Sukhoi PAK FA

[Anshu Attri]

 

[Anshu Attri]

Flight tests of the radar with AFAR in the PAK-FA could begin before the end of the year on the third fighter ...

ÀÐÌÑ-ÒÀÑÑ


MOSCOW, November 11. (ARMS-TASS). Until the end of the year to start flight tests of the prototype third PAK FA, which will be equipped with airborne radar (radar) with an active phased antenna array (AFAR). This is reported in today's issue of "Zhukovskiye conduct."
Radar with AFAR in the highly automated multi-functional integrated electronic system (VMIRS) Fighter 5th generation created the Research Institute of Instrumentation im.Tihomirova. Prototypes of this equipment could be seen on display at the NIIP MAKS-2009 and MAKS-2011.
At the moment,we have created three prototype of airborne radar AFAR for the PAK FA. Testing of the first one to stand NIIP has been held for more than two years, the second - about a year. The third prototype of promising radar in the current year has passed bench tests and post-acceptance testing has been installed on the third prototype of the 5th generation, according to publication.
According to reports, an aircraft factory in Komsomolsk-on-Amur finalized for flight tests third PAK FA. It is planned that after a few test flights to begin testing of radar equipment in the on-board avionics.
Developers NIIP do not hide the difficulties that they have to overcome, creating a radar AFAR with domestic electronic components. Development of its production is carried out with a lot of stress. This applies particularly to the production of transceiver modules.
The composition of VMIRS fighter of 5th generation consists of five radar stations. Priority in the development and testing is given to the front of AFAR and its integration with other aircraft systems. AFAR radar with a lot of new modes of operation, which will be used for the first time in domestic practice.

 

[Anshu Attri]

 

[ace009]

Still no single piece canopy in the 3rd prototype?

 

[A.V.]

[h=2]Re: Su PAK FA/FGFA[/h]

YURI BELY
"PAK FA's AESA radar development
is right on schedule"

The PAK FA future tactical fighter, which prototypes made their debut at the MAKS
2011 air show, will feature, inter alia, a highly automated multifunctional integrated
active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar system under development by
the Tikhomirov Scientific Research Institute of Instrument Design (Tikhomirov-
NIIP). To date, Tikhomirov-NIIP has made several X-band AESA prototypes and
L-band experimental AESA examples and performed a considerable volume of
tests, with the AESA radar soon to be mounted on the fighter. Tikhomirov-NIIP's
X-band AESA prototype, L-band example and their transmit/receive (T-R) modules
could be seen at the company's booth at MAKS 2011. We spoke with Tikhomirov-
NIIP Director General Yuri Bely about the state of the AESA programme and other
topical matters.


Mr. Bely, let us start with the main innovative programme of Tikhomirov-NIIP,the AESA radar for the fifth-generation fighter. What is the status of the programme?
What did you achieve?

PAK FA's AESA radar system development is right on schedule approved by the prime contractor for the plane, the Sukhoi company. Under the schedule, two prototypes are being rig-tested,with one more being ready for installation on a PAK FA prototype. This, third, AESA radar prototype will be handed over to Sukhoi, and it will begin to work on board the third flying PAK FA aircraft. Manufacture of more radars is under way, e.g. the fourth set is being assembled to fit another PAK FA prototype and the fifth one's manufacture has begun.The first AESA radar has logged two years on our test rig, most of its issues have been ironed out and its software is being refined now. The second AESA complete set has been placed on a test rig earlier this year and will soon be handed over to Sukhoi as part of the PAK FA avionics suite for rig testing. The third example has completed its rig tests and now is ready for mounting on a plane. The fourth set is to be made before year-end.Our institute performs the assembly,adjustment and rig testing of the AESA radars so far, and at the same time, its productionising is underway at the State Ryazan Instrument Plant (GRPZ) that is setting up new manufacturing lines and buying advanced equipment and has erected a special shop to this end. The plant also has taken part in the manufacture of the AESA radar since its early examples had been made; in particular, it has been making the distribution system, waveguide runs, T-R module cases, etc. We have been handing radar part manufacture off to the plant gradually; thus, the plant will productionise the AESA radar in full. We will be able to launch its production as soon as next year.

What problems do you encounter in AESA development?

