Missiles and Airplanes developed in the Cold War

Weapon: Missiles

Type: AIM9 Sidewinder

The Sidewinder program started in the late forties at what is now called China Lake, California. Initially started on a very small budget, the Sidewinder was to be a novel, inexpensive weapon that would be wholly effective at shooting down other aircraft. The most important aspect of the weapon was the infra-red seeker technology, that would lock on to any heat emmitng source in the sky (which also included the Sun in the early models!). It has since grown into the world' most successful AA missile, has counted for over 200,000 air to air missiles sold globally to many different airforces. It is now coming to the end of the development life.

The first Sidewinder, designated AIM-9B had revolutionary IR technology and fewer moving parts than other missiles and was rear-aspected only; in other words it needed to be fired at the target's six o'clock .Since then it has been upgraded several times to increase accuracy, speed, range and effectiveness, but has remained essentially the same. Most importantly it has become all-aspect, or capable of locking on to a target from any angle, and is able to distinguish between target, flares and the Sun.

EF2000 carries the AIM-9M variant, this comprises of all-aspect infra-red tracking, active laser fusing and an 11.4 kg high explosive blast fragmentation warhead. Although older and less capable than the new breed of AA missile, there is still place for the Sidewinder in modern combat due to its availability and relatively low-cost.

It is steered by four double delta planes located at the front of the missile, additional control coming from the rear wings in the from the rear wings in the form of "rollerons" .The Sidewinder can accelerate to Mach 2.5 in about 2 seconds.

Application

In operation the EF2000 would carry Sidewinders as a secondary short range missile favouring instead the ASRAAM. However the Sidewinder are more plentiful, so may be used in cases where the ASRAAM is in short supply or where its capabilities are not so important.

The AIM-9M is an infrared missile and even though it is 'all-aspect', the biggest heat signature will come from the rear of an enemy's aircraft. The missile's range is shorter than ASRAAM so in order to get a good kill for behind, the AIM-9M will need to be within five miles. Head on however increases the relative range of the missile according to the closing speed of two aircraft, although the reduction of IR signature will reduce the like hood of hitting the plane; i.e. a lower PK (Probability of Kill).

When attacking a target using AIM-9M, position your aircraft so as to enable the missile's IR seeker to locate the target within your HUD. This may require a degree of violent manoeuvring at close range. Once the target has been acquired the Sidewinder wil confirm it is tracking the target visually in the Track Box, and audibly through a distinctive growling tone. Once 'lock' has been achieved you may release the weapon. In adverse condition of ECM, or when flares are being ejected by the target plane, the Sidewinder may break its lock in which case you must reacquire it before launching. Once released, the sidewinder requires no more thought from the pilot, enabling you to turn and leave.

Performance table

Type: AIM-132 ASRAAM

The Advanced Short Air-to-Air Missile programme was started in 1982 initially as a European enterprise, with the USA also producing the weapon. Although there was much interest early on in the programme, this waned as the US started to look at further developments in the Sidewinder family (AIM-9X) and the German co-contractors transferred all remaining interest to BAe. Several versions have been proposed from French weapons company Matra and also GEC-Marconi for a MICA ASRAAM, known as MICASRAAM.

The ASRAAM is guided by an advanced imaging IR seeker utilising image processing systems in order to recognise its target and give it all-aspect capability. ASRAAM differs from conventional missals in offering high off-bore sight targeting via a helmet mounted sight. In other words, the missile may be launched over-the-shoulder. Its performance is assisted by thrust vectoring, allowing fantastic turn capability of more than 30 G. The difference this makes in difficult turning dogfights is enormous, because you no longer have to point the plane's nose directly at the target. However, these missiles travel at speeds around Mach 4, which means that a slower moving plane pulling less G's can still outsmart the missile.

Performance table

Type: AIM-120 ARMADA

The Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile programme was started in 1975 as a replacement for ageing Sparrow. The advantages over the Sparrow were better manoeuvrability, speed and range as well as improved resistance to ECM.

The AMRAAM has an active radar seeker which does not require the launch aircraft to 'illuminate' the target as the Sparrow did. It is also known as a BVR missile ((Beyond Visual Range) as it can be launched from as far as 50 kilometres although this range can be reduced considerably if the target is receding.

The radar on board the missile falls within "I" band and has the capability to target self-screening jammer targets.

