FGFA aka PAK FA Update

FGFA aka PAK FA Update

   After hurdles and issues many sources quoting contradicting reports about the FGFA acquisition plans. The reports include low number of FGFA acquisition who leaving no details about PAK FA and more than 40% less contract value that means the amount decreases from initial $6 billion to some $3.7-$4 billions with the initial investment of $1 billion by both Russia and India.

    Two independent sources from Broadsword and Arming India confirmed that the deal value gradually decreased from the earlier agreed $6 billion into less than $4 billion. Both nations have to spend nearly $8 billion for the project. as already said the PAK FA is 50-50 work share for both India and Russia. while Russia already invested huge amount on the PAK FA project and awaiting India to invest the promised amount in the project.

   Once again, The PAK FA project is nothing but a significant advantage to the Russians, India buys the entire PAK FA research and development papers and technology for some $4 billions. Then build the same copy in Indian plants. Just like 100% Transfer of Technology. This allows India to modify or re engineer the PAK FA to design and develop the FGFA. The FGFA noting but a improved version of PAK FA with some Indian and Israeli components.

    Under the earlier plan in 2008. IAF plans to buy nearly 250 FGFA units and another 144 PAK FA from Russia. Later the same cut downed by some 50%. Means India buys 120 FGFA and 63 PAK FA units. Now the numbers once again downed by just some 60 FGFA units only. Same like how the Americans once planned for the Raptor production, later it went upto just some 187 units than the proposed 750 units.

   The IAF suspecting some glitches in the PAK FA. So they informed the authority to evaluate the PAK FA before investing into the Project. This is a precaution measure rather than falling in the trap just like the Su 30 MKI. The reason of MKI's low service availability is mentioned as lack of service spares from Russia and issues in the Engine. So IAF won't repeat the same once again.

    Some information's revealed that, India negotiating for the FGFA flyaway cost could be lesser than $200 million a piece. That means $4 billion for R&D, $300 million for PDC and XX number of FGFA into $200 million. so Typically the FGFA acquisition cost for some 60 units is estimated around $16 billions. that's just for FGFA acquisition only. The flying cost, missiles, spares are extra. A easy calculation for someone, 10 years life span plus total package of 36 Rafale negotiated between some $9 billions. Fly away cost for single Rafale F 3 R is some $100 million only.

    The Russians too not ready to induct the PAK FA in mass numbers. They plans to produce only 12 PAK FA units for just as trail squadron. Currently the Sukhoi developed nearly 11 PAK FA units for various testing. These prototypes being used to validate the PAK FA performance. The additional 12 PAK FA under the first LRIP may form as the trail squadron. and Russia plans to close the production line of till 2020.

    Many aviation experts suggest the PAK FA engine problem yet to be resolved. without solving the engine issues and radar reflections from engines, the 5th gen project won't complete. also many sources suggested the PAK FA's proposed engine may be ready by 2018. after testing the engine it is ready for mass production only after 2023.

    So Russia ordered more number of Su 35 S for the Russian Aerospace force. Actually there is no common difference in the Su 35 S and PAK FA except  those active sensor and processing systems in the PAK FA. meantime China and Pakistan are closely to get the Su 35 S in coming days. As Chinese Su 35 S orders in production line and the Pakistani's yet to sign the contract.

    Anyway till now India spend some $300 millions on the FGFA program. That India and Russia signs the PDC- Preliminary design contract. The contract details the, FGFA's detailed specifications and planned re works in the existing PAK FA platform.

   So far there is no confirmations from the government about the planned acquisition of FGFA or the PAK FA. How ever as I already said either India may walk away from the FGFA program or buy less number of FGFA.

Re-Opening F 22A Raptor Production Line

Re-Opening F 22A Raptor Production Line

    There is many officials in the US air force who repeatedly asks to reopen the F 22 A Raptor production line to produce more improved F 22 fighters for the US air force with possible export variant of F 22 to friendly countries, As latest the US Air force secretary Lee James too says the same in a seminar at Washington, However he didn't mentioned about the export variant of  F 22 raptor.

     The Raptor's production line was closed after seven years of serial production from two production lines, one is from Georgia another from Texas, Both of these plants produce more than 187 flying units with eight prototype variants, The Lockheed designed the Raptor to provide effective air superiority to the US air force for the next fifty years. Raptor accomplishes the Lockheed's and USAF's wish, The Raptor remain one of the best fighter jet in the world.

    US initially planned to produce more than seven hundred Raptors to support the F 15 in air superiority mission in any contested zone, Due to budget issues, the orders are reduced by more than 50%, later the same once again reduced by another half, which brings the total F 22 numbers by just 187. USAF lost three of it's Raptors in crashes, which remains 184 currently in service.

    Pratt&Whitney who produces the F 119 engines to the F 22 remain opens for spare part and additional engine production, they agreed to double the production if US government agreed to do so, Meanwhile production line in above mentioned plants is remains, the tooling and other machinery items couldn't be removed, They can run the production line within a year, If US orders to produce more Raptor's.

      Total program cost of the Raptor is more than $67 billions, which include Research and Development and production of 195 flying units, Lockheed produced nearly 195 flying units for the above mentioned cost. Compared to other fighters the Raptor's operating cost is very high, For one hour of flying mission F 22 spends nearly $70,000 worth of resources, which is more than fifty lakh's rupees per hour, the amount is triple than the F 16 operating cost.

    However the performance wise Raptor remains top, compared to all other fighters, The service availability rate of USAF F 22 remains some 80% which is one of the best known figure, Indian Su 30 MKI service availability rate is just below 55%,

    The problem in the F 22 is, It has less number of sortie rate, most probably each F 22 can perform only two sorties per day, even that they required special base setups for housing the fighters, Due to it's golden canopy and the radar absorbent materials. So handling the fighters need huge manpower and special care.

    That's the main reasons behind the early closure of F 22 production line, after F 22 US mulls into a multi national project of Joint strike fighter with increased ground strike capability and lesser air superiority capability, The F 35 gets serious comments from all over the world, which include many aviation experts, calling the F 35 could be a better option for strike not for air dominance.

