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Aviation munitions for rocket weapons. Purpose, composition and classification of NAR
Missile weapons are indispensable integral part most modern military aircraft. Its appearance was due to the need to successfully solve combat missions by aviation during the conduct of wars and conflicts.
Currently, the aviation missile armament includes:
Unguided aircraft missiles (NAR);
Guided aircraft missiles (UAR);
Aviation anti-submarine missiles (APR);
Aviation sea missiles-mines.
In this topic, we will focus on NAR.
According to their purpose, NARs are divided into missiles:
Main purpose (means of destruction);
Auxiliary purpose (means of support).
Both those and others are divided into separate groups according to other classification criteria, among which two main ones can be distinguished: the type of warhead and caliber.
The type of warhead and the features of its design predetermine not only the intended purpose of the NAR, but also reflect the features of its operation at the target. So, they consider NAR with warheads of high-explosive, fragmentation, cumulative, penetrating, combined (high-explosive fragmentation, cumulative fragmentation, etc.), lighting type, etc.
According to the design of warheads, NARs are divided into missiles with single-block warheads, with multiple-type warheads, missiles with cluster-type warheads, etc. For example, NARs with a tandem arrangement of cumulative warheads; NAR with a multiple warhead equipped with volumetric detonating submunitions, etc.
An important parameter of NAR is its caliber. It is determined by the characteristic size of the rocket engine chamber - usually the outer diameter of the chamber.
For existing system solid rockets the caliber of the solid propellant rocket engine is reflected in the short code name of the rocket. So, in the name of missiles of the S-8, S-13, S-25, etc. type, the figure means the caliber of the solid propellant rocket engine, expressed in cm and corresponding to the nominal value of the diameter of the engine chamber. If the diameter of the warhead is greater or less than the caliber of the solid propellant rocket engine, then they say: NAR with an over-caliber or sub-caliber warhead. Their examples are, respectively, NAR-S-25O and S-13T.
Sometimes, according to the size of the caliber, NARs of small, medium and large caliber are distinguished. Although such a classification is conditional, it still gives some idea of the number of missiles suspended from one suspension point of an aircraft (helicopter). It is clear that a large-caliber NAR can be suspended only one for each suspension point with a beam holder of the third group (BD-3). On the same suspension point, you can hang a block with several dozen small-caliber NARs or a launcher with 3-5 medium-caliber missiles.
Since the advent of aviation in service and up to the present, NARs have retained their positions and have invariably been part of the armament of aircraft and helicopters of various generations. This is explained by the fact that, due to their specific properties, NARs significantly increase the firepower of strike aviation complexes and expand their capabilities in solving problems of hitting ground and sea targets.
hallmarks and features of unguided rockets as primary munitions are:
The ability to create a warhead of a large mass, comparable in power to 100, 250 and even 500 kg caliber air bombs;
A significant share of the warhead itself in the total starting weight missiles (up to 65%), which is much more than for UAR;
Big variety types of combat units that ensure high efficiency of aviation operations against a wide range ground targets;
Large NAR ammunition for each aircraft or helicopter due to the use of multi-charge launchers for small and medium caliber missiles;
Sufficiently high accuracy of missile launch, providing the possibility of hitting small targets;
A wide range of missile launch ranges, which makes it possible to hit targets even when they are inaccessible to artillery weapons or air bombs;
Relative simplicity of device and production, which makes it possible to implement the modular principle of creating a whole class of missiles of the same caliber, having the same engine, but different types of warheads (up to 10 or more);
Ease of operation both in flight and on the ground, which is practically not much different from the operation of air bombs;
A sufficiently long service life, as a result of which NARs are included in the armament options for aircraft of several generations (for example, NARs of the C-24 type have been in service for more than half a century);
Relatively low cost of serial production of NAR in comparison with UAR of a comparable caliber (for example, the cost of an unguided missile of the S-25 type and a guided missile of the S-25L type was estimated at a ratio of 1:6 on the scale of the same ruble exchange rate);
Possibility to implement less costly disposal of NARs prohibited for their intended use.
In addition to the above, one more feature of NAR should be considered. Representing a system consisting of combat (warhead) and missile (solid propellant rocket) parts, unguided rockets, due to obvious advantages, began to be used not only “as a whole”, but also “in parts”, which served as an impetus for the creation of other types of ammunition. Their examples are the already mentioned APR anti-submarine torpedo-missiles, the RM pop-up rocket-mines, the BETAB-500Sh concrete-piercing bombs, which include braking and accelerating engines running on solid fuel, as well as the S-25L guided missile, created on the basis of the NAR S- 25, etc.
At present, the possibilities of NAR are far from being exhausted. A very relevant and promising task is the creation of a large-caliber NAR with a cluster warhead (CBC), which ensures the use of combat elements (bombs, mines, etc.) in large quantities - up to several thousand pieces in a warhead. On the basis of such a missile, an NAR with a gliding flight on the passive part of the trajectory can easily be created, which makes it possible to attack targets from long ranges (up to 10 km or more). The development and adoption of a planning NAR would greatly expand the combat capabilities of modern carriers, including in terms of successfully overcoming enemy air defenses.
Particular attention should be paid to the accuracy characteristics of the use of NAR. In terms of technical dispersion parameters, NARs are significantly superior to aerial bombs, but inferior to guided missiles. Reducing the technical dispersion of NAR is achieved in several ways:
Firstly, due to the short flight time of missiles from the moment of launch to the meeting with the target. Having a high speed at the end of the active part of the trajectory, the rockets fly the rest of the way in a short time, which eliminates the influence of many random factors, including atmospheric turbulence, on the nature of their movement.
Secondly, like a feathered projectile, missiles have a large margin of static and dynamic stability. In the passive section of the trajectory, the center of mass of the NAR is shifted towards the head part due to fuel burnout. The tail unit is located at a considerable distance from the center of mass due to the engine, which has a large length, therefore, in terms of stabilization, it is very effective.
