Unmanned aerial vehicle. Hypersonic aircraft are being created in the Russian Federation to overcome the history of the creation and development of UAVs

Even 20 years ago, Russia was one of the world leaders in the development of unmanned aerial vehicles. In the 80s of the last century, only 950 Tu-143 air reconnaissance aircraft were produced. The famous reusable spacecraft "Buran" was created, which made its first and only flight in a completely unmanned mode. I don’t see the point and now somehow give in to the development and use of drones.

Background of Russian drones (Tu-141, Tu-143, Tu-243). In the mid-sixties, the Tupolev Design Bureau began to create new tactical and operational unmanned reconnaissance systems. On August 30, 1968, the Decree of the Council of Ministers of the USSR N 670-241 was issued on the development of a new unmanned tactical reconnaissance complex "Flight" (VR-3) and the unmanned reconnaissance aircraft "143" (Tu-143) included in it. The deadline for presenting the complex for testing in the Decree was stipulated: for the variant with photo reconnaissance equipment - 1970, for the variant with television intelligence equipment and for the variant with radiation reconnaissance equipment - 1972.

The reconnaissance UAV Tu-143 was mass-produced in two configurations of the nasal interchangeable part: in the photo reconnaissance version with information registration on board, in the television reconnaissance version with the transmission of information via radio to ground command posts. In addition, the reconnaissance aircraft could be equipped with radiation reconnaissance equipment with the transmission of materials on the radiation situation along the flight route to the ground via a radio channel. The Tu-143 UAV is presented at the exhibition of aviation equipment samples at the Central Aerodrome in Moscow and at the Museum in Monino (you can also see the Tu-141 UAV there).

As part of the aerospace show in Zhukovsky MAKS-2007 near Moscow, in the closed part of the exposition, the MiG aircraft manufacturing corporation showed its Skat strike unmanned complex - an aircraft made according to the “flying wing” scheme and outwardly very reminiscent of the American B-2 Spirit bomber or its a smaller version is the Kh-47V marine unmanned aerial vehicle.

"Skat" is designed to strike both at previously reconnoitered stationary targets, primarily air defense systems, in the face of strong opposition from enemy anti-aircraft weapons, and at mobile ground and sea targets when conducting autonomous and group actions, joint with manned aircraft.

Its maximum takeoff weight should be 10 tons. Flight range - 4 thousand kilometers. The flight speed near the ground is not less than 800 km / h. It will be able to carry two air-to-surface / air-to-radar missiles or two adjustable bombs with a total mass of not more than 1 ton.

The aircraft is made according to the scheme of the flying wing. In addition, the well-known methods of reducing radar visibility were clearly visible in the appearance of the structure. So, the wingtips are parallel to its leading edge and the contours of the rear of the apparatus are made in the same way. Above the middle part of the wing, the Skat had a fuselage of a characteristic shape, smoothly mated with the bearing surfaces. Vertical plumage was not provided. As can be seen from the photographs of the Skat layout, control was to be carried out using four elevons located on the consoles and on the center section. At the same time, yaw control immediately raised certain questions: due to the lack of a rudder and a single-engine scheme, the UAV required to somehow solve this problem. There is a version about a single deviation of the internal elevons for yaw control.

The layout presented at the MAKS-2007 exhibition had the following dimensions: a wingspan of 11.5 meters, a length of 10.25 and a parking height of 2.7 m. Regarding the mass of the Skat, it is only known that its maximum takeoff weight should have been approximately equal to ten tons. With these parameters, the Skat had good calculated flight data. With a maximum speed of up to 800 km / h, it could rise to a height of up to 12,000 meters and overcome up to 4,000 kilometers in flight. It was planned to provide such flight data with the help of a bypass turbojet engine RD-5000B with a thrust of 5040 kgf. This turbojet engine was created on the basis of the RD-93 engine, however, it is initially equipped with a special flat nozzle, which reduces the visibility of the aircraft in the infrared range. The engine air intake was located in the forward fuselage and was an unregulated intake device.

Inside the fuselage of the characteristic shape, the Skat had two cargo compartments measuring 4.4x0.75x0.65 meters. With such dimensions, various types of guided missiles, as well as adjustable bombs, could be suspended in the cargo compartments. The total mass of the Skat combat load was supposed to be approximately equal to two tons. During the presentation at the MAKS-2007 Salon, Kh-31 missiles and KAB-500 guided bombs were located next to Skat. The composition of the onboard equipment, implied by the project, was not disclosed. Based on information about other projects of this class, we can conclude that there is a complex of navigation and sighting equipment, as well as some possibilities for autonomous actions.

UAV "Dozor-600" (development of the designers of the company "Transas"), also known as "Dozor-3", is much lighter than "Skat" or "Breakthrough". Its maximum takeoff weight does not exceed 710-720 kilograms. At the same time, due to the classic aerodynamic layout with a full-fledged fuselage and a straight wing, it has approximately the same dimensions as the Skat: a wingspan of twelve meters and a total length of seven. In the bow of the Dozor-600, a place is provided for target equipment, and a stabilized platform for observation equipment is installed in the middle. A propeller group is located in the tail section of the drone. Its basis is the Rotax 914 piston engine, similar to those installed on the Israeli IAI Heron UAV and the American MQ-1B Predator.

115 horsepower of the engine allows the Dozor-600 drone to accelerate to a speed of about 210-215 km / h or make long flights at a cruising speed of 120-150 km / h. When using additional fuel tanks, this UAV is able to stay in the air for up to 24 hours. Thus, the practical flight range is approaching the mark of 3700 kilometers.

Based on the characteristics of the Dozor-600 UAV, we can draw conclusions about its purpose. The relatively low takeoff weight does not allow it to carry any serious weapons, which limits the range of tasks to be solved exclusively by reconnaissance. Nevertheless, a number of sources mention the possibility of installing various weapons on the Dozor-600, the total mass of which does not exceed 120-150 kilograms. Because of this, the range of weapons allowed for use is limited to only certain types of guided missiles, in particular anti-tank ones. It is noteworthy that when using anti-tank guided missiles, the Dozor-600 becomes largely similar to the American MQ-1B Predator, both in terms of technical characteristics and armament composition.

The project of a heavy strike unmanned aerial vehicle. The development of the research project "Hunter" to study the possibility of creating a strike UAV weighing up to 20 tons in the interests of the Russian Air Force was or is being conducted by the Sukhoi company (JSC Sukhoi Design Bureau). For the first time, the plans of the Ministry of Defense to adopt an attack UAV were announced at the MAKS-2009 air show in August 2009. According to Mikhail Pogosyan, in August 2009, the design of a new attack unmanned complex was to be the first joint work of the relevant units of the Sukhoi Design Bureau and MiG (project " Skat"). The media reported on the conclusion of a contract for the implementation of research "Okhotnik" with the company "Sukhoi" July 12, 2011. "and" Sukhoi "was signed only on October 25, 2012.