Since the AESA radar is a drastically novel product not only to us at Tikhomirov-NIIP, but to the whole of Russian industry as well, it is no secret that there are problems, mostly due to electronic componentry,specifically due to the productionising of T-R modules under way at the Istok scientific and production association and to ensuring their reliability. Hence, many things have to be done over and reconsidered.As far as characteristics are concerned,we are satisfied now with the T-R modules supplied to us, but their reliability is yet to be enhanced. The cause of the current situation is the slippage of Istok's production facilities renovation programme,due to which some work is still done using obsolete equipment with lower precision.The financing is in a stop-and-go manner; hence, Istok is experiencing problems with its production facilities renovation and, therefore, with the reliability of the early T-R modules they made. Nevertheless,I would like to stress again that we have been settling all issues with success no matter what and the programme has been on schedule.The AESA radar development is gradual,given the scale of the job to be done. First,priority is given to the forward-looking AESA and its integration with the electronic countermeasures (ECM), IFF and other avionics. In parallel, other units and systems are being developed, and the radar system is beefed up as they are developed.In the end, we will get a full-fledged multifunctional integrated radio-electronic system of the fifth-generation aircraft.

While working on the AESA, you do not neglect passive phased-array radars either, do you?

Certainly, we have developed the unique phased-array radar, the Irbis-E, with an airborne target acquisition range of 400 km. Three prototypes of the radar have been undergoing their flight trials on two Su-35 prototypes and a Su-30MK2 flying testbed for several years now. This year, the first production Su-35S fighter built by KnAAPO Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Production Association under the Russian Defence Ministry-awarded contract has entered its trials. It carries a full production-standard Irbis set made by GRPZ plant at its production line.Tikhomirov-NIIP staff has been proactive in supporting the radar's flight tests, its productionising by GRPZ and settling all issues cropping up in the process. Mention should be made that the radar has a good prospect not only on board the Su-35. We have received inquiries as to the feasibility of using Irbis-E derivatives on board ships and as part of ground-based radar systems.We have not neglected the Irbis's predecessor, the Bars phased-array radar, which is in mass production and exported extensively as part of the Su-30MKI fighters and its versions to India, Malaysia and Algeria. As is known, the Russian Defence Ministry, too, has recently decided to buy a batch of aircraft like that, designated as Su-30SM, in the near future. We have got a contract with the Sukhoi company for development of a Bars version to fit these fighters. We also are taking part in the programme on upgrade of the Indian Air Force Su-30MKIs. Provision has been made for enhancing the performance of the Bars radar and its current phased array and, possibly, fitting the radar with an AESA further down the road. However, we believe that such an upgrade of the Bars should be conditioned on the programme for development of an AESA radar for the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) being co-developed by Russia and India, so that our experience in developing the AESA can be used in subsequent upgrade of in-service Su-30MKI fighters.

Do you continue to upgrade other airborne radars you developed?

We certainly do. We are further honing our first phased-array radar, the Zaslon, used on the MiG-31 interceptor. The upgraded MiG-31BM has kicked off the second phase of its official trials recently. Advanced operating modes are being implemented into its Zaslon radar, to which new long- and medium-range missiles are being adapted as well. The MiG-31's tactical capabilities will grow by far owing to the ongoing upgrade. In addition, Su-27SM(3) fighters have been fielded with Russian Air Force combat units this year. We have upgraded their N001 fire control radar again, with advanced operating modes introduced and modified medium-range missile application ensured. The work is going on.​

 

[p2prada]

How interesting. So a Bars Active version may go on the MKI. Anyway at least it is confirmed the Bars will get more performance updates. Neat.

 

[SPIEZ]

I still never get to know what processors the Russians use. Since all processors are western.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_microprocessors

 

[mayfair]

How interesting. So a Bars Active version may go on the MKI. Anyway at least it is confirmed the Bars will get more performance updates. Neat.

Any ideas p2p, about the structural changes that may be required in BARS PESA for this to happen? As far as I know, one of the reasons IBRIS may not be fitted into MKIs in the size of the nose cone. If an AESA upgrade is being done with Su35BM in mind, then not sure how it will work out with MKIs.

 

[p2prada]

I still never get to know what processors the Russians use. Since all processors are western.

List of microprocessors - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I have some details about the old stuff;

CPU History - The CPU Museum - East German and Soviet CPUs

CPU History - The CPU Museum - East German and Soviet CPUs

Elbrus (computer) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

They mainly ripped off American designs. Suffice to say they had quite a good supply of microprocessors.

