. The equipment and other means in service with the Air Force are intended, first of all, to repel aggression in the aerospace sphere and protect the administrative and industrial and economic centers of the country, groupings of troops and important objects from enemy attacks; to ensure the actions of the Ground Forces and the Navy; strikes against enemy groupings in the sky, on land and at sea, as well as against its administrative-political and military-economic centers.

The existing Air Forces, in terms of their organizational and staffing structure, date back to 2008, when the country began to form a new look for the Russian Armed Forces. Then the Air Force and Air Defense Commands were formed, subordinate to the newly created operational-strategic commands: Western, Southern, Central and Eastern. The Air Force High Command was assigned the tasks of planning and organizing combat training, the long-term development of the Air Force, as well as training the leadership of the control bodies. In 2009-2010, a transition was made to a two-level air force command and control system, as a result of which the number of formations was reduced from 8 to 6, and air defense formations were reorganized into 11 aerospace defense brigades. Air regiments were consolidated into air bases total about 70, including 25 air bases for tactical (front-line) aviation, of which 14 are purely fighter.

In 2014, the reform of the Air Force structure continued: the air defense forces and assets were concentrated in air defense divisions, and the formation of aviation divisions and regiments began in aviation. An air force and air defense army is being created as part of the joint strategic command "North".

The most fundamental transformation is expected in 2015: the creation of a new type - Aerospace Forces based on the integration of forces and means of the Air Force (aviation and air defense) and the Aerospace Defense Forces (space forces, air defense and missile defense).

Simultaneously with the reorganization, an active renewal of the aircraft fleet is taking place. The planes and helicopters of previous generations were replaced by their new modifications, as well as promising machines with wider combat capabilities and flight performance. Current development work was continued and new development work was started on advanced aviation systems. Active development of unmanned aircraft began.

The modern air fleet of the Russian Air Force is second only to the US Air Force in its numbers. True, its exact quantitative composition has not been officially published, but on the basis of open sources, quite adequate calculations can be made. As for the renewal of the air fleet, according to the representative of the press service and information department of the Russian Ministry of Defense for VVSI.Klimov, the Russian Air Force in 2015 alone, in accordance with the state defense order, will receive more than 150 new aircraft and helicopters. These include the latest aircraft Su-30SM, Su-30M2, MiG-29 SMT, Su-34, Su-35S, Yak-130, Il-76MD-90A, as well as helicopters Ka-52, Mi -28 N, Mi-8 AMTSh/MTV-5-1, Mi-8 MTPR, Mi-35 M, Mi-26, Ka-226 and Ansat-U. It is also known from the words of the former Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Air Force, Colonel-General A. Zelin, that as of November 2010, the total number of Air Force personnel was about 170 thousand people (including 40 thousand officers).

All aviation of the Russian Air Force as a branch of service is divided into:

• Long-range (strategic) aviation,
• Operational-tactical (front-line) aviation,
• military transport aviation,
• Army aviation.

In addition, the Air Force includes such types of troops as anti-aircraft missile troops, radio engineering troops, special troops, as well as rear units and institutions (all of them will not be considered in this material).

In turn, aviation by birth is divided into:

• bomber aircraft,
• assault aircraft,
• fighter aircraft,
• reconnaissance aircraft,
• transport aviation,
• special aviation.

Further, all types of aircraft in the Air Force of the Russian Federation, as well as promising machines, are considered. The first part of the article covers long-range (strategic) and operational-tactical (front-line) aviation, the second part - military transport, reconnaissance, special and army aviation.

Long-range (strategic) aviation

Long-range aviation is the means of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Russia and is designed to solve strategic, operational-strategic and operational tasks in theaters of military operations (strategic directions). Long-range aviation is also a component of the triad of strategic nuclear forces.

The main tasks performed in peacetime are deterrence (including nuclear) of potential adversaries; in the event of a war - maximum reduction military and economic potential of the enemy by destroying his important military facilities and violating state and military control.

Main promising areas development of long-range aviation are to maintain and build up operational capabilities to fulfill the assigned tasks as part of strategic forces containment and strength general purpose through the modernization of aircraft with the extension of their service life, the purchase of new machines (Tu-160 M), as well as the creation of a promising long-range aviation complex PAK-DA.

The main weapons of long-range aircraft are guided missiles, both in nuclear and conventional equipment:

• Kh-55SM long-range strategic cruise missiles;
• aeroballistic hypersonic missiles X-15 C;
• operational-tactical cruise missiles X-22.

As well as free-falling bombs of various calibers, including those in nuclear weapons, one-time bomb clusters, and sea mines.

In the future, it is planned to introduce high-precision cruise missiles of the new generation X-555 and X-101 with a significantly increased range and accuracy into the armament of long-range aviation aircraft.

The basis of the modern fleet of long-range aviation of the Russian Air Force is bombers-missile carriers:

• strategic missile carriers Tu-160-16 units. Until 2020, it is possible to supply about 50 modernized Tu-160 M2 machines.
• Tu-95MS strategic missile carriers - 38 units, and about 60 more are in storage. Since 2013, these aircraft have been upgraded to the level of Tu-95 MSM in order to extend their service life.
• Tu-22M3 long-range missile bombers - about 40 units, and another 109 in reserve. Since 2012, 30 aircraft have been upgraded to the level of Tu-22 M3 M.

The long-range aviation also includes Il-78 tanker aircraft and Tu-22MR reconnaissance aircraft.

Tu‑160

Work on a new multi-mode strategic intercontinental bomber began in the USSR in 1967. Having tried a variety of layout options, the designers eventually came up with the design of an integral low-wing with variable sweep wing with four engines installed in pairs in engine nacelles under the fuselage.

In 1984, the Tu-160 was put into mass production at the Kazan Aviation Plant. At the time of the collapse of the USSR, 35 aircraft were produced (of which 8 prototypes), by 1994, KAPO transferred six more Tu-160 bombers to the Russian Air Force, which were stationed near Engels in the Saratov region. In 2009, 3 new aircraft were built and put into service, by 2015 their number is 16 units.

