Inside its arsenal of fight tools, Russia possesses a number of fighter jets and supplementary fight plane. Particularly, Russia owns the Beriev A-50, sometimes called the “flying radar”. The variety of these plane has reportedly decreased because the begin of the yr. Apparently, Ukraine claims that two A-50s have been decommissioned because the yr started; a declare Russia neither refutes nor denies. In truth, Russia admits the lack of one A-50, which was irreparably broken when a drone attacked it in Belarus final yr.
Following latest bulletins, the Russian Aerospace Forces [VKS or RuAF] have reportedly launched an A-50U into service. When these reported figures are thought-about, it means that one of many plane Ukraine claimed to have decommissioned has been reinstated. Subsequently, Russia nonetheless wants to revive two extra Soviet-origin A-50 airborne early warning and management [AEW&C] plane, together with the one broken in Belarus.
If these reviews are confirmed (take into accout these statements haven’t been formally introduced), this could suggest that the Russian Federation at present has six A-50U AEW&C plane in operation. Nonetheless, these figures are primarily based solely on publicly obtainable information. It’s estimated that Russia ought to have about 40 items, however the actual quantity that’s operationally prepared is at present unconfirmed.
Surprisingly, there are reportedly six A-50 plane in service, opposite to the extensively held perception that there are solely 5. By the top of 2021, the Russian Air Drive had efficiently obtained a whole of seven plane. The supply of the primary plane began in 2011, with the newest one delivered in 2021.
However there’s another A-50U delivered. Particularly, the A-50U, bearing the serial quantity 73-05 and the designation RF-50606/50 Purple, was delivered in 2023. Whereas it didn’t arrive within the scheduled spring, it did come by the top of 2023, factoring into the present calculation.
This upgraded AWACS was noticed unpainted by observers throughout the post-modernization flight checks at TANTK Taganrog months in the past. It underwent modifications as a part of a broad program set in place to improve the Russian AWACS fleet.
Apparently, some unconfirmed information counsel there is perhaps one other “hidden” A-50 in possession of the Russian Federation. This refers back to the A-50 bearing the web page quantity 37 Purple, transformed to A-50U in 2006. Russian sources declare that the aircraft is in excellent working situation and combat-ready, however its position in transporting crews. So, in actuality, the RuAF may have had 9 A-50Us by the top of 2023, with seven at present in service.
Ukrainian bloggers and Telegram customers usually level to “Russian propaganda” when discussing the latest restoration of the A-50U. Specialists in Ukraine contend that refurbishing a single A-50U can take over a yr. They additional observe that the plane broken in Belarus almost a yr in the past has not been repaired nor reinstated.
This argument contrasts with the views from the British Ministry of Protection intelligence which believes that the A-50 will be restored and upgraded inside a few months. On November 17, 2023, the British Ministry of Protection expressed that it was “possible” for the Russian forces to improve their A-50 early warning plane, in preparation for the West’s supply of contemporary fighter jets just like the F-16. The British Ministry of Protection additionally alleged the opportunity of the plane being included with the S-400 ground-based missile methods.
Nonetheless, the Ukrainian perception that the restoration technique of an A-50U takes over a yr may maintain some advantage. Russian sources counsel that one A-50U seems to be refurbished each two years primarily based on the sample of supply. The timeline of the A-50s supply is as follows: 2011 [47 Red], 2013 [33 Red], 2014 [37 Red], 2017 [41 Red], 2018 [45 Red], 2019 [42 Red], 2021 [43 Red], and 2023 [50 Red].
The method of upgrading an plane to the A-50U stage includes a sequence of advanced steps. Firstly, this course of requires a full overhaul of the plane’s avionics together with the set up of latest radar methods, communication units, and navigation gear. Every of those elements must be precisely put in and examined to make sure they’re functioning as anticipated.
Secondly, in some instances, the plane’s construction could should be modified to accommodate the brand new tools. This might contain appreciable engineering work, doubtlessly involving the redesign or reconstruction of components of the plane. Such adjustments require substantial time and experience.
Thirdly, the upgraded A-50U must endure intensive testing to ensure it meets all mandatory security and efficiency requirements. This features a sequence of floor and flight checks spanning a number of months.
Lastly, intensive coaching classes should be offered to employees members who will function and keep the A-50U to make sure its protected and environment friendly operation, additional lengthening the general improve course of.
Nonetheless, in conclusion, it’s fully believable that the Russian Air Drive obtained a new A-50U at the moment. Whereas it appears unlikely that the plane may have been upgraded so shortly, this isn’t essentially correct. Russia started upgrading its plane to the A-50U stage as early as 2011. Subsequently, there’s no purpose to imagine that the modernization solely began in the beginning of 2024.
In line with reviews
Let’s return to the “In the present day” delivered A-50U. Uploaded a photograph on the internet. The A-50U plane is photographed from the entrance and no identification is seen. However some Telegram accounts shared a special image. It reveals an A-50U flying within the air with the serial quantity 37. If that is the aircraft that the Russian media claims was delivered at the moment, then it’s not true. Just because 37 Purple was delivered to the Russian military in 2014.
What’s A-50?
Appearing as a sturdy detection and surveillance platform, the A-50U identifies and constantly displays each airborne and ground-based targets, taking part in an integral position in navy command and management.
Outfitted with the highly effective Shmel-M radar, the A-50U can detect airborne threats as much as 600 kilometers away and floor targets at a distance of 300 kilometers. Impressively, its radar system can monitor as much as 150 targets concurrently, guaranteeing the crew and allied forces keep a complete understanding of the battlefield. Moreover, it excels at distinguishing between pal and foe—a significant attribute to forestall unintended engagements with allied forces.
One other exceptional attribute of this navy marvel is its functionality to shortly switch essential radar information to terrestrial command hubs, airborne property, and sea-based forces utilizing a safe information conduit. This characteristic prevents any interception or alteration of the transmitted data, thus permitting for easy and dwell coordination of navy maneuvers, and therefore, enhancing the operational effectivity of the supporting forces.
Furthermore, the A-50U comes geared up with digital countermeasures to guard itself in opposition to enemy radar and missile methods. It boasts a self-defense system, full with chaff and flare dispensers. Powered by 4 turbofan engines, this plane can attain prime speeds of roughly 800 kilometers per hour and canopy a staggering 5,000 kilometers with out the necessity for refueling. The spectacular endurance of the A-50U permits it to offer extended help to navy operations, deeming it an indispensable asset in warfare.
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