LMTA (2003)

Light multi-role tactical aircraft

The task of creating a new fighter, capable of in the early twenty-first century to replace the front-line fighter MiG-29 was put back in the mid-eighties. Work was carried out in two streams, Sukhoi and Mikoyan Design Bureau developed several distinct concepts of such a machine.

KB MiG main function of a new tactical fighter propelled fighter problem, work on the ground here to take second place. Perhaps the essence of the machine, which received a firm index 412 , was consonant with the passing of time testing of the MiG-29M .

Sukhoi went their separate ways. Developing in parallel with the creation of a light tactical fighter (PRL), the idea of a stealth attack aircraft, designed to "balance" the overseas A-12 "AvendzherII " , the group running Babak designed a fighter - bomber Su-37 , the first of that name.

For the creation of such an aircraft at different times were taken, many venerable firms, but tie into one unit and "horse" - an armored attack and quivering doe "- highly maneuverable fighter aircraft, previously not possible. The key to success was to be a promising engine AL-41F (izd.20) with low specific gravity, variable-pass ratio and vserakursny nozzle. As the power plant was considered an alternative option - R179-300, is interesting, primarily for shipboard version of the machine, as is the development of "flaming heart" Yak-141 .

The concept of a single-engine attack aircraft rather questionable, that eventually influenced the choice of Air Force - the Su-25T. On the other hand has a long history of using such machines Su-17 and MiG-27. Americans are also trying to promote as a shock his single-engine F -16 XL. The emphasis in the successful application of such a fighter-attack aircraft except for a partial reservations (the total weight of survival increase of Su-37 has reached 1500 kg) would lie on the "multifunctional nozzle (the so-called then nozzle vserakursny). Dive "snake" with the use of direct lift control, for that the car had canards and flaps fuselage, it is theoretically allowed to minimize the time spent in the zone of aimed fire anti-aircraft installations. Attack of portable air defense systems assumed the suppression system of infrared homing "cargo ship" later installed on the Su-25T.

Then, in the early nineties, the theory has not been tested in practice, attempt to start the Su-37 in the series ended in nothing, Mikoyan project also has calmed down until better times.

At this time overseas strategists finally decided on the concept of a "light fighter". Problem of Nursi before this machine was not put Uncle Sam likes to shoot from a distance, so the armor was unclaimed (although the car and was seen as a substitute for ground attack A-10). But the customer is seriously complicated the task requirement to reduce the effective area of dispersion (ESR) and short takeoff / vertical landing. It is still too early to speak about fidelity or incorrect choice of priorities, but it should be noted that the requirement of vertical landing fighter severely limited the possibility of JSF . Application of the fan, the maximum possible diameter in the design of the machine, with a thrust of only 8,200 kg, has forced designers to move the main engine as close as possible to the center of gravity, thereby reducing the length of the duct to the minimum, which resulted in a restriction on the maximum speed is equal to M = 1.6. Note that the fourth-generation machines that JSF is intended to replace - F-16 and F-18 , accelerated to M = 2 and M = 1.8, respectively. Now, after the decommissioning of deck interceptor F-14 , these functions lie on the F-18 , even its maximum speed in this role is not "ice", what will happen to the air defense aircraft carrier strike group when the deck will only JSF?

At the beginning of the new millennium, the "best times" finally arrived and for the domestic light fighter. Albeit with some delay on the timing, but also successfully promoted the theme "core" of the fighter-interceptor, T-50, for some reason bashfully referred to as "... a complex tactical aviation," although it is he has a rather dubious attitude.

In the new century Sukhoi included with the ready "paper" project compact light fighter C-56 , C-21 aircraft Marbasheva , Mikoyan Design Bureau developed the line of large-scale modernization of MiG-29.

At the new stage appearance izd.117 engine for the PAK FA promised benefits and the creation on its base single-engine cars.

If the actions of the OKB Sukhoi in this respect there is no clarity, the interest of the Indian side to work OKB MiG shed some light on his projects.

In 2003, the OKB were at least two topics fit under the definition of a light fighter, at that time by the way, he was called LPS (light tactical aircraft, the word "aircraft" as opposed to "fighter" implies some kind of versatility).