In 2002, the Ministry of Defense entered into an agreement with KAPO for the modernization of the Tu-160 in order to gradually repair and modernize all bombers of this type in service. According to the latest data, by 2020, 10 Tu-160M ​​modification aircraft will be put into service with the Russian Air Force. conventional bomb weapons. In view of the need to replenish the fleet of long-range aviation in April 2015, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu instructed to consider the issue of resuming the production of the Tu-160 M. In May of the same year, Supreme Commander V. V. Putin officially instructed to resume the production of improved Tu-160 M2.

Main characteristics of Tu-160
	4 people
Wingspan
Wing area
Empty weight
Normal takeoff weight
Maximum takeoff weight
Engines	4 × turbofan NK-32
Thrust maximum	4 × 18,000 kgf
Afterburner thrust	4 × 25,000 kgf
	2230 km/h (M=1.87)
Cruising speed	917 km/h (M=0.77)
Maximum range without refueling
Range with combat load
Combat radius
Flight duration
practical ceiling	about 22000 m
rate of climb
Take-off / run length
Armament:
Strategic cruise missiles X‑55 SM/X‑101
Tactical aeroballistic missiles Kh-15 S
free falling aviation bombs caliber up to 4000 kg, bomb clusters, mines.

Tu‑95MS

The creation of the aircraft was started by the design bureau headed by Andrey Tupolev in the distant 1950s. At the end of 1951, the developed project was approved, and then the layout built by that time was approved and approved. The construction of the first two aircraft began at the Moscow Aviation Plant No. 156, and already in the fall of 1952, the prototype made its first flight.

In 1956, the aircraft, which received the official designation Tu-95, began to arrive in the long-range aviation unit. Subsequently, various modifications were developed, including carriers of anti-ship missiles.

In the late 1970s, a completely new modification of the bomber was created, which received the designation Tu-95 MS. The new aircraft in 1981 was put into serial production at the Kuibyshev Aviation Plant, which continued until 1992 (about 100 aircraft were produced).

Now the 37th Air Army of Aviation has been formed as part of the Air Force of the Russian Federation strategic purpose, consisting of two divisions, which includes two regiments on the Tu-95 MS-16 (Amur and Saratov regions) - a total of 38 vehicles. About 60 more units are in storage.

Due to the obsolescence of equipment, since 2013, the modernization of aircraft in service to the level of Tu-95 MSM began, the service life of which will last until 2025. They will be equipped with new electronics, a sighting and navigation system, a satellite navigation system, and it will be possible to carry new Kh-101 strategic cruise missiles.

Main characteristics of Tu-95MS
	7 people
Wingspan:
Wing area
Empty weight
Normal takeoff weight
Maximum takeoff weight
Engines	4 × TVD NK-12 MP
Power	4 × 15,000 l. With.
Maximum speed at altitude
Cruising speed	about 700 km/h
Maximum range
Practical range
Combat radius
practical ceiling	about 11000 m
Take-off / run length
Armament:
built-in Strategic cruise missiles X‑55 SM/X‑101–6 or 16 Free-falling bombs of caliber up to 9000 kg, bomb clusters, mines.

Tu‑22M3

The Tu-22 M3 long-range supersonic bomber with variable wing geometry is designed to conduct combat operations in the operational zones of land and sea theaters of war day and night in simple and adverse weather conditions. It is capable of delivering Kh-22 cruise missile strikes against naval targets, Kh-15 supersonic aeroballistic missiles against land targets, as well as precision bombing. Named "Backfire" in the west.

In total, 268 Tu-22 M3 bombers were built at the Kazan Aviation Production Association until 1993.

Currently, about 40 Tu-22M3 units are in service, and another 109 are in reserve. By 2020, it is planned to upgrade about 30 vehicles at KAPO to the level of Tu-22 M3 M (the modification was put into service in 2014). They will install new electronics, expand the range of weapons through the introduction of the latest precision-guided munitions, and extend their service life to 40 years.

Main characteristics of Tu‑22M3
	4 people
Wingspan: At the minimum sweep angle At maximum sweep angle
Wing area
Empty weight
Normal takeoff weight
Maximum takeoff weight
Engines	2 × TRDDF NK-25
Thrust maximum	2 × 14 500 kgf
Afterburner thrust	2 × 25,000 kgf
Maximum speed at altitude
Cruising speed
Range of flight
Combat radius with a load of 12 t	1500…2400 km
practical ceiling
Take-off / run length
Armament:
built-in 23 mm defensive installation with guns GSh-23
X-22 anti-ship cruise missiles
Tactical aeroballistic missiles Kh-15 S.

Promising developments

PAK YES

In 2008, R&D funding was opened in Russia to create a promising long-range aviation complex PAK DA. The program provides for the development of a fifth-generation long-range bomber to replace aircraft in service with the Russian Air Force. The fact that the Russian Air Force formulated the tactical and technical requirements for the PAK DA program and preparations for the participation of design bureaus in the development competition was announced back in 2007. According to I. Shevchuk, Director General of JSC Tupolev, the contract under the PAK DA program was won by Tupolev Design Bureau. In 2011, it was reported that a preliminary design of the avionics integration complex of a promising complex had been developed, and the long-range aviation command of the Russian Air Force issued a tactical and technical assignment for the creation of a promising bomber. It was announced plans to build 100 vehicles, which they expect to be put into service before 2027.

Most likely, promising hypersonic missiles, long-range cruise missiles of the X-101 type, high-precision missiles will be used as weapons. short range and adjustable aerial bombs, as well as free-fall bombs. It was stated that some of the missiles had already been developed by the Tactical Missiles Corporation. It is possible that the aircraft will also be used as an air carrier for an operational-strategic reconnaissance and strike complex. It is possible that for self-defense, in addition to the electronic warfare complex, the bomber will be armed with air-to-air missiles.

Operational-tactical (front-line) aviation

Operational-tactical (front-line) aviation is designed to solve operational, operational-tactical and tactical tasks in operations (combat actions) of groupings of troops (forces) in theaters of military operations (strategic directions).

Bomber aviation, which is part of front-line aviation, is the main strike weapon of the Air Force, mainly in operational and operational-tactical depths.