The primary AA missile carried by the EF2000 will be AMRAAM for general engagements, although ASRAAM is favoured for close range. It is targeted by locking the radar on a tracked enemy. Once fired, the missile than uses on board inertial guidance with command updates from the launch aircraft. In its final phase, the missile is less susceptible to any jamming, it also makes the missile hard to detect until its too late.

Type: S-225 LRAAM

In 1991 development started on a new bred of air to air missile. The missile would have stealth characteristics and a new guidance systems, and it would be compatible with the emerging technology found in the advanced tactical fighter aircraft being developed by European and American companies.

Originally based on the Skyflash, the new missile has neither mid-body controls or tail find, but uses tail control surfaces instead. The smoky solid rocket propellant was replaced with a new smokeless motor which lets the missile alternately propel itself then coast without power, in order to boost range and improve stealth. The motor reserves enough power to deliver an optimal terminal velocity with which to attack the target. For the long range role, the missile was given a imd-course guidance data link, enabling range to be increased to around 100 km.

Targeting of the long-range 'stealth' missile is identical to the ASRAAM systems except that only targets within the HUD may be locked.

It is better to engage at long distance than to enter a dogfight, at the risk of giving away your position. The stealthy attribute of the missile, however, go a long way in keeping your location hidden. This weapon may also be used at a similar range to AMRAAM, although the poor availability of the weapon would make AMRAAM the preferred choice.

Performance Table

Type: BK-27mm Cannon

Development of the BK-27mm cannon was started in 171 by the Mauser-Werke of Germany, although the gun borrows technology from other Mauser projects, some of which date back to the forties. The cannon first entered service in 1979 in the Panavia Tornado, and was later adapted to a pod design for the German Alphajet.

The BK-27mm cannon is based on the same principle as the revolver, and uses gas drive for the gun feed and electrical power for the firing mechanism. This gives a full rate of fire from the first round onwards. The single barrel is easily Interchangeable and the five chamber drum can be fed from either left or right. One more advantage of the system is its ability to be mounted in almost any position, giving full flexibility to the system. The EF2000 has a single BK-27mm cannon mounted in the starboard wing root.

The ammunition used in the EF2000 has a high explosive round mostly suited to aerial warfare. Although there is an air-to-ground firing mode, CR-V7 rockets would be favoured over the cannon.

The rate of fire is set to 1700 rounds per minute. With a total ammunition store of 1760 rounds it will not take long to deplete the guns supply. Short cannon bursts are more effective overall than keeping your finger on the trigger until the target is destroyed. In addition, it is advisable to open fire only when the target is well within range, and to avoid firing violent manoeuvring targets unless you are depending on auto fire. This triggers a short burst whenever the predictor sight crosses through the centre of the track box.

Weapon: Smart bombs

 Common usage

  In the early 1970s new types of conventional bombs, the so-called smart or guided bombs, were developed for precision bombing in Vietnam. Maneuverable bombs guided by a laser beam directed from the aircraft and reflected from the target can destroy such targets as tanks or emplacements on contact. Other types can be designed to guide themselves to targets radiating heat, such as power plants, or can be guided to the target from the delivery aircraft. In the latter case the bomb transmits a picture of the target picked up by an on-board television camera. Remote operating devices can then guide the bomb into direct contact with a bridge, for example, or other objective. Laser-guided bombs can be used at night; television-camera guided weapons are limited to daylight use, however.

Weapon: Iron Bombs

Type: MK-80s Series

The development of the low drag general purpose bomb began in the fifties, and the Mk 0 Series has now become the standard adopted by many countries. The four basic types of bomb are very similar in design, differing only in size and weight. The smallest is Mk-81 which weights 250 lb. Each bomb is constructed in the same way; a steel body with cruciform tail and tempered steel nose.

Little has changed since the bomb was first designed except for modifications to fusing and filling. New delivery techniques have been incorporated into the design such as retardation devices. This weapon is also produced for the Paveway series of laser guided bobs, losing its fins in favour of an upgrade kit.

Fusing for the bomb depends on its usage but the basic types for these bombs are: impact fuses, which detonate on contact with the target; impact with delay, which explode a short time after the contact with the target causing cratering and structural damage; and air burst fuse, which detonates the bomb before it has hit a target causing collateral damage to the general area. Acceptable targets are buildings, depots, oil facilities on land. Poor targets are almost anything else.