One of them, the familiar twin-engine fighter-bomber, which is a further development of the MiG-29. Apparently after working versions of the MiG-29M, M1, M2, equipped with PGO M3 , the designers decided on a radical move - a change of aerodynamic layout. The plane, known as I-2000, is rumored to have lost horizontal tail and began to tailless. The advantages of this choice are known since the "analog-144 built on the basis of MiG-21, later it passed by the creators ofF-16XL , and even for the Su-27 was considered such a reception.

Large internal volume of the new arrangement allowed radically increase the range - the main disadvantage of the MiG-29. Number of external nodes raised to 1.5 - 2 times, reduced ESR.Maneuverability of the machine, at least remained at the level of Mig-29, thanks to all vector nozzles "KLIVT.

The second contender for the role of LPS appeared light fighter under the symbol "1.12".According to unconfirmed reports a single-engine plane with an engine or izd.117S izd.117, one of the keel and the location of air intakes a la F/A-18E/F . the internal layout of the normal combat load (2 SD of short-range and 2 SD-range), low ESR, high thrust-weight ratio 1.3 - 1.4, supersonic cruising speed in the M = 1.3, range without external fuel tanks at the level of Mig-29 with a "suspended", allow the machine seriously "snap back" when they met not only with European "classmates," but also if possible to specify "hot" heavier American F-22 and F-35 .

As is known by the year 2005 theme was called "light multipurpose aircraft (LMFS). Probably the role of the fighter-bomber is no longer suited the customer. On the agenda is hanging replacement soon the main workhorse tactical aircraft - the Su-25, why not perplex the new car yet another role, especially since the work in this direction were twenty years ago? We must assume that the task of ironing LMFS Nursi trenches will not be typical. The use of fighter aircraft at the cost of 40 million, $ (price for a domestic customer) with the pilot training which costs now in 3 - 5 million $ in such a dangerous maneuver borders on stupidity. These roles are likely to move to the light attack aircraft (LUS) based on the Yak-130, including unmanned.

The high thrust-weight ratio due to the requirements of the super maneuverability, allows you to create on the basis of such a machine version of the short takeoff and vertical landing. The advantages of such a deck fighter are obvious if the Su-33 can be based on the ship with a displacement of 50 - 60 tons, recently created by Indian money MiG-29K/KUB can reduce this requirement to 28 tons, then LMFS may even be based on the helipad corvettes, of course properly trained. In an embodiment with a vertical takeoff and landing fighter with a normal load (4 SD-to-Air) has a range of about 1000 km radius of 340 km.

The emergence of such a machine in the fleet could radically change the balance of forces, since it is possible to create a single warship of a relatively small displacement in the class destroyer or cruiser, able to carry on board 8 - 15 multi-role fighters. The role of long-range cruise missiles, in this case will fully switch to the deck aircraft, because the range of such a complex increases up to a fantastic value - 2000 km, and provide target designation fighters themselves.

The emergence of LMFS can be expected in 2014 - 2016 years after the launch of a series of PAK FA. Domestic Air Force can get about 260 cars, the Navy - 60. Obviously, the export component in the production LMFS will be even more significant, since the machine with features for the money, does not even drafted.

Since the current domestic fighter design bureaus are actually a single structure, big names, "Su" or "MIG" is no longer relevant, it's time to move to the initiative of the times, "King of Fighters" NN Polikarpov fighter, and called just a fighter, more so that the PAK FA is known as the "I-21, LMFS in this case can be either" I-16 "or" I-25, which is equally valid.

