Russian Naval Aviation: News

It seems SVP-24 is not just ballistic computing subsystem but a full fire control complex. I wonder, how much influence in SVP-24 have Su-30KN modernization package, as Su-30KN and Su-27UBM were cancelled in 2003 and Irkut decide to not continue with this program, but went on Su-30MKI program. Irkut deliver Su-30KN package to Baranovichi aviation plant in Belarus, which similarly as Gefest install this modernization package to Su-27/30, MiG-29, Su-25 and Su-22 with similar capabilities. Could be, that Gefest got this package as well, as it was no more in use by Irkut and was free for other users. After all Su-30KN was made as low cost multirole fighter for RuAF needs in that time, which have to be as capable as possible and as cheap as possible, but was still cancelled because of money shortage. If Gefest got Su-30KN package in their hands, than a speed of Su-33 upgrade is not a surprize and this package includes radar upgrade to become multirole fighter. Distance of 300 km on Su-33 display shows, that Radar is upgraded as basic N001 from old Su-33 doesn't have such range. Acording to info from Baranovichi, upgraded radar have range against ground targets 150 km and against naval targets 350 km. This could be well seen on Su-33 display, where max distance was limited to 300 km, but other distances are standard as with Su-24M.

http://www.558arp.by/en/products-and-services-eng/services-eng/modernization-aviation-materiel-eng/su-27-30-aircraft-eng

http://bmpd.livejournal.com/2806457.html





Now we got some interesting news from "Armia-2017" regarding Su-33 operations in Syria. Kuznetsov carrier is equipped with the same automated command complex ASPDD-24 as Su-24M and SVP-24 data link is exchanging info with this command post. Some attacks from Su-33 were coordinated from the carrier itself, but a very small number, only 10 of 1300. 318 targets were delivered from the same command posts on the ground (Hmeimim) and 133 from recce groups on the ground, what bring 461 in total of 1300 targets. All the rest were received from the air, that mean Su-33 find targets itself and for this it need air to ground modes in radar as pilot could not find them with his eyes and that SVP-24-33 also integrate IFDL (intra flight data link) to exchange full situational picture with other planes of air, sea and ground targets and could receive targets from Su-30SM, Su-34, Su-35 and MiG-29K, which are also equipped with IFDL to work in data link network. This could mean, that IFDL in Su-33 was also upgraded as before it was create to exchange air targets inside the group and AEW platform.

Singular_Transform wrote:


It can carry anti ship missiles, but can't carry helicopters or other long range sensor platform, and it can't climb high enough to "see" ships.

The Soviet Union classified ekranoplans into 3 categories.
Category A - Used almost always in ground effect, but with a limited pop up climb ability.
Category B - could attain certain altitudes.
Category C - only used ground effect for takeoff and landing phases.

For example, the large 140 ton Category B Orlynok could reach 3000m.
As far as I can recall, the massive 380t Lun was also able to acheive a considerable altitude, much higher than Orlynok if I recall correctly.
So, their efficient regime was in ground effect, but nothing stops an ekranoplan of the correct design from climbing higher to have an electronic "look around".

Aviation of the Pacific Fleet received six repaired Ka-29 helicopters



   The bmpd comment. According to available information, on November 9, 2017 six transport-and-repair repairs to the Kumertau Aircraft Production Enterprise (KumAPP, part of the Russian Helicopters JSC) transport-combat helicopters Ka-29 were delivered to Nikolaevka, which were formally handed over after the repair in December 2016 (the well-known board numbers "85", "90", "91" and "94").

   The contract for the repair of these six Ka-29 helicopters was listed in the work plan of Kumertau Aviation Production Enterprise JSC (KumAPP) for 2016. The value of the contract is 435 million rubles. (thus the repair price of one helicopter was 72.5 million rubles).

   This transfer will significantly increase the fleet of operating Ka-29 helicopters of the Navy of the Russian Navy, as only four Ka-29 helicopters were in the state of the Navy at the end of 2016 - two cars with aircraft numbers "38 yellow" (registration number RF-34194) and "39 yellow" (registration number RF-34188), operated at the 859th Center for Combat Operations and Training of the Flight Structure of the Naval Aviation of the Russian Navy in Yeisk, as well as Ka-29 helicopters with the "23 red" and "75 red" in the aviation of the Northern Fleet.