The terms of reference for the strike UAV was approved by the Russian Ministry of Defense in the first days of April 2012. On July 6, 2012, information appeared in the media that the Sukhoi company had been selected by the Russian Air Force as the lead developer. An unnamed source in the industry also reports that the strike UAV developed by Sukhoi will simultaneously be a sixth-generation fighter. As of mid-2012, it is assumed that the first sample of the strike UAV will begin testing no earlier than 2016. It is expected to enter service by 2020. In the future, it was planned to create navigation systems for landing approach and taxiing of heavy UAVs on the instructions of JSC Sukhoi Company (source).

Media reports that the first sample of the heavy attack UAV of the Sukhoi Design Bureau will be ready in 2018.

Combat use (otherwise they will say exhibition copies, Soviet junk)

“For the first time in the world, the Russian Armed Forces carried out an attack on a fortified militant area with combat drones. In the province of Latakia, army units of the Syrian army, with the support of Russian paratroopers and Russian combat drones, took the strategic height of 754.5, the Siriatel tower.

Most recently, the Chief of the General Staff of the RF Armed Forces, General Gerasimov, said that Russia is striving to completely robotize the battle, and perhaps soon we will witness how robotic groups independently conduct military operations, and this is what happened.

In Russia, in 2013, the newest automated control system "Andromeda-D" was adopted by the Airborne Forces, with the help of which it is possible to carry out operational control of a mixed group of troops.
The use of the latest high-tech equipment allows the command to ensure continuous control of troops performing combat training tasks at unfamiliar training grounds, and the command of the Airborne Forces to monitor their actions, being at a distance of more than 5 thousand kilometers from their deployment sites, receiving from the exercise area not only a graphic picture of moving units, but also a video image of their actions in real time.

The complex, depending on the tasks, can be mounted on the chassis of a two-axle KamAZ, BTR-D, BMD-2 or BMD-4. In addition, taking into account the specifics of the Airborne Forces, Andromeda-D is adapted for loading into an aircraft, flight and landing.
This system, as well as combat drones, were deployed to Syria and tested in combat conditions.
Six Platform-M robotic complexes and four Argo complexes took part in the attack on the heights, the attack of drones was supported by the Akatsiya self-propelled artillery mounts (ACS) recently transferred to Syria, which can destroy enemy positions with mounted fire.

From the air, behind the battlefield, drones conducted reconnaissance, transmitting information to the deployed Andromeda-D field center, as well as to Moscow, to the National Defense Control Center of the command post of the Russian General Staff.

Combat robots, self-propelled guns, drones were tied to the Andromeda-D automated control system. The commander of the attack on the heights, in real time, led the battle, the operators of combat drones, being in Moscow, conducted the attack, everyone saw both their own area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe battle and the whole picture.

Drones were the first to attack, approaching 100-120 meters to the fortifications of the militants, they called fire on themselves, and self-propelled guns immediately struck at the detected firing points.

Behind the drones, at a distance of 150-200 meters, the Syrian infantry advanced, clearing the height.

The militants did not have the slightest chance, all their movements were controlled by drones, artillery strikes were carried out on the detected militants, literally 20 minutes after the start of the attack by combat drones, the militants fled in horror, leaving the dead and wounded. On the slopes of a height of 754.5, almost 70 militants were killed, the Syrian soldiers had no dead, only 4 wounded.

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B unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs, in international practice are designated by the English abbreviation UAV ( Unmanned Aerial Vehicle). At present, the nomenclature of this type of systems is quite diverse and is becoming more and more widespread. The article presents the main directions of development and classification of maritime UAVs. The publication completes a series of articles on uninhabited military systems that are in service with modern navies of foreign countries.

The main directions of UAV development

The use of military UAVs over the sea is carried out both from ships and from ground strongholds. Foreign experts have identified the following areas for the development of unmanned aerial vehicles:

• flexibility: among military UAVs, only a part is oriented to perform exclusively maritime missions. Most drones designed to operate over the sea, if necessary, by changing the payload or drive system, are also suitable for use over land. With the exception of battery-powered models, most maritime military UAVs use military aviation fuel, and in some cases, optionally, marine diesel fuel as well.

• autonomy: in principle, every UAV can be controlled remotely. The prevailing direction of development, however, is considered to be the development of autonomously operating systems. First of all, large UAVs with a significant flight duration must complete their mission by self-landing at the take-off airfield.
• the use of detachments or groups (swarm tactics): according to some scenarios, hundreds of small or micro UAVs must independently communicate with each other in order to perform coordinated tasks. The use of UAV units is designed to overload and overcome the enemy defense system.
• interaction of systems of different types: UAVs will be mainly used in combination with manned systems ( Manned / Un-Manned Teaming - MUM-T). For example, a manned aircraft sends forward a UAV as a means of reconnaissance in order to detect and capture a target. In the future, the pilot of the aircraft hits the target with a remote weapon without entering the enemy's air defense coverage area. Another option is the mutual autonomous or semi-autonomous operation of UAVs with ground, surface or underwater uninhabited systems ( Un-Manned / Un-Manned Teaming, UM-UM-T).

• globalization: in addition to the United States, China is considered the most active country in the development, production and export of UAVs. According to some estimates, Beijing will become the leading exporter of military UAVs from 2025. However, there is a growing number of countries around the world producing military or dual-use UAVs. In particular, transnational projects in Europe are becoming increasingly important.

Classification of UAVs can be carried out mainly according to two parameters: according to their main purpose or according to size and combat effectiveness (performance). Below are examples of adopted and promising models of military UAVs.

By task

The most important tasks for marine unmanned systems are still the tasks of reconnaissance and monitoring ( Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance / reconnaissance - ISR). To these are added the performance of armed missions and other activities in support of the Navy.

Reconnaissance UAVs

The use of small and medium-sized UAVs from warships as tactical reconnaissance is growing worldwide. One helicopter hangar can accommodate up to three medium-sized UAVs. When used alternately, they are able to guarantee an almost continuous observation.

The Khemkopter S-100 model is considered especially successful ( CamcopterS-100) of the company "Schibel" (Schiebel, Austria). Since 2007, this UAV has been tested and adopted by the navies of nine countries.