     The F 22 has been once offered to America's closest ally, Israel and Japan, Israeli defense official once openly said in a seminar that Israel negotiating to buy 24 F 22 A units for the price tag of $200 million per plane, Japan and Australia too express interest of buying F 22, however US didn't allowed to sell those fighters, later they all ended up with F 35, which is lesser in price compared to F 22 A.

     More than five years after closure of F 22 production line, each from Russia, China, Japan builds their own fifth generation fighters, even performance wise the F 22 beat all other contenders. It's pretty good option for the US and Lockheed to reopening the F 22 production line and build a exported variant of F 22 to friendly countries, which include Israel, India, Japan and South Korea.

     India not ready to invest another huge billions into Russian aviation industry, The PAK FA and FGFA program almost hits a roadblock, India has some alternate solutions for fifth generation fighter jets, The US made F 35 or joining with Japanese ATD-X program.

    Also there is a huge opportunity for India to buy some three squadron of F 22 Raptors specially to counter Chinese air force J 20, J 31 and Su 35 S,  The F 22 is a proven platform with it's performance over Arabian Gulf and over Syrian air space. The Pakistani's too get handful numbers of J 31 or Su 35 S near future. So the need of modern fighter in IAF remains very important.

    Many military analysts thinks the export variant of F 22 could help the Indian Air force to counter balance the Chinese in Asian region, The Indian signature of CISMOA, LSA and BECA with US may easily open the doors of top end US arms to India. The Indian government soon will sign the above mentioned agreement to check China.

PAK FA or the F 35 for Indian Air force

PAK FA or the F 35 for Indian Air force 

    After issues found in PAK FA Russia slowly move away from the project and insists India to driven the money to continue the project. India also not ready to sign the $6 billion R&D project with Russia before evaluating the capabilities of PAK FA. The IAF's backbone fighter Su 30 MKI currently facing problems due to lack of spares and support systems which was originated from Russia. This resulted the IAF to ground nearly half of the Su 30 MKI in grounds. So IAF won't make another risk with PAK FA.

    India wanted to buy some 63 PAK FA units directly from Russia, and further plans to build some 127  FGFA. It's clear if India wants just the PAK FA Russians are ready to sell them. Not only to India countries like Iran also keen to buy the PAK FA. However developing the FGFA in India means India needs to provide $6 billion to Russia for research and development.

    Government sanctioned the IAF to keep 42 squadrons of fighter jets. However half of the IAF squadron is vintage MiG aircraft's and half of them won't fly due to upgrades and lack of spares. The new procurement plans like Tejas, Rafale and PAK FA is also in doldrums. Which makes India to speed up procurement of new generation fighter jets.

      China confirmed their induction of 5th generation aircraft J 20 by thia year. China may deploy upto ten J 20 stealth air craft by this year followed by mass production in coming years. India plans to induct squadron of PAK FA before 2020, due to the delay in FGFA project. However new reports mentions that option also out of hands. Since Russia plans to produce only one squadron of PAK FA fighters and keep them in reserve. and focusing Su 35 S for air superiority needs.

    The reason behind the PAK FA issue is due to the lack of money. Russia waits so far to get money from India. However India refused to sign the R&D project. The Recent prime ministers visit to Moscow didn't mentions about the PAK FA program. that's a surprise to the Russians and Indians. However It's clear some kind of official talks about PAK FA should taken place regularly between Russia and India.

    On the other hand F 35 is a good option to buy. The F 35 is a much good aircraft, However there is much difference between PAK FA and F 35. Same like Rafale and Su 35. There is only one mission does the Russians prefer is counter air, that is offensive and defensive air mission. While Americans and west prefers Counter Strike options. that is Offensive and defensive ground mission.

    In one vs one fight F 35 and Rafale may loose against PAK FA and Su 35 S respectively. since the PAK FA and Su 35 is designed as counter air platforms. However when comes to pin point ground attack and penetrate mission F 35 and Rafale can score where PAK FA and Su 35 S can't.

    West and Americans invested heavily in Air defense batteries for counter air missions. The Patriot missile and Aster missiles are good examples. Western air defense batteries are long range and reliable. The Russians do have similar systems S 400 is a good example.

    However the Air borne platforms are must need to scan the air space from high. Since many aircraft's can fly very low and hide themselves from the Radar by flying the Radar's blind side. most of the West and US fighters designed as fly very low, unlike Russians fighters

   During Iraqi war the missiles are short range and need guidance to approach the target. Nowadays long range air to air missiles with active seekers can perform long range interception of upto some 250 kilometers. European fighters like Rafale, Gripen and Typhoon American fighter F 35 can carry such long range missiles. 

   The powerful AESA Radar's in above said fighters can detect small air to air missiles launched from VLO - Very low observable aircraft's like PAK FA and J 20, Which expose the presence of Stealth aircraft thus allows the Rafale and other to use their long range missiles for Intercepting the stealth aircraft.

   A typical scenario like a Rafale against PAK FA is, The Russians are running a CAP mission somewhere in Syria. The French on the other side is coming with Rafale armed with cruise missiles and PGM's along with MICA and Meteor Long range BVR missiles. The Rafale deployed in a mission to destroy a high value target inside Syria. Once the Rafale breached the Syrian air space the ground based radars will detect the Rafale and share the data with PAK FA running for CAP Mission.

    The PAK FA comes with IR guided missiles as well as BVR missiles. PAK FA scan the airspace using the Byelka main AESA Radar. If the PAK FA uses the main radar the Radar warning receivers in the Rafale alert the pilot about the presence of unknown threat from exact location of the PAK FA. 

    The situational awareness system in Rafale may keep on the frequency for further identifying the Target, and probably can launch the Meteor missile for long range interception. The detection range of Byelka is known as some 200 kilometers. Meteor is known as 250 km range and the Rafale's RBE 2 AESA also have similar range.

    If the PAK FA didn't use the main radar, and relay's in the Infrared search and Track system. This also allows the PAK FA to launch IR guided missiles like R 74. however the issue is the range of IRST. The detection range of IRST is very minimal, that is less than some 50 kilometers, same the R 74 missile too. If PAK FA used the Infrared systems then there is no chance of Rafale to survive, due to less reaction time and unknown location of missile origin.