Thirdly, using rotary motion missiles. All NARs in service during movement rotate around the longitudinal axis with angular velocities ranging from several hundred (NAR type C-24) to several thousand (NAR type C-5, C-8) revolutions per minute. The rotation of the missiles is provided by the action of the moments created by directing the thrust force (for NAR with multi-nozzle engines), or due to the aerodynamic moments created by the stabilizer, the feathers of which have either a setting angle of attack or a cut along one of the faces of the feathers. Rotation (rotation) around the longitudinal axis eliminates the influence of the asymmetry of the aerodynamic shape or the eccentricity of the rocket's mass on the trajectory of its movement. If there was no cranking of the rocket, then under the influence of these factors, a lateral moment would arise, leading the rocket away from the direction of fire.
The implementation of constructive measures made it possible to create missiles, the technical dispersion of which was determined by the probable deviation of the circular dispersion in the plane of the sky, equal to 2-3 thousandths of the firing range. With such a dispersion, the accuracy of fire was quite high, which ensured the defeat of small-sized, including air, targets. It is appropriate to recall once again that the first missiles of the S-5 type were created specifically to destroy air targets.
With the advent of the first guided air-to-air missiles, the S-5 NARs were "retargeted" and began to be used to destroy ground targets. Currently, all NARs are used to destroy ground targets.
To increase the probability of hitting small ground targets, an increase in the number of missiles used in one attack is required. Therefore, for missiles of the S-5 type, blocks UB-16 and UB-32 were developed, equipped with 16 and 32 missiles, respectively.
It follows from the above comparative assessment that NARs, as means of destruction, occupy an intermediate position between air bombs and guided air missiles and to a large extent complement the combat properties and capabilities of artillery weapons. In terms of accuracy of hitting the target, NARs are significantly superior to aerial bombs, but they are inferior to them in terms of the power of the explosion (action) of warheads. NARs are noticeably superior to air bombs in solving the tasks of hitting especially strong and deep targets due to the provision high speed collision warhead penetrating type. Compared to precision-guided munitions (guided air-to-air missiles and guided air bombs), NARs are inferior to them in terms of accuracy of hitting the target, but are superior in such properties as independence from weather conditions of use and noise immunity.
NARs of small caliber, as well as shells of aviation artillery weapons, make it possible to form, when attacking ground targets, zones of dispersion of points of impact, having such a shape and size that the maximum efficiency of hitting the target is achieved.
Thus, the NAR system should be considered as an integral part (type) of weapons of modern combat aviation systems, significantly expanding the combat properties and tactical capabilities of the latter.
You can pilot this machine both from the cockpit and from the cockpit of the pilot-operator, who acts as an instructor. The “Night Hunter” with dual control will significantly simplify and speed up the process of training combat crews, which will open up new export opportunities for the Mi-28NE, representatives of the aircraft plant noted in an interview with a RG correspondent. After all, in addition to the acquired learning function, the machine must retain the entire arsenal of an all-weather attack helicopter aimed at destroying enemy armored vehicles, hitting low-flying low-speed air targets, aerial reconnaissance - and not only during the day, but also - justifying its name - at night, including in difficult weather conditions.
On the this moment The manufacturer's portfolio includes two contracts for the supply of Mi-28NE with dual control abroad, the company said. Which countries will receive new helicopters and in what quantity, the representatives of the company did not specify.
Recall that earlier interest in the purchase of "Night Hunter" expressed, in particular, Algeria, India, Kenya and Iraq. The latter signed a contract for the purchase of more than 40 Mi-35 and Mi-28N helicopters from Russia back in 2013, and the first batch of Mi-28NE was delivered to this country in the fall of 2014. Algeria, according to some reports, planned to receive dual-control helicopters.
Among the most valuable advantages of the Mi-28NE with dual control are not only its maneuverability and the possibility of round-the-clock use, but also its firepower. The helicopter's arsenal includes guided and unguided missiles, as well as a mobile gun mount, which is equipped with a 30 mm caliber gun. All vital systems and units of the helicopter are duplicated. The cockpit is securely armored - it is not afraid of armor-piercing bullets and shells of up to 20 mm caliber.
The "impenetrability" of the helicopter became possible thanks to the use latest materials and constructive solutions. The Mi-28NE main rotor blades with dual control are made of composite materials, and the design of the fuel system eliminates the explosion or ignition of the fuel.
In addition, the new Night Hunter will be very difficult to detect by ground-based air defense systems. The helicopter is equipped with an integrated avionics system that, among other things, makes it possible to find and recognize ground and air targets, determine their coordinates and transmit target designations to ground and air command posts.
Made in 2014 prototype Mi-28NE with dual controls. At the end of 2015, the State joint tests were completed.
Characteristics of the “Night Hunter”
Normal takeoff weight - 10900 kg;
Maximum flight speed - 300 km / h Cruise flight speed - 265 km / h.
Main armament
"Ataka-V" air-to-surface guided missile system;
Air-to-air missile system "Sagittarius";
Fixed movable gun mount with a 30 mm caliber gun;
Blocks of unguided aircraft missiles (NAR) B-8V20A with a missile of the S-8 type of 80 mm caliber;
Blocks of unguided aircraft missiles (NAR) B-13L1 with a missile of the S-13 type of 130 mm caliber.
The helicopter is made according to the classic single-rotor scheme with a non-retractable landing gear and an auxiliary wing with payload attachment points.
The fuselage of the Mi-28NE is a semi-monocoque of a mixed design, made mainly of aluminum alloys and composite materials using riveted and glue-welded joints. Technologically, it is divided into the bow and central parts, keel and tail booms.
In the bow there are two armored cabins of the navigator-operator (in front) and the pilot (rear) separated by an armored partition. Armor protection includes titanium armor and ceramic tiles glued to the frame of the forward fuselage, and silicate bulletproof glass that can withstand 12.7 mm armor-piercing incendiary bullets and 23 mm caliber projectiles. The navigator's door is on the left side, the pilot's door is on the right. The doors are equipped with emergency release mechanisms. In the event of an emergency escape from the helicopter, special ladders are inflated under the doors, protecting the crew from hitting the landing gear.
In front, under the nose of the fuselage, there is a stabilized platform of the combined surveillance and sighting station KOPS and an artillery mount.
Under the floor of the cockpit there are blocks of electrical equipment, sighting and flight-navigation complex.