The Camcopter S-100, weighing 200 kg, provides a 6-hour flight duration, which can be extended up to 10 hours with additional fuel tanks. The standard payload set includes optoelectronic infrared sensors ( EO/IR). It is possible to supplement them with one SAR-radar (synthetic aperture radar) for ground and sea surveillance. It is also noted that the UAV, in principle, can be armed with light multi-purpose missiles of the LMM type ( Lightweight Multirole Missile). The missiles are manufactured by the French company Thales and are designed to destroy light sea and air targets.

Project unmanned helicopter MQ-8B Fae Scout ( fire scout, Fire Scout) launched by the US Navy in 2009. The device weighs 940 kg. Operationally, the MQ-8 system includes one control console (placed on a manned helicopter or ship) and up to three UAVs.

First of all, the MQ-8B is intended for use on destroyers, frigates and ships of the LCS coastal sea zone ( Littoral Combat Ship). One machine has a flight duration of up to 8 hours and is capable of conducting reconnaissance and surveillance within a radius of 110 nautical miles from the carrier ship. The payload capacity is 270 kg. The MQ-8B sensor equipment includes a laser target acquisition device.

Target designation data can be transmitted to ships or aircraft in real time. This parameter was tested on August 22, 2017 in the waters off about. Guam. According to the assignment, one MQ-8B UAV controlled the targeting of the Harpoon anti-ship missile fired from the ship. As explained by Rear Admiral Don GABRIELSON, commander of the US Navy Task Force 73 ( Task Force 73), this ability is especially valuable in the waters of the island archipelagos, where warships rarely have direct visual contact with their targets.

In addition to EO / IR sensors, it is possible to install SAR-radar to detect and track air and sea targets. Additional payload modules also provide alternative uses for the MQ-8B. Among the options for the use of UAVs: relaying communications signals, reconnaissance of sea mines and submarines, control of laser-guided missiles, as well as the detection of radioactive, biological and chemical warfare agents.

Combat use of military UAVs

Various countries are striving to perform tasks similar to those of a fighter-bomber using unmanned systems. So, in 2016, the multinational European concept aircraft nEUROn completed the first flight test in the French Navy. First of all, the suitability of a model made using stealth technology was tested for performing tasks over the sea. In particular, the drone landed on the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier participating in the tests.

Both the French Navy and the British Navy are seeking to acquire a combat stealth UAV suitable for being based on an aircraft carrier. It is likely that this ability will be implemented in the joint project developed by Paris and London for an unmanned aircraft combat system of the future ( Future Combat Air System, FCAS). As BAE chief technologist Nigel WHITEHEAD said in September 2017, FCAS could enter service around 2030 and will be used in conjunction with manned aircraft.

According to Western experts, in the sector of combat UAVs, the Chinese Armed Forces have significantly advanced. Developed by Aviation Industry Corporation China (Aviation Industry Corporation China), the Lijian aircraft ( Lijian, Sharp Sword) is considered the first unmanned stealth aircraft outside the NATO zone.

The payload placed inside the machine reaches, according to estimates, two tons. The ten-meter jet aircraft has a wingspan of 14 m. The aircraft is designed for covert surveillance of enemy warships and inflicting primary damage to important targets, covered by an air defense belt. Analysts understand such targets as American and Japanese ships or military bases. It is assumed that the development of an aircraft carrier version of the UAV is underway.

Chinese unofficial sources report that the model will be put into operation by 2020. According to Western estimates, this period is quite optimistic, given the fact that the Lijian made its first flight only in 2013.

Professional magazine "Jane" in July 2017 reported on a secret Chinese project, designated as CH-T1. The unmanned aerial vehicle with a length of 5.8 m has "stealth-like" properties and is designed to fly over the sea at a height of one meter. This, it is believed, should allow the UAV not to detect itself and guarantee an approach to the ship at a distance of up to 10 nautical miles. With a total drone weight of 3000 kg, the payload weight is estimated at one ton. It is assumed that it may consist of anti-ship missiles or torpedoes. Detailed information about the serial readiness of the project is unknown.

Drones - tankers

Initially, at the turn of 2020, the US Navy planned to start introducing carrier-based unmanned combat aircraft. However, after several years of conceptual research in 2016, the Navy command decided to first adopt the MQ-25A Stingray jet unmanned tanker ( Stingray, Skat). As secondary tasks for this UAV, reconnaissance flights and use as a communication relay appear.

The design contract in 2018 will be awarded to four competing companies. The start of serial development is expected in the mid-2020s. Six Stingray vehicles are planned to be integrated into each of the US Navy's aircraft carrier air squadrons. One MQ-25A UAV should support up to six F / A-18 fighters. This will increase their effective combat range from 450 to 700 nautical miles.

UAV classification by size and performance

Small and micro drones

According to Western experts, small unmanned aerial vehicles are best suited for operational use as part of a detachment. The US Navy in 2016 tested the concept of low-cost UAV swarm technology ( Low Cost WAV Swarming Technology, LOCUST).

Nine Coyote models ( Coyote) of the Raytheon company (Raytheon, USA), after a quick sequential launch from a rocket launcher, completed a planned autonomous reconnaissance mission. During its implementation, the UAVs coordinated the direction of flight, the formation of the battle formation of the swarm, and the distance between the vehicles.

The installation used to start is capable of starting within 40 seconds. up to 30 UAVs. At the same time, the drone has a length of 0.9 m and weighs nine kilograms. The flight time and range of the Coyote are about two hours and 110 nautical miles, respectively. It is assumed that such detachments could be used in the future for offensive operations. In particular, similar UAVs equipped with small explosive charges could destroy sensors or onboard weapons of enemy ships and boats.

Another option is the Fulmar system ( Fulmar) from Thales. The UAV has a takeoff weight of 20 kg, a length of 1.2 m and a wingspan of three meters.

According to publications, despite its small size, Fulmar shows significant operational performance. Mission completion time - up to 12 hours. Combat flight range - 500 nautical miles. The ability to conduct video surveillance of targets at a distance of up to 55 nautical miles. The device is suitable for flights at wind speeds up to 70 km per hour.

The flight is carried out by choice, either in fully automatic mode or using remote control. Like many small sea-based UAVs, the Fulmar is launched by a catapult, and after the end of the mission, it is received by a network deployed on the deck of the ship. The main tasks of the model are reconnaissance and work as a repeater for organizing communications. It is reported that the combat use of "Fulmar" is not yet envisaged.

The main advantage of small UAVs is the possibility of using them without lengthy preliminary preparation. In particular, "Fulmar" is ready for use after 20 minutes. Micro-UAVs launch even faster. For this reason, in 2016, US Navy Lieutenant Commander Christopher KIETHLEY proposed having miniature helicopters on all ships and submarines. After the “man overboard” signal, the task of these UAVs should be to immediately search for the missing person while the ship was making a U-turn. The US Pacific Fleet is currently studying the implementation of this concept.

