HAL to commence “Super- 30” modernization project from 2012 onwards

[Skull and Bones]

but are we adding any composites ? i think strengthening means more titanium and aluminium.

Carbon fiber is 5 times tougher than steel

 

[Agnostic_Indian]

Carbon fiber is 5 times tougher than steel

strengthening of hard points would be with titanium..and even if they use composite it won't be enough to make any impact on rcs..for that all or major parts of wings should be replaced with composite materials.

 

[SpArK]

Anything about smart skin , which was heard before on airframes???


http://www.defence.pk/forums/india-defence/29459-developing-smart-skin-concept-su-30mki.html

 

[sancho]

It won't be a complete stealth......

It won't be stealth at all, so lets leave this term out of the discussion.

strengthening of hard points would be with titanium..and even if they use composite it won't be enough to make any impact on rcs..for that all or major parts of wings should be replaced with composite materials.

Replacing metal parts with composites => weight reductions => more addition of RAM => lower RCS

Also strenghtening the fighter for Brahmos, means mainly the centerline stations, not the whole airframe and the Flanker series is able to carry big loads, so that won't be a big issue.

Anything about smart skin , which was heard before on airframes???

Hi Spark, that was an old and unreliable article. The centerline can't be completely closed because the Flankers creates lift with the seperated engine design, so that is out of question anyway. If you want to reduce the RCS, you can only add composites and RAM materials to the MKI, if possible delete the vertical stabilizers, but that's it (I don't think that they will delete the canards again). When you increase the radar detection range at the same time, you will maintain the edge in BVR against possible enemies, but the crucial point is weight and engine power!
So far there is no hint on any engine changes (as I said earlier it's to early for a new engine), not even on upgraded thrust. So will the thrust be enough to handle the weight and for the AESA radar?
All the hype on Brahmos and Nirbhay cruise missiles are not really important to me, because that are only specific changes for specific roles. Most of the time the MKI will remain in air superiority and therfor it needs, a lower RCS, AESA and obviously good thrust and that should be the main points to focus in the upgrade.

 

[angeldemon_007]

I don't think the article is reliable because Super 30 never had a plan for an aesa. It was later that Russians had offered aesa to us and by that time Super 30 was already passed by MOD. I think decision on aesa upgrrade is still pending and i think decision might have effect of our indigenous aesa development plan. Also i think aesa is expensive if we purchase separately.

 

[Dash]

Until the source has official input I dont believe in AESA and Brahmos...

 

[angeldemon_007]

Until the source has official input I dont believe in AESA and Brahmos...

Brahmos is there in that deal but i am not sure about aesa.

 

[sancho]

Brahmos is there in that deal but i am not sure about aesa.

Radar upgrade is clear as well, but neither is the deal fixed, nor which radar upgrade will be chosen. Btw, the ammount speculated in the media is not only for the 42 new MKIs, but also for the upgrade of the early 100 MKIs. Not sure if they will get the same Brahmos capability, including strenghtening of the airframe, but ASTRA BVR, new radar and avionics, as well as RCS reductions should be for them also.

 

[IND151]

very nice news

 

[d14gtc]

SO list looks priety Effective

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 - 200 (120 upgraded Bison)
Mikoyan MiG-29 - 69 (upgraded to SMT standard)
Sukhoi SU 30 MKI - 272 (40 upgaded for Brahmos) super – 30 includes
Dassault Mirage 2000 - 51 (upgraded to Mirage 2000-5 Mk 2 variant)
HAL Tejas - 48
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-27 - 100 +
Jaguar IS/IM - 169
MMRCA - 260
FGFA - 250 (200 twin seated + 50 single seated)

 

[illuminatidinesh]

This one reason we must choose a good MMRCA... Keep in mind that it shold be upgraded whenever possible....
Super 30 if true will be work horse of IAF.

 

[SpArK]

 

[Archie]

SO list looks priety Effective

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 - 200 (120 upgraded Bison)
Mikoyan MiG-29 - 69 (upgraded to SMT standard)
Sukhoi SU 30 MKI - 272 (40 upgaded for Brahmos) super – 30 includes
Dassault Mirage 2000 - 51 (upgraded to Mirage 2000-5 Mk 2 variant)
HAL Tejas - 48
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-27 - 100 +
Jaguar IS/IM - 169
MMRCA - 260
FGFA - 250 (200 twin seated + 50 single seated)

Dude what have u posted
India currently have only about 270 Mig21/27
And by the time mmrca reaches 126 fighters Mig21/27 would have been scraped
AK Antony has declared that Mig21/27 will be phased out by 2017
while mmrca induction will be completed by 2020

Jaguars too will begin to retire in 2020-22

India currently has 139 Jaguars not 169
Out of which Airforce has decided to go for Darin IV upgrade for only 57-60 Jaguars, as there planes were inducted after yr 1999 and will serve till 2030
Another 40 odd planes will only recieve engine transplant and will retire by 2026
Rest of Jags would retire by 2020-22

Finally by the time Pakfa/FGFA figure reaches 250 ie by 2030 , Mig29smt , Mirage 2000 , Jaguars would be totally phased out , while first 50 odd Su30 MKI would be reaching its retirement age

By the way LCA numbers are expected to be atleast 120 fighters with option for 60-80 more

 

[Dash]

Yes its there, however I dont know when did they finish the prototype developement of MKI for strengthening the airframe to carry brahmos. Anyway, Radar and Brahmos are on the card. I dont like if they go for Zhuk AE for this.

 

[lepziboy]

Novator K-100 is the coolest, it has 400 km range[/B]!!!!

isnt there a treaty which only allows russia to export a weapon with a range of 300 km?