   It should be noted that the repair of two more Ka-29 helicopters of the Black Sea Fleet aviation (yellow side plates "69" and "70") was completed in 2017 at SUE "Sevastopol Aircraft Repair Enterprise" (SAP).

   In total, from 1977 to 1988, three pilot and 59 serial Ka-29 helicopters were built, of which seven after the collapse of the Soviet Union withdrew to Ukraine.

https://bmpd.livejournal.com/2942897.html

https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12153428@egNews

Очередная партия палубных истребителей Су-33 оборудована специальной вычислительной подсистемы СВП-24-33 в рамках модернизации.
В результате проведенной модернизации они смогут с высокой эффективностью работать не только по воздушным, но также по наземным и морским целям.

A new batch of Su-33 fighters was equipped with SVP-24-33 FCS. There is a good question, if Gefest could also replace components in radar and instal processor Baguet-55.04 and other new components in it. They don't need to replace a whole radar, just few components in it and it will become multirole.

https://navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2017/december-2017-navy-naval-forces-defense-industry-technology-maritime-security-global-news/5780-kh-31-air-to-surface-missile-added-to-russian-navy-mig-29k-kub-weapons-package.html

Not sure if this was mentioned here. Russian Navy is arming their MiG-29K/KUB with Kh-31A(D?) anti-ship missiles. It seems first naval fighters receiving those missiles were Su-30SM. I wonder, how quick those missiles will be available for Su-33. It looks like navy didn't have those missiles before and this could be a very good reason, why we didn't see Su-33 armed with Kh-31 missiles in past. If Navy only now receive Kh-31A/P missiles, than we will also see in near future, if Su-33 is capable to use anti-radar Kh-31P missiles as it is equipped with L150 Pastel RWR. It looks like Navy only now receive guided weapons like Kh-29TD seen on Su-30SM, KAB-500Kr bombs, Kh-31A/P missiles, etc. I wonder what weapons have navy for their Su-24M before.

Repaired Ka-29 helicopter in the Baltic Fleet

In the final stage of the State tests in the Baltic Sea, the first large-scale landing ship of the 11711 Ivan Gren project, which was built at the PJSC Baltic Shipyard Yantar, was engaged in the first returned to the combat composition of the aviation of the Baltic Fleet of the Russian Navy after a long break, the Ka-29 transport and landing helicopter , now having the onboard number "14 yellow".



According to the known data, this helicopter was repaired at JSC "150 aircraft repair plant" (Lublino, Kaliningrad region, now the plant is a part of the JSC "Helicopters of Russia") and was delivered at the end of 2016, but actually put into operation in the summer of 2017 , becoming the first for a long time by the operational Ka-29 helicopter as part of the Baltic Fleet aviation. The helicopter is a part of the helicopter squadron of the 72nd aviation base of aviation of the Baltic Fleet, stationed at the airdrome Donskoe (Kaliningrad region).

In November 2017, it was reported that the 150th ARZ completed the overhaul of three more Ka-29 helicopters from the aviation of the Baltic Fleet, which allowed the formation of a detachment of these helicopters in Donskoy. However, according to available information, the crews of these helicopters are still being trained at the 859th Center for Combat Training and Retraining of the Naval Aviation Staff of the Russian Navy in Yeysk.

Earlier, roughly from 2004 to 2010, one Ka-29 helicopter with the aircraft number "22 yellow" was operated as part of the Baltic Fleet aviation, before being repaired at the 150th ARZ, but then it was decommissioned by the resource. The remaining Baltic Ka-29s were discontinued by the end of the 2000s.

https://bmpd.livejournal.com/3007929.html

New Russian naval helicopter drone developed:
http://yablor.ru/blogs/razrabotka-bespilotnogo-letatelnogo/5851923

Very interesting. The Russian Navy is surely working tireless in order to have the most advanced unmanned aircrafts, including helicopters. Most of the roles they need will be solved by unmanned aircrafts in some years.