Medium sized UAV

Medium-sized unmanned aerial vehicles are used, as a rule, directly from the side of the carrier ship. For example, a 760 kg unmanned helicopter VSR700 manufactured by the Eabas concern ( Airbus). Flight tests of the model are scheduled for 2018. The start of serial production is possible in 2019. It is expected that the UAV will initially be purchased for the frigates of the French Navy.

The composition of the payload with a total weight of 250 kg includes EO / IR sensors and radar. Additional elements may be a sonar buoy to search for submarines or life rafts. The duration of the combat mission is up to 10 hours. As advantages of its model, Airbus emphasizes its higher performance compared to the "Chemcopter S-100" and lower price compared to the MQ-8.

There are also jet-powered UAVs in this size category. According to the Fars news agency, the Iranian Sadeq 1 drone launched from land ( Sadegh 1) reaches supersonic speed. The flight altitude during the mission is 7700 m. In addition to reconnaissance equipment, the UAV also carries two air-to-air missiles. It is noted that this particular UAV, which was put into service in 2014, often provokes ships and aircraft of the US Navy in the Persian Gulf.

Large unmanned aerial vehicles

This category of UAVs includes devices that, taking into account the size of the fuselage, weight and bearing surface of the wing, are similar to manned vehicles. And often, the wingspan of drones is much larger than that of manned aircraft. The largest UAVs tend to have the longest range, altitude, and flight duration.

• medium-altitude with long flight duration ( Medium Altitude/Long Endurance, MALE);
• high-altitude with long flight duration ( High Altitude/Long Endurance, HALE).

At the same time, both classes of UAVs, even if they are used as maritime systems, are used mainly from ground airfields due to their size.

US Navy MQ-4C "Triton" unmanned maritime reconnaissance aircraft ( Triton) has a service ceiling of 16,000 m and, therefore, belongs to the HALE class. With a takeoff weight of 14,600 kg and a wingspan of 40 m, the MQ-4C is considered one of the largest maritime UAVs. The radius of its application is 2000 nautical miles. According to information published in a US Navy press release, during a 24-hour mission, one UAV covers an area of ​​​​2.7 million square meters. miles. This roughly corresponds to the area of ​​the Mediterranean Sea, including coastal areas.

Compared to the MQ-4C, the Italian Piaggio P.1HH Hammerhead UAV belongs to the MALE class. In fact, this UAV, weighing 6,000 kg, with a wingspan of 15.6 m, is a derivative of the P180 Avanti II administrative aircraft. P.1HH.

Two turboprop engines allow for a top speed of 395 knots (730 km/h). At a speed of 135 knots (about 250 km per hour), the UAV is ready to conduct a 16-hour barrage at an altitude of 13,800 m. The maximum flight range is 4,400 nautical miles. The normal combat radius is 1500 nautical miles.

The unmanned aircraft is designed to perform reconnaissance tasks over land or sea (monitoring coastal waters or the open ocean). Although flight tests are still underway, the United Arab Emirates has already ordered eight aircraft. The Italian Armed Forces are also showing some interest.

It is possible to strike the use of unmanned systems of the MALE and HALE classes. So, according to the data of the project management, in 2017 the Chinese drone CH-5 (MALE) reached the stage of serial production. Western experts question this fact, since the drone made its first long-range flight only in 2015.

The glider has a length of 11 m, a wingspan of 21 m. Its configuration is similar to the American MQ-9 Reaper UAV ( Reaper, Reaper). As Chinese military expert Wang QIANG said in July 2017, the model will play a significant role in maritime security and intelligence.

The UAV provides an estimated operational ceiling of 7,000 m and can carry up to 16 air-to-ground weapons (600 kg payload). The combat radius, according to various sources, ranges from 1,200 to 4,000 nautical miles. Jane magazine, quoting Chinese officials, reports that the CH-5, depending on the engine, can stay in the air for 39 to 60 hours. According to the manufacturer, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), the coordinated control of several CH-5s is possible.

UAV families

Increasingly, so-called “UAV families” are emerging from specialized complementary models. An example is the Rustom series ( Rustom, Warrior), which is being developed by the Indian Armed Forces Research and Development Authority.

The Rustom 1 class MALE unmanned vehicle is 5 m long and has a wingspan of 8 m. Its payload capacity is 95 kg, the service ceiling is 7,900 m, and the flight duration is 12 hours.

The Rustom H model is a HALE-class UAV. The device has a length of 9.5 m, a wingspan of 20.6 m. The payload is 350 kg. Practical ceiling - 10 600 m. Flight duration - 24 hours. The reconnaissance Rustom 2 is currently being developed based on the Rustom H. It is reported that the Indian Navy will initially acquire 25 units of different versions of the Rustom.

More complex is the Indian Ghatak project to develop an unmanned stealth fighter-bomber. A 1:1 scale non-flying model is currently being created. On this model, the radar signature of the drone will be tested, as well as the effectiveness of its radar reflection.

India receives technical support for the project from France. At the same time, the Indian Ministry of Defense emphasizes that we are talking about the development of a completely domestic project. The time of the first flight of the delta-shaped prototype with a take-off weight of 15 tons is not currently determined.

According to the magazine "MarineForum"

A robot cannot harm a person or by its inaction allow a person to be harmed.
- A. Asimov, Three Laws of Robotics

Isaac Asimov was wrong. Very soon, the electronic “eye” will take a person into sight, and the microcircuit will impassively order: “Fire to kill!”

A robot is stronger than a flesh-and-blood pilot. Ten, twenty, thirty hours of continuous flight - he demonstrates constant vigor and is ready to continue the mission. Even when the g-forces reach the dreaded 10 gee, filling the body with leaden pain, the digital devil will keep his mind clear, calmly counting the course and keeping an eye on the enemy.

The digital brain does not require training and regular training to maintain skill. Mathematical models and algorithms of behavior in the air are forever loaded into the memory of the machine. Having stood for a decade in the hangar, the robot will return to the sky at any moment, taking the helm in its strong and skillful “hands”.

Their time has not yet struck. In the US military (a leader in this field of technology), drones make up a third of the fleet of all aircraft in operation. At the same time, only 1% of UAVs are able to use.

Alas, even this is more than enough to sow terror in those territories that have been given over to hunting grounds for these ruthless steel birds.

5th place - General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper (“Reaper”)

Reconnaissance and strike UAV with max. take-off weight of about 5 tons.

Flight duration: 24 hours.
Speed: up to 400 km/h.
Ceiling: 13,000 meters.
Engine: turboprop, 900 hp
Full fuel capacity: 1300 kg.