   One more is the situation can change, If the Rafale detects the PAK FA using it's much improved OSF - Front sector Optronics ( french version of IRST in Rafale ). Then Rafale shoots first and kills it. One more is the RCS, There is many analysis confirm the RCS value of PAK FA is very lesser, who can be detected using active radars in close range. So if PAK FA comes close to Rafale then there is a chance of 50-50 to each of them.

   The same also goes with F 35 vs PAK FA. Here F 35 gets more advantage of detecting the enemy aircraft's using the optronics. The EOTS ( American version of IRST in F 35 ) in F 35 has pretty long range compared to all other similar system. The Range of EOTS mentioned and demonstrated it's capabilities upto some 150 kilometers. 

    It's clear the F 35 may lock the PAK FA at some 120 kilometers and launch the IR guided missile when the PAK FA comes close to some fifty kilometers. The Americans are studying to develop a long range IR guided missile which can be assisted by F 35 EOTS system roumered to be CUDA missile. If they succeeded then it would be a break through in air combat mission. Here F 35 can fire the first shot and escape first.

    If PAK FA uses the Byelka Radar and the F 35 too aware of the presence of PAK FA using RWR ( Radar warning Receiver ). The F 35 too turn on the AN APG 81 and scan for activities. Here the interesting matter is who gets detected first, The Stealth F 35 or the Stealth PAK FA. 

   When comes to Su 35 S the F 35 simply detect the enemy first and launch it's missile and kills it. It's clear the missiles hit the target and destroys it completely. There is no word what if Su 35 S turned back by evading the missile. One must remember new generation air to air missiles are more intelligent than the Fighter jets. Maneuvering figures and speed is good example of that.

    Here India need to counter the J 20 first, the Chinese going to deploy very soon or already deployed. Once the capabilities of J 20 exposed the Chinese may buy the PAK FA and throw it against IAF. It's clear the IAF face two kind of Russian modern jets like Su 35 S and PAK FA another two kind of Chinese stealth fighters like J 20 and J 31 deployed by both Pakistani Air force and Chinese Air force. The only option to counter them is deploying the F 35 Jets in IAF.

    The another F 35's performance is the ground attack capability, The F 35 can carry variety of guided missiles in it's Internal weapon bay. The Internal weapon bay is larger enough to accommodate  Anti shipping cruise missiles too. The Internal weapon bay can carry number of anti armour missiles like Brimstone and JAGM ( modern Hell fire Missile ) too. A good option to conduct surprise mission inside Pakistan and China without being detected.

   Actually the problem with the F 35 is the Full rate production starts only after 2018, So IAF may gets  the first batch by 2020 and operationalize it only after 2021.    

The Flagship project PAK FA nearing Collapse

The Flagship project PAK FA nearing Collapse 

Reports from Moscow coming that the PAK FA project may collapse due to the lack of Russian interest in the PAK FA Project.

Russians pushed Indians to sign the R&D contract which valued some $6 billions. 

Some media reported that the Project slashed into $6 billion to $3.7 billions. However there is no official confirmations. Probably fake news reported by some unknown media. 

India tries to speed up the FGFA project by slashing ninety plus improvements into just 45 improvements. Reduction of improvement may decrease the FGFA's performance. However govt want the fighter soon to be delivered to IAF.

IAF asked the Russian government to evaluate the PAK FA fighter with Indian Pilots. Russia declined the IAF proposal. IAF told the govt that, without evaluating the PAK FA it's not good to sign the R&D Contract and pump the Money.

IAF didn't satisfied the PAK FA's engine performance. The Russians using the AL 41F1 Engine is a derivative of F 117S Engine. The engine is not a worth of engine to power the stealth fighters. Russians involved in the engine research however mass producing the new engine would happen only after 2020. The F 117S engine won't super cruise at supersonic speed.

The Russians initially planned to induct 55 new PAK FA fighters as revised plan from earlier planned 200 planes. Suddenly they cut the order of PAK FA by just 17 aircraft's. 

Russia said the PAK FA remains as reserve  fighter, while they continue buying the Su 35 S fighter.

Hence IAF is pushed to pump the money and buy the PAK FA, where Russians too didn't buying the Jets. The reason behind the low number of orders due to economic issues and technological issues. 

This looks like IAF may move away from the unknown PAK FA project. IAF so far spend some $350 millions for FGFA preliminary design purpose.

Parrikar Visit to Russia to sweeten the FGFA deal

Parrikar Visit to Russia to sweeten the FGFA deal

   Indian Defense minister Manhoar Parrikar all set to visit Russia this November to advance the FGFA and MTA negotiations. Defense Ministry keen to fast track both FGFA and MTA program, and planning to sort out major problems before the Prime ministers visit to Russia. As many issues and backlogs listed in both FGFA and MTA deal. It's believed under the new defense procurement policy defense ministry may speed up the delayed fighter procurement.

     In 2015, The Indian Air force didn't received any new fighter jets except some Hawk and Pilatus trainers. The other side Indian Navy receives pretty good fighters and ASW planes from Russia and USA. The Air force's delayed projects like Rafale acquisition program and FGFA program hits road blocks due to many reasons. The defense ministry finding new ways to eliminate the delay by drafting a new Defense procurement Policy very soon.

   Indian Air force's flagship project is the FGFA, a modified variant of Russian PAK FA. Even the AMCA program also a long legged project, however IAF not concerned about AMCA, while they already knew the capability of ADA and HAL. The PAK FA program in Russia also has some problems like delays in testing and survivability of the air craft. The IAF also unhappy about the progress of PAK FA, since rival Chinese almost closes to induct the fifth gen stealth fighter jet J 20 by 2016.

    The major issue in the PAK FA program is the engine problem. The Russians yet to develop the Engines for the PAK FA, since fifth gen fighter should need an improved engine ehich can capable to perform super cruise in supersonic speed, also increased thrust and fuel efficiency. The PAK FA currently uses the modified variant of AL 31 F. The engine who powers the Su 35 Fighter jets.

   Earlier the PAK FA engine developer agreed that the new engine could be ready by 2017. The PAK FA would fly with the new engines by 2017. after completing the trails, serial production of the new engines started by 2020. As per Russian aerospace force the first batch of PAK FA comes with the modified AL 31 F. While the Block 2 version comes with new engines. So far there is no clear progress in the Engine development due to Ukrainian crisis who shorts the Supply lines.