Fighter -25 (I-25A) flat nozzle

Side view of 18.97 sq ft

View from above 63.1 m

Front view of 5.62 m

Volume of 18.88 cubic meters

Wing area: 39 sq.m

Fuel system

                Fuselage tanks                      15.44 x 5.36 x 1.49

                Volume of 4.98 cubic meters

                Weight 3900 kg of fuel

                Wing tanks 7.66 x 0.55 x 1.1

                Volume of 1.7 cubic meters

                Weight 1335 kg of fuel

The total weight of fuel 5,235 kg / 7,035 kg (2 x 900 kg)

Range

Consumption cruising                                     0.62 kg / kgf * h

Consumption at maximum                                   0.75 kg / kgf * h

Range, gross dressing + FTB 4600 km

Radius 1600 km              

Range, complete filling of 3400 km,

Radius 1200 km              

Range, fuselage tank is 2500 km,

Radius of 900 km 

Weight:

Maximum 9500 + 5235 + 100 + 5000 + 200 (4 LAC 50 kg) = 20,035 kg

Normal 9500 + 3900 + 100 + 600 = 14100 kg

Empty 9500 kg

Fuel                          3900 kg / 5,235 kg

Load                          600 kg / 5000 kg

Load:

normal 2 P-73 + 2 P-77 = 220 kg + 380 kg = 600 kg

maximum 6 AB-500 + 4 AB-500 = 5000 kg, plus 4 underwing LAC 50 kg

Ferry range.

Takeoff weight 9500 kg + 100 kg + 5235 kg + 1125 x 4 + 400 kg (db) = 19,735 kg

Fuel weight 5,235 kg + 900 kg x 4 = 8,835 kg

Range of 5800 km

Fighter-25 "vertikalka" (I-25B)

Side view of 18.97 sq ft

View from above 63.1 m

Front view of 5.62 m

Volume of 18.88 cubic meters

Wing area: 39 sq.m

Fuel system

                Fuselage tanks 5.13 x 4.04 x 1.49

                Volume of 4.33 cubic meters

                Weight 3400 kg of fuel

                Wing tanks 7.66 x 0.55 x 1.1

                Volume of 1.7 cubic meters

                Weight 1335 kg of fuel

The total weight of fuel 4,735 kg / 6,635 kg (PTB 2 x 900 kg)

Range

Consumption cruising 0.62 kg / kgf * h

Consumption at maximum 0.75 kg / kgf * h

Horizontal takeoff / landing (4735 kg) 3100 km

Radius 1100 km              

Horizontal takeoff / vertical landing (4143 kg) 2700 km                              

Radius of 950 km

Vertical takeoff / vertical landing (3551 kg) 2300 km

Radius of 800 km

Weight:

Maximum 9500 + 4735 + 100 + 5000 + 200 (4 LAC 50 kg) = 19,535 kg

Normal 9500 + 4735 + 100 + 600 = 14935 kg Empty 9500 kg

Fuel 4735 kg

Load of 600 kg / 5000 kg

Load:

normal 2 P-73 + 2 P-77 = 220 kg + 380 kg = 600 kg

maximum 6 AB-500 + 4 AB-500 = 5000 kg, plus 4 underwing LAC 50 kg

The possibility exists for vertical take-off thrust-weight ratio equal to 1.5

17,500 kgs: 1.5 = 11,670 kg

11670 kg - 9500 kg (empty) - 100 kg (pilot) - 600 kg (normal load) = 1470 kg (fuel)

Flight range of 965 km, the range of 340 km

Engine Vol. 127 (with a flat nozzle)

Side view of 5.26 m

View from above 5.8 m

Front view of 1.52 m

Volume of 3.59 cubic meters

Engine Weight 3.59 m³ x 450 kg / m³ = 1617 kg

------------

" MiG fifth generation will not.

"...- Will Mikoyanovsky firm to create a fifth-generation fighter?
- The next round of global competition in the fighter aircraft has begun, and "MiG" has no right to stand aside. We understand that we must not win in the sprint and a marathon. Fourth-generation fighter produced in series for 35 years, and the duration of the life cycle of the fifth will be even greater. Today we know the shortcomings of the F-22 and F-35 and can use this knowledge in their work as well as our teachers used in the development of the MiG-29 and Su-27 in response to the F-14, F-16 and F-15 . And almost no one remembers that our aircraft are the fourth generation appeared in the 5-7 years later, American. Our main task now - it's the consistent development of next generation technologies, what we do on a unified family of fighters. "

