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The plane appeared suddenly, “leaping” over the hills between which it had previously flown low, and then crashed from a height at the target. A moment later, the flame of the rockets flashed under the wing, which, leaving a trail of smoke, hit its mark.
The action of the “eagles” was one of the most effective segments of the exercise “Cooperation 2020” recently carried out in Peshter. What was not particularly highlighted at the time was that among them was a modernized “eagle”, which is a project of exceptional importance for the Serbian army.
That is, in the defense system, it was noted that the capabilities of the air force must be raised when it comes to the tasks of fighter-bomber aviation, that is, shooting targets on the ground with precise guided weapons day and night.
As Nenad Miloradovic (pictured), Deputy Minister of Defense for Material Resources, explains for “Politika”, these efforts are focused on two tracks: modernizing “Moments 29” and enhancing its capabilities to strike targets on the ground, as well as the modernization of the “eagles” and the development and introduction in the use of modern lethal means with which these domestic aircraft would be equipped.
The “eagle” attack aircraft, intended for the direct support of the land army through low-level penetration and for the tasks of isolating the battlefield, was developed and manufactured during the time of the SFRY, with the application of the most modern technologies of that time.
In addition to the most modern structural materials and design solutions, the aircraft is equipped with electronic systems to improve the stability and maneuverability of the aircraft, and the aircraft itself is characterized by high aerodynamic toughness and numerous solutions that increase the survivability of the aircraft. aircraft in case of impact.
– Even in peacetime operation, it was clear that it was a good aircraft, and it stood out especially in war operations during the 1990s for its great efficiency and combat toughness – says Miloradović.
According to him, an analysis was done in recent years, which showed that the “eagle” modernization project would be profitable. It was determined that the structure of the aircraft is strong and the impact on most aircraft is not great, so its useful life has been extended to 38 years.
Furthermore, additional analyzes have shown that, thanks to the good condition of the structure, the useful life of the aircraft can be extended up to 48 years, with the application of appropriate technical diagnostic procedures during the inspection of the aircraft.
Two-seater versions, but also single-seaters, manufactured in the eighties and nineties, will be modernized. The “Eagle” is equipped with a “Rolls-Royce” jet engine, on the condition that only those examples that have a built-in afterburner will be modernized, which allows the aircraft to have better dynamic characteristics.
The project is currently in the development phase, which includes several aircraft, and is scheduled for completion in the middle of this year, while a serial modernization is planned for the next two to three years, down to the level of a squadron. It is certain that the Serbian army will also be able to use these aircraft in the next decade, explains Miloradović.
Initially, a complete replacement of the aircraft’s hardware and software environment was planned in cooperation with a foreign partner, but due to limited time and finances, it was decided to postpone the operation.
The current scope of the project includes the installation of a set of equipment modernization, mainly of national development (with the use of imported individual components), which will allow a more efficient navigation and general combat use of ORAO aircraft in complex weather conditions. and at night. .
The modernized “eagle”, from the outside, will be almost the same as the basic version of the plane, the only notable difference being in the optoelectronic system built into the nose of the plane.
– Our goal is for the Serbian army to obtain an aircraft that is closer to the capabilities of fourth generation multi-function aircraft in regards to navigation and optoelectronic ground target detection, precision, digital awareness of the crew of the medium ambient. during the task and protection from enemy actions – says Miloradović.
According to our interlocutor, this project is developed in two phases. The first is working on the installation of an optoelectronic and offensive navigation system, mission weapons and computers, digital data bus and interfaces for sensors, monitors …
The existing aiming system (HUD – Head up display) is equipped with a head level display / monitor that will allow the pilot to see the image of optoelectronic devices, with supervised aiming symbology and navigation parameters, in front of him without looking down to other devices at sensitive times.
In addition to the powerful third-generation thermal imaging camera, the “eagle” aircraft is equipped with a laser rangefinder for precise target distance determination, a new ballistic computer and the most modern non-navigation system, currently used by the fourth European . generation fighters. All of this will make the firing of existing weapons (cannons, unguided missiles and aerial bombs) more efficient, but the greatest novelty is the systems for the use of guided weapons.
The second phase of modernization foresees the installation of complex systems for the self-protection of the aircraft. The “eagle” will have sensors that will warn the crew that the aircraft is irradiated by radar or laser, that is, that it is in danger by anti-aircraft guided missiles with radar or infrared guidance, such as those launched from the shooter’s shoulder, including sensors that detect your approach to the plane.
In addition, it will feature active (radar) and passive jamming devices, including next-generation infrared decoys, as well as new radio stations and an identification device (IFF transponder).
The first national guided air missile
Part of the “Eagle” attack aircraft modernization project is the development of the VRVZ-200 domestic guided air-to-ground missile, which is in the final phase. Apart from the fact that the Air Force and Air Defense will receive modern and powerful weapons, the significance of this medium is that it is the first aerial guided missile, which is the work of national experts and the Defense Industry, and which will be presented in armaments .
– But it also relies on the experiences of previous generations of engineers. The basis for the VRVZ-200 is a programmed PRM-200 missile, which was actually a target for training air defense missile units in combat firing, says Miloradović.
In addition, the “eagle” has so far been and is equipped with US “Maverick” air-to-ground missiles with television guidance. Before the disintegration of the SFRY, work was carried out on the development of “Thunder A” air-to-ground missiles, which had a simple “three-point” guidance system, that is, the pilot, observing the missile fired in front of the aircraft. , guided “Thunder A” to the target by radio, aiming practically with the naked eye. This missile, with a warhead weighing 100 kilograms, did not go into serial production, but was used during the wars of the 1990s.
– The new VRVZ-200 missile has a penetrating warhead with the most modern type of explosive and is intended for the destruction of important targets deep within the enemy, such as command posts and other well-fortified installations – explains Miloradović.
The rocket is equipped with a thermal imaging head for self-guidance with a two-way radio link. The VRVZ-200 can be operated in two ways, with and without target capture before launch.
In the first case, by capturing the target before launch (LOBL mode), it is possible to shoot from a distance of just over 15 kilometers. The operator catches the target above the return head of the rocket before the moment of launch and the rocket, from which the image is transferred, flies directly towards it and hits it without the intervention of the crew, and the crew can correct its trajectory if required.
In the second case, the offensive navigation system “knows” the position of the target and the crew sees it on a digital map, so that it can launch the missile from a distance of more than 40 kilometers. The VRVZ-200 flies along a certain route, transfers the image from the top of the rocket to the cockpit and, before the end of the flight, the operator “captures” the target and the rocket is “automatically” pointed at the target. and hit that.
So far, several test shots have been fired with this missile. With the necessary improvements in the system, its serial entry is expected soon. The finalist for rocket production will be “Krušik”. By the way, they are also working on the development of the second generation of this missile with improved propulsion and aerodynamics, which will have a larger warhead and a much greater range.
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