Assault aviation is intended primarily for aviation support of troops, destruction of manpower and objects mainly on the front line, in the tactical and immediate operational depth of the enemy. In addition, it can also fight enemy aircraft in the air.

The main promising areas for the development of bombers and attack aircraft of tactical aviation are maintaining and building up capabilities in the framework of solving operational, operational-tactical and tactical tasks during combat operations in the theater by supplying new ones (Su-34) and upgrading existing ones (Su-25SM ) aircraft.

Bombers and ground attack aircraft are armed with air-to-surface and air-to-air missiles, unguided missiles different types, aviation bombs, including corrected ones, cluster bombs, aircraft guns.

Fighter aviation is represented by multi-role and front-line fighters, as well as fighter-interceptors. Its purpose is to destroy enemy aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles in the air, as well as ground and sea targets.

The task of fighter aviation air defense, is a cover major areas and individual objects from an enemy air attack by destroying his aircraft on maximum ranges using interceptors. Air defense aviation is also armed with combat helicopters, special and transport aircraft and helicopters.

The main promising areas for the development of fighter aviation are maintaining and increasing the capabilities to fulfill the tasks set through the modernization of existing aircraft, the purchase of new aircraft (Su-30, Su-35), as well as the creation of a promising PAK-FA aviation complex, which has been tested since 2010 of the year and, possibly, a promising long-range interceptor.

The main armament of fighter aircraft is air-to-air and air-to-surface guided missiles of various ranges, as well as free-fall and corrected bombs, unguided rockets, cluster bombs, and aircraft guns. Advanced missile weapons are being developed.

The modern aircraft fleet of attack and front-line bomber aviation includes the following types of aircraft:

• attack aircraft Su-25-200 units, including Su-25UB, about 100 more are in storage. Despite the fact that these aircraft were put into service in the USSR, their combat potential, taking into account modernization, remains quite high. By 2020, it is planned to upgrade about 80 attack aircraft to the level of the Su-25SM.
• front-line bombers Su-24M - 21 units. These Soviet-made aircraft are already outdated and are being actively put out of action. In 2020, it is planned to dispose of all the Su-24M in service.
• fighter-bombers Su-34-69 units. The latest multi-purpose aircraft that replace obsolete Su-24M bombers in the units. The total number of ordered Su-34s is 124 units, which will enter service in the near future.

Su-25

Su-25 is an armored subsonic attack aircraft designed for close support of ground forces over the battlefield. It is capable of destroying point and area targets on the ground day and night under any weather conditions. We can say that this is the best aircraft of its class in the world, tested in real combat operations. In the army, the Su-25 received the unofficial nickname "Rook", in the west - the designation "Frogfoot".

Serial production was carried out at aircraft factories in Tbilisi and Ulan-Ude (1320 aircraft of all modifications were produced for the entire time, including for export).

The vehicles were produced in various modifications, including the combat training Su-25UB and the carrier-based Su-25UTD for the Navy. Currently, the Russian Air Force has about 200 Su-25 aircraft of various modifications, which are in service with 6 combat and several training aviation regiments. About 100 more old cars are in storage.

In 2009, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced the resumption of purchases of Su-25 attack aircraft for the Air Force. At the same time, a program was adopted to upgrade 80 vehicles to the level of the Su-25SM. The latest electronics are installed on them, including the sighting system, multifunctional indicators, new electronic warfare equipment, and the Spear outboard radar. The new Su-25UBM aircraft, which will have equipment similar to the Su-25 SM, has been adopted as a combat training aircraft.

The main characteristics of the Su-25
	1 person
Wingspan
Wing area
Empty weight
Normal takeoff weight
Maximum takeoff weight
Engines	2 × TRD R-95Sh
Thrust maximum	2 × 4100 kgf
Max speed
Cruising speed
Practical range with combat load
ferry range
practical ceiling
rate of climb
Take-off / run length
Armament:
built-in 30 mm double-barreled gun GSh‑30–2 (250 rounds) On external suspension Air-to-surface guided missiles - Kh‑25 ML, Kh‑25 MLP, S‑25 L, Kh‑29 L Air bombs, cassettes - FAB‑500, RBC‑500, FAB‑250, RBC‑250, FAB‑100, KMGU‑2 containers Shooting-cannon containers - SPPU-22-1 (23-mm cannon GSh-23)

Su-24M

The Su-24M variable-sweep wing front-line bomber is designed to deliver missile and bomb strikes in the operational and operational-tactical depths of the enemy day and night in simple and adverse weather conditions, including at low altitudes, with targeted destruction of ground and surface targets with guided and unguided munitions. In the west received the designation "Fencer"

Serial production was carried out at NAPO named after Chkalov in Novosibirsk (with the participation of KNAAPO) until 1993, about 1200 machines of various modifications were built, including for export.

At the turn of the century due to obsolescence aviation technology in Russia, a program was launched to modernize front-line bombers to the level of the Su-24 M2. In 2007, the first two Su-24 M2s were transferred to the Lipetsk Combat Operations Center. The delivery of other vehicles to the Russian Air Force was completed in 2009.

Currently, the Russian Air Force has 21 Su-24M aircraft of several modifications, but as the newest Su-34s and Su-24s enter service, they are removed from service and disposed of (by 2015, 103 aircraft were disposed of). By 2020, they should be completely withdrawn from the Air Force.