Performance table

The Mk 80 bombs have standard HE (high explosive) warheads, which can be easily modified to improve performance in different attack scenarios. Pilots who used the bobs in the Gulf War stated that the HE was devastating if a direct fit was scored on a tank, armoured vehicles, dug-in artillery or buildings. A near miss from a Mk.84 2000lb bomb was also reported to be almost sure of knocking out an armoured vehicle.

For the EF2000 high drag versions are available, to perform a safe release at 500'.

Typical ranges at delivering altitudes

Type: Guided Bomb Unit Paveway II

 Although it is generally assumed that the Paveway bombs are a recent invention, they have actually been around since the id sixties. Indeed the first production models saw service in Vietnam in 1968. The success of the weapon led to further development in the field of modular design, enabling the guidance and tail units to be used as a kit with several types of standard free-fall bombs.

The Paveway II series has much of the technology of the earlier bombs with the addition of new folding rear wings, which make the bomb compatible with many types of aircraft. Other modification include the guidance unit, which now has plastic lenses, integrated circuitry and improved electronics. Manoeuvrability has also been dramatically improved.

Paveway II bombs are classed into several groups dependent on the bomb unit fitted in the kit. GBU-10 is based on the Mk-84 2000lb GP bomb; GBU-12 is based on the Mk-82 500 lb. bomb; and GBU-16 is based on the Mk-83 1000lb bomb.

Acceptable Targets : almost any stationary target
Poor targets : Ships or moving vehicles

The EF2000 carries the GBU-12 and GBU-16 as standard. The TIALD Thermal Imaging and Laser Designation system is probably the most accurate bombing system in the world for single-seat and twin-seat aircraft. Originally fitted to the two-seat Tornado and now single-seat Jaguars, TIALD feeds the pilot with the all the data needed to make the correct attack run, illuminates the target, and calculates the correct release point for the weapon. On release, the weapon derives its power from a small onboard generator, which will drive the control surfaces for just over a minute. For this reason, the delivery aircraft, must always fly within one minute from the target.

It is claimed that approximately 90 % of LGBs landed on target during the Gulf War. However, contrary to popular belief, it requires great skill and good weather to ensure a bulls eye hit. If cloud obscures the target, then the laser cannot see it and the lock will break, causing the bomb to free fall balisticaly, consequently missing the target and possibly causing collateral damage.

It usually takes at least two minutes for aircraft flying at medium or high altitudes to acquire and then designate targets. While the bomb is dropping to the target the pilot has to keep the target illuminate - a procedure requires great skill, and which makes the aircraft vulnerable to SAMs and other threats.

For release ranges see previous type.

Type: CRV-7 Rocket

 The CRV-7 rocket is Canadian in origin, and is a derivate of the unguided rockets first used in WW2. Its principle application is ground-attack, and it provides a withering stream of destructive power which is as terrifying for those on the ground as it is deadly. It has a diameter of 70 mm and has been developed with a selection of warheads. Also built into the design is the ability to use different propellants, giving the rocket advantage in aeroplane and helicopter firing situations.

The choice of warheads includes HE, AP, incendiary, penetrator, flechette, anti-tank and phosphorous markers. The range of these rockets can be up to 6 km and they travel at up to Mach 4 plus the launch speed of the aircraft. Impact speed is as high as 1250 m/s. This makes the rocket a kinetic energy weapon, for example with a flechette anti-tank warhead. Flechettes are sharp darts made out of a tungsten alloy which makes it extremely hard. When the rocket is launched, five flechettes break free from the housing and disperse slightly before hitting the target. The energy of the impact coupled with the hardness of the flechettes drives it straight through the armour, creating shrapnel which bounces around inside the tank. The penetrator warhead works on the same principle, letting the kinetic energy of the rocket drive a shaped penetrating rod through the armour before detonating a high explosive incendiary device.

These weapons employ the same sight as the ground cannon, but do far ore damage to ground targets. The number of rockets released depends on weather the player holds the fire button for continuous release, or simply clicks the trigger once for single rocket fire.

Because these weapons are more capable destroying armoured targets than the cannon, they should be chosen for close air support missions. In case of emergencies, the cannon can be used though it will require greater skill to destroy the targets.

Type: AGM-65 Series MAVERICK

 Guided missiles give attack aircraft the capability to put ordnance on the target without having to make dangerous bomb runs over or near the target. Many guided missiles are specially designed for particular missions, such as destroying tanks, sips or radar.