117 S engine who powers the Su 35 and PAK FA

As per new plan The Indian Air force wants some sixty plus PAK FA fighter jets as a direct purchase from Russia. While the Air force didn't mentions about the engine characteristics of the direct purchase. The interim purchase will allow the Air force to stand against the Chinese fifth generation fighter's threat. However there is no theory that a fifth generation fighter would be encountered by a fifth gen only. The one who has superior RCS, Radar and missile can win the battle.

    The IAF's new plan is to buy nearly seven to eight squadron of FGFA. The FGFA comes with 40 major structural changes and it will be produced in HAL with the support of Russian engineers. For that India should give some $6 billions for research and development to Russia for transferring the cutting edge technologies like the Radar, engine and RAM coatings.

    Once India signs the $6 billion R&D contract. Russia would deliver three PAK FA for testing and study purposes to further develop the FGFA. The Russian engineers will teach the Indian counterparts to develop the most advanced fifth gen fighter in India. However the user IAF or IN should pay the production cost of the Fighter jets. each FGFA cost estimated some $120 million. Which makes  the total acquisition cost more $20 billion for eight squad of FGFA. Overall FGFA project value costs more than $25 billions.This has to be spend in next ten years.

    Until then India won't claim the PAK FA project would be the JV project of India and Russia. India may walk away from the deal any day, If IAF pilots didn't satisfied the performance of PAK FA. India insists the Russians let the IAF pilots to evaluate the PAK FA before buying the PAK FAand signing the FGFA contract.

    To clear those road blocks Indian Defense minister will visit Russia and discuss with the Russian counterparts. The visit pave the way to signing a agreement regarding the evaluation and R&D contract with Russia during the PM's visit by Russia December this year.

IAF Dream of 42 Squadron of Fighter Jets

IAF Dream of 42 Squadron of Fighter Jets 

   The Cabinet committee approved IAF to operate 42 squadron of fighter jets, to confront against both Chinese and Pakistani Air force same time. not only the combat jets, the need of support planes like cargo planes, airborne Radar systems, ELINT planes, and rotary wing systems like Helicopters, unmanned platforms and anti air missiles. as Air force almost lost good years by focusing only the MMRCA acquisition and LCA, now only the government providing full support to speed up the pending deals.

    The air force now running with very low number of combat air crafts, less than twenty five squadron fighters jets only combat capable. which can fight against either China or Pakistan, however not withstand against coordinated attack by both Chinese and Pakistani fighter jets. currently Indian Air force have some ten plus Su 30 MKI squads, six Jaguar squad, three MiG 29 and another three Mirage 2000 squads, which are capable to fight or out perform both Chinese and Pakistani air crafts.

    IAF's Flanker and Fulcrum variants are highly customized fighters, which can out perform Pakistani F 16 Blk 52 fighters and Chinese Su 27 Flankers, the Mirage is a good multi role fighter can perform multiple missions in single sortie, China and Pakistan don't have such kind of fighters. Jaguar is the best ground attacker jets, can fly very low and used for suppressing enemy air defense systems,which is called as Bomb truck.

    In future IAF plan is to induct two squad of Indian made Tejas MK 1 and another eight squadron of improved Tejas MK 1 A. this ten squads eventually replaces the older MiG 21 and MiG 27 fighters. as per plan all MiG 21 and MiG 27 fighters will be withdrawn from service before 2022. with or without adding an replacement. IAF currently operating nearly 15 squadron of MiG 21 and MiG 27 fighters. each year two MiG 21 and one MiG 27 squadrons replaced without adding new fighters, despite delay of LCA and Rafale.

    IAF plans to replace those MiG 21 with the addition of desi made Tejas MK 1 fighters. The Tejas is yet to test fire a Radar guided missile and yet to perform air refueling which is a milestone to achieve final operational clearance to be certified to fly combat missions under IAF tag. The MMRCA meant to replace those MiG 27 ground attack jets with more powerful multi role Rafale jets. the government scrapped the MMRCA and went to direct purchase of less than two squad of Rafale's. it's believed that IAF may license manufacture more than ten squadron of Rafales in India, however it's still on speculations.

In the next decade IAF comes with variety of new fighter jets, which include fifth generation fighter jets like PAK FA and FGFA, which brings the IAF squadron count close to 42,

15 Squad of Su 30 MKI

10 Squad of Tejas MK 1 and MK 1 A

6   Squad of Jaguar M/S

3   Squad of PAK FA

3   Squad of MiG 29 UPG  

2   Squad of Mirage 2000 TI

2   Squad of Rafale F3R

    Thus brings the Fighter Aircraft numbers close to 41 squadrons, before 2025. that is ten years from Now, as before IAF may face least number of Squad in coming days. that's counted less than 25 squadrons.

    IAF's another major program is to modernize the strategic and tactical air lifters. IAF currently operates some nine C 17 globe master III and fifteen Il 76 MD planes. IAF lost to capture the  Boeing's last ten C 17 from it's final assembly line, which makes the IAF to sufficient in strategic air lifters for next forty years. because of the lose IAF needs to look up some other platforms or modernize the Il 76 MD planes. Ai rforce also acquires 12 C 130 J tactical transporters for special operations, and IAF plans to buy more numbers of C 130 J in coming years.

     Another program is to replace the HS 748 Tactical transporters with much powerful modern C 295 transporters. TATA won the deal to supply some 50+ Planes to the IAF. however the contract yet to be signed. due to the delay in MTA project, IAF upgraded almost all An 32 Cline Transporters into An 32 RE with the support from Ukraine, which will be remain in service till 2030.

    The Fighter Jets must need tactical supports like Aerial Refueling and Airborne radar support, IAF currently operates seven IL 78 MKI refeulers, and IAF shortlisted french airbus A 330 MRTT to supply six more aerial refulers to IAF. the contract yet to be signed, anyhow this numbers are not enough for large IAF fleet. IAF must need atleast 20 such bigger aerial refuelers.