The main characteristics of the Su-24M
	2 persons
Wingspan At maximum sweep angle At the minimum sweep angle
Wing area
Empty weight
Normal takeoff weight
Maximum takeoff weight
Engines	2 × turbofan AL-21 F-3
Thrust maximum	2 × 7800 kgf
Afterburner thrust	2 × 11200 kgf
Maximum speed at altitude	1700 km/h (M=1.35)
Maximum speed at 200 m
ferry range
Combat radius
practical ceiling	about 11500 m
Take-off / run length
Armament:
built-in 23 mm 6-barrel gun GSh‑6–23 (500 rounds) On external suspension: Guided air-to-air missiles - R-60 Air-to-surface guided missiles - Kh‑25 ML/MR, Kh‑23, Kh‑29 L/T, Kh‑59, S‑25 L, Kh‑58 Unguided rockets - 57 mm S-5, 80 mm S-8, 122 mm S-13, 240 mm S-24, 266 mm S-25 Air bombs, cassettes - FAB‑1500, KAB‑1500 L/TK, KAB‑500 L/KR, ZB‑500, FAB‑500, RBC‑500, FAB‑250, RBC‑250, OFAB‑100, KMGU‑2 containers Shooting-cannon containers - SPPU-6 (23-mm cannon GSh-6-23)

Su-34

The Su-34 multifunctional fighter-bomber is the latest aircraft of this class in the Russian Air Force and belongs to the 4+ generation of aircraft. At the same time, it is positioned as a front-line bomber, as it should replace obsolete Su-24M aircraft in the troops. It is intended for delivering high-precision missile and bomb strikes, including using nuclear weapons, on ground (surface) targets at any time of the day in any weather conditions. In the west it has the designation "Fullback".

By the middle of 2015, 69 Su-34 aircraft (including 8 prototypes) out of 124 ordered were delivered to combat units.

In the future, the Russian Air Force plans to supply approximately 150-200 new aircraft and by 2020 completely replace the obsolete Su-24s with them. Thus, now the Su-34 is the main strike aircraft of our Air Force, capable of using the entire range of high-precision air-to-surface weapons.

The main characteristics of the Su-34
	2 persons
Wingspan
Wing area
Empty weight
Normal takeoff weight
Maximum takeoff weight
Engines	2 × TRDDF AL-31 F-M1
Thrust maximum	2 × 8250 kgf
Afterburner thrust	2 × 13500 kgf
Maximum speed at altitude	1900 km/h (M=1.8)
Maximum ground speed
ferry range
Combat radius
practical ceiling
Armament:
Built-in - 30 mm gun GSh‑30–1 On the external sling - all types of modern air-to-air and air-to-surface guided missiles, unguided rockets, aerial bombs, bomb clusters

The modern aircraft fleet of fighter aviation consists of the following types of aircraft:

• MiG-29 front-line fighters of various modifications - 184 units. In addition to modifications of the MiG-29 S, MiG-29 M and MiG-29UB, the latest versions of the MiG-29 SMT and MiG-29UBT were put into service (28 and 6 units as of 2013). At the same time, there are no plans to upgrade old-built aircraft. On the basis of the MiG-29, a promising multi-role fighter MiG-35 was created, but the signing of a contract for its production was postponed in favor of the MiG-29 SMT.
• Su-27 front-line fighters of various modifications - 360 units, including 52 Su-27UB. Since 2010, there has been a re-equipment with new modifications of the Su-27SM and Su-27SM3, of which 82 units have been delivered.
• Su-35 S front-line fighters - 34 units. According to the contract, by 2015 it is planned to complete the delivery of a series of 48 aircraft of this type.
• Su-30 multirole fighters of various modifications - 51 units, including 16 Su-30 M2 and 32 Su-30 SM. At the same time, the delivery of the second series of Su-30SM is currently underway, until 2016 30 units should be delivered.
• fighter-interceptors MiG-31 of several modifications - 252 units. It is known that since 2014 the MiG-31BS aircraft have been upgraded to the MiG-31 BSM level, another 60 MiG-31 B aircraft are planned to be upgraded to the MiG-31 BM level by 2020.

MiG‑29

The fourth-generation light front-line fighter MiG-29 was developed back in the USSR and has been mass-produced since 1983. In fact, it was one of the best fighters of its class in the world and, having a very successful design, was repeatedly modernized and, in the form of the latest modifications in the Russian Air Force, entered the 21st century as a multi-purpose one. It was originally intended to gain air superiority at tactical depth. Known in the west as "Fulcrum".

By the time of the collapse of the USSR, factories in Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod had produced about 1,400 vehicles of various options. buy MiG‑29 at different options is in service with the armies of more than two dozen countries near and far abroad, where he managed to take part in local wars and armed conflicts.

Now the Russian Air Force is armed with 184 MiG-29 fighters of the following modifications:

• MiG-29 S - had an increased combat load compared to the MiG-29, was equipped with new weapons;
• MiG-29M - a multi-role fighter of the "4+" generation, had an increased range and combat load, was equipped with new weapons;
• MiG-29UB - two-seat combat training version without radar;
• MiG-29 SMT is the latest upgraded version with the ability to use high-precision air-to-surface weapons, increased flight range, the latest electronics (first flight in 1997, put into service in 2004, 28 units were delivered by 2013), weapons are placed on six underwing and one ventral external suspension units, there is a built-in 30 mm gun;
• MiG-29UBT - combat training version of the MiG-29 SMT (supplied 6 units).

For the most part, all MiG-29 aircraft of the old production were physically obsolete and it was decided not to repair or modernize them, but to purchase new equipment instead - MiG-29 SMT (in 2014 a contract was signed for the supply of 16 aircraft) and MiG-29UBT, and also promising MiG-35 fighters.

The main characteristics of the MiG‑29 SMT
	1 person
Wingspan
Wing area
Empty weight
Normal takeoff weight
Maximum takeoff weight
Engines	2 × turbofan RD-33
Thrust maximum	2 × 5040 kgf
Afterburner thrust	2 × 8300 kgf
Maximum ground speed
Cruising speed
Practical range
Practical range with PTB	2800…3500 km
practical ceiling
Armament:
On external suspension: Air-to-surface guided missiles - Kh‑29 L/T, Kh‑31 A/P, Kh‑35 Containers KMGU‑2

MiG‑35

The new Russian multirole fighter of the 4++ generation MiG-35 is a deep modernization of the MiG-29M series aircraft developed by the MiG Design Bureau. By design, it is maximally unified with early production aircraft, but at the same time it has an increased combat load and flight range, reduced radar visibility, is equipped with a radar with an active phased antenna array, the latest electronics, an onboard electronic warfare complex, has an open architecture of avionics, the possibility of refueling in the air. The two-seat modification is designated MiG‑35 D.