Ships are strong platforms that allow many options for UAVs. Every ship can operate UAVs even the smallest. Very likely they are finding the maximum operative size for UAVs for every type of ship, in order to maximize the range of the UAVs and the payload of sensors they can carry. In the case of the ships with helipad this maximum size will be very close to the size of the current helicopters, and being unmanned the ranges of these UAVs will be powerful..

Only the shipborne fighters are less likely to become unmanned, and Russia has assured the future of shipborne fighters with the Su-57. All the rest, every new type of combat and auxiliary (early warning, maritime patrol, transport,...) helicopter or modern VTOL aircraft is likely to be unmanned after 2025.

medo wrote:It seems SVP-24 is not just ballistic computing subsystem but a full fire control complex. I wonder, how much influence in SVP-24 have Su-30KN modernization package,  as Su-30KN and Su-27UBM were cancelled in 2003 and Irkut decide to not continue with this program, but went on Su-30MKI program. Irkut deliver Su-30KN package to Baranovichi aviation plant in Belarus, which similarly as Gefest install this modernization package to Su-27/30, MiG-29, Su-25 and Su-22 with similar capabilities. Could be, that Gefest got this package as well, as it was no more in use by Irkut and was free for other users. After all Su-30KN was made as low cost multirole fighter for RuAF needs in that time, which have to be as capable as possible and as cheap as possible, but was still cancelled because of money shortage. If Gefest got Su-30KN package in their hands, than a speed of Su-33 upgrade is not a surprize and this package includes radar upgrade to become multirole fighter. Distance of 300 km on Su-33 display shows, that Radar is upgraded as basic N001 from old Su-33 doesn't have such range. Acording to info from Baranovichi, upgraded radar have range against ground targets 150 km and against naval targets 350 km. This could be well seen on Su-33 display, where max distance was limited to 300 km, but other distances are standard as with Su-24M.

http://www.558arp.by/en/products-and-services-eng/services-eng/modernization-aviation-materiel-eng/su-27-30-aircraft-eng

Obviously, Gefest & T is direct competitor of Knaapo & Irkut in modernization projects of Su-24M, Su-25, Su-27, Su-33, etc so they (Knaapo & Irkut) will not collaborate with Gefest & T without requirement from Russian MOD.

In case of Su-33s modernization, they have been upgraded by Knaapo so besides SVP-24-33 package, the rest are more likely to Su-27SM/SM3, that also have been done by Knaapo too. Sofar, the Su-33s have got modernization as follows:

- In early of 2000': SLEP, replaced old RWR by new L-150 Pastel, installed the gps/glonass navigation system A-737 that shows the information through the knee EKP-NT MFD.

- 2016-2017: SVP-24-33 Gefest & T.

- 2017-2018: New or upgraded WCS & FCS that includes the upgraded N-001VP1 radar, (may be) new IRST, new air to surface, air to sea and air to air weapons.

- 2019-2020 (est.): New engines that have been re-produced since middle of last year and in state testing. New engines will be added lastest development of AL-31F engine family, have special thrust modes to help Su-33s take off from desk with full loads (can not do now) and do special maneuvers in cases of emergency.

kopyo-21 wrote:

medo wrote:It seems SVP-24 is not just ballistic computing subsystem but a full fire control complex. I wonder, how much influence in SVP-24 have Su-30KN modernization package,  as Su-30KN and Su-27UBM were cancelled in 2003 and Irkut decide to not continue with this program, but went on Su-30MKI program. Irkut deliver Su-30KN package to Baranovichi aviation plant in Belarus, which similarly as Gefest install this modernization package to Su-27/30, MiG-29, Su-25 and Su-22 with similar capabilities. Could be, that Gefest got this package as well, as it was no more in use by Irkut and was free for other users. After all Su-30KN was made as low cost multirole fighter for RuAF needs in that time, which have to be as capable as possible and as cheap as possible, but was still cancelled because of money shortage. If Gefest got Su-30KN package in their hands, than a speed of Su-33 upgrade is not a surprize and this package includes radar upgrade to become multirole fighter. Distance of 300 km on Su-33 display shows, that Radar is upgraded as basic N001 from old Su-33 doesn't have such range. Acording to info from Baranovichi, upgraded radar have range against ground targets 150 km and against naval targets 350 km. This could be well seen on Su-33 display, where max distance was limited to 300 km, but other distances are standard as with Su-24M.

http://www.558arp.by/en/products-and-services-eng/services-eng/modernization-aviation-materiel-eng/su-27-30-aircraft-eng

Obviously, Gefest & T is direct competitor of Knaapo & Irkut in modernization projects of Su-24M, Su-25, Su-27, Su-33, etc so they (Knaapo & Irkut) will not collaborate with Gefest & T without requirement from Russian MOD.