Armament: up to four Hellfire missiles and two 500-pound JDAM guided bombs.

On-board electronic equipment: AN / APY-8 radar with mapping mode (under the nose cone), MTS-B electro-optical sighting station (in a spherical module) for operation in the visible and IR ranges, with a built-in target designator for illuminating targets for ammunition with semi-active laser guidance.

Cost: $16.9 million

To date, 163 Reaper UAVs have been built.

The most high-profile case of combat use: in April 2010, in Afghanistan, a third person in the leadership of al-Qaeda, Mustafa Abu Yazid, known as Sheikh al-Masri, was killed by an MQ-9 Reaper UAV.

4th - Interstate TDR-1

Unmanned torpedo bomber.

Max. takeoff weight: 2.7 tons.
Engines: 2 x 220 HP
Cruise speed: 225 km/h,
Flight range: 680 km,
Combat load: 2000 fn. (907 kg).
Built: 162 units

“I remember the excitement that gripped me when the screen charged and covered with numerous dots - it seemed to me that the telecontrol system had failed. After a moment, I realized it was anti-aircraft guns! After correcting the drone's flight, I directed it straight into the middle of the ship. At the last second, a deck flashed before my eyes - close enough that I could see the details. Suddenly, the screen turned into a gray static background ... Obviously, the explosion killed everyone on board.

- First sortie 27 September 1944

"Project Option" provided for the creation of unmanned torpedo bombers to destroy the Japanese fleet. In April 1942, the first test of the system took place - a “drone”, remotely controlled from an aircraft flying 50 km away, launched an attack on the destroyer Ward. The dropped torpedo passed exactly under the keel of the destroyer.

Takeoff TDR-1 from the deck of an aircraft carrier

Encouraged by the success, the leadership of the fleet expected by 1943 to form 18 strike squadrons consisting of 1000 UAVs and 162 command Avengers. However, the Japanese fleet was soon overwhelmed by conventional aircraft and the program lost priority.

The main secret of the TDR-1 was a small-sized video camera designed by Vladimir Zworykin. With a weight of 44 kg, she had the ability to transmit images over the air at a frequency of 40 frames per second.

“Project Option” is amazing with its boldness and early appearance, but we have 3 more amazing cars ahead of us:

3rd place - RQ-4 “Global Hawk”

Unmanned reconnaissance aircraft with max. takeoff weight of 14.6 tons.

Flight duration: 32 hours.
Max. speed: 620 km/h.
Ceiling: 18,200 meters.
Engine: turbojet with a thrust of 3 tons,
Flight range: 22,000 km.
Cost: $131 million (excluding development costs).
Built: 42 units.

The drone is equipped with a set of HISAR reconnaissance equipment, similar to what is put on modern U-2 reconnaissance aircraft. HISAR includes a synthetic aperture radar, optical and thermal cameras, and a satellite data link at a speed of 50 Mbps. It is possible to install additional equipment for electronic intelligence.

Each UAV has a set of protective equipment, including laser and radar warning stations, as well as an ALE-50 towed trap to deflect missiles fired at it.

Forest fires in California, filmed by the reconnaissance "Global Hawk"

A worthy successor to the U-2 reconnaissance aircraft, soaring in the stratosphere with its huge wings spread out. RQ-4 records include long distance flights (flight from the US to Australia, 2001), the longest flight of any UAV (33 hours in the air, 2008), a drone refueling demonstration by a drone (2012). By 2013, the total flight time of the RQ-4 exceeded 100,000 hours.

The MQ-4 Triton drone was created on the basis of Global Hawk. Marine reconnaissance with a new radar, capable of surveying 7 million square meters per day. kilometers of ocean.

The Global Hawk does not carry strike weapons, but it deserves to be on the list of the most dangerous drones for knowing too much.

2nd place - X-47B “Pegasus”

Inconspicuous reconnaissance and strike UAV with max. take-off weight of 20 tons.

Cruise speed: Mach 0.9.
Ceiling: 12,000 meters.
Engine: from the F-16 fighter, thrust 8 tons.
Flight range: 3900 km.
Cost: $900 million for X-47 R&D.
Built: 2 concept demonstrators.
Armament: two internal bomb bays, combat load 2 tons.

A charismatic UAV built according to the “duck” scheme, but without the use of PGO, the role of which is played by the carrier fuselage itself, made using the “stealth” technology and having a negative installation angle with respect to the air flow. To consolidate the effect, the lower part of the fuselage in the nose is shaped similar to the descent vehicles of spacecraft.

A year ago, the X-47B amused the public with its flights from the decks of aircraft carriers. This phase of the program is now nearing completion. In the future, the appearance of an even more formidable X-47C drone with a combat load of over four tons.

1st place - “Taranis”

The concept of an inconspicuous strike UAV from the British company BAE Systems.

Little is known about the drone itself:
subsonic speed.
Stealth technology.
Turbojet engine with a thrust of 4 tons.
The appearance is reminiscent of the Russian experimental UAV Skat.
Two internal weapons bays.

What is so terrible in this "Taranis"?

The goal of the program is to develop technologies for creating an autonomous low-observable strike drone that will allow high-precision strikes against ground targets at long range and automatically evade enemy weapons.

Prior to this, disputes about a possible “jamming” and “interception of control” caused only sarcasm. Now they have completely lost their meaning: “Taranis”, in principle, is not ready for communication. He is deaf to all requests and entreaties. The robot is indifferently looking for someone whose appearance falls under the description of the enemy.

Flight test cycle at Woomera, Australia, 2013

Taranis is just the beginning of the journey. On its basis, it is planned to create an unmanned attack bomber with an intercontinental flight range. In addition, the advent of fully autonomous drones will pave the way for the creation of unmanned fighters (since existing remote-controlled UAVs are not capable of air combat due to delays in their telecontrol system).

British scientists are preparing a worthy finale for all mankind.

Epilogue

War has no feminine face. Rather not human.

Unmanned vehicles are a flight into the future. It brings us closer to the eternal human dream: to finally stop risking the lives of soldiers and to hand over feats of arms to soulless machines.

Following Moore's rule of thumb (doubling computer performance every 24 months), the future could come unexpectedly soon...

Analysis of foreign unmanned aerial vehicles used in the forest sector

A. A. Nikiforov1 V. A. Munimaev St. Petersburg Forestry Academy

ANNOTATION

The article provides an international classification of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The analysis of foreign-made UAVs used in the forestry sector was carried out.

Key words: forestry, unmanned aerial vehicles, aerial photography.

In article international classification of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) is presented. The analysis of international experience of manufacture UAV applied in forestry is carried out.