---------
 

Responding to questions from journalists on the eve of the MAKS-2007, First Deputy General Director - General Designer, MiG Sergei Tsivilev said that the MiG did not work leading to the creation of next-generation fighter. "If the answer to the question (when a MiG fifth generation?) Briefly and concisely, then such a task before us is not worth it. The Ministry of Defence has not raised interest in establishing such an aircraft. "
It is a lightweight tactical fighter next-generation MiG-29 dimensions, ie take-off weight in the range of 15-25 tons. Earlier, in the hope to circumvent AHK - Packed in India, MiG proposed Delhi to develop from scratch a 20-ton next-generation fighter together with the Ministry of Defence and industry of the republic. However, last year's replacement "promigovski" tuned Pranab Mukherjee Minister of Defense "has put a cross on the plans. The new leadership headed by AK Antony chose to sentence-dry "under the export option PAK FA.
"The only thing today to order - it's PAK FA, which makes the corporation Sukhoi. Accordingly, it is the only really created fighter next-generation, - said Sergey Viktorovich, - so to speak about some other aircraft, like the alternative (PAK FA), which have developed their own money now, I think, premature. "
Tsivilev further stressed that the "transitional" status of the RAC "MiG" (from the federal state enterprise into a corporation, followed by "dissolving" in the structure OAK) does not allow us to invest heavily in advanced development. "Yes, and this is not necessary, because the cost of new development - tens of billions of dollars. RSK MiG in the form in which it exists today will not be able to invest as much money to only by their efforts to make the next generation fighter. "
But this does not mean that the country remains without a new aircraft. "Within the OAK, we will work with the corporation" dry "on a possible joint design the next generation of combat systems" - hopes Tsivilev.

August 22, 2007.
 

-----------

Plant. Klimov is discussing with RSK MiG issue of creating an engine for a light version of the fighter 5 generations.

ITAR-TASS AKOR / 23.02.2006.
Plant im.Klimova discussing with RSK MiG issue of creating an engine for a light version of the fighter 5 generations. This was stated by the head of the St. Petersburg company Alexander Vatagin. According to him, the solution to develop advanced engine requires the implementation of a large complex of scientific, technological, scientific, methodological and design activities to ensure the achievement of the basic and specific characteristics at an acceptable cost.
"In terms of design, we know in which direction should go, - said Alexander Vatagin. On the RD-33MK "Morskaya Osa", he said, has mastered a number of technologies that will become the base for the transition to the engine of the new generation . As the Chief Designer of Factory im.Klimova Vladimir Shirmanov, "we insist that the engine of the fifth generation in the first place, must be implemented by a set of performance that will ensure the most effective combat aircraft operational perspective. It should include, inter alia, a special complex to maintain the reliability of nodes in the operation, the special technology of repair and replacement of some sites. " In particular, I am sure an expert, one can design the engine and organize its operation, it will not have any restrictions on the resource, and engine components, while developing a resource will change without its removal from the aircraft.
For the engine of a new generation of much wider range of operating temperature and altitude and will be provided with running at high altitude. One of the main characteristics of the engine - the specific gravity (ratio of mass to pull) will tend to a value below 0.1. Essential attribute of the engine of the fifth generation, experts say plant im.Klimova will vserakursny swivel nozzle and FBWCS.
Commander of Russian Air Force, Army General Vladimir Mikhailov said in January this year, which along with the development of basic fifth-generation aircraft will be designed to light version. It is expected that this will deal with the corporation "MiG", which has traditionally created a fighter smaller mass than the aircraft, the Su.
 