In case of Su-33s modernization, they have been upgraded by Knaapo so besides SVP-24-33 package, the rest are more likely to Su-27SM/SM3, that also have been done by Knaapo too. Sofar, the Su-33s have got modernization as follows:

- In early of 2000': SLEP, replaced old RWR by new L-150 Pastel, installed the gps/glonass navigation system A-737 that shows the information through the knee EKP-NT MFD.

- 2016-2017: SVP-24-33 Gefest & T.

- 2017-2018: New or upgraded WCS & FCS that includes the upgraded N-001VP1 radar, (may be) new IRST, new air to surface, air to sea and air to air weapons.

- 2019-2020 (est.): New engines that have been re-produced since middle of last year and in state testing. New engines will be added lastest development of AL-31F engine family, have special thrust modes to help Su-33s take off from desk with full loads (can not do now) and do special maneuvers in cases of emergency.

Gefest & T is not a competitor to Irkut in modernization projects, because Irkut decided to stop with modernization projects when Su-30KN was canceled and delivered this Su-30KN package to ARZ Baranovichi in Belarus. Irkut now produce only new planes and is out from modernisation business. Su-30KN radar upgrade is free for Gefest to use it and it is similar to N001VEP. Actually it use the same Baguet-55 processor as N001VEP, so those electronic blocs are not reserved only fo KNAAPO. Gefest made very quick modernization of Su-33, which work well in Syria although they didn't modernize any fighter before. I didn't see a problem to take components from Su-30KN modernization package, which was tested and operational and add some of their own from SVP-24 and build them in Su-33 as SVP-24-33. After all distance of 300 km in Su-33 display show it is calibrated to 300 km radar range, so radar have to be upgraded to N001VEP level to get that range. KNAAPO have their own Su-27SM modernization package, but they have nothing with Su-30KN package, so they could not prevent Gefest to use components from Su-30KN package.

It seems RuNAVY still more like Su-33 than MiG-29K as they will not order any additional MiG-29K, but will fully modernize their Su-33 jets and produce new engines for them. After all modernized Su-33 is no worse than MiG-29K. They have similar agility and same +8g limitation because of folding wings. Su-33 have full data link communication capabilities with IFDL from the beginning. N001VEP radar is actually more capable than Zhuk-M in MiG-29K as it have longer range and both can track 10 targets and engage 4 targets simultaneously. Su-33 have longer range, have more hardpoints and carry heavier armament load.

Knaapo is the main contractor of Su-33 modernization while Gefest & T is just sup-contractor for SVP-24-33 complex so it is not common sense to talk about Gefest & T would corporate with Irkut to upgrade Su-33s. Another thing, Su-33 is more likely to Su-27. They all are one seat fighter so using the Su-27SM/SM3 solution with expertise of Knaapo to apply for Su-33 is much more logical than using Su-30KN's of irkut.

N-001VEP & N-001VEP1 are radar versions for export for Su-30mk2 and Su-33K (export to China) in respectively. The domestic versions called N-001VP and N-001VP1.

KNAAPO was contracted for general overhaul and small modernization of Su-33, which it did. Gefest modernization is another contract with Russian MoD and KNAAPO have nothing with it. Su-27SM and Su-30KN are two quite similar modernization packages. It's true, that KNAAPO modernize only single seaters to Su-27SM/SM3, but Su-30KN was used in both single and twin seater Su-27S and Su-27UB. Baranovichi ARZ use Su-30KN modernization package to modernize both Su-27S and Su-27UB jets for Belarus and Kazakhstan air forces to Su-27M2 and Su-27UBM2. So there is no problem to use Su-30KN package for Su-33. For Gefest Su-30KN components are only logical solution as Irkut is out of modernization business and it is free to use and on the other side Su-27SM package could be used only by KNAAPO as it is still in this business. Su-30KN package is well tested and operational in Kazakhstan with Su-27M2 and Su-27UBM2 and in Angola with Su-30KN, while Belarus retired their Su-27 jets. No need to reinvent a wheel, just use what works well and is not expensive.