The MiG-35 is designed to gain air supremacy and intercept enemy air attack means, strike precision weapons on ground (surface) targets without entering the air defense zone day and night in any weather conditions, as well as conducting aerial reconnaissance using airborne means.

The issue of equipping the Russian Air Force with MiG-35 aircraft remains open until the contract with the Ministry of Defense is signed.

The main characteristics of the MiG‑35
	1 - 2 persons
Wingspan
Wing area
Empty weight
Normal takeoff weight
Maximum takeoff weight
Engines	2 × TRDDF RD‑33 MK/MKV
Thrust maximum	2 × 5400 kgf
Afterburner thrust	2 × 9000 kgf
Maximum speed at high altitude	2400 km/h (M=2.25)
Maximum ground speed
Cruising speed
Practical range
Practical range with PTB
Combat radius
Flight duration
practical ceiling
rate of climb
Armament:
Built-in - 30 mm gun GSh‑30–1 (150 rounds) On external suspension: Air-to-air guided missiles - R-73, R-27 R/T, R-27ET/ER, R-77 Air-to-surface guided missiles - Kh‑25 ML/MR, Kh‑29 L/T, Kh‑31 A/P, Kh‑35 Unguided rockets - 80 mm S-8, 122 mm S-13, 240 mm S-24 Air bombs, cassettes - FAB‑500, KAB‑500 L / KR, ZB‑500, FAB‑250, RBC‑250, OFAB‑100

Su-27

The Su-27 front-line fighter is a fourth-generation aircraft developed in the USSR at the Sukhoi Design Bureau in the early 1980s. It was intended to gain air superiority and was at one time one of the best fighters in its class. The latest modifications of the Su-27 continue to be in service with the Russian Air Force, in addition, as a result of the deep modernization of the Su-27, new types of 4+ generation fighters have been developed. Along with the light front-line fighter of the fourth generation, the MiG-29 was one of the best aircraft in its class in the world. According to Western classification, it has the name "Flanker".

At present, the Air Force combat units include 226 Su-27 and 52 Su-27UB fighters of the old production. Since 2010, the rearmament to the upgraded version of the Su-27SM began (first flight in 2002). Now 70 such machines have been delivered to the troops. In addition, fighters of the Su-27SM3 modification (12 units were produced) are supplied, which differ from the previous version in the AL-31 F-M1 engines (afterburner thrust 13,500 kgf), a reinforced airframe structure and additional weapon suspension points.

The main characteristics of the Su-27 SM
	1 person
Wingspan
Wing area
Empty weight
Normal takeoff weight
Maximum takeoff weight
Engines	2 × turbofan AL‑31F
Thrust maximum	2 × 7600 kgf
Afterburner thrust	2 × 12500 kgf
Maximum speed at high altitude	2500 km/h (M=2.35)
Maximum ground speed
Practical range
practical ceiling
rate of climb	over 330 m/s
Take-off / run length
Armament:
Built-in - 30 mm gun GSh‑30–1 (150 rounds) Air-to-surface guided missiles - Kh‑29 L/T, Kh‑31 A/P, Kh‑59 Air bombs, cassettes - FAB‑500, KAB‑500 L / KR, ZB‑500, FAB‑250, RBC‑250, OFAB‑100

Su-30

The heavy two-seat multi-role fighter Su-30 of the 4+ generation was created at the Sukhoi Design Bureau on the basis of the Su-27UB combat training aircraft through a deep modernization. The main purpose is to control group combat operations of fighters in solving the tasks of gaining air supremacy, to ensure combat operations of other branches of aviation, cover ground troops and objects, the destruction of landings in the air, as well as the conduct of aerial reconnaissance and the destruction of ground (surface) targets. Features of the Su-30 steel long range and the duration of flights and the effective management of a group of fighters. The aircraft's western designation is "Flanker-C".

The Russian Air Force currently has 3 Su-30s, 16 Su-30 M2s (all manufactured by KNAAPO) and 32 Su-30 SMs (manufactured by the Irkut plant). The last two modifications are supplied in accordance with contracts dated 2012, when two batches of 30 Su-30SM units (until 2016) and 16 Su-30M2 units were ordered.

The main characteristics of the Su-30 SM
	2 persons
Wingspan
Wing area
Empty weight
Normal takeoff weight
Maximum takeoff weight
Maximum takeoff weight
Engines	2 × turbofan AL‑31FP
Thrust maximum	2 × 7700 kgf
Afterburner thrust	2 × 12500 kgf
Maximum speed at high altitude	2125 km/h (M=2)
Maximum ground speed
Flight range without refueling near the ground
Flight range without refueling at altitude
Combat radius
Flight duration without refueling
practical ceiling
rate of climb
Take-off / run length
Armament:
Built-in - 30 mm gun GSh‑30–1 (150 rounds) On an external sling: Guided air-to-air missiles - R-73, R-27 R/T, R-27ET/ER, R-77 Air-to-surface guided missiles - Kh‑29 L/T, Kh‑31 A/P, Kh‑59 M Unguided rockets - 80 mm S-8, 122 mm S-13 Air bombs, cassettes - FAB‑500, KAB‑500 L / KR, FAB‑250, RBC‑250, KMGU

Su-35

The Su-35 multipurpose super-maneuverable fighter belongs to the 4++ generation and is equipped with thrust vector control engines. Developed at the Sukhoi Design Bureau, this aircraft is close in its characteristics to fifth-generation fighters. The Su-35 is designed to gain air supremacy and intercept enemy air attack weapons, strike ground (surface) targets with precision weapons without entering the air defense zone day and night in any weather.

conditions, as well as conducting aerial reconnaissance using airborne means. In the west, it has the designation "Flanker-E +".

In 2009, a contract was signed to supply the Russian Air Force with 48 of the latest production Su-35C fighters in the period 2012-2015, of which 34 units are already in service. It is planned to conclude another contract for the supply of these aircraft in 2015-2020.