http://www.profile.ru/items/?item=17379

.... The second Russian-Indian aviaproekt - fifth-generation fighter - is in even more suspense. 
The main difference between fifth-generation aircraft from those that are in service of domestic Air Force now, it's elements of "artificial intelligence". Modern fighters are adapted to participate in the network-centric warfare (net-centric war). In these wars monitoring information sources, government, carriers of weapons and ordnance are managed centrally. It looks like this: the onboard control system integrates and uses for decision-making and representation of the pilot fly the huge volume of information coming from our own and external sensors (satellites, aircraft AWACS, neighbors fighters, unmanned vehicles, radio interception system). In network-centric war fighting group, rather than a separate plane. His role may vary depending on the situation (intelligence, "agent provocateur", command post drones, attack aircraft, etc.). "Artificial Intelligence", typical of machines of the fifth generation - a way to solve some of these challenges.
In addition, a new generation fighter designed to meet the requirements of low visibility in all physical fields (especially in the radar and infrared). For this purpose, in particular, weapons retracts into the fuselage. 
By the way, the Americans their fifth generation fighter F-22 is already running in series, producing about 20 pieces a year. 
Russian-Indian same machine is unlikely to become reality soon. At best, a joint project of the fifth generation fighter will begin to work through the year in 2015, though, because until 2017, India "closed" as in heavy and light on the fighters: up to 2017 a program of modernization of Su-30MKI and the planned purchase or the French Mirage, or our moment. But in the future really will need to think about switching to a new generation of machines.
In addition, Russia does not very much interested to speed up the launch of a joint project of the fifth generation fighter aircraft, because now focuses on internal developments 30-ton PAK FA.The longer it is delayed a joint project, the better for our military: there will be a competitor to his own design.

http://lenta.ru/news/2005/11/21/indimig/

... During the visit of Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee to Russia he was shown a few promising projects lightweight fighters that were not approved by the Ministry of Defense. Among them were projects RSK MiG, one of which is above all interested in the Indian delegation.

It is also reported that the minister interested in the project is a single-engine fighter. Apparently CB MiG had a chance to become a leader in the development of fifth generation fighter.

Interfax on 13 January :

... According to him, the RSK MiG plans to continue to work to create a new generation of light fighter.

"RSK" MIG "will necessarily work on the so-called light fighter. Because not everyone can fly a large aircraft. Some problems can be solved with less expensive efficient cars," - said the commander in chief.

... Along with the twin-engined fighter of the fifth generation, which is engaged in the development of Sukhoi, in the future may be created by a light single-engine multi-purpose fighter.

"We believe that such aircraft is needed. And in the long term need to get there. If we have a heavy twin-engined fighter and as a result of this road, there will be a single-engine fighter. Life will still be forced to do such a machine," - told Interfax-AVN deputy director of the scientific production association "Saturn" Victor Chepkin. He noted that both cars will be equipped with the same engine.

"This route has long run the United States. They first make an expensive fighter jet, for example F-15, and then, using the same engine, developing a single-engined fighter F-16, which is less expensive, but more massive," - said V. Chepkin. He noted that the same ideology of the Chinese. They have licensed is a heavy twin-engined Su-27 is a single-engine plane FX.

According to V. Chepkina, "in Soviet times, we also went over to the American concept." "We know that in parallel with the IFIs (multipurpose tactical fighter) was developed and PRL (lightweight tactical fighter)," - he said Chepkin reported that the Russian Aircraft Corporation "MiG" has already turned to Saturn on the installation of a fifth-generation engine for easy front-line fighter.

Lightweight fighters.

EDO almost always worked on projects single-engined light fighters. Only these planes could have a minimal cost of manufacturing and operation. Before the stage of engineering notes the following projects.

1981 (according to other years, 1984-85) - single-engine lightweight fighter, designated codes "41". It was assumed that the first stage of the aircraft will be equipped with R-33 engine with a thrust of 8,300 kg, while the second phase - a modified engine with a thrust of 10,000 kg. The fighter was originally designed for normal aerodynamic scheme, he had a wing with the influx and side air intakes. Take-off weight with two missiles R-73 was 9.5 m. The first phase was to install the radar of the "Mosquito" with the usual parabolic antenna, the second phase - the station with a phased array. Speed ​​is limited by the number M = 1.7, provision was off and landing from the ground. Estimated range as high as 2000 km with drop tanks - 3000 km. The fighter could rocket suspended melee R-60 or F-73E, consisted of small arms gun GS-301, the mass bomb load was up to 3.5 m.

In the second version of the aerodynamic configuration fighter had no horizontal tail, and front wing has a small PGO. This version of the flight performance and take-off weight is virtually identical to the first. More careful study of the air intake has shown the possibility of increasing the Mach number to 1.84.