In the tail boom there is a rear compartment for radio equipment, the free volume of which allows you to transport airfield equipment necessary for the relocation of a helicopter, or transport up to three people in special cases. Access to the compartment is through a hatch and a folding ladder on the port side.
The lower location of the tail boom eliminated the possibility of collision with her rotor blades.
On the keel beam there is a tail rotor and a controlled stabilizer in the form of one console.
Inside the keel and tail booms there is a cable wiring for controlling the tail rotor and stabilizer.
The wing of the helicopter with a span of 4.88 m is cantilever with four pylons designed for suspension of rocket, gunnery, bomb and other weapons, additional fuel tanks and containers KMGU-2. Devices for creating passive interference are placed at the ends of the wing. The caisson wing is made of aluminum alloys, with the exception of the nose and tail sections, which are made of composite material.
Chassis - tricycle non-retractable. The main racks are equipped with brake wheels measuring 720×320 mm. Chassis track - 2.29 m, base - 11.0 m. The rear support is equipped with a wheel measuring 480 × 200 mm. The design of the chassis supports includes hydropneumatic shock absorbers with additional (emergency) travel.
The crew rescue system ensures the reduction of overloads upon impact to a physiologically tolerable level. It includes energy-absorbing seats with an increased cushioning stroke of up to 30 cm and a system for attaching seat belts to the pilot's and navigator's seats, allowing emergency landings with vertical speeds up to 12 m/s. The rescue system is activated manually, but if for some reason the pilot cannot do this, then thanks to the appropriate sensors, automatics are triggered.
At high altitudes, the crew can leave the helicopter with a parachute, having previously fired off the wing.
In addition, constructive measures are provided that exclude the contact of crew members at the time of impact with the controls and interior elements of the cabins, as well as reduce the likelihood of an explosion, fire and significant deformation of the cabin, excluding its independent leaving on the ground.
The power plant includes two TVZ-117VMA turboshaft engines manufactured by Motor Sich OJSC (Ukraine). The engine control system allows you to adjust the takeoff power in the range from 2000 to 2500 hp. (depending on the type of helicopter), emergency power for all engine modifications - 2800 hp. Water injection ensures stable operation of engines during rocket launches. Power point it is completed with dust filters and screen-exhaust devices. Thanks to the improved characteristics of the TVZ-117V series 02, the speed and ceiling increase (by almost 1000 m), the carrying capacity - by more than 1000 kg, and the helicopter's maneuverability improves. In the future, it is planned to replace the engines with the VK-2500, developed at OAO Klimov on the basis of the TVZ-117VMA.
In the engine compartment of the gearbox compartment, above the ceiling panel of the central part of the helicopter fuselage, there is a fan and an oil cooler. The TA-14 engine is used as an auxiliary power plant, used as a source of compressed air necessary to start the TVZ-117VMA (on prototypes, there was an AI-9V with a power of 3 kW, dry weight 70 kg).
The fuel system of the Mi-28 consists of two independent systems for powering each engine with automatic cross-fuel supply.
Three tanks (two consumables, one for each engine, and one common), with a volume of about 1900 liters, are placed in a sealed container under the floor of the central fuselage. As they are emptied, they are filled with polyurethane foam, which protects them from explosion. For flight to the maximum range, the suspension of additional fuel tanks is allowed.
The main rotor is five-bladed, with a diameter of 17.2 m, the tail rotor is four-bladed with a diameter of 3.84 m, made according to an X-shaped scheme. The main and tail rotor blades are rectangular, with a chord of 0.67 m and swept tips. The blades are made of a polymer composite material; structurally, the blade is a bow to which the tail compartments are attached, also made of polymer composite materials with a honeycomb core. The rotation speed of the main rotor is 242 rpm, the peripheral speed of the ends of the blades is 216 m/s. The main rotor blades withstand without destruction the hit of shells of caliber 20 - 23 mm.
The main gearbox, fan, auxiliary power unit and other units are mounted on the ceiling panel of the central part of the fuselage. Power from the engines is transmitted to the main rotor through gearboxes: two angular UR-28 and the main VR-29. In addition, two 208 V alternating current generators are driven from the main gearbox.
The main rotor hub is a titanium body with five extended spherical elastomer hinges. In the movable joints of the sleeve, metal-fluoroplastic and fabric bearings are widely used, which do not require constant lubrication.
The elastomeric bushing not only made it possible to reduce the labor costs for servicing the helicopter, but also provided an increase in the maneuverability and controllability of the machine.
The tail rotor is 3.84 m in diameter and its blades are set at 45° and 135° to each other to reduce noise. The blades are rectangular in plan with a chord of 0.24 m. Structurally, the tail rotor is made of two modules connected by an elastomeric bearing. The main and tail rotor blades are equipped with an electrothermal anti-icing system.
The helicopter control system is mechanical, with four combined steering gears mounted on the main gearbox and performing the functions of hydraulic boosters and autopilot steering machines. The stabilizer control is kinematically connected to the main rotor collective pitch knob.
The hydraulic system of the Mi-28 consists of two independent systems designed to power the combined steering drives for controlling the helicopter and the hydraulic damper in the directional control system.
The helicopter equipment also includes a pneumatic system and an air conditioning device, as well as oxygen equipment.
The Mi-28NE is equipped with a set of instrumentation that allows piloting a helicopter and solving air navigation tasks at any time of the day and in any meteorological conditions. The on-board electronic and instrumentation equipment includes the ATGM radio command line guidance equipment with an antenna located under a radio-transparent fairing in the forward fuselage.
Under it is a gyro-stabilized combined surveillance and sighting station (KOPS) of the operator with optical, infrared and television monitoring and control channels missile weapons. COPS has wide and narrow direct optical fields of view (3- and 13-fold magnification). The KOPS also includes a laser rangefinder-target designator and a television and infrared station for the pilot. On board there are control and indication systems, color multifunctional liquid crystal indicators, flight and navigation equipment and communication facilities.
The most important element that allows round-the-clock and all-weather use of the helicopter is the NO-25 over-the-hustle all-round radar operating in the millimeter range. This station allows you to detect air targets at a distance of more than 20 km, as well as ground obstacles, providing flight in the automatic terrain avoidance mode.