    Airborne Radar support is another major aspect in air combat, who assist the friendly aircraft. also perform as a flying air traffic controller who assign and coordinate friendly fighter jets to carry out strike missions. IAF currently operates three Phalcon AEWCS and another two under construction in Israel. two EMB 145 AEWCS under testing. IAF also shortlisted Airbus A 330 to supply six air frames to DRDO, to modify the air crafts who can carry DRDO developed LRSTR Radar on it's top. which is similar to American E 3 sentry aewcs, all these support planes may enter the IAF before 2020, and within next ten years IAF dominate the Asian skies as proving one of the best Air force in Asian continent.

The Chinese Chengdu J 20

The Chinese Chengdu J 20

    The J 20 program is the Chinese first fifth generation fighter program, that can designed to hunt down American stealth fighter jets and Bombers and gives an upper edge to the PLA Air force in aerial fighting, the actual program initiated later 1990's, with many ex Ukrainian aerospace engineers and downed American F 117 technologies, and many hacked source codes of American Joint Strike Fighter program, the J 20 appeared first in 2011, looks similar to the American F 22, with canards, and set a new milestone in global aerospace, the J 20 primarily designed as a Air superiority Fighter, by housing large number of sleek air to air missiles in it's three weapon bays.

    With bunch of resources, the Chinese almost managed to fast track the Fighter development program, after the first flight in 2011, within five years they almost build five more prototypes and using those for testing, even the new seventh prototype 2016 rolled out this month by performing aerial flight tests, six prototypes used for flight characteristics tests and one used for ground based tests, those appeared J 20 prototypes initially tested in long time, sometimes the test can go more than hours, that looks the J 20 has much long combat radius to perform long range missions and long period of aerial supremacy.

    The Chinese has only one major problem in the J 20 program is the Engines, they started the engine program way back 1990, still they are not matured enough to create a true turbo fan engines, countries like France, England, America and Russia are the only countries who developed a true fighter jet engines , and they keep the engine blades composite technology as secret, while China could able to absorb the tech, they tried the reverse engineered Russian AL 31 F engines dubbed as WS 10 in China, they used the WS 10 to build as much as Flanker clones,however the engine will not performed well in the J 20 test bed, so they plans to buy newer Engines from Russia. they tried to purchase the AL 41 117 engine who powers the Su 35 Super flankers and the prototype variants of PAK FA, Russia almost denied the Chinese request, how ever instead of selling the Engines, Russia prefer whole Su 35 Sale to China which gives more money to Russia rather just millions for some engines,  both of them almost signed the Contract, and earlier this year some media sources reported that Chinese Fighter pilots went to Russia for a Training mission to fly in the Su 35,

    The Chinese has a project based on the WS 10 to develop a improved version of AL 31 F, they concentrating the WS 15 engine to power the J 20, as per some leaked reports, Janes says the power output of the new engines is just 80 Kilo newtons, means twin engine provide some 160 kN, which is rated less powerful engine in the fifth generation fighter category,

    Same like other fifth generation fighter jets, the J 20 too comes with a  AESA Radar, China uses a much larger AESA compared to others with some 1856 modules for transmitting and receiving emitted signals, which is capable to detect and track targets up to some 200 kilo meters, however these are all come from Chinese media, not a analyzed or confirmed reports, because no one saw the Radar inside the J 20, foreign military watches aware of KLJ 5 AESA radar,while the real capabilities is unknown, unlike foreign AESA are usually X band LPI radars , means enemy radar warning receiver will not detect the radar waves emitted from such Low probability of intercept Radar, Radar's like AN/APG 77, RBE 2 and Byelka has such capabilities, It's believed Chinese AESA too has such LPI Characteristics,

   The real shocking is the J 20's Electro Optic Targeting system (EOTS) one of the most advanced technologies emerged from the known IRST, which allows the fighter detect and track, enemy low observable stealth aircraft's in long ranges, even without using the on board radar, the EOTS can allow the fighter to launch medium range IR guided missiles, means the hostile air craft even have no idea about, where those missiles are coming from. such modern systems are presents only in the F 35 fighter jet, the system known as EOTS and in the Rafale known as FSO- Front sector optroincs, even the PAK FA based IRST system too not much advanced than the above mentioned systems.

    With the use of J 20's modern Avionic suites, the J 20 can detect and engage Su 30 MKI fighters from long range, even without being detected by the Sukhoi Radar, due to the LPI capability and Stealth the IAF's ground based Radar's too don't have the capability to track such stealth planes, The Sukhoi too have IRST which can detect the Low observable stealth aircraft, however it can detect those fighters in very close ranges only. same like other EOTS the J 20 too guide the air ground missiles using it's EOTS, how ever the J 20's weapon bay will not accommodate heavy bombs, they need to carry those missile externally only.

    One more Shocking is, China almost completed J 20's trails, and planning to mass produce those fighters within next two years, as earlier planned 2016 deadline is almost is passing by, It's believed China will carryout weapon tests in coming days, before going to mass productions, and by 2017 Chinese Air force gets the J 20 in it's wings, the same year Russia too induct their PAK FA in it's VKS fleet.

FGFA program hits a Road block

FGFA program hits a Road block

       During the Initial days of Fifth generation fighter program development, the government and IAF agrees to induct some 300 new fifth gen fighters from abroad. under this Plan, IAF gets some 150 single seat PAK FA from Russia, and another 150 improved PAK FA under the code name of FGFA, FGFA is a Indian designation of multiple improved characteristics in the imported Russian PAK FA, and Built in Indian state owned company HAL. but days passed the Government slowly sabotaged the IAF's plan, initially those Fifth gen fighters meant to deployed in new bases near China, and helps the HAL to develop the medium Fighter code named AMCA.

     For Future IAF plans to use some 300 Fifth Generation fighters ( PAK FA and FGFA) another 150 Medium combat aircraft, and Keeps some 300 advanced Sukhoi Su 30 MKI's and some 100 of Rafales for Deep strike and Combat patrolling and quick redeployment, thus makes the IAF suggested 40+ Squadrons of good fighters to pose a concrete middle finger towards Chinese Air force,

But the major strategic project hits many delays, from Numbers, design changes and delivery periods

Design Changes

     As per initial plan IAF and HAL jointly discussed and evaluated some 80+ changes in the existing PAK FA platform, and they will start working with the prototypes provided by the Russian, the HAL receives three T 50 prototypes in 2017, 2019, and 2021. the IAF team evaluates and suggest the changes, the major structural changes is the Twin seat configuration, Computer integrations and IFF systems along with missile integrations, also its believed that minor improvements also added to increase the stealth characteristics.