The main characteristics of the Su-35
	1 person
Wingspan
Wing area
Empty weight
Normal takeoff weight
Maximum takeoff weight
Engines	2 × TRDDF with OVT AL‑41F1S
Thrust maximum	2 × 8800 kgf
Afterburner thrust	2 × 14500 kgf
Maximum speed at high altitude	2500 km/h (M=2.25)
Maximum ground speed
ground flight range
Flight range at altitude	3600…4500 km
practical ceiling
rate of climb
Take-off / run length
Armament:
Built-in - 30 mm gun GSh‑30–1 (150 rounds) On external suspension: Air-to-air guided missiles - R-73, R-27 R/T, R-27ET/ER, R-77 Air-to-surface guided missiles - Kh‑29 T/L, Kh‑31 A/P, Kh‑59 M, advanced long-range missiles Unguided rockets - 80 mm S-8, 122 mm S-13, 266 mm S-25 Air bombs, cassettes - KAB‑500 L/KR, FAB‑500, FAB‑250, RBC‑250, KMGU

MiG‑31

The MiG-31 long-range supersonic all-weather fighter-interceptor was developed in the USSR at the Mikoyan Design Bureau in the 1970s. At that time it was the first aircraft of the fourth generation. It was designed to intercept and destroy air targets at all altitudes - from the lowest to the highest, day and night, in any weather conditions, in a difficult jamming environment. In fact, the main task of the MiG-31 was to intercept cruise missiles in the entire range of altitudes and speeds, as well as low-flying satellites. The fastest combat aircraft. The modern MiG-31 BM has an airborne radar with unique characteristics not yet available to other foreign aircraft. According to Western classification, it has the designation "Foxhound".

The MiG-31 fighter-interceptors (252 units) now in service with the Russian Air Force have several modifications:

• MiG‑31 B - serial modification with aerial refueling system (adopted in 1990)
• MiG-31 BS is a variant of the basic MiG-31, upgraded to the level of the MiG-31 B, but without aerial refueling.
• The MiG-31 BM is a modernized version with the Zaslon-M radar (developed in 1998), which has a range increased to 320 km, equipped with the latest electronic systems, including satellite navigation, capable of using air-to-surface guided missiles. Until 2020, it is planned to upgrade 60 MiG-31Bs to the level of the MiG-31BM. The second stage of state testing of the aircraft was completed in 2012.
• MiG‑31 BSM is an upgraded version of the MiG‑31 BS with the Zaslon-M radar and related electronics. Modernization of combat aircraft has been underway since 2014.

Thus, the Russian Air Force will have 60 MiG-31 BM and 30-40 MiG-31 BSM aircraft in service, and approximately 150 older aircraft will be decommissioned. It is possible that in the future there will be a new interceptor, known under the code name MiG-41.

The main characteristics of the MiG‑31 BM
	2 persons
Wingspan
Wing area
Empty weight
Maximum takeoff weight
Engines	2 × turbofan D-30 F6
Thrust maximum	2 × 9500 kgf
Afterburner thrust	2 × 15500 kgf
Maximum speed at high altitude	3000 km/h (M=2.82)
Maximum ground speed
Cruise speed subsonic
Cruise speed supersonic
Practical range	1450…3000 km
Range at high altitude with one refueling
Combat radius
practical ceiling
rate of climb
Take-off / run length
Armament:
Built-in: 23 mm 6-barrel gun GSh‑23–6 (260 rounds) On external suspension: Air-to-air guided missiles - R-60 M, R-73, R-77, R-40, R-33 C, R-37 Air-to-surface guided missiles - Kh‑25 MPU, Kh‑29 T/L, Kh‑31 A/P, Kh‑59 M Air bombs, cassettes - KAB‑500 L/KR, FAB‑500, FAB‑250, RBC‑250

Promising developments

PAK-FA

A promising front-line aviation complex - PAK FA - includes a fifth-generation multi-role fighter developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau under the designation T-50. In terms of the totality of characteristics, it will have to surpass all foreign analogues and in the near future, after being put into service, it will become the main aircraft of the Russian Air Force front-line fighter aviation.

PAK FA is designed to gain air supremacy and intercept enemy air attack weapons in all altitude ranges, as well as strike ground (surface) targets with high-precision weapons without entering the air defense zone day and night in any weather conditions, can be used for air reconnaissance using onboard equipment. The aircraft fully meets all the requirements for fifth-generation fighters: stealth, supersonic cruising speed, high maneuverability with high g-forces, advanced electronics, multifunctionality.

According to plans, serial production of the T-50 aircraft for the Russian Air Force should begin in 2016, and by 2020 the first aviation units equipped with it will appear in Russia. It is also known that production for export is also possible. In particular, an export modification is being created jointly with India, which received the designation FGFA (Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft).

Main characteristics (estimated) PAK-FA
	1 person
Wingspan
Wing area
Empty weight
Normal takeoff weight
Maximum takeoff weight
Engines	2 × TRDDF with UVT AL‑41F1
Thrust maximum	2 × 8800 kgf
Afterburner thrust	2 × 15000 kgf
Maximum speed at high altitude
Cruising speed
Practical range at subsonic speed	2700…4300 km
Practical range with PTB
Practical range at supersonic speed	1200…2000 km
Flight duration
practical ceiling
rate of climb
Armament:
Built-in - 30 mm gun 9 A1-4071 K (260 cartridges) On the internal suspension - all types of modern and promising air-to-air and air-to-surface guided missiles, aerial bombs, bomb clusters

PAK-DP (MiG‑41)

Some sources report that at present, the MiG Design Bureau, together with the Design Bureau of the Sokol aircraft plant (Nizhny Novgorod), are developing a long-range high-speed interceptor fighter with the code name "promising long-range interception aviation complex" - PAK DP, also known as the MiG-41. It was stated that the development was started in 2013 on the basis of the MiG-31 fighter by order of the Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces. Perhaps, this refers to the deep modernization of the MiG-31, the study of which was carried out earlier, but was not implemented. It was also reported that a promising interceptor is planned to be developed as part of the arms program until 2020 and put into service until 2028.

In 2014, the media reported that the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Air Force, V. Bondarev, said that now only research work is underway, and in 2017 it is planned to begin development work to create a promising long-range aircraft interception complex.