Provides for the use of night vision goggles by the crew. The instrumentation of the cockpit includes an indicator on the windshield (HUD) and a helmet-mounted sight for pointing the gun.
The armament of the helicopter consists of a non-removable mobile installation NPPU-28N with a 2A42 gun of 30 mm caliber (rate of fire 550 rds/min for air targets and 200-300 rds/min for ground targets). Deviation range NPPU-28: in azimuth from +110° to -110°; in elevation from +13° to -40°. Gun ammunition - 250 rounds.
Combat load weighing 1605 kg is placed on four hardpoints under the wing. On the external beam holders, suspension in transport and launch containers is provided for up to 16 anti-tank guided supersonic missiles 9M120, 9M120F or 9A-220O of the Ataka-V complex with tandem cumulative, high-explosive or rod warheads or 9M114 missiles of the Shturm-V complex with radio command guidance systems.
It is also envisaged to use the combined Sturm-Ataka missile weapon system with a maximum firing range of 6000 m, high noise immunity and a rate of fire of two to three launches per minute.
In addition, the Mi-28N arsenal includes up to eight 9M39-2 air-to-air missiles with a thermal seeker of the Igla-V complex and two units of 9M123 anti-tank missiles of the Khrizantema-V complex, which are a further development of the Ataka . This complex also includes a guidance radar suspended in a container under the helicopter wing.
Up to four NAR B-8V20-1 units with 20 S-8 rockets of 80 mm caliber each or up to four B-13L1 (five NAR S-13 122 mm caliber) or small cargo containers KMGU-2 with mines and small caliber bombs. The holders could also carry 250 and 500 kg aerial bombs or additional fuel tanks. It is possible to install two UPK-23-250 containers with 23-mm GSh-23L guns and ZB-500 incendiary tanks. The helicopter is equipped with devices for setting mines from the air.
To protect against damage by guided missiles, the Mi-28NE is equipped with equipment for jamming radar stations and guided missiles with infrared and radar homing heads; warning equipment for helicopter exposure to enemy radars and laser designators; a device for firing interference cartridges UV-26 for protection against missiles with thermal homing heads.
By the end of the State Program, the number of models may increase one and a half to two times. During the procurement of new helicopters, special attention is paid to strike machines. Until recently, the task of supporting troops and enemy attacks was assigned only to the “old man” Mi-24 and its modifications. Now the air force is receiving three types of combat helicopters at once, differing from each other in characteristics, equipment and strike capabilities.
These are Mi-35M (deep modernization of Mi-24, also known as Mi-24VM), Mi-28N and Ka-52. Just a few years ago, one could hope for the continuation of the construction of the Ka-50 helicopter, but as a result, it was discontinued in favor of the newer and more advanced Ka-52. Let's take a closer look at the available attack helicopters, compare and evaluate their capabilities. Unfortunately, some of the technical information on the latest helicopters has not yet become public, so we will have to be content with only the available official data, even if incomplete.
Technical and flight characteristics
The considered machines differ significantly in the constructive aspect. Mil machines are made according to the classical scheme with main and tail rotors. They are also equipped with original X-shaped tail rotors, which have increased efficiency compared to conventional propellers. The Ka-52, in turn, is made according to the traditional Kamov scheme and has two coaxial rotors. The pros and cons of the schemes used have been the subject of fierce debate for more than a year, however, the designers and the military have made their choice: they understand the disadvantages of the classical and pine schemes, but for the sake of the existing advantages they are ready to endure them. In addition, of some interest is the fact that by 2020 the main helicopters of the Russian Air Force should be the "classic" Mi-28N and the coaxial Ka-52. Thus, there is, so to speak, a balance between the schemes.
Helicopters Ka-52 of the pilot batch in the regular standard configuration including the defense complex - board No. 52 and board No. 53 yellow
Helicopter Mi-28N board No. 50 yellow from the batch of helicopters transferred by the Air Force to the air base 344 TsBPiPLS AA October 8, 2011, Torzhok, Tver region
All three helicopters differ significantly already at the level of weight and size parameters. The Ka-52 has the smallest dimensions among the machines under consideration. With a maximum takeoff weight of 10,400 kilograms, it has a length of 13.5 meters and a rotor diameter of 14.5 m. tons. The largest of the new helicopters is the Mi-35M, which has a maximum takeoff weight of 11,800 kg and a length of over 18.5 meters. It is noteworthy that both Mil helicopters are equipped with the same main and tail rotors, originally designed for the Mi-28N.
The situation with the power plant of helicopters is interesting. All of them, in accordance with the development trends of combat helicopters, are equipped with two engines. This reduces the risks associated with damage to one of the engines and, as a result, increases the survivability of vehicles in combat conditions. In addition, all three helicopters are equipped with turboshaft engines of the Klimov TV3-117VMA family. The Mi-35M has engines of this model with a takeoff power of 2200 horsepower each, while the Mi-28N and Ka-52 are equipped with later modifications. So, the Mi-28N is equipped with VK-2500-02 engines (2200 hp each in takeoff mode), and the Ka-52 is equipped with VK-2500 engines with the ability to "accelerate" up to 2400 hp. It should be noted that the indicated power indicators are achieved only for a certain short time. In flight, it is recommended to keep the engine power at a level not exceeding 1750-1800 horsepower. At the same time, all engines of the TV3-117VMA family have an emergency mode, in which they are able to reach the bar of 2600-2700 horsepower. True, such power indicators require subsequent additional maintenance.
Engine TV3-117
VK-2500 (modernized version of TVZ-117)
It is easy to see that the Ka-52 helicopter looks the most interesting in terms of the combination of weight, size and power parameters. With the maximum allowable weight in the takeoff mode of the engines, it has a specific power of up to 460 hp. per ton of weight. For the Mi-35M and Mi-28N, this parameter is approximately 370 and 375 hp. per ton, respectively. Thus, the Kamov helicopter, having a large thrust-to-weight ratio, should in theory have better flight characteristics. However, high power-to-weight ratios were obtained primarily due to the low mass of the structure and, as a result, a relatively low combat load. At the same time, a number of features of the concept led to the fact that the lighter Ka-52 is able to carry more equipment and weapons than the Mi-35N. The Kamov machine has a payload of about two tons, while for the Mi-35M this figure is only 1780 kg. As for the Mi-28N, it is capable of carrying up to 2,300 kilograms of weapons on an external sling.