You are wrong Medo.

Don't forget that Knaapo is the manufacturer of Su-33s so only it has full capability to access and modernize Su-33s. Sofar, Knaapo still is the main contractor for Su-33s modernization. It is still upgrading all Su-33s, adding new combat systems (Upgraded N001VP1, new IRST, new cockpit, new/upgraded WCS, ECM, etc) and new waepons for them to deal with both land and sea targets. There is no anything left so talking Gefest & T should/would corporate with Irkut to upgrade Su-33s is non sense and unreal.

Naval Aviation Combat Employment and Retraining Centre opens third stage of Naval Ace-2018 contest in Yeysk

The Naval Aviation Combat Employment and Retraining Centre of Flight Personnel has solemnly opened the third stage of the Naval Ace 2018 contest in the city of Yeysk (Krasnodarsky Krai).

The third stage of the contest will last till 22 June. Its purpose is to assess the level of flight, methodological and tactical training of the Naval Aviation personnel of the Northern, Pacific, Baltic and Black Sea frleets and the above-mentioned Centre, as well as to determine the best crews according to the results of the final stage, sum up the advanced experience and draw up the areas for further developing and improving the combat training system for the Russian Naval Aviation.

At the final contest stage, a commission headed by the Navy Aviation Chief Major General Igor Kozhin will determine the winners among the crews of Il-38, Tu-142 ASW aircraft, Ka-27 (Ka-28) ASW helicopters, Su-24m attack aircraft and Ka-29TB helicopters, MiG-29k, Su-33, MiG-31 fighters, L-39 training aircraft, as well as among the special aviation crews on An-26 and Ka-27PS helicopters.

In total, the best 20 naval pilots and over 20 aircraft and helicopters from all the Russian Fleets are to take part in the contest.

http://eng.mil.ru/en/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12181686@egNews

New training complex "NITKA" will appear in Yeysk for the Navy pilots https://rg.ru/2018/07/07/reg-ufo/v-ejske-poiavitsia-trenirovochnyj-kompleks-nitka-dlia-letchikov-vmf.html?utm_medium=more&utm_source=rnews

The 1 in Crimea may also expand later.

Two Su-33 b/n 77 and 68 got 2 inner underwing hardpoits 11 and 12.Those two hardoints are under fixed part of wing and are usually used for air to surface and air to sea weapons. Both were modernized with SVP-24-33 before they went to Syria in 2016. Looks like they went through additional uprade, modernization. Those hardpoints will be of no use when operating from carrier, but of big value, when operating from ground airbase. In Syria we already see, that Runavy Su-30SM use new R-77-1 and Kh-31A missiles as well as Kh-29TD. Maybe we will soon see new missiles on Su-33 as well as Runavy now receive new armament.

medo wrote:Those hardpoints will be of no use when operating from carrier, but of big value, when operating from ground airbase.

Why having extra missiles is useless when operating from a carrier?!
Those hardpoints r needed for new, perhaps lighter, missiles/pods, & their combined weight may not be detrimental to SU-33 flight ops.
More on future STOVL: https://topwar.ru/132432-podgotovka-k-shvatke-s-f-35b-i-f-a-18e-apgreyd-peredovogo-sobrata-yak-141-i-problemy-uzkoprofilnosti-su-33.html?utm_source=24smi&utm_medium=referral&utm_term=1302&utm_content=1774865&utm_campaign=2626

Tsavo Lion wrote:

medo wrote:Those hardpoints will be of no use when operating from carrier, but of big value, when operating from ground airbase.

Why having extra missiles is useless when operating from a carrier?!
Those hardpoints r needed for new, perhaps lighter, missiles/pods, & their combined weight may not be detrimental to flight ops.