     But due to the late arrival of the Jets and lacks of Technological expertise from HAL, The ministry cut down almost 40 design changes in the FGFA, means most of the suggested changes will not happen, and the phenomenal difference between FGFA and PAK FA is just 40 improvements, the time lines also planned to decrease by three years, previously planned it took some eight years to deliver a single FGFA to India once all improvements are completed.

     both countries agreed to manufacture the first batch of aircraft in Russia and for subsequent batches to be manufactured by HAL under transfer of technology.

Numbers

     The Initial plans stated some 150 PAK FA and another 150 FGFA, means India starts receiving the T 50 from Russian Serial production plant by 2018, meantime Russia gives three prototype variants to the HAL to inspect and evaluate the plan to improve the T 50 into FGFA,

    Later Reports verified, that India go for some 144 FGFA and another 50 numbers of PAK FA from Russia, and it's scheduled that Russia could provide a squadron of PAK FA before 2020, the Government cut more than 100's of PAK FA orders,

    But recent reports mentions IAF might buy only 65 fifth generation Aircraft, But it's not clear While India just increased the PAK FA order numbers to current 50 to 65, or IAF cuts down the FGFA numbers from 144 to just 65, the reports merely confusing without stating the Status of the T 50 program,

    Another reports mentions, India may opt out from the FGFA and all other fifth generation program with Russia, and directly purchase just 65 PAK FA under government to government contract, just like how Make in India Rafale cancelled and only the 36 Rafales will be bought,

So it looks like either the Government cut down the numbers or increased the PAK FA orders,

Delivery Periods

    At first, The HAL is to get three Russian prototypes for re-design and testing in 2015, 2016 and 2017, and is scheduled to hand over the first series produced aircraft to the IAF in 2019, Which is the FGFA, But the same can be moved to two years cap and delivery, the timeline Changes into 2017, 2019, 2021, and IAF starts receive the FGFA by 2025, almost six years of delay, 

     Because of the delay the New government planned to buy a squadron of PAK FA as stop cap measure, and It's believed that India may receive the first squadron of T 50 before 2020, to face the Chinese fifth generation threats, 

    Because of cutting down the design changes, The government informs in the Parliament that, Once the Research and development contract signed, the Russia and HAL delivers the FGFA within three years, and Government almost near to complete the draft of the Contract, but no sign of Signing the contract by this year. 

   So if Government moves towards the FGFA by the new timeline It's good to we have some Fifth generation fighters before the 2020, to show off with the Chinese.  

The New Radar Killer Kh 58 UShK

The New Radar Killer Kh 58 UShK

   The Russians almost completed the prototype variant of new generation anti radiation missile the Kh 58, which is completely a new missile with older X 58 air frame along with folding fins, which allows the missiles can house inside the Su T 50's internal weapon bay. The Russians and Indians involved to build a new generation Fighter under the PAK FA and FGFA program, for that they gone for fully modern systems, from Engines to Radars and Missiles to Electronic warfare system.

  To defeat the much modern Anti Air missile batteries like most powerful S 400 missile defense system and western Patriot system, the need of smart aircraft along with smart munitions needed, in the modern Air warfare the Ground based threats pose serious problems to the Fighter jets, those highly powerful stand alone modern Air defense missile can engage any kind of modern threats with high accuracy, even they can ripple fire missiles allows to intercept highly maneuverable small aircraft's with high precision.

   So there is a need of missile that can intercept such ground threats more accuracy, usually the missile defense system comes with couple of elements, like Radar, Launcher, command vehicles, most of the Ground based systems are highly mobile, that can be moved within a minutes and can be deployed again very quickly, thus makes long range cruise missiles ineffective to strike such missile systems, even most systems are positioned in good distances, also those missile defense systems comes with couple of launchers, but one or two Air search and Fire control Radars, usually most comes with only one Radar systems, a Typical S 400 Missile battery consist of four launchers and two Radars along with other support vehicles,

   It's tough to find and kill the Radar, which is the heart of the missile defense system, so there is missile called anti radiation missile, which can target only the Radars with it's frequency, the S 400 Radars emits signals in the S Band frequency that means 2 GHz to 4 GHz, so the missile would be lock a target which can emit frequency at the S band, the early anti radiation missiles are developed at specific bands only, but now the modern Ground based Radars uses multiple spectrum, the need of new missile which can respond more band of frequency's. so the Russians put into the work that a seeker can acquire frequency's at all bands commonly L,S,C and X which varies from 1 GHz to 12 GHz.

   and Russians did it a good missile seeker that can intercept and lock frequencies at 1.2 GHz to 11 GHz. makes that missile good enough against most modern Radar systems, another issue is the speed and warhead, the missile can travel at the speed of mach 4 and can be launched from at an altitude of 600 feet to 60,000 feet, but due to the altitude the range also varies, means if it can launched from higher altitude the missile can reach the highest distance of 240 kilometers, and if launched at low altitude the missile ranged capped at 70 kilometer.

    The major disadvantage of the Missile is it's precision capability, the missile can't strike at bulls eye, or pin point, it's strike probability is 20 meters, means missile can strike near to the Radar, mostly less than 20m. because of the heavier payload, even if it strikes near to the Radar, the warhead can destroy anything nearby 20 meters, the missile weights at  650 kilograms, and the warhead weighs upto 150 kg. which is High explosive warhead.

   the T 50 can carry two Kh 58 missile in it's main internal weapon bay, and another two short range heat seeking missiles in it's side bay, with this internal payload the T 50 nearly invisible to the Enemy radars, then only the Fighter can enter inside the Radar's search area, the Kh 58 missile ranges 240 kilometers at most, but the S 400 radar's Range more than 300 kilometers, can easily detect the launched missile,

   earlier the Fighters used Terrain hugging  method to perform SEAD mission, the fighters computers provide the Blind side of the Radar, where the Fighter can travel and launch it's missile, the IAF uses the Jaguar a finest Terrain hugging plane which can be armed with French made Martel Missile, also the Mirage platforms are also used for the same, but still IAF didn't try for a SEAD mission inside Pakistani or Chinese airspace.