The flight parameters of all three helicopters are quite close, although they differ from each other. The maximum speed of all cars is in the range of 310-320 kilometers per hour. At the same time, the Mi-35M and Ka-52, if necessary, can accelerate to 340 km / h, however, this speed is listed as the maximum allowable in the declared characteristics. The newer Mi-28N and Ka-52 helicopters outperform the deeply modernized Mi-24 in the dynamic and static ceiling. The first indicator for these machines is in the range of 5-5.5 thousand meters, the second is 3600 m. The static and dynamic ceiling of the Mi-35M is 450-500 meters less than these indicators. The Mi-35M cannot boast of a flight range either. Its practical range is 420 kilometers, and in the ferry configuration it can cover up to a thousand kilometers. For the Mi-28N, these figures are 500 and 1100, and for the Ka-52 - 520 and 1200 kilometers, respectively.
It must be taken into account that the maximum flight range, as well as speed and ceiling, is not in itself the most important parameter of a helicopter, but may indicate its capabilities regarding the duration of stay in the air. Experience of armed conflicts recent years showed that a modern combat helicopter should, first of all, be able to perform long patrols of a given area, regardless of the time of day and weather conditions. It was with the help of helicopters that NATO troops hunted regular enemy caravans or even individual militants.
The crew and its protection
The concept of using attack helicopters implies high risks be attacked by enemy anti-aircraft weapons. Because of this, all cars of this class have a whole range of crew safety equipment. All three helicopters under consideration - Mi-35M, Mi-28N and Ka-52 - have crews of two people. According to the results of lengthy disputes, the scheme with two pilots was recognized as the most profitable: a pilot and an weapons operator. Previously, it was proposed to assign all duties to one pilot, but the customer, represented by the Ministry of Defense, recognized this option as unpromising and inconvenient. As a result, all new domestic attack helicopters are made double.
As in the case of rotors, the Kamov machine is different from the Mi helicopters. The latter have a tandem cockpit: the pilot sits behind and above the navigator-operator. On the Ka-52 workplace the commander is located to the left of the axis of the machine, the operator's seat is to the right. On all three machines, weapon operators have the ability to control a helicopter, and pilots can use weapons. At the same time, due to the separation of duties and the corresponding equipment, the pilot cannot fully use the entire combat potential of the helicopter. To protect the crew and vital units, all three helicopters have additional armor: bulletproof glass and metal panels. The level of protection of various parts varies. For example, the armored panels of the cabin of the Mi-28N helicopter can withstand a projectile of up to 20 mm caliber.
Cabin KA-52
Instruments in the cockpits of the pilot (left) and navigator-operator (right) of the Mi-28N helicopter.
In the event of a forced landing with a high vertical speed, the Mi-35M, Mi-28N and Ka-52 helicopters have a specially designed landing gear that absorbs part of the impact force on the ground. Most of the remaining impact is absorbed by specially designed seats. In addition, the Ka-52 and Mi-28N helicopters have an ejection system for rescuing pilots in case of an accident at high altitudes.
unguided weapons
For several decades, the main weapons of domestic attack helicopters were receiver systems and unguided missiles, and the use of "smart" ammunition had a much smaller scope. The new helicopters have fully preserved all the possibilities for using barrel and missile weapons. Mi-35M, Mi-28N and Ka-52 helicopters have the ability to carry unguided missiles of various types and calibers on pylons under the wing, from S-8 (up to four blocks of 20 missiles) to S-13 (four to five). In addition, the Mi-35M and Ka-52, if necessary, are capable of using up to four S-24 missiles of 240 mm caliber. All three helicopters have the ability to use aerial bombs of various types of caliber up to 500 kilograms.
In addition to pylons for the suspension of weapons, all three vehicles have built-in cannon mounts. Helicopters Ka-52 and Mi-28N are equipped with automatic guns 2A42 (30 mm), Mi-35N - GSh-23 (double-barreled caliber 23 mm). The mobile gun mounts mounted on the Mi-28N and Mi-35M make it possible to aim weapons within significant horizontal and vertical sectors. The Ka-52, in turn, does not have such an opportunity: its cannon mount is located not in the forward fuselage, but on the starboard side, which significantly reduces the horizontal guidance sector. Both guns used on helicopters are designed to destroy ground and air targets at ranges up to two (GSh-23) or up to four (2A42) kilometers. Guidance of the guns is carried out with the help of electric drives controlled by the weapons operator. It is noteworthy that the process of pointing the guns affected the capabilities of the pilots. For example, the pilot of the Mi-28N helicopter cannot control the gun if it is not located along the longitudinal axis of the machine and is not in a horizontal position. Only with this arrangement of the gun can the pilot aim with the help of his sighting equipment. In all other cases, aiming and firing is carried out by the weapons operator.
Ka-52 board №062 yellow, March 2012
ATGM "Ataka-V" and block NAR B-13 under the Mi-28N board No. 38 at the exposition of the MAKS-2011 air show, August 2011
Block NAR B-13 and launcher Sagittarius with Igla missiles under the Mi-28N board No. 38 at the MAKS-2011 air show, August 2011
guided weapons
The duties of the navigator-operator also include work with guided weapons. Traditionally, all domestic attack helicopters have the ability to carry anti-tank missiles, and the Mi-35M, Mi-28N and Ka-52 are no exception. The Mil vehicles under consideration can carry up to 12-16 Shturm or Ataka anti-tank guided missiles. The Ka-52 arsenal consists of Ataka or Whirlwind missiles. These missile systems differ significantly from each other in the characteristics of missiles and guidance systems.