(continued in the next issue)

Summary table of the quantitative composition of aircraft
Air Force of the Russian Federation (2014–2015)*

aircraft type	Quantity in service	Scheduled build	Scheduled modernize
Bomber aviation as part of long-range aviation
Strategic missile carriers Tu-160
Strategic missile carriers Tu-95MS
Long Tu-22M3 bomber bombers
Bomber and assault aviation as part of front-line aviation
Attack aircraft Su-25
Su-24M front-line bombers
Su-34 fighter-bombers		124 (total)
Fighter aviation as part of front-line aviation
Front-line fighters MiG-29, MiG-29SMT
Front-line fighters Su-27, Su-27SM
Front-line fighters Su-35S
Multipurpose fighters Su-30, Su-30SM
Fighter-interceptors MiG-31, MiG-31BSM
Prospective aviation complex of front-line aviation - PAK FA
Military transport aviation
An-22 transport aircraft
An-124 and An-124-100 transport aircraft
Transport aircraft Il-76M, Il-76MDM, Il-76MD-90A
An-12 transport aircraft
An-72 transport aircraft
Transport aircraft An-26, An-24
Transport and passenger aircraft Il-18, Tu-134, Il-62, Tu-154, An-148, An-140
Promising military transport aircraft Il-112V
Promising military transport aircraft Il-214
Army aviation helicopters
Multipurpose helicopters Mi-8M, Mi-8AMTSh, Mi-8AMT, Mi-8MTV
Transport and combat helicopters Mi-24V, Mi-24P, Mi-35
Mi-28N attack helicopters
Attack helicopters Ka-50
Attack helicopters Ka-52		146 (total)
Transport helicopters Mi-26, Mi-26M
Promising multi-purpose helicopter Mi-38
Reconnaissance and special aviation
Aircraft AWACS A-50, A-50U
RER and EW aircraft Il-20M
An-30 reconnaissance aircraft
Tu-214R reconnaissance aircraft
Tu-214ON reconnaissance aircraft
Il-80 air command posts
Tanker aircraft Il-78, Il-78M
Promising aircraft AWACS A-100
Prospective aircraft RER and EW A-90
Tanker aircraft Il-96-400TZ
Unmanned aerial vehicles (transferred to the Ground Forces)
"Pchela-1T"
The Russian Air Force has long been a formidable force that ensures the inviolability of Russian borders in the airspace, on land and even at sea. After all, thanks to the powerful technical potential of the Russian Federation, the air forces of our country are equipped with equipment that allows them to perform any task of preventing, repelling an attack and delivering a retaliatory strike. Russian Air Force The Air Force of any state is an indicator of the economic and scientific potential of the state. To date, the Russian Air Force in terms of technical equipment is one of the best in the world, if not the best. This type of armed forces is the youngest, as it was created only at the beginning of the 20th century. But not one land and sea operation can do without the participation of military aviation. After all, conducting reconnaissance, striking at tactical and strategic depth, transferring manpower and equipment to the most as soon as possible can only be performed by the "wings of the army". Story In 1910, by order of Emperor Nicholas II Russian empire bought several aircraft from France to create its own Air Force. After that, the training of officers who could fly the aircraft immediately started in Sevastopol. By the beginning of the First World War, Russia had an air fleet of 263 aircraft, which was the first indicator among all countries participating in the global slaughter. Aircraft were used exclusively to correct artillery fire. But soon air battles began in the blue heights, and the sky began to bring death in the form of bombs, which generously began to fall on the heads of soldiers in the trenches. Of the Russian pilots, the most famous is Pyotr Nesterov, who was the first to perform the famous "dead loop" in 1913 and the first to make an aerial ram in 1914. In 1917, the Imperial Air Fleet ceased to exist as a result of the Great October Revolution. Many pilots, who had invaluable experience in air combat, died or immigrated. In 1918, the Workers 'and Peasants' Red Air Fleet was created in the young socialist state. The country's industry developed, the scientific and technical potential grew. Therefore, it is not surprising that by 1917 the country, which had only 700 aircraft in the armed forces, which made it extremely vulnerable from the air, already in the 1930s was able to become one of the leaders in the aircraft industry and create a powerful military aviation. The design bureaus of Tupolev and Polikarpov were able to organize the mass production of TB-1, TB-3 bombers and I-15, I-16 fighters. In the USSR, the training of pilots began to be treated more competently, creating flying clubs throughout the country, flight schools, whose graduates joined the ranks of the armed forces, Osoaviakhim, the Civil Air Fleet, or were sent to the reserve. Our pilots got their first combat experience in Spain, where from 1936 to 1939 they performed their international duty. During the Spanish Civil War, our pilots on domestic aircraft successfully acted against the German aces who flew the latest Messerschmitts. Later, success in the sky during the war with Finland, whose air force was much weaker, turned the head of the Soviet command. But as the first years of the armed confrontation with Nazi Germany showed, the USSR was significantly inferior in technical equipment, as well as in the training of pilots. But every day the experience of our pilots grew, and courage and heroism have always distinguished our pilots. Ultimately, this made it possible to gain an advantage over the enemy in the air. After World War II, relations with former allies on the anti-Hitler coalition began to heat up rapidly. The USA and its allies began to develop plans directed against the country of the Soviets. The response was to build up the military potential of the USSR, including the modernization of the Air Force. During the modernization, a lot of money from the country's budget went to the development modern aircraft, which were supposed to create an advantage in the air over enemy aircraft, as well as to ensure the fulfillment of the tasks of delivering an adequate strike on important economic and military targets of the enemy, his groupings of troops. It is also worth noting that no less attention was paid to the training of flight personnel, air combat tactics were constantly improved, and the possibility of conducting maneuvers was studied using all the capabilities of modern aircraft. After the USSR ceased to exist, 40% of the entire fleet of equipment went to the Russian Federation. 