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Aviation History
1992
1992 - 0531.PDF
DEFENCE refuelling probe is on the port side of the nose. This aircraft has a metal nose and no radar. Although a radar may be fitted later, the chined nose shape could cause radar propagation problems. The Su-27IB is intended to replace early-model Su-24 Fenc ers. Production of Fencers at Novosibirsk is to cease shortly, but it is not clear if the Su-27IB will survive proposed cuts. Although the CIS air force has announced that it will adopt a "one type in the inventory" policy, Platypus might not be counted as a modified Su-27. Aircraft number 155 is the prototype fly-by-wire MiG-29M Fulcrum Plus, with glass cock pit incorporating two multi function displays. The aircraft has used the TV-guided version of AS-14 Kedge. The anti- foreign object damage intake doors of early variants have been replaced by lighter, re tractable grids and the top- mounted auxiliary* intakes removed, extra fuel taking their place. On aircraft 155, the in takes are painted on, to mask the aircraft's exact model, and extra agility, from~ opponents. Fulcrum Plus has a new infra red search-and-track (IRST) sys tem, similar to that on the naval MiG-29K, with better sensor cooling, increasing detection range from the 15km (8nm) of the early MiG-29's IRST for a fighter target. The eight-hardpoint wing, with two "Amraamski" out board, has a sharper strake lead- q|g 1 ^FK J Jy&tisrtl "^ ~ - • - ** nr—••! The Su-271B is Russia's equivalent of the F-15E Eagle -"• '* ----- •~-3 'T^DH 53 ii - U : = •"*"'" 7%P~? ^ BHU The new "Amraamski" is on the Su-27TB's outboard underwing pylon ing-edge and the aircraft has uprated RD-33 engines with a 5% thrust increase. The proto type lacks the fin leading-edge projections over the wing for chaff/flare dispensers. The MiG- 29M, which has completed flight tests, has apparently fallen victim to defence cuts. The next MiG-29 in the line, with wings folded, does not have doors, painted or real, and also has a new single-curvature profile radome for the new Zhuk radar of the naval Ful crum. The aircraft reveals its dual role with X-31 ARMs car ried on the inboard pylons and R-73 AAMs situated on the out board pylons. D to upgrade F-5 system for the single NASA T-38 Talon astronaut-training aircraft. The team will offer a range of updates, depending on customer requirements, and work will be done On site, in Fokker's Woensdrecht site or Sierra's Buf falo headquarters. Sierra is being sold to a pri vate investment group, sepa rately from the Martin Marietta and Lockheed purchase of LTV's aerospace and defence business. LTV and Lockheed/Martin Mari etta have agreed the terms of the $355 million purchase of LTV's Aerospace and Defense Group, which will be named Vought. • Switzerland to procure Israeli UAVs BY ARIE EGOZ1 IN TEL AVIV The Swiss armed forces plan to purchase five Ranger un manned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems developed jointly by Is rael Aircraft Industries (IAI) and the Swiss Federal Aircraft Emmen (FWE). Procurement of the systems is scheduled for 1993 or 1994. The Ranger's airframe was developed jointly by the two companies while the optical- sensor payload and ground sta tion are of Israeli design. IAI's UAV plant is prime con tractor, while FWE is participat ing in the development and production of the twin-boom composite airframe. The Swiss authorities demand that the UAV be equipped with a recovery parachute while fly ing over populated areas. The parachute is housed in the rear compartment of the fuselage. The Ranger's payload has been developed by Tamam, the precision-instruments subsidiary of 1AI. The multi-mission optronic stabilised payload' has a day and night capability. FWE and other Swiss companies will participate in the series produc tion, according to an offset agreement with IAI. • French air force to buy 30 Alphas The French air force is to go ahead with a plan to buy 30 German air force Dassault/ Dornier Alpha Jets to replace the Alpha Jets used by Escadrille 02/08 in the weapons and tactics training role at Cazaux AB. The plan had originally been shelved because of budgetary constraints, a move which threatened the combat-training programme. The purchase was re-instated on 26 February after a high-level appeal by the French air force. France operates some 160 Alpha Jets but the 40 aircraft based at Cazaux use up their fatigue life faster than the air craft operated in less-demanding flying training at Tours AB, hence the search for replace ments. The French air force does not rotate its aircraft between Cazaux and Tours. In an effort to preserve airframe fatigue life, Alpha Jets have had a 5g limit imposed recently and air-combat training is now at high altitude. France will only be able to purchase 30 of the German air craft without breaking the Con ventional Forces Europe arms limits. The Cazaux aircraft will probably be refurbished for overseas sale. Germany and France were the original customers for the Alpha Jet; Germany bought the close- support A-model and France the trainer/light-attack E-model. German force-reduction plans call for the retirement of all 166 surviving Alpha Jets of the 175 bought, by mid-1992. Portugal has also expressed interest in buying some of the German Alpha Jets to replace its 50 ageing Fiat G.91s, also bought from the German air force. • CASUALTIES CHILE A Chilean Army CASA IPTN CN.235 crashed while landing at Chile's Teniente Marsch base in the Antarctic on 25 February. The aircraft ground-looped on the snow runway and 11 people on board were injured. FLIGHT INTERNATIONAL 4 - 10 March, 1992 2b
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