Western countries may strengthen their air defense system with Swedish ASC-890 (Saab 340) airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft. Can Russia respond in kind? On the one hand, the Ministry of Defense has several A-50(U) AEW&C aircraft, produced in Soviet times and modernized. On the other hand, the country has not yet established the production of new aircraft of this type, wrote military expert Sergei Marzhetsky.
Expensive A-100 "Premier"
Russian military personnel had high hopes for the A-100 "Premier" aircraft. It is distinguished by advanced tactical and technical characteristics but is expensive to produce. The Russian Aerospace Forces have been waiting for it since 2016. Marzhetsky suggested that due to the high cost, the A-100 may be produced in small series.
In his opinion, the optimal solution would be to create an AEW&C aircraft based on a serial civilian airliner. Against the backdrop of sanctions, this is the only way to produce a mass and inexpensive aircraft.
Is There an Alternative?
The military expert stated that the short-haul turboprop Il-114-300 and the medium-haul narrow-body Tu-204/214 can be used as carriers for AEW&C equipment. But the first aircraft is not yet in serial production. A more realistic option is to use the Tu-214ON, as the model is serially produced.
However, there is a 'but'. Firstly, the production capacities of the Tu-204/214 are currently loaded with orders for civilian air carriers. A strong-willed decision from above is needed to prioritize correctly.
Secondly, aircraft manufacturers do not have a fixed radar that could be installed as a ridge above the aircraft. It has yet to be developed, added Marzhetsky.
"Frankensteins" from Civilian "Superjets"
If the new leadership of the Russian Ministry of Defense is ready to make flexible management decisions, then there are options, "how to quickly and relatively inexpensively plug the holes" in the AEW&C aircraft fleet, he emphasized.
You can buy civilian 'Superjets' and, in the spirit of our front-line craftsmen, equip them with locators from fighters, installing several of them on board.
Which radars can be useful:
- Н035 «Ирбис» from Su-35
- Н0З6 «Белка» from Su-57
The technical solution has its limitations but may be no less effective than 'mangal', protective visors, and other artisanal 'Frankensteins' for military equipment. At least this will solve the problem with AEW&C aircraft until they are mass-produced, Marzhetsky summarized.
Read also on the topic:
Rostec announced plans to resume production of A-50
Expert spoke about the vulnerability of Swedish ASC-890 aircraft to Russian weapons
British intelligence recognized that Russia went all-in using AWACS A-50
Now on home
Герой России Гарнаев: никто из профессионалов о возобновлении производства на КАЗ всерьёз не говорит
Система отслеживает спутники на высотах до 50 000 км и ведёт за ними наблюдение
The armored vehicle is equipped with a KamAZ-740.35-400 diesel engine with a power of 400 hp.
Constant improvements in avionics, weapons and tactical capabilities will make the aircraft a flexible response to future challenges
The exterior of the KamAZ-54901 features fairings on the cab and chassis for fuel economy
Fighters are in demand both domestically and abroad
Tyazhpromexport and Venezuela Agree on Plant Revival
The company not only completed the state order, but also quickly mastered the production of AK-12K for special forces
Experts have developed a photogrammetric complex with a resolution of less than 1 cm