Development of the Maverick started in the mid sixties with the first missile going into service in 1972. It saw service during the Gulf conflict, scoring an 0 % hit rate. The USAF fired over 5,000 Mavericks, mainly at Iraqi tanks. There are four main versions, but the TV or EO and imaging IR versions are the most widely used and the latter is featured in EF2000. The TV version is aimed by the pilot who locates targets via a television camera in the missile's nose. The IR version has superior night performance because its IR sensors show tanks as 'hot-spots'.

The quoted range of the Maverick is up to 25 miles if released at altitude by a fast flying aircraft. However, experience shows that you need to be within 5 miles to pick up and identify your target. This is not such a problem for the slow-flying and armoured A-10s, but it may be too dangerous for the EF2000. For this reason, you will need to practise long-range targeting.

Maverick is ideal for taking out armoured vehicles, but can also be used as a precision weapon against targets such as parked aircraft, control towers, radar sites, SAM sites and communication centres. It is less useful against hardened targets.

Type: Durandal Anti-Runway Bomb

Designed in the early seventies, the Durandal was the result of the French airforce's equipment for a low level runway disablement weapon. The weapon had to penetrate the runway and explode beneath it to cause cratering and disruption to the area around the crater.

Durandal achieves its objectives using a unique delivery systems. The missile is dropped in allow pass over the runway, it is then slowed by parachute to the correct delivery angle at which point a rocket motor ingnites. The acceleration is enough to drive the specially shaped penetrating head through up to 400 mm of reinforced concrete. After a pre-programmed delay the missile explodes causing the paving slabs nearby to be disturbed.

The nature of the weapon means that repair work can be hampered by unexploded Durandals as there is no way of telling when they will detonate. The damage a Durandal causes is also extensive and requires ore than just earth-moving equipment to fill in the holes; all the paving slabs around the crater will need repairing. This makes the runway unusable for considerable lengths of time.

Optimum targets : Runways
Poor targets : Bridges

Type: BL-755 Cluster Bomb

The BL-755 is a British designed cluster bomb which was originally developed in the sixties. A design goal for the weapon was to distribute a large number of sub-munitions over a wide area. This led to the development of a gas ejection system which, unlike earlier types, did not rely on centrifugal forces to eject the weapon. This gave the advantage of controllable delivery; each boblet is ejected at a different velocity giving an even spread of sub-munitions approximately the size of a football pitch.

The BL-755 cluster bomb is carried by the EF2000, and once it falls to a pre-set altitude, it opens scattering hundreds of sub-munitions. Each sub-munition is designed to penetrate the weak top armour of a tank using a shaped charged. In addition, each bomblet scatters deadly red-hot shrapnel which is very effective in the anti personnel role.

In the Persian Gulf War, cluster bombs were used on a large scale. The results were devastating to the Iraqis, who christened the weapon 'Black Rain' .Around 26,000 Rockeye II cluster bobs were used by US forces in the conflict.

As often happens n war, pilots quickly found new applications for their weapons. For example, pilots found the ideal for destroying SAM and radar sites, which could not be attacked with anti-radiation missiles. Iraqi patrol boat s and naval bases were also found to be suitable targets. In EF2000, you will find this is the only weapon to use against widely dispersed ground targets.

Optimum targets : grounded planes, missile sites, oil facilities
Poor targets : Bridges

Type: ALARM Anti-Radiation Missile

Anti-radiation missiles were developed during the Vietnam war as a way to strike back at SAM defences. They work by homing in on the radar emissions from SAM guidance systems, and are extremely effective. To counter them, SAM operators began the tactic of switching off their radar until the attacking aircraft has passed, then switching on again and firing. Later model anti-radiation missiles have been designed to counter this tactic, ALARM being one of the best examples.

The ALARM, or Air Launched Anti-Radiation Missile, was designed as a stand off multimode anti-radiation weapon that could be fired before the aircraft could get within range of the target's aerial defences. SAMs like the SA-6, the SA-N-9 and the SA-N-4 have ranges to about 15-20 nm. ALARM can be launched form outside this range, it will then ascend to 40,000 feet from where it will deploy a parachute and descending slowly, using its seeker to search for any radiation source.