For now Russia doesn't produce SDB type of munition, that additional hardpoints will be useful for carrier ops. Su-33 combat load when on carrier is quite low. In air to air operation Su-33 could have 8 AAMs and 2 ECM pods. When placing air to surface or air to sea armament, not all hardpoint will be loaded, what we could see in operations over Syria. Su-33 have 2 ECM pods, 2 R-73, 2 R-27, 2 FAB-500 bombs and 2 hardpoints empty. R-77-1 missile is a little lighter than R-27, but Kh-31A is a little heavier than FAB-500. Additional hardpoint will only reduce usefull combatload with their additional weight.

Other story is when operating from ground airbase. There is no limitation regarding fuel and combat load. From Zemlya Aleksandra island they could easily take off with 2 ECM pods, 2 R-73, 4 R-77-1 and 4 Kh-31A ASM and full fuel tanks for their over sea patrols.

They may also plan to strengthen their landing gear later for CATOBAR, if those reports about catapult development r true.
Or, they may base them on land for the rest of their lifetimes, as it'll take who knows how long before the Adm. K is back in the water.

To be honest, I doubt Su-33 will serve that long to see a new carrier with catapult. They will serve on Kuznetsov, but in small number, majority will be new MiG-29K. MiGs are now well used in Yeysk training center to train pilots for carrier operations. I still think majority of Su-33 will serve from ground airbases in north for over sea patrols as they are the best for this job. They have long range, anti-corosion protection, naval navigation equipment to fly over sea, IFR, stronger undercarriage for carrier operations and after all, folding wings, so it will take less space in hangars in far north Arctic bases as smaller hangars are better for warming. They will be of good use to protect warm sea door to Arctic naval route from Atlantic to Pacific. From ground airbases they could serve for quite a long time, considering they produce new engines for them, because ground airbase operations are far less stressful for plane than carrier operations. In contrast to US carrier fighters, Su-33 didn't have many hours on carrier as Kuznetsov was rarely on the sea and never with full group. They could still serve for 20+ years.

medo wrote:To be honest, I doubt Su-33 will serve that long to see a new carrier with catapult. They will serve on Kuznetsov, but in small number, majority will be new MiG-29K. MiGs are now well used in Yeysk training center to train pilots for carrier operations. I still think majority of Su-33 will serve from ground airbases in north for over sea patrols as they are the best for this job. They have long range, anti-corosion protection, naval navigation equipment to fly over sea, IFR, stronger undercarriage for carrier operations and after all, folding wings, so it will take less space in hangars in far north Arctic bases as smaller hangars are better for warming. They will be of good use to protect warm sea door to Arctic naval route from Atlantic to Pacific. From ground airbases they could serve for quite a long time, considering they produce new engines for them, because ground airbase operations are far less stressful for plane than carrier operations. In contrast to US carrier fighters, Su-33 didn't have many hours on carrier as Kuznetsov was rarely on the sea and never with full group. They could still serve for 20+ years.

The Su-33s are still flown from land bases for training, they have plenty of hours on them. They should be on their way out for MiG-29K.

Su-33 will leave Kuznetsov deck to MiG-29K, but they will be still used from land airbases. Su-33 are of the youngest Flankers build in the nineties. They are naval carrier based jets. They have enforced structure for carrier operations, they have better anti corosion protection and they have lower G limitation because of folding wings and they never carry full combat load. Their land operation were even less stressful than for standard Su-27. Just look at Iranian F-14A. Su-33 could serve for quite a long time as land based fighter with good maintenance and new engines. They are worth to be modernized as they have their own theatre of operations, for which they are better suited than any land based fighter.

medo wrote:Su-33 will leave Kuznetsov deck to MiG-29K, but they will be still used from land airbases. Su-33 are of the youngest Flankers build in the nineties. They are naval carrier based jets. They have enforced structure for carrier operations, they have better anti corosion protection and they have lower G limitation because of folding wings and they never carry full combat load. Their land operation were even less stressful than for standard Su-27. Just look at Iranian F-14A. Su-33 could serve for quite a long time as land based fighter with good maintenance and new engines. They are worth to be modernized as they have their own theatre of operations, for which they are better suited than any land based fighter.

They are outdated. Their huge rcs makes it an easy target for any new fighter.