   The IAF Sukhoi 30 MKI also comes with earlier version of Kh 58 ARM missile,another variant of Anti radiation missile named K 100 novotar, A joint venture between India and Russia to develop a missile to kill enemy airborne radar platforms like aerostats and awecs planes, also DRDO involves a Project to develop a indigenous missile for SEAD role, named NG ARM, whose status is not available since it's highly classified, and It's expected that The Jaguars gets the American High speed anti radiation missile AGM 88 HARM in the DARIN III Upgrade.

   Truth is it's hard to find the frequency of SAM missile's Radars since Ship, Televisions, Telecoms are all use the same frequencies to transmit signals.  

The Enigma of the Russian and Indian Air Force

  The Enigma of the Russian and Indian Air Force

The Fifth Generation Fighter T-50 

     Aircraft designed to avoid radar detection by reducing radar signature, infrared signature, radio-frequency signals are known as stealth aircraft. Stealth technology is a combination of technologies that greatly reduces the chances of detecting an object using conventional systems. Development of stealth technology is believed to have started in Germany during World War II. Even though these aircraft are imparted with the stealth technology no aircraft is completely invisible to radars, rather these aircraft's are tough to be detected on conventional radar.

The Nazi Germany Horten Ho 229

  The Germans designed the Horten Ho 229 aircraft with an intention to avoid radar detection. The Horten was constructed using mixed technologies; the center pod was made from welded steel tubing and wing spars built from wood. The wings of the aircraft were made from two thin, plywood panels which were soaked in a carbon matter which were glued together with a charcoal and sawdust mixture. This design greatly reduced the radar signature of the aircraft. The aircraft design was later tested in US where the results showed the aircraft to be invisible to the Britain's Chain Home early warning radar. By 1970, Lockheed Aircraft started designing stealth technology which was part of the next-gen bombers which were being designed for the US forces. 

The Lockheed Martin F 117 Night Hawk

     Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk is considered the first purpose designed stealth bomber. The stealth aircraft saw the combat in December 1989 during Operation Just Cause in Panama. 

     With the western countries inching forward with stealth capable aircraft design the Russian forces were left vulnerable to undetected attacks. To counter this threat the Russian’s constituted the ‘Prospective Airborne Complex of Frontline Aviation’ or the PAK-FA program under which a fifth-generation fighter would be designed to the Russian Air Force. The aircraft would be designed by Sukhoi for the PAK FA programme. The project was code named T-50. T-50 was deigned to be multi-role aircraft which could perform both air superiority and ground attack sorties. 

      The stealth technology is an extremely demanding field and it required technologies which Russia alone could not conquer. The Russian’s inclined towards India which could partner in the project under a co-development clause. Russia and India enjoyed a longstanding and wide-ranging cooperation in the field of defense. 

      India-Russia military technical cooperation has evolved from a simple buyer - seller framework to one involving joint research, development and production of advanced defense technologies and systems. A deal in this regard was signed between Sukhoi and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to co-develop a Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) for the Indian Air Force. The FGFA will be produced either as a single-seat or two-seat FGFA and will be witnessing developments in as many as 43 ways from the T-50. IAF is believed to induct around 144 of these single manned FGFA by 2020. There have been plans to produce a naval version of the FGFA but nothing in this regard has been confirmed by the Russian sources.

The Saturn-Lyulka 117S, the power of T-50.

      The power plant for the aircraft is the fifth generation Saturn AL-41F turbofan engines The T-50 design employs an interim super cruising and thrust vectoring engine. The first of the T-50’s under production will use the Saturn-Lyulka 117S. 117S are an upgraded product achieved by clubbing AL-31F and improvising the technologies of AL-41F in the system. 117S is believed to produce a thrust of 142 kN with the afterburners engaged and about 87 kN of thrust without the afterburners. The engine is believed to be equipped with circular thrust vectoring nozzles.

The FADEC System

   The engine is believed to have incorporated infrared and RCS reduction measures. The engine has full authority digital engine control. The engine is equipped with FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) which is a system consisting of a digital computer, called an Engine Control Unit (ECU) and also controls other critical aspects linked with the control and functioning of the engines. Employing FADEC in an engine can help it to perform at maximum efficiency under any given condition. FADEC works by receiving multiple input variables of flight conditions and this is analyzed by the ECU. 

The analyzed data is checked against the set parameters and any changes indicated are returned to the required default value for achieving the appropriate flight conditions. The use of FADEC can greatly increase the efficiency of the engine and can protect the engines against any intolerant manual operations. The workload during flight on the pilot is reduced significantly with most of the critical tasks being completed by the FADEC.

   The Circular- and box-nozzle thrust-vectoring configurations have been tested during various test flight. The later T-50 will be out fitted with a more advanced engine which has been code named Izdeliye 30. The Izdeliye 30 will be offering a thrust of about 40000lb. The aircraft can achieve a max speed of about Mach 2 with this power plant. The aircraft can cruise at speeds up to Mach 1.8. The aircraft has a climb rate of about 1200 feet per minute. The aircraft is claimed to have an operational range of about 4590 km. The engines are believed to have a service ceiling of about 65000 feet.

       The T-50 is equipped with a powerful avionics suite which can be considered as an evolution of the avionics suite which was formally available on the Flanker series. The avionics package on the T-50 will be an upgraded package of the existing Su-35S avionic design. The primary avionics systems on board the T-50 are the Sh121 multi-functional integrated radio electronic system (MIRES) and the 101KS Atoll electro-optical system. The Sh121 is equipped with the N036 Byelka radar system which is an advanced active electronically scanned radar system which was developed by Tikhomirov for the T-50 project.

Byelka X,L Band AESA Radar

  The transceiver functions are formed from numerous small solid-state transmit/receive modules. AESA radars function by aiming their beam by emitting separate radio waves from each of the module that finally interfere at an ascertained angle in front of the receiving antenna. The N036 radar system consists of a main nose-mounted X-band AESA radar. The avionics suite also has two N036L-1-01 L-band arrays on the wing's that can be used for friend-or-foe identification. The L-band arrays can also be effectively used for electronic warfare purposes. The N036UVS computer and processor enable the system information to be significantly enhanced. The electronic countermeasures of the aircraft are taken care of by the L402 "Himalayas" systems. 