Once the target has been acquired, the missile released the parachute and falls under gravity to the target. One other advantage with this system is that if the target shuts down before the missile has destroyed it, the missile remembers the location and will still hit the target.

ALARM also has several direct modes, the an one allowing the missile to be fired directly at the SAM once the emitter has been located. This is a very useful mode to use once the attacking aircraft is closing on the target, and there may be SAMs remaining that have not been destroyed by stand-off ALARMs.

The key factor in determining attack altitude is the prevalence of SA-6s and SA-4s around the target area. If there are many such weapons, a low-level attack could be the only kind possible. If there are SA-6s at the target itself, ALARM missiles should be carried and the radar attacked before the main strike force arrives. Fly in a flat formation for stand-off and low-level missions.

As the missile is 'fire and forget' they can be fired before reaching the target area, leaving a clear path to attack any other targets in the area.

Type: SEA EAGLE Anti-Ship Missile

The range of Air-to-Surface Missiles is steadily being increased to give better protection for capability and hence better protection for launch aircraft. In this area, naval weapons are some of the most advanced because of the great distances involved in maritime warfare. Compared to the clutter land battlefield, the sea provides ships and aircraft with very little protection from surveillance systems such as radar or thermal imaging.

The Sea Eagle was developed in 1976, and was based on an earlier design of ASM. The difference was that the Sea Eagle had a turbofan engine, an active radar seeker and a altimeter, giving long distance sea-skimming ability. Sea Eagle approaches the target only a few feet above the waves to avoid detection by enemy radar and only illuminates the target with radar for confirmation of final guidance data. Computer data links also enable friendly surveillance aircraft to pass targeting intelligence to the missile in flight.

SAMs like the SA-6, the SA-N-9 and the SA-N-4 have ranges between 15 and 20 nm. The Sea Eagle anti-ship missile can be launched from outside this range. With 50 nm ranges, the SA-N-6 and SA-4 SAMs come close to the Sea Eagle's maximum range of 70 nm. Best launch altitude is relevant to target acquisition. You must be at least 2,000 ft above the sea level before the ECR-90 radar will detect targets at maximum Sea Eagle range. The best launch altitude is that at which you detect the target at the maximum range of the weapon, which would be 2,000 ft for the 70 nm range of the Sea Eagle. Fly in a flat formation for stand-off and low-level missions.

When you select this weapon, a special radar mode is set-up on MFD 1. The radar shows sea borne targets at ranges of up to 80 nm. This mode is also capable of identifying surface vessel type and displaying them on the MFD.

Application table of weapons

Russian weapons

Weapon: Missiles

Type: AA-8 Aphid (R-60 IR)

all aspect, IR guided. AA-8B has a range of 16 km and is similar to later models of the Sidewinder.

Type: AA-10 Alamo (AA-10A/R-27R;B/R-27T;C/R-27ER;D/R-27ET)

Used in different variants. Most common is the medium range R-27R. Similar to the AMRAAM, it has a semi-active radar. It has a bigger warhead and a bigger weight what probably causes less manoeuvrability at higher speed.

Type: AA-11 Archer (R-73)

This is a short range, IR missile with similar performance as ASRAAM. It uses vectored thrust and fin control giving it high manoeuvrability. It also has the ability to be targeted with the helmet mounted sight.

Type: AA-12 Adder (R-77)

This exceptional medium range missile was just recently introduced to the world market and immediately caused excitment. The producing factory, Vimpel, released some tactical information.

Type: AS-7 Kerry (Kh-23 A-G)

The AS-7 is a command guided air to surface missile which is controlled by the pilot of the launch aircraft. Relying on the missile flare the pilot steers the missile to the target. This means that the pilot will have to be able to see the target, eliminating the stand off advantage afforded by western AG missiles.

Type: AS-11 Kilter

This is a Air to Surface anti-radiation missile designed to destroy ground based radar. The Kilter does not have the same modes that ALARM has, but is a much bigger missile. The missile relies on passive radar to target and has a range of 70 km.

Type: Moskit

This has a similar role to the Sea Eagle although the Moskit is a very big missile indeed. If released from altitude the missile may have a range of 250 km using active and passive radar to home in on its target.

Type: FAB bombs (fugasnaya aviarsyonna bombs) GPB

These are similar to the MK 80 series 'iron bombs' .They are basic free-fall bombs in several sizes. The design varies and some of the older designs may have been upgraded with never filling materials and fuses.