Now they simply buy good stuff COTS like we do. They can't afford to build new fab labs immediately.

An article on the Buran;
Russian Computers on the Buran Shuttle | The CPU Shack Museum

Their two big companies in the business;

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Micron Technology, Inc. - DRAM, NAND Flash, NOR Flash, MCP, SSD, FLCOS Microdisplays

One of them has a tie up with AMD, I guess Angstrem. They want to make 130nm processors but it looks like in 2 or 3 years we will be ahead with 40 and 32nm processors. We are currently at 180nm and 130nm processes.

 

[SPIEZ]

I have some details about the old stuff;

CPU History - The CPU Museum - East German and Soviet CPUs

CPU History - The CPU Museum - East German and Soviet CPUs

Elbrus (computer) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

They mainly ripped off American designs. Suffice to say they had quite a good supply of microprocessors.

Now they simply buy good stuff COTS like we do. They can't afford to build new fab labs immediately.

An article on the Buran;
Russian Computers on the Buran Shuttle | The CPU Shack Museum

Their two big companies in the business;

��������

Micron Technology, Inc. - DRAM, NAND Flash, NOR Flash, MCP, SSD, FLCOS Microdisplays

One of them has a tie up with AMD, I guess Angstrem. They want to make 130nm processors but it looks like in 2 or 3 years.

I can't believe in today's technology, the Russian plane's are running on ELBRUS.
AMD, now the USA is arming the Russians their worst nemesis.

we will be ahead with 40 and 32nm processors. We are currently at 180nm and 130nm processes

By "we" do you mean India, and please do specify the name and details of the manufacturers.

 

[p2prada]

Any ideas p2p, about the structural changes that may be required in BARS PESA for this to happen? As far as I know, one of the reasons IBRIS may not be fitted into MKIs in the size of the nose cone. If an AESA upgrade is being done with Su35BM in mind, then not sure how it will work out with MKIs.

There will be many. For one the ~600Kg weight will be reduced. The TWT will be removed because AESA will use separate T/R modules. The processors and software need to be changed because processing will be huge. The current radar processor won't be enough. I guess a CIP will be used for it. Cooling systems will be modified along with power management. Heck almost everything will change or be reworked. It will be expensive and will consume more power once upgraded.

Irbis antenna area is 5cm smaller than the Bars. It is 900mm compared to Bars's 950mm. But Irbis has 2 TWTs rated at 10KW instead of 1 TWT that the Bars has. The Bars has two different ratings that we know of and one that is assumed to exist but not released officially. One is 4KW, one is 7KW and the unknown one is 10KW, the same one that is in the Irbis. The Bars was progressively upgraded with time. I guess the best version with 7KW or 10KW TWT came out in 2008.

TWT is also called Travelling Wave Tube. It is a part of the TWT Amplifier and is used to amplify power signals.

The main reason why the Irbis cannot be used on the current version of the MKI is because of the power needed to run it. It is effectively twice that of the Bars. The MKIs current power packs do not generate that kind of power along with powering the other electronics and mechanics of the aircraft. With an engine upgrade and the AESA upgrade it may very well possible to increase the power by 1.5 to 2 times as that of the Bars. An upgrade to the Irbis will be every expensive.

An Irbis version with Active arrays will be used on the PAKFA. I am hoping for a 10 to 12W T/R module on the Bars AESA version with 1600 T/R modules. Higher the power better the radar. A guy can only wish.

 

[mayfair]

Does Ibris offer substantially better performance and abilities compared to the BARS we have currently? If yes, then in your opinion how feasible would be to have the remaining MKIs (yet to be manufactured and inducted) powered by Saturn 117S powerplants than AL-31?

I ask this, since Ibris AESA is likely to be used on FGFA so it would help to familiarise ourselves with the new system.

 

[p2prada]

By "we" do you mean India, and please do specify the name and details of the manufacturers.

Yeah! We. DODO has a department called ANURAG which lives 3000 years ago, in computer lingo. They are 30 years behind and make 1000nm stuff which is mainly meant for use in the old 486 and higher family of Intel's processors.

CDAC
http://www.cdac.in/

They make some good stuff and I guess it is they who make 180nm and 130nm stuff. This would mean CDAC is 10-15 years behind.