      The enhanced computer systems enable the processed data to be transmitted across other platforms which greatly reduces the work pressure on the pilot. The UOMZ 101KS Atoll electro-optical system includes the 101KS-V infrared and track system. IRST system is a method which uses the infrared radiations emitted by objects to detect and track them. IRST gives all-round situation awareness. This system can effectively used for laser aided counter measures against heat seeking missiles. 

The system involves thermo-graphic cameras. These systems are passive which means they do not emit radiations like radars this can help in stealth feature on board an aircraft. The system is integrated on the star board side of the aircraft. This system has been used on Su-27, MiG 29, F-35 lightning, F 18 hornet, Saab, the JF-17 Thunder Block-II, Typhoon and the Rafael. The package also includes the 101KS-U ultraviolet warning sensors and 101KS-N navigation and targeting pods.

     T-50 is to be designed with an glass cockpit which is equipped with an 15 inch multi-functional LCD display. The cockpit is also included with Heads up Display (HUD) unit which is a transparent display that presents data on a display unit without requiring the user to look away from his actual viewpoint. The HUD system consists of a projector unit, a combiner, and a video generation computer. The projection unit consists of a Lens and a display unit at the focal area. The combiner is typically an angled flat piece of glass which is usually located in front of the user. 

Combiners receive an special coating which helps in monochromatic light to be projected on to a projecting unit. The HUDs operate with the help of dual independent redundant computer systems. HUD receives information from various sensors install on the aircraft. HUD’s can be used to display various parameters ranging from target designation, closing velocity with target, Range, weapon seeker and weapon status. 

The ZSh-10 helmet which is considered as the standard in the platform is equipped with helmet-mounted sight and display unit. The display is formed on aircrew’s visor which can help the crew maintain a situational awareness in critical times without having to take his concentration off the flight. Even the canopy of the aircraft receives a coating for increased stealth element.

PAK FA sensor Suites

 The T-50 is provided with the NPP Zvezda K-36D-5 ejection seats have been formerly used on the Mikoyan series. The ejection seat ensures safe ejection of the pilot within Mach 2.5 and can be operated up to 66000 feet. The aircraft life support will enable pilots to perform up to 9-g maneuvers for up to 30 seconds at a go. 

     The T-50 will be the first aircraft under the Russian Air force to use stealth technology. The airframe of the aircraft is designed with a planform alignment which helps to greatly reduce the radar cross-section. The protruding edges of the aircraft are designed and trimmed out pre designated angles to reduce the reflection of radar waves. The antenna is recessed back into the aircrafts main airframe to maintain the stealth capabilities of the aircraft. 

    The aircraft is provided with S shaped intake duct the intake is in the upper rear center of the aircraft which is usually present above or below the stabilizer. This S-shaped intake contains most of the compressor outlet of the engine. The T-50 uses Radar Absorbent Material to absorb most of the radar emissions effectively reducing the amount of reflected waves back to the source.

   The first known RAM is Sumpf and Schornsteinfeger which was used by Germans to coat the snorkels and periscopes of the submarines. The commonly used RAM to date is the iron ball paint which contains tiny spheres coated with carbonyl iron or ferrite. The F-117A used electrically isolated carbonyl iron balls of specific dimensions suspended in a two-part epoxy paint. Foam absorber, Jaumann absorber, Split-ring resonator absorber and Carbon nanotube are the other known stealth coatings known and in use till date. The weapons bay of the aircraft is concealed in the airframe. 

T-50 is designed with an two tandem main internal weapon bays each one approximately about 15 feet in length and about 3 feet wide. The weapons bay of the T-50 is concealed within the main airframe of the aircraft to maintain the stealth capability of the aircraft. Vympel has been put in charge of designing the armament for the aircraft. It is believed to be developing two ejection launchers for the main bays, for the ejection of the missiles from the airframe it is believed o have developed the UVKU-50L system. This system can support missiles of up to 300kg in weight. For deploying the ordinance in mission Vympel is believed to have developed the UVKU-50U which can support ordinance weighing up to 700 kg.

PAK FA with External Weapons

 When T-50 is to make non stealth missions it can use its six hard points on the airframe itself. T-50 is equipped with an internally mounted 9A1-4071K 30 mm cannon. T-50 is expected to carry up to four beyond visual range missiles and two short range missiles to effectively take care of air-air threats. T-50 is known to be equipped with K-77M with active radar-homing technology short range missiles. K-74M2 will be the short range missile homed in T-50. For neutralizing long range threats T-50 is being armed with Izdeliye 810 beyond-visual-range missiles. 

      The main weapons bay of T-50 can home air-to-ground missiles such as the Kh-38M, KA-250, KAB-500 precision guided bombs. T-50 is slated to carry Kh-35UE and the Kh-58UShK anti radiation missiles. The much feared BrahMos supersonic is believed to be installed on T-50 benefiting both Russia and India.

 

    T-50 prototype took wings on 29 January 2010. Till date five prototypes have taken flight and have successfully completed several flights demonstrating the T-50’s capabilities. To date T-50 is believed to be engaged in external weapons trials. 

    FGFA’s are to enter serial production by 2016. T-50 is to be inducted to the Russian forces by 2017 and to be handed over to India by 2018. India is expected to get the FGFA by 2020. The cost of a single unit is believed to be around US $50 million which is extremely cost effective compared to the American fielded F-22 Raptors. 

   The aircraft is expected to have a service life of up to 35 years. Once inducted the FGFA’s will be a potent weapon in the arsenals of Russian and Indian forces. FGFA will surely act as an force multiplier and with stealth capabilities these aircraft can be effectively used in deep penetration bombing runs which will surely help Indian forces in enjoying an upper hand over the Chinese and the Pakistani’s. 

Credits to various sources used in this article. All the credits and rights of the photos used in this article are bestowed with the original photographers. It is only because of their dedication and efforts have I been able to bring forward this article. 

Article By Karthik Kakoor