Keywords: forestry, unmanned aerial vehicle, aerial photography.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are used in developed countries for aerial photography for military and civil purposes as an alternative to the much more expensive space and traditional photography.

In the international classification, according to the functional purpose, six categories of UAVs are distinguished:

1. Goals and targets.

2. Security and surveillance.

3. Reconnaissance of the battlefield.

4. Logistics.

5. Scientific research.

6. Civilian application.

The leading international non-governmental organization "UVS International" is engaged in the formation of the concepts of certification, standardization and regulation of flights of unmanned vehicles.

According to the UVS International classification, all UAVs are divided into tactical UAVs with sub-levels in terms of range and altitude (Table 1), as well as strategic and special UAVs. The division into UAVs of aircraft, helicopter and other types is not provided for in this classification. The United States and Israel are leaders in the design and manufacture of unmanned aerial vehicles. The market share of American-made unmanned systems in 2006 was more than 60%. For now

At the moment, such countries as South Korea, China, South Africa enter the market of unmanned systems for civil use.

Consider UAVs designed specifically for research and civil use, which are used in the forestry sector. The main characteristics of foreign-made UAVs are shown in Table 2.

Table 1

Tactical UAVs

Maximum

Name Range, takeoff weight,

Nano Nano Less than 1 Less than 0.025

Micro^1-10 0.025-5

Mini Mini 1-10 5-150

Middle CR,

Radius Close 10-30 25-150

range actions

Small SR,

Radius Short 30-70 50-250

range actions

Medium Radius MR, Medium 70-200 150-500

range actions

MRE, Medium Range Endurance More than 500 500-1500

Malovs - LADP,

hundredths Low

deep penetration Altitude Deep Penetration Over 250 250-2500

Malovs - LALE,

hundredths Low

long duration Altitude Long Endur- Over 500 15-25

flight ance

Medium-altitude UAVs large MALE, Medium Altitude Long Endurance More than 500 1000-1500

flight duration

The MicroB UAV of the Israeli company Blue Bird Aero Systems belongs to tactical micro-systems, made according to the “flying wing” scheme, in the tail section of which there is an electric motor with a pusher propeller. With a small weight of 1 kg, it carries a payload of 0.24 kg - a stabilized TV system and high-resolution photographic equipment.

Proceedings of the forest engineering faculty of PetrSU

table 2

The main characteristics of foreign-made UAVs

MicroB CropCam MASS Skyblade III Remoeye 002 Manta EPP 1.5m Boomerang 1.3m Jackaroo 1.5m SmartOne

Takeoff weight, kg 1.0 2.72 3.0 5 2.4 2 2 2.5 1.1

Payload mass, kg 0.24 - 0.5 - - 0.25 0.25 0.75 -

Wingspan, m 0.95 2.5 1.5 2.6 1.5 1.5 1.4 1.5 1.2

Length, m - 1.3 1.05 1.4 1.3 1.5 1.3 1.5 -

Speed, km/h 45-80 60-120 60-120 130 80 60-100 60-105 60-105 50

Flight altitude, m - 125-650 50-150 91-457 - 3500 3500 3500 150-600

Range, km 10 10 10-20 8 10 15 25 25 0.5-2.5

Flight duration, h 1 1 1-1.25 1 1 0.5 1.5 1.5-2.5 0.3-1

CropCam is an unmanned aerial vehicle of the Canadian company of the same name. It is a lightweight fiberglass glider equipped with an electric motor with a pulling propeller. The aircraft starts manually and lands automatically. It is equipped with a high-resolution camera for obtaining digital images of the area, linked by GPS.

The Finnish company "Patria Systems" is the developer of the Mini UAV MASS (Modular Airborne Sensor System). The design of the aircraft is a V-tail monoplane with a pusher propeller. The aircraft consists of eight modules made of polypropylene (EPP), which is important during transportation and storage. The start is done manually. It can be equipped with various video and photo cameras, as well as pollution and radiation sensors.

The Skyblade III mini UAV was introduced in April 2005 by the Singaporean company Singapore Technologies Aerospace. The Skyblade III system is designed to perform a wide range of civilian missions. The aircraft has a monoplane design with a pulling propeller. Under the wing is a large module with sensors, the launch is carried out by hand.

The company from South Korea "Ucon System" has developed a mini UAV Remoeye 002. The aircraft was built according to the scheme of a monoplane with an electric motor with a pusher propeller. The launch is carried out from the hand, landing with a parachute or in an airplane. Equipped with a video camera or high resolution IR camera.

The South African company "YellowPlane" was founded in 2005 to study wildlife. This led to research in the field of small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS), or as they are often called UAV "s. In 2006, Yellowplane began to create sUAS for aerial photography in South Africa. Three models are presented: Manta EPP, Boomerang and Jackaroo All three models are made according to the "flying wing" scheme with an electric motor with a pusher propeller. The launch is made by hand, Boomerang and Jackaroo - from a catapult, and Jackaroo can also be launched from a pneumatic type catapult. Landing on all aircraft is carried out in an airplane way.

Manta EPP differs from Boomerang and Jackaroo in simpler autopilot and ground control capability. Boomerang and Jackaroo are supplied by UAV ground control station. Manta EPP carries a digital camera, Boomerang and Jackaroo a high definition CCD camera. Jackaroo provides for the installation of an additional set of batteries, which increases the flight time from 1.5 to 2.5 hours.

The Swedish company Smartplane has developed the SmartOne micro-UAV for forestry and agriculture. The hull is built to withstand the rigors of forest use. The UAV system is compact and simple, allowing one person to operate it. The aircraft carries a calibrated high resolution compact camera and weighs only 1.1 kg. The launch is carried out with a hand or from a slingshot, landing is automatically in an airplane way.

As an unmanned aerial vehicle for solving the problems of the forest sector, it is recommended to use aircraft belonging to the class of mini and micro-r °.

For launching in forest vegetation, UAVs built according to the “flying wing” scheme with an electric motor with a pusher propeller are the most suitable.

Planes built according to the monoplane scheme have the ability to glide and have stable behavior in the air when flying.

UAVs equipped with internal combustion engines were not presented in the article, as they make it difficult to obtain high-quality aerial photographs due to oil stains on the camera lens.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Bento Maria de Fatima. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: An Overview // Inside GNSS. 2008 Vol. 3. No. 1. R. 54-61.