65% of the personnel remained to serve in parts of the Russian Air Force. From the early 1990s to the early 2000s, the “wings of the army” were in a deplorable state, when, due to poor funding, there was practically no renewal of the park, and flight hours were extremely scarce. After the change of leadership of the country, positive changes began. And in 2008, a large-scale reorganization of the air force began, which includes a change in the structure of this type of troops, and the reconstruction and replacement of old equipment. The Air Force is rightfully considered the most mobile and operational branch of the forces of our army. The Air Force includes aviation, anti-aircraft missile and radar troops, and special troops. Tasks of the Russian Air Force The tasks of the Air Force include: Detection of the beginning of an attack at a distant stage by air patrols and radar reconnaissance. Notification of the beginning of the attack of all headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, all types and types of troops in all military districts of Russia, including civil defense headquarters. Reflection of an attack in the air, establishment full control behind the airspace. Protection of military and civilian installations from attack from the air and from space, as well as from aerial reconnaissance. Air support for land and Naval Forces RF. The defeat of military, rear and other objects of the enemy. The defeat of air, land, land and sea groups and formations of the enemy, his air and sea landings. Transportation of personnel, weapons and military equipment, landing. Conducting all types of aerial reconnaissance, radar reconnaissance, electronic warfare. Control of land, sea and air space in the border zone. Structure of the Air Force of the Russian Federation The structure of the Russian Air Force has a complex multi-level system. According to the branches and forces of the Air Force troops are divided into: aviation; anti-aircraft missile troops; radio engineering troops; special troops. Aviation, in turn, is divided into: long-range and strategic; frontline; army; fighter; military transport; special. Long-range aviation is designed to deliver missile and bomb strikes deep behind enemy lines at a considerable distance from the borders of the Russian Federation. Strategic aviation, in addition, is armed with nuclear missiles and bombs. Its aircraft are capable of covering significant distances at supersonic speeds and at high altitudes, while carrying a significant bomb load. Fighter aviation has the task of covering the most important directions and important objects from air attack and represents the main maneuvering force of air defense. The main requirement for fighters is high maneuverability, speed, the ability to effectively conduct air combat and intercept various air targets (interceptor fighters). Front-line aviation includes assault and bomber vehicles. The former are designed to support ground forces and naval groupings, to engage ground targets at the forefront of hostilities, and to combat enemy aircraft. Front-line bombers, unlike long-range and strategic bombers, are designed to destroy ground targets and groupings of troops at close and medium distances from home airfields. Army aviation in the Russian Air Force is represented by helicopters for various purposes. First of all, it carries out close interaction with the ground army forces, solving a wide variety of combat and transport tasks. Special aviation is called upon to solve various highly specialized tasks: to conduct aerial reconnaissance, electronic warfare, detect ground and air targets at long distances, refuel other aircraft in the air, provide command and communications. Special troops include: reconnaissance; engineering; aeronautic; meteorological; topographical troops; electronic warfare forces; RKhBZ forces; search and rescue forces; parts of electronic support and automated control systems; parts of logistics; rear parts. In addition, associations of the Russian Air Force are divided according to the organizational structure: special forces command; air armies of special purpose; air armies of military transport aviation; Air Force and Air Defense armies (4th, 6th, 11th, 14th and 45th); parts of the central subordination of the Air Force; foreign airbases. The current state and composition of the Air Force of the Russian Federation The active process of degradation of the Air Force, which took place in the 90s, led to a critical state of this kind of troops. The number of personnel and the level of their training fell sharply. According to many media reports, at that time Russia could count a little more than a dozen highly trained fighter and ground attack pilots with combat experience. Most of the pilots had almost no experience in flying aircraft. The vast majority of aircraft fleet equipment required overhaul, airfields and ground military facilities did not stand up to scrutiny. The process of losing the combat effectiveness of the Air Force after 2000 was completely stopped. Since 2009, the process of total modernization and overhaul of equipment has begun. Thus, plans for the purchase of new military equipment were brought to the level of Soviet times, and the development of advanced weapons models began again. As of 2018, many authoritative publications, including foreign ones, put the Air Force of our country in second place after the US Air Force in terms of size and level of equipment. However, they note at the same time that the growth in the number and equipment of the Chinese Air Force is ahead of the Russian air force and in the very near future the Chinese Air Force may be equal to ours. During the military operation from Syria, the Air Force was not only able to carry out full-fledged combat trials new weapons and air defense systems, but also, through the rotation of the strength, to carry out "shelling" in combat conditions for the majority of pilots of fighter and attack aircraft. 80-90% of pilots now have combat experience. Military equipment Fighter aviation in the troops is represented by SU-30 and SU-35 multipurpose fighters of various modifications, MIG-29 and SU-27 front-line fighters, and the MIG-31 interceptor fighter. The front-line aviation is dominated by the SU-24 bomber, the SU-25 attack aircraft and the SU-34 fighter-bomber. Far and strategic aviation armed with TU-22M and TU-160 supersonic strategic bombers. There is also a number of obsolete TU-95 turboprops being upgraded to the modern level. Transport aviation includes transport aircraft AN-12, AN-22, AN-26, AN-72, AN-124, IL-76 and passenger AN-140, AN-148, IL-18, IL-62, TU -134, TU-154 and the joint Czechoslovak-Russian development of the Let L-410 Turbolet. AWACS aircraft (AVAKS), air command posts, reconnaissance aircraft, tanker aircraft, electronic warfare and reconnaissance aircraft and repeater aircraft are brought into the special aviation. Helicopter fleet presented attack helicopters KA-50, KA-52 and MI-28, transport and combat MI-24 and MI-25, multi-purpose Ansat-U, KA-226 and MI-8, as well as a heavy transport helicopter MI-26. In the future, the Air Force will be armed with: the MIG-35 front-line fighter, the fifth-generation fighter PAK-FA, the SU-57 multi-purpose fighter, the new AWACS aircraft of the A-100 type, the PAK-DA multi-purpose strategic bomber-missile carrier, the MI-38 multi-purpose helicopters and PLV, attack helicopter SBV. Among the air defense systems in service with the Air Force are the world-famous long-range anti-aircraft missile systems S-300 and S-400, rocket and gun systems short-range "Shell S-1" and "Shell S-2". In the future, the appearance of a complex of the S-500 type is expected. Have questions? Name Email * Message * Send Report a typo Text to be sent to our editors: Your comment (optional): Send Cancel