The oldest Shturm-V complex (developed in the 70s) has a radio command guidance system and provides a maximum firing range of five kilometers. The warhead of the 9M114 missile provides penetration of homogeneous armor up to 650 mm thick. The use of a semi-automatic control system in the Shturm complex led to the fact that the weapon operator after launch was forced to keep the aiming mark on the target for some time. This fact to some extent reduces the combat capabilities of the helicopter, since it is forced to remain stationary until the target is hit and will not be able to effectively use the jump tactics.
A further development of Shturma-V was the Ataka-V complex with the 9M120 missile. During the modernization, the characteristics of the rocket improved. So, 9M120 is capable of delivering a warhead to a distance of up to ten kilometers and penetrating up to 800 millimeters of homogeneous armor behind dynamic protection. There is information about the development of a laser homing head for the Ataka missile. The principle of missile guidance on commands from a helicopter is similar to the "Storm". This feature of the "Ataka-V" complex is a reason for criticism. It is worth noting that at a speed of about 500 m / s, the 9M120 missile reaches the target at a maximum range in about 20 seconds. In order to avoid hitting the helicopter during the "jump", the onboard control equipment of the "Attack" provides the ability to maneuver with some restrictions on roll and pitch.
anti-tank missile system"Whirlwind" with the 9A4172 missile has a laser guidance system and automatic control equipment. The latter independently produces target tracking and missile guidance on it. Maximum range missile launch complex "Whirlwind" reaches ten kilometers. At a speed of over 600 meters per second, the rocket covers this distance in 15-17 seconds. In this way, air defense the enemy may simply not have time to detect and attack the helicopter. In addition, the automatic target tracking and missile guidance system can significantly reduce the burden on pilots. It was this system that became one of the reasons for reducing the crew of the Ka-50 helicopter to one person. Tandem warhead pierces up to a meter of homogeneous armor.
Despite their strike mission, the Mi-35M, Mi-28N and Ka-52 helicopters have the ability to carry guided air-to-air missiles designed for self-defense. These are Igla-V missiles (range up to 5-6 km) and R-60 (7-8 km). The number of missiles on the suspension depends on the tactical need and the model of the helicopter. Thus, the Mi-35M carries only two Igla-V missiles, while the Mi-28N and Ka-52 carry up to four Eagles or R-60s.
The first prototype of the Ka-52 board No. 061 yellow during the tests of the operation of the helicopter from the ships of the Navy, Northern Fleet, 03.09.2011
Onboard equipment
Being a deep modernization of the old Mi-24, the Mi-35M helicopter received relatively few major innovations in the composition of on-board equipment that affect certain features of the appearance. One of them concerns the installation of a new sighting and navigation system PNK-24, created using the developments under the PrNK-28 project for the Mi-28N helicopter. The optical-electronic station, observation devices and cabin equipment were updated. As a result, the combat potential of the helicopter has increased significantly. It is sometimes argued that at the moment the onboard equipment of the Mi-35M provides the helicopter with the maximum possible performance, which a rather old design allows to achieve.
The basis of the on-board radio-electronic equipment of the Mi-28N helicopter is the PrNK-28 complex, which ensures the implementation of flights and combat work. Weapons control systems and navigation equipment are integrated into this complex. In addition, PrNK-28 is associated with the N-025 radar station. Its antenna is placed in a characteristic spherical fairing above the propeller hub. The use of a radar station significantly expands the capabilities of a helicopter, for example, it allows you to fly and carry out attacks in any weather and at any time of the day. The H-025 radar has two main modes of operation: for air and ground targets. In the case of ground tracking, the radar "examines" a sector 120 degrees wide at a distance of up to 32 kilometers. In this mode of operation, the H-025 is able to draw up an approximate map of the underlying surface. Detection and tracking of targets, depending on their EPR, occurs at distances of 12-15 kilometers (tank). Larger objects, such as bridges, the station notices from 23-25 km. When operating over the air, the station antenna scans the entire surrounding space in a sector 60 degrees wide in the vertical plane. Aircraft and helicopters in this case are "visible" at a distance of about 15 kilometers. anti-aircraft missiles and air-to-air ammunition - from five to six kilometers. Thus, pilots have the opportunity to learn about the attack in time and take all the necessary actions.
The complex of onboard equipment of the Ka-52 helicopter is somewhat similar to that used on the Mi-28N, but it has a number of differences. For example, the RN01 Arbalet radar station intended for the Ka-52 was originally built according to a two-module scheme. The antenna of the first block of this radar was planned to be installed under the radio-transparent nose fairing, the second - above the rotor hub. At the moment, all or almost all new serial helicopters are equipped with a radar nose unit, but there is no exact data about the over-hub. Such an original division of the radar system was proposed to improve the characteristics of the complex: the bow antenna can only work on ground targets all the time, and the over-hub antenna can only work on air targets. Thus, the helicopter becomes able to respond in time to various threats, while simultaneously collecting information about the situation in the air and on the ground. The equipment of the Ka-52 helicopter also includes the GOES-520 optoelectronic station, designed for round-the-clock monitoring of the terrain and target detection. Optoelectronic station is located at the bottom of the fuselage, just behind the nose cone.
Ka-52 board No. 94 yellow, summer 2011
Mi-28N airborne No. 16 blue, manufactured in 2010 with a full standard set of airborne defense complex, 01/17/2011
Results
As you can see, all modern Russian attack helicopters are both similar and different from each other. The similarity is due common views military on the appearance of a modern rotorcraft, and the differences are caused by different opinions of designers from different companies. However, all new helicopters - primarily the Ka-52 and Mi-28N - have more similarities than differences. So, they are capable of carrying unguided and guided weapons, as well as carrying out attacks from a distance of up to ten kilometers (ATGM "Attack" and "Sturm"). One more feature these helicopters is the presence of a built-in radar. If the issue with the over-hub module of the Arbalet radar is resolved in favor of its installation, then one more point will be added to the similarity of the Mi-28N and Ka-52.