Anyway
Govt plans to set up two chip facilities - Times Of India

Fearing the possibility of rogue programs getting embedded in imported chips that could compromise security of critical installations, the government is planning to two chip-manufacturing units at an investment topping Rs 25,000 crore.

...and more in the article.

 

[p2prada]

Does Ibris offer substantially better performance and abilities compared to the BARS we have currently? If yes, then in your opinion how feasible would be to have the remaining MKIs (yet to be manufactured and inducted) powered by Saturn 117S powerplants than AL-31?

It's either all aircraft or none. If we get the AL-41 then the associated power packs can be guaranteed to power Irbis. If we stick with the AL-31 then the technology is inferior but there could be upgraded power packs which can generate enough power, but I doubt it. Anyway the Super MKI will not get the Irbis.

An AESA version of the Irbis is currently only in prototype form and is being integrated onto the PAKFA, so it won't be in time for the upgrade.

The Irbis is more effective as it has a higher power aperture and a more narrow beamwidth which increases the capability to identify enemy aircraft. Since power aperture is high, it obviously delivers high power which increases detection range. Considering the PAKFA is getting an extended range R-77M version with ramjet engines which engages targets at over 200Km, we can easily engage aircraft like F-16, JF-17 or J-10 at those ranges. There could be specific softwares and circuitry unique to Irbis as compared to Bars. But there is enough indication to believe the Irbis is a modified Bars. It is something like how the Su-35 is to the MKI. Both are the same yet different.

If you compare Flanker series, the Su-35 with MKI, then MKI would be the Jack of all trades while the Su-35 could be the Master of the skies.

The upgraded Bars - Active may be enough for us and will be ahead of anything our enemies can field. I doubt the Chinese have anything that matches the existing Bars let alone the AESA version.

I ask this, since Ibris AESA is likely to be used on FGFA so it would help to familiarise ourselves with the new system.

Not required. We have to pay twice for the same thing. One to fit it in the MKI and next for the PAKFA.

It would be a surprise if we get Phazatron though. They have a 1600 T/R array ready as well.

Phazatron's Zukh MFSE:

NIIP Bars AESA

 

[Eiffe]

Sukhoi T-50 PAK-FA passes 100th flight milestone

Twenty-one months after first flight at Komsomolsk-on-Amur in Siberia, the Sukhoi T-50 PAK-FA fleet recorded its 100th flight on 3 November.

For perspective, the Lockheed Martin F-35 programme needed 31 months from the first take-off by the AA-1 test aircraft to pass the 100th flight mark.

In that 21-month period, the PAK-FA test fleet has already performed a private air show for Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and made its first official public appearance at the MAKS air show near Moscow. The latter event was marred by an engine blow-out on take-off.

Meanwhile, Russia has been busy on the export front. Rosoboronexport signed a deal with India to develop a new single- and twin-seat variant called FGFA. Sukhoi also offered the PAK-FA to South Korea for the F-XIII contract, but the Russia delegation curiously was absent at the Seoul Air Show last month.

The Russian Air Force has announced plans to receive the first production aircraft in 2013, and to introduce the PAK-FA into operational service two years later.

Russia has stunned everybody with the pace of PAKFA programme. Well done Russia:thumb: First aircraft in 2013. Wooow

 

[cir]

A pair of T-50s only clocked 100 flights in 21 months??

That's positively snail-paced.

For comparison, a single J-20 has had nearly 60 flights in 10 months.

 

[SPIEZ]

A pair of T-50s only clocked 100 flights in 21 months??

That's positively snail-paced.

For comparison, a single J-20 has had nearly 60 flights in 10 months.

We have authentic news! When a test fails, we can declare it as a failed test. Unfortunately we can't say the same for Chinese media I am yet to see an indication a failure regarding military in any of the Chinese media. and don't tell me you were 100% succesfull, even countries with a large success rate have had failures.

 

[Eiffe]

A pair of T-50s only clocked 100 flights in 21 months??

That's positively snail-paced.

For comparison, a single J-20 has had nearly 60 flights in 10 months.

hahaha 60 flights in 10 months. Good joke

Chinese J-20 stealth fighter makes Third test flight, landing Gears Folded | China Military Power Mashup

 

[JayChennai]

i am confused with PAK-FA / FGFA , which is single seater and which with twin seater

 

[SPIEZ]

i am confused with PAK-FA / FGFA , which is single seater and which with twin seater

PAK-FA= Single seater.
FGFA= Dual seater.