... A normal takeoff weight - 9800 kg, the weight of fuel 2900 - 3000 kg, engine RD-33K, PrNK similar to the MiG-29M (cut in the "air-to-surface missiles), lost to MiG-29 on steady maneuver (as the thrust-weight ratio below ), won not on the steady maneuver (load on the wing), confidently went to high angles of attack, altitude and high subsonic range.
There was "slightly" to withdraw from the scheme, which made "Gripen", which gave a number of benefits, and for obvious related areas. For example, for stability at high angles of + glider + decrease in the mass grave decrease in labor exploitation.
At the same time was drawn and the "classic" configuration, but it seriously loses - in such a small dimension, "the classic" hard to pull on a good level.

passages of the article by Alexei Zakharov

"Tactical Aircraft in Russia - an attempt to market-based approach"

Source: http://www.almanacwhf.ru/?no=4&art=8

... Back in the mid 80-ies in the Yakovlev Design Bureau. Mikoyan to order the military carried out research which showed the possibility of a ground attack and fighter aircraft, with a lot of almost two, and the cost - at least a half times less than that of modern aircraft with similar military characteristics. Particular attention was paid to reducing the cost of not only production but also the operation of the aircraft.

... Both projects OKB. Mikoyan - ground attack and fighter aircraft - planes were created as a "special period", ie optimized for production in wartime. This period is characterized by a lack of raw materials and components, reducing manufacturing qualification, flight and maintenance personnel, in violation of the ties of cooperation of production, lack of fuel, etc. It is easy to note that all of these characteristics also reflect the current state of the Russian aviation industry.

... Creating a "Fighters of the special period" proved difficult due to more stringent (compared with attack aircraft) requirements. Nevertheless, it was possible to create a project plane with a normal takeoff weight of about ten tons, which in its basic performance characteristics almost as good as the MiG-29. Before providing the materials for customer aerodynamics KB thricerecalculate performance, ensuring that project data is not exceeded (!) on the parameters of the MiG-29, which is CB at the time touted as "the best fighter air superiority."

Fighter aircraft with one engine RD-33 was designed, in general, sufficient for the traditional scheme of "tailless with CHR, but had some original layout decisions. Due to this, managed to provide excellent stability / controllability at high angles of attack (which, in turn, gave the win in agility). Parallel has been made to reduce structural mass and improve performance (in particular, the removal / installation of the engine and avionics unit access).

Yielding several MiG-29 in a steady bend (due to lower thrust-weight ratio), the new fighter had the advantage in the transient maneuver, climb, and the subsonic range.

... For a fighter "economic effect" was not as spectacular, but its estimated cost was 2.2 million rubles., While the MiG-29 aircraft worth 3.7 million rubles. And Su-27 - about 5 RR.

1970 - lightweight tactical fighter with an AL-31F engine with a thrust of 12,300 kg. The plane had a normal aerodynamic configuration with a fixed wing having a break in the leading edge, and side air intakes. It was supposed to create the most lightweight design, allowing a launch thrust-weight ratio 1.4. Designed maximum speed at altitude was 2350 km / h (M = 2.2) at the ground - 1450 km / h, service ceiling was 21,500 m. The estimated range with combat load reached 2800 km during the flight at an altitude of 1000 km and - in land and ferry - 5000 km. Envisaged the possibility of landing on a dirt airfield. In arms that are suspended in the six points of the floor wing consisted of medium-range missile K-27 and all the existing arsenal of missiles near distance, as well as limited mobility gun, 30 mm. The aircraft could carry up to 3 tons of bombs. In composition, equipment fighter was close to the projected while the MiG-29 and even had a radar station in the rear-view fairing on the keel. The project has been extremely busy in the weight ratio, in addition, there were doubts about the possibility of providing a high value of the aerodynamic qualities. Twin-engine MiG-29 seems more promising project, so further detailed study of a light tactical fighter with one engine AL-31F was not performed.

Maxim Kalashnikov from the book:

... Engine 1 * 13170 (?) Kg, normal take-off weight - 12,100 kg, maximum - 19000, fuel - 3200 kg, PTB - 3100, load - 5500, speed - 2170, range without drop tanks - 2000, with the PTB - 3200 , rate of climb - 265 m / sec.

...