As a matter of fact, the Ka-52 and Mi-28N, being modern helicopters, also claim the title of combat vehicles of the near future. Judging by the current trends in the development of attack helicopters, with timely upgrades, they are quite capable of becoming such. But the Mi-35M already raises certain doubts. First of all, the great age of the original Mi-24, as well as the poorly proven idea of a flying infantry fighting vehicle, affects. In order to remove the cargo-passenger cabin from the Mi-35M, which often becomes the subject of criticism, the entire machine will have to be redone, which clearly does not fit into the idea of modernizing old equipment. Therefore, the Mi-35M project now looks like an attempt to provide the armed forces modern technology, without spending a lot of time on its creation and launch of production. Accordingly, the Mi-35M is unlikely to be purchased in large batches and will serve as a kind of temporary measure in anticipation of a large number of new Mi-28N and Ka-52.
To justify the Mi-35M, it is worth saying that this helicopter is not so bad as it seems at first glance. The absence of a radar and the presence of an “extra” cockpit does not allow it to compete on equal terms with other modern domestic and foreign attack helicopters, however, even in this configuration, the Mi-35M has more potential compared to the existing Mi-24 fleet of various modifications. In other words, the Mi-35M is currently more of a "transitional link" between the old and new technology, than a full-fledged combat weapon, made, as they say, for centuries. This can explain the technical differences of this helicopter from other new machines, and the relatively small plans for the purchase.
In the coming years, the Russian Air Force will receive about fifty Mi-35M helicopters. At the same time, such a number of Mi-28N helicopters are already serving in the air force, and the total number of ordered Ka-52s is approaching one and a half hundred. Perhaps the views of the military on required amount helicopters of one type or another perfectly illustrate the prospects of combat vehicles and their compliance with the requirements. It is quite obvious that the Ministry of Defense, planning the future military aviation, gives the highest priority to the new Ka-52 and Mi-28N, and not to the modernization of the "old man" Mi-24. It is these helicopters that will have to become the main striking force of front-line aviation by the beginning of the twenties and remain in service over the next years. So the protracted work on the Arbalet radar for the Ka-52 or some problems with the development of technologies and weapons for new technology worth the time spent: new helicopters are made for the future and it is better to lose a little time now than not to have good modern technology later.
Mi-28 (Havoc according to NATO classification - English "Devastator") - a Russian attack helicopter designed to search and destroy in conditions of active fire opposition from tanks and other armored vehicles, as well as low-speed air targets and enemy manpower.
History of creation
The development of the helicopter was carried out at the Moscow Helicopter Plant. M. L. Mil since 1980 in the conditions of creative competition with the Kamov Design Bureau, which created an alternative combat helicopter Ka-52. The first prototype of the Mi-28 helicopter made its first flight on November 10, 1982. The first sample of the Mi-28 was intended primarily for removing flight performance and did not carry a weapon system. It was installed on the second flight prototype, the assembly of which was completed by the pilot production of the MVZ in September 1983. All the comments of the Air Force mock-up commission were taken into account in its design. The construction of the third flight copy of the Mi-28, the design of which took into account all the comments of the customer and the changes made to the experimental samples as they were refined, the pilot production of the MVZ them. M. L. Mil began in 1985. In 1987, the modernized helicopter received the name Mi-28A. Tests of the upgraded Mi-28A began in January 1988.
They went well, and the following year the helicopter was demonstrated for the first time at the Le Bourget Air Show in Paris and at the exhibition at Red Hill near London, where it was a huge success with visitors. In the same year, the first experimental Mi-28 helicopter was officially presented for the first time in its homeland during the aviation festival in Tushino. In January 1991, the second Mi-28A, assembled by the pilot production of the MVZ, joined the test program. In September 1993, during the combined arms exercises near Gorokhovets, helicopters brilliantly demonstrated their flight and combat qualities.
The first Mi-28N prototype was rolled out of the assembly shop on August 16, 1996, and on November 14, 1996, the helicopter took to the air for the first time. At the end of December 2005, the first production helicopter of the new generation Mi-28N was lifted at the enterprise. State joint tests of an experimental combat helicopter Mi-28N were launched in May 2005. The CSI program provided for a large amount of ground work and test flights, which made it possible to comprehensively assess the combat properties of the helicopter. In order to resolve operational issues that arise during the CSI and require a quick and competent solution, a state commission was created to conduct the CSI of an experimental Mi-28N combat helicopter, the work of which was directly headed by the Air Force Commander-in-Chief.
In accordance with the decision of the Air Force Civil Code, the CSI of the Mi-28N helicopter was carried out in two stages. As part of the first stage, a preliminary conclusion was issued on the possibility of producing an initial batch of helicopters. At the same time, the decisions of the Air Force command formed the technical appearance of the Mi-28N helicopter, which, after the completion of the first stage of the CSI, round-the-clock performance by the helicopter of combat missions to destroy ground targets with the main weapon system, the second stage of the CSI - air targets using air-to-air missiles, and as well as the high survivability of the helicopter due to the equipment with electronic countermeasures.
The ICG was completed on December 26, 2008.
Exploitation
The first four serial Mi-28N entered the Torzhok center for combat use and retraining of the flight crew army aviation in 2008. On January 22, 2008, the first two helicopters arrived at the Torzhok pulp and paper industry and PLS AA.
As of the end of 2010, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation signed contracts for the supply of 97 helicopters in the period up to 2015.
In the next 10 years, the army will receive 200 Mi-28N helicopters, including 28 in 2011.
Complex of onboard radio-electronic equipment
The Mi-28N avionics complex, in terms of its technical characteristics, meets the requirements for 5th generation aviation equipment. The main developer is FSPC "RPKB".
- Automated distribution of targets within the group The Mi-28N avionics complex, in terms of its technical characteristics, meets the requirements for 5th generation aviation equipment. Chief developer - FSPC "RPKB"
Mi-28N avionics complex provides:
- Automated distribution of targets within a group;
- on-board communication complex KSS-28N-1, provides automatic telecode data exchange with ground control points and other aircraft equipped with equipment that provides counter work; long-range and short-range open and secret radio communication through a cryptoprotection product and a HF modem. The complex provides simultaneous operation (reception - transmission) via three communication channels, including two telephone channels and one telecode. Operates in RF and PFR modes.