2. Cropcam [Electronic resource] // http://cropcam.com/pdf/brochure-cropcam.pdf

3. MASS [Electronic resource] // http://www.patria.fi/fa2e2b004fc0a23ab1ebb7280c512 7e4/Mini_UAV+-esite.pdf

4.MicroB. Tactical Micro UAV System [Electronic resource] // http://www.bluebird-uav.com/PDF/ mi-croB.pdf

5. Remoeye 002 [Electronic resource] // http://www.uconsystem.com/english/htm/pro_02.asp

6. Skyblade3 [Electronic resource] // http://www.staero.aero/downloads/uploadedfiles/ STA001793_AT_STA_PlatformBrochure_skyblade3_A4.pdf

8. Yellowplane sUAS UAVs for Europe and South Africa [Electronic resource] // http://www.yellowplane.co.uk/

The fifth generation fighters have not yet managed to become a full-fledged weapon of war, and heated discussions about the sixth generation of winged vehicles are already flaring up. It is still difficult to describe in detail the appearance of the latter, but some trends are already obvious.

Generation conflict

The issue of generations of winged vehicles is debatable, there is often no clear line between them. The fifth generation, which managed to set the teeth on edge, is characterized, first of all, by stealth, supersonic cruising speed and super-maneuverability, as well as integration into a single information and command system.

But no matter how perfect fifth-generation aviation complexes are, they have one weak link: a person. It is believed that the combat potential of a fighter today is constrained by the limitations of the human body and mind. That is why there is reason to argue that sixth-generation machines can become completely unmanned and will be capable of speed and maneuverability that designers of past years have not dreamed of.

aircraft of the future

However, this seemingly obvious thesis is only partly true. The fact is that neither tremendous speed nor outstanding maneuverability can save aircraft from anti-aircraft missiles. Over the past decades, air defense systems have made a big leap forward, and now almost the only salvation from them is stealth.

On the other hand, the use of stealth technologies often leads to a deterioration in flight performance, and always to a sharp increase in the cost of the aircraft. Especially the difference in price is noticeable for unmanned systems. For example, the RQ-4 Global Hawk reconnaissance UAV costs $140 million, while promising American vehicles built using stealth technology will cost several times more. Therefore, the question of whether the sixth generation fighter will be unmanned largely lies in the economic plane.

According to leading experts, such an aircraft should exist both in manned and unmanned versions, and the manned version can be used as a leader for a small link, including several unmanned vehicles. But why turn a fighter into a drone control center, isn't it easier to do it from the ground? The problem is that UAVs have not yet become fully autonomous, and sending signals from a distance of several thousand kilometers means delays. In modern air combat, where everything is decided by fractions of seconds, such delay is like death. In addition, in a serious conflict, both sides will actively use all kinds of jammers: it is better to stay close to your drones at such moments.

aircraft of the future

aircraft of the future

It is believed that the appearance of the next generation of combat vehicles will be very different from the previous ones: even more inconspicuous, they should acquire even greater flight capabilities. If machines of the fifth generation can perform complex maneuvers at subsonic speeds, then the sixth generation should already do this at supersonic speeds, and in the afterburner gain hypersonic speeds (exceeding Mach 5 - about 6 thousand km / h).

Otherwise, the sixth generation machines will not be fundamentally different from the fifth or fourth generation with two pluses. They will learn to interact even more widely with land or sea connections. The armament will become even more long-range, which will make it possible to operate hundreds of kilometers from the zone of destruction of enemy anti-aircraft missile systems. The gigantic price of combat vehicles will not allow the creation of highly specialized aircraft, fighters will only expand their versatility by learning to use the entire range of existing weapons.

The sixth generation will not soon supplant the fifth. Even four-plus generation fighters will serve for more than one decade, and even such aircraft as the PAK FA will remain in service until the 2050s. The modernization potential of modern fighters is very high, and the technologies of the sixth generation will first find their application on the machines of the previous generation.

Perhaps, laser weapons will also be added to our usual adjustable bombs and missiles. Thus, the US Air Force plans to equip the sixth generation with several types of laser systems. Low-power - to disable enemy sensors, medium power - to destroy missiles. Finally, powerful lasers will have to hit enemy aircraft and disable ground equipment. But in order to seriously talk about it, you need to solve the problem with the power source, increase the power and reduce the price of laser systems.

aircraft of the future

Opinions

With a request to clarify the question of how the sixth generation fighters will look like, we turned to a senior lecturer at the National Aerospace University. N. E. Zhukovsky Pavel Solyanik. “The challenges facing fighter aircraft developers have not changed,” he explained. – One of the main aspects are more powerful engines. They should allow to develop supersonic cruising speed without the use of afterburner. In addition, they must be economical and allow flying at high altitudes. Maintainability is another important area in the creation of new combat vehicles. It is believed that the sixth generation fighters will be hypersonic. Indeed, now there are hypersonic aircraft, but they all exist only in the form of experimental samples. As you know, the difference between the experimental and serial apparatus is very, very large.

The Americans came up with the idea of ​​dividing jet fighters into generations, but not everyone agrees with their methodology. For example, the Swedes refer to their fifth generation Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter. They believe that the latest generation should include all fighters that can operate within a single information field.

We asked the same question to the producer, QA manager, aviation documentation specialist at Eagle Dynamics, which develops military flight simulators, including for the US Air Force, Andrey Chizh. “In the United States, the “face” of the sixth generation fighter is already being determined,” he said. - The main and fundamental difference from existing machines is that the sixth generation is likely to be unmanned. The absence of a person on board immediately solves many problems, starting with the physiological limitations of the human body in terms of overload and flight duration, and ending with the moral and ethical problems of the possible death of the pilot.”

aircraft of the future

“With the end of the Cold War, the rate of aircraft generation change has slowed down significantly,” Andrey Chizh added. - If in the middle of the 20th century a generation change took place in 10-15 years, then the fourth generation of fighters served 30-40 years. The fifth generation, according to some forecasts, will last more than 50 years. During this time, combat artificial intelligence technologies will advance far, which will make it possible to create unmanned vehicles more effective than manned ones. Even today, promising UAVs, such as the Kh-47, are being tested, which are designed for reconnaissance and strike operations without human intervention. They, with certain reservations, can be considered the first signs of a new generation. The first prototypes of such fighters will probably appear in the 2020-2030s of our century. Most likely in the USA.

bald eagle

As you might guess from the name, we will talk about American developments. Indeed, it was the Americans who came closest to understanding what the sixth generation fighter should be like.

The US Navy is very interested in such an aircraft. More than 450 modern F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighters and about 400 other F/A-18 modifications are currently in service with the US Navy. In the foreseeable future, a deck modification of the F-35 - F35C will be added to them. But the resource of the "hornets" is not unlimited, and the F-35 program is being severely criticized for being too expensive and not very efficient.

aircraft of the future

Paradoxically, the Pentagon's most expensive project, the latest F-35 fighter jet, does not formally belong to the fifth generation. It is believed that the fifth generation fighter should be able to fly at supersonic speeds without afterburner and have super maneuverability. The F-35 fighter is incapable of this. In addition, the aircraft is inferior to many fourth-generation machines in terms of thrust-to-weight ratio.