Type: RBK 500 SPBE Cluster bomb

This weapon is primarily an anti tank cluster bomb. It contains 14 anti tank "smart" warheads which are released after fall by parachute and are triggered by IT sensors. A shaped charge is fired at the target, penetrating the vulnerable top armour.

Type: KAB-500L Laser Guided Bomb

Apart from the general wing layout, this weapon is very similar to the Paveway bomb in many ways. The laser designator is usually built into the launch aircraft as opposed to a pod-mounting. Accuracy details are not known but the 500 kg bomb unit has a large destructive area.

NATO fighters

Weapon: Aircraft

Type: EUROFIGHTER EF2000

The EF2000 is the product of a four nation consortium made up of the UK, Germany, Italy and Spain. As with many Odeon aircraft, development has been marred by political wrangling leading to major design compromises. The technology was tested extensively by British Aerospace in the form of the EAP (Experimental Aircraft Programme), which the EF2000 closely resembles. This demonstrator was to save millions of pounds of development costs, and reduce the EF2000 development time by several years.

The EF2000 is a canard equipped delta aircraft optimised for the air superiority role but able to be used for ground attack. Extensive use of high technology materials has been made including carbon composites, glass reinforced plastics, titanium, and aluminium lithium, in 80% of the airframe. The cockpit environment is one of the most advanced in the world using digital fly-by-wire and MFD. The pilot wears a helmet with built in sight and NV enhancements. Like the Grippen and Rafale the EF2000 uses canards and a broad delta wing to get the best combination of agility, lift and speed.

Armament - One 27 mm Mauser cannon, with 13 hard points (three wet) for : the S-225, AIM-120, ASRAAM and AIM 9M, a wide range of AG missiles including AGM65 Maverick, ALARM, Sea Eagle, Paveway, CR-V7, BL755, free-fall and retarded bombs. Maximum external fuel or weapons payload is 6500 kg

Type: LOCKHEED F-22A

The F-22A is the result of a collaboration between Lockheed, General Dynamics, and Boeing to design and build a stealthy combined air-superiority, and ground attack fighter. The F-22A was the winner of the 1990 Fly-Off-Competition narrowly beating the Northrop-McDonnell Douglas YF-23.

The F-22A makes extensive use of ultramodern materials and 3D computer modelling for its blended surfaces. The aerodynamics have been optimised for a stealthy, agile shape compromise. Reliability and front line maintainability were much improved over previous fighter designs. All weapons are carried in three internal bays, two lateral and one ventral. The aircraft also features the ability to cruise super sonically without afterburner ('super cruise'), 2D thrust vectoring nozzles for dramatically improved agility, and short takeoff and landing. The aircraft uses fly-by-wire, side-stick controls and features the very latest cockpit design.

Armament - One long barrel 20 mm 6 barrel rotary gun, with three internal bays for : AIM 120 AMRAAM, AIM 9M, HAVE SLICK air-to surface missiles, Joint Direct Attack Missiles, Tri Service Stand off Attack Missile, PavewayLGB. There are also four under wing hard point. Maximum fuel or weapons payload N/A

RUSSIAN FIGHTERS

Type: Sukhoi SU-35

An impressive single-seat all-weather counter-air fighter and ground attack aircraft, derived form the SU-27, with an updated airframe containing a high proportion of carbon-fibre and Al-Li alloy. The engines, avionics and armaments are also improvements on those originally installed in the SU-27.

The SU-35 features fly-by-wire, relaxed static instability, and 3D thrust vectoring, all of which give the aircraft tremendous agility. It incorporates state of the art ECM in wing-tip pods, allowing improved survivability in electronic warfare environments. The NO11 multi-mode radar is effective at ranges up to 250 miles, and has the ability to engage six targets simultaneously. Some models feature a rearwards facing radar. Like EuroFighter, the SU-35 is equipped with TIALD, providing pin-point precision in the delivery of LG weapons.

Enormous power is delivered by two Saturn/Ljulka AL-31 FM turbofans, developing 30,865 lb. each with afterburning - almost one third more power than the standard EF engine.

Armament - One 30mm GSh-30 gun, plus hard points for 14 stores, including R-27, R-40 (AA-6 Acrid), R-60, R-73A, R-77 (AA-12) AMRAAM, Kh-25ML (AS-10 Karen, Kh-25MP (AS-12 Kegler), Kh-29 (AS-14 Kedge) and Kh-31 (AS-17 Krypton), KAB-500 bombs and rocket packs. Maximum weapons payload is 8,000 kg.

