After a long break, at least one of the eight A-50U airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft in service with the Russian Aerospace Forces has taken up combat duty. Military expert Evgeny Damantsev spoke about the prospects for using this type of aircraft.
According to him, with the help of the Shmel-M multi-mode over-fuselage radar system, operators can detect columns of tanks and infantry fighting vehicles at a distance of up to 250 km in all weather conditions.
GBU-39/B guided air bombs approaching the lines of engagement in low-altitude mode from F-16AM can be detected at a distance of 270 km against the background of the earth's surface and up to 450-500 km at high altitudes. SCALP-EG cruise missiles are detected against the background of the earth's surface at a distance of 80-100 km.
The A-50U is also equipped with infrared systems capable of detecting and tracking ATACMS SRBMs at a distance of 550 - 600 km during the operation of solid-propellant rocket booster engines by infrared radiation from their flares.
The A-50U has received new electronics with high performance and speed, which has made it possible to increase the capabilities of the functional software. The aircraft uses new large-resolution LCD monitors, which improves the efficiency of the radar situation display system, and improved ergonomics will reduce crew fatigue. The A-50U also received an upgraded flight and navigation system.
Earlier www1.ru reported that the Admiral Gorshkov and Admiral Kasatonov frigates, carriers of Kalibr and Onyx missiles, have entered the Barents Sea.
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