Especially for the US Navy, Boeing has developed the concept of the sixth generation F/A-XX carrier-based fighter. Sometimes this program is also called Next Generation Air Dominance. In the future, F / A-XX will be part of the Gerald Ford-class aircraft carriers, which will begin service in 2015. F/A-XX fighters can be used to gain air superiority, destroy ground moving and stationary targets, and destroy enemy ships.

The appearance of the sixth generation fighter was presented to the public in 2008, during the San Diego air show. It was created according to the tailless aerodynamic scheme: there is no vertical tail, and the wing shape resembles the wings of the inconspicuous F-22 and F-35. If you believe the Americans that in terms of frontal stealth, the F-22 can be compared with an insect, then it is worth believing that the F / A-XX will become even more invisible. Detecting such an aircraft with outdated radar will be almost impossible.

In the image, the F / A-XX appears as a two-seat aircraft, which indirectly confirms the idea of ​​​​using it to control the UAV. In the future, a co-pilot will most likely not be needed to solve standard combat missions. But for coordinating the actions of drones built on the basis of the F / A-XX, the operator is very useful. The developers believe that the unmanned version will be able to stay in the air for up to 50 hours.

The gigantic weight of the F/A-XX leaves a strange impression. It is hard to imagine how a huge 45-ton "monster" soars into the sky from the deck of an aircraft carrier. On the other hand, an increase in the total mass of fighters is a trend of recent decades, and this issue is being solved by installing more powerful engines. For example, the weight of an empty F-22A is even greater than the mass of a fairly heavy Su-27 (19,700 kg versus 16,300 kg for the Su-27P), but the thrust-to-weight ratio - the ratio of engine power to aircraft weight - is better for the F-22A.

aircraft of the future

At the first stage, the F / A‑XX can use the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, the most powerful of the existing ones: in afterburner it is capable of developing thrust up to 19,500 kgf. The F-35 is now equipped with it, but unlike them, the F / A-XX will have two F135 engines. The F/A-XX fighter jet could become operational around 2025-2030, but to seriously talk about a full-fledged development, the US Navy needs to raise at least $40 billion.

In addition to the F / A-XX project, there is another concept of the sixth generation from Boeing - F-X. As far as one can judge, it implies the creation of a fighter not for the fleet, but within the framework of the requirements of the US Air Force. Such an aircraft will have to replace the F-22A Raptor in the ranks of the Air Force. The head of the Boeing Phantom Works division, Darryl Davis, said that the new fighter will fly faster than the F-35 and will be able to reach supersonic cruising speed. The F-X air intakes are located in the upper part of the fuselage - a rather unusual solution for a fighter. So far, the concept is being developed only at the expense of Boeing itself: in recent years, the Pentagon has allocated money for new developments without much zeal. In addition to creating two different combat vehicles, a variant of a single fighter for the US Air Force and Navy is being worked out.

As expected, another powerful corporation, Lockheed Martin, joined the arms race. Her idea of ​​the sixth generation is different from Boeing's designs. The LM concept looks a little more traditional: the aircraft is made according to an integrated aerodynamic scheme and is in many ways similar to the YF-23. After the 2030s, it will have to gradually replace the F-22A. There is almost no information on the new project, while it does not even have a name. But it is clear that Lockheed Martin will pay special attention to reducing the aircraft's radar signature. The company's employees have vast experience in this area, because the F-22A and F-35 stealth fighters are their developments.

aircraft of the future

Technology Demonstrators

The Europeans approached the issue of the new generation in an original way: they abandoned the fifth and immediately proceeded to create the sixth. Dassault nEUROn has become a kind of test for next-generation technologies. The stealth reconnaissance and strike drone first saw the sky in 2012. The device is subsonic and can reach a maximum speed of Mach 0.8. The experimental UAV will not go into series, but it will allow us to work out a number of technologies that will form the basis of real sixth-generation machines. But even if a new generation aircraft is created in Europe, it is naive to believe that it will be able to compete with American fighters. Still, it is quite difficult to step over a whole generation and stay on a par with the leading manufacturers.

China is currently busy developing the fifth generation J-20 and J-31 fighters and is also not averse to fantasizing about the aircraft of the future. In 2013, the flight of the Chinese stealth strike drone Lijian took place, the technologies of which will provide this very future. Lijian can take a payload of up to 2 tons, and its flight range reaches 4 thousand km. You can be completely sure that Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation and Shenyang will soon come close to the appearance of the new aircraft.

aircraft of the future

Japan also expressed a desire to acquire the sixth generation. The fighter will be created on the basis of experience gained as a result of testing the ATD-X experimental apparatus. The development of the sixth generation will be carried out jointly with the Americans. The ATD-X project itself is sometimes called the fifth generation prototype, but this, as far as one can tell, is not true. ATD-X is not a prototype, but a demonstrator of future technologies.

How are things in Russia

In order to maintain the status of a great power, Russia needs to focus on new technologies. The development of a sixth-generation fighter is included in the plans of the leadership of the Russian Federation, but it is not known exactly when it will begin. The fifth-generation fighter T-50 PAK FA is seen as an important link in the chain leading to new aircraft. Much of what will be used on the sixth generation machine is planned to be worked out on the PAK FA.

Last year, the former Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Air Force, Pyotr Deinekin, said that Russian specialists were already working on the appearance of a new combat vehicle - probably, the sixth generation fighter would be unmanned. But it will hardly be possible to create it faster than the Americans. If in the field of manned military aviation Russia successfully competes with the United States, then in terms of drones it lags far behind. UAV test dates are constantly being postponed, and the tests themselves often end in failure.

aircraft of the future

True, honored test pilot Sergei Bogdan believes that it is not worth rushing things, just as one should not write off manned aircraft. Moreover, in his opinion, the first fighter of the sixth generation will appear only in fifteen years, and during this time a lot can change.

Although the situation with the development of unmanned technologies in Russia is not easy, they still do not stand still. The most ambitious domestic project in this area has become the unobtrusive Skat UAV, whose technologies may someday form the basis of a sixth-generation fighter. The reconnaissance and strike drone was developed by the MiG Design Bureau and presented at the MAKS-2007 air show. Alas, the shown car was just a mock-up, and the further development of the Skat was frozen.

In conclusion, we note that now any confident forecasts regarding the sixth generation are premature. Most likely, the sixth generation fighters will inherit a lot from the fifth, and in addition they will become unmanned. A more predictable option is that the unmanned and manned versions of the new fighters will coexist. In any case, at the first stage.