The composition of the avionics also includes ATT (heat-television automatic machine) of the Okhotnik family, developed by FSUE GRPZ. This product on the Mi-28N helicopter performs the functions associated with intelligent processing of video images, as a result of which it becomes possible to see the phono-target picture at any weather conditions any time of the day. For the first time among all Okhotnik models, ATT has a high-speed digital interface for transmitting video signals during vibrations and roll of the helicopter, and automatic detection and tracking of targets is also provided.
The helicopter is also capable of carrying out reconnaissance and target designation for combat helicopters and aircraft.
MI-28N is equipped with the L-150-28 station (version L-150 (SPO).
- combat use helicopter around the clock and in adverse weather conditions;
- performance of combat missions at extremely low altitudes;
- interaction with the helicopters of the group, air and ground command posts(KP), aircraft controllers;
- joint (parallel) use of weapons by the pilot and operator;
- the possibility of adapting new and already used ASP;
- operation of helicopters at considerable distances from airfields and bases through the use of the principle of equipment maintenance according to technical condition.
The main composition of the complex includes:
- a unified computing system that provides information processing through a single interface based on a computer "Baget-53";
- information and control field of the cockpit based on MFI-10-6M multifunctional liquid crystal indicators and PS-7V multifunctional console using a video information recording device;
- navigation equipment as part of the high-precision INS-2000 and the SBKV-2V-2 strapdown vertical heading system with integration with a satellite navigation system, a Doppler speed and drift meter (DISS) and an air signal system (SVS), a long-range navigation radio system (RSDN);
- an integrated system for detecting radio-electronic and laser radiation and a UV radiation direction finder;
- automatic control system (ACS);
- weapon control system;
- helmet-mounted target designation and indication system;
- surveillance and sighting station for detecting and recognizing objects, aiming, capturing and auto-tracking objects via television and thermal imaging channels. The structure includes: line of sight stabilization system, automatic target tracking system, optical-television channel, thermal imaging channel, laser range finder;
- a pilot's survey and flight system with night vision goggles, designed for round-the-clock coverage of the terrain, search and detection of objects (landmarks and obstacles). Composition: low-level television channel, thermal imaging channel, laser rangefinder;
- helicopter aerobatic complex;
- on-board communication complex KSS-28N-1, provides automatic telecode data exchange with ground control points and other aircraft equipped with equipment that provides counter work; long-range and short-range open and secret radio communication through a cryptoprotection product and a HF modem. The complex provides simultaneous operation (reception - transmission) via three communication channels, including two telephone channels and one telecode. Operates in RF and FR modes
The composition of the avionics also includes ATT (heat-television automatic machine) of the Okhotnik family, developed by FSUE GRPZ. This product on the Mi-28N helicopter performs the functions associated with intelligent video image processing, as a result of which it becomes possible to see the phono-target picture under any weather conditions at any time of the day. For the first time among all Okhotnik models, ATT has a high-speed digital interface for transmitting video signals during vibrations and roll of the helicopter, and automatic detection and tracking of targets is also provided. The helicopter is also capable of carrying out reconnaissance and target designation for combat helicopters and aircraft.
MI-28N is equipped with the L-150-28 station (SPO).
Safety
In the event of an emergency or catastrophic structural failure at a height of more than 100 m, the propeller blades, wing consoles and doors of both cabins are first fired, then the forced pull belts are cut with special cutters, special “ladders” are inflated - ballonets that prevent the crew from touching the chassis or turned cannon, and the crew leaves the car with the help of parachutes.
In the same situation, but at an altitude of less than 100 m, the forced belt tension system is activated, reliably fixing the crew in the Pamir-K energy-absorbing seats developed by Zvezda Design Bureau. First, the impact energy is extinguished by the main landing gear, which, deforming, absorb it. Further, chairs come into operation, which are capable of extinguishing a vertical overload of 50-60 g to 15-17 g, providing safety for the pilot and navigator-operator.
Vitality
Highly resistant armor is used in the cockpit design, fully armored plane-parallel glazing withstands direct hits of armor-piercing bullets up to 12.7 mm caliber, high-explosive fragmentation shells of 20 mm caliber, the blades remain operational when hit by 30 mm shells.
The crew cabin, the so-called "bath", is made of 10 mm aluminum sheets, on which 16 mm ceramic armor elements are glued. Cabin doors are made of fiberglass with aluminum plate and ceramic armour. Windshields cabins are transparent silicate blocks 42 mm thick, and side windows and door glasses are made of the same blocks, but 22 mm thick. The pilot's cabin is separated from the operator's cabin by a 10-mm aluminum armor plate, which minimizes the damage to both crew members when a small-caliber high-explosive fragmentation incendiary (HEF) projectile explodes in one of the cockpits. The fuel tanks are filled with polyurethane foam and fitted with a latex self-tightening protector.
The Mi-28 is capable of flying at extremely low altitudes (up to 5 m) with terrain avoidance. Increased maneuverability of the helicopter, which can now move backwards and to the sides at a speed of 100 km/h. During hovering, the total rate of turn can reach 90 degrees per second, and taking into account the yaw rate of just over 117 degrees / sec, the maximum roll rate is more than 100 degrees / sec.
Compared to the Mi-24, the Mi-28 has a 1.5 - 2-fold reduced visibility in the infrared range (with the same engines) due to the installation of screen-exhaust devices (EVU).
Protection against guided missiles on the Mi-28N is provided by equipment for jamming radar stations, and IR homing heads - Vitebsk L370 (President-S (SOEP). The helicopter can fly fighting autonomously, outside the airfield for 15 days. Labor intensity Maintenance compared to the Mi-24 is reduced by 3 times. Dust protection devices are installed at the engine inlet, surge-free operation of the engines is ensured during the launch of the NAR. APU AI-9V was installed, which provides air conditioning, cabin heating and power supply to electrical systems.
Armament
Tactical and technical characteristics
Specifications
- empty: 8095 kg.
— normal takeoff weight: 10900 kg.
- maximum takeoff weight: 12100 kg.
- engine type: turboshaft
- in emergency mode: 2700 hp.
- in takeoff mode: 2200 hp.
- cruising: 1500 hp.
Flight characteristics
- in level flight: 300 km/h
- maximum: 382 km / h
- maximum 450 km
- with PTB: 1087 km