Type: SU-27 and SU-33

• Replaced Jak-28, Su-15 and Tu-28 interceptors.
• Engine 27550 lbs
• Helmet mounted target designator integrated with fire control system and operates a slave laser range finder and IR tracker.
• "panic button" computer function to return the aircraft to level flight from any angle

Armament - 30 mmm gun, ten hard points

AA-10A,B,C,D, AA11, AA8, R33 (AA9 Amos).

AG weapons can be used.

Max. external weapons payload is 6000 kg.

Type: MiG-29

- replacement for MiG-21, Su-15, MiG-23, Su-17

- upgraded system MiG-29M - better range, weaponry, payload

Armament - 30 mm gun, six hard point (eight in MiG-29M)

R-27R. R60MK, R73E, KMGU-2 submunition dispensers, napalm, free-fall bombs and unguided rockets.

Max. external payload 3000 kg.

Type: MiG-21

- bad position of radar, can't be equipped with modern types

Armament - 30 mm gun, four hard points

AA2 ATOLL (R3), AA2-2 Adv. ATOLL (R3), free-fall bombs, unguided rockets

Support Aircraft

Type: Beriev A50

A development of the IL76 airframe, the A50 is altered and fitted out by Beriev. The tail doors and cargo deck are relaced by comprehensive electronics and seating for a crew of fifteen. As in Western AEW (airborne early warning aircraft), a large rotating "saucer" radome has been added on twin struts on top of the aircraft fuselage. This radome is capable of locating and tracking aircraft through 360 degrees over land or water. The A50 was not fully developed. Due to the weight of equipment on board, the aircraft cannot take off with fuel load and has great difficulty refuelling in flight due to buffetong caused by the radome in tanker's slip stream.

As a result the A50 is short on endurance. Furthermore the lack of a crew rest area and proper toilet/gallery facilities ensures early crew fatigue.

Due to economic shortages during the break-up of the USSR the production rate slowed down with the result that the modern Russian Airforce has been hampered by an insufficient number of AEW aircraft on occasion to control available resources. The A50 will almost certainly be developed further.

Type: IL76/78

Inspired by the American C141 Star lifter in shape and layout, the IL76 was however designed to meet much tougher requirements placed by the Soviet airforce in the late 60's .The new transport must be able to carry 40,000 kg a distance of 2.698 nm (5000 km) in less than six hours. It must also be able to operate in all weathers, night and day in the worst weather that far flung parts of Arctic Russia and Siberia could muster. Furthermore the aircraft must be able to land and take off from rough airstrips that might be no more than an expense of grass or compacted snow. The wings carry high lift devices for an impressive short field performance, including full span slats, and triple slot flaps over 75% of the span. The success of the IL76 aircraft is such that a tanker version called the IL 78 has been developed.

Each aircraft carried three refuelling drogues which are trailed from pods fitted under each wing outer panel and one on the port side of the rear fuselage. The pods use a windmill ram air powered pump to deliver fuel at a rate far above any Western system for very quick aerial "pit stops" .The IL76/78 has further become the basis of the IL 76 flying command post and the Beriev A50 AEW aircraft, and has been bought by militant and civil users in both East and the West.

Armament Al IL76 are equipped with chaff/flare dispensers and some alter models have two 23mm guns in the tail. Maximum payload is 40,000kg.

Drop tanks are not present, equipment for in-flight refuelling is fitted.

Type: AWACS

Awacs, or 'Magic' to pilots. provides an accurate air picture over a 300 mile radius, and directs aircraft to intercept bogeys. Originally designed to monitor the Warsaw pact countries, AWACS proved invaluable in the Persian Gulf War, and peacekeeping missions over the Balkans.

Type: Joint STARS

The E-8 JSTART (Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System) aircraft was rushed into service during the Gulf War, while still a prototype. It the ground watching equivalent of AWACS, able to detect second-echelon ground concentration far behind enemy lines.

Type: JDITS

Joint Tactical distribution system replaces voice communications with high volume pulses of coded digital information. These are fired n short bursts using fast frequency hopping techniques for outstanding resistance to jamming. JDITS terminals are now installed in all major combat and surveillance vehicles, form AWACS itself to EF2000.