Military Projects and Prototypes of the past and present

[Aluka]

I've decided to start this thread, with a hope, that here are some people like me, who aren't just fans of military, but posess some knowledge.

Recently i've come across some info on american experimantal aircraft and i've realised that i don't know much about military prototypes, except soviet tanks. So, i decided to create this thread to share my knowledge on all prototypes and projects i know, and to learn more about western or probably even chinese projects (i know there were some prototype tanks, but i have too few pictures and no info).
The purpose of the thread is to collect reasonable amount of information and as many pictures as possible. Goes everything, from tanks to planes.

At the first point i would like to introduce the chart that shows history of soviet main battle tanks:
http://img336.imageshack.us/img336/6881/11rb.th.jpg (http://img336.imageshack.us/my.php?image=11rb.jpg)

[Aluka]

Obiekt 416

Obiekt 416 is one of the most interesting soviet prototype tanks. One could call it "Soviet FCS", and indeed it has many in common with american combat system that is currently under development. There's only one major difference: it was built in 1952. Vehicle had low profile, turret placed in a rear part of the hull, diesel engine was in the frontal section. All crew members were in turret, including the driver. Tank had M-63 main with length of 58 calibers. Tank wasn't accepted because of high cost and low relyability.
http://img336.imageshack.us/img336/442/4160tl.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img336.imageshack.us/img336/3567/41615ct.th.jpg (http://img336.imageshack.us/my.php?image=41615ct.jpg)http://img336.imageshack.us/img336/1396/41623qr.th.jpg (http://img336.imageshack.us/my.php?image=41623qr.jpg)http://img336.imageshack.us/img336/6870/41638re.th.jpg (http://img336.imageshack.us/my.php?image=41638re.jpg)

[Aluka]

This is a scetch project of the soviet main battle tank of 60s. Project development was started by VNII-100 in 1959 and closed in 1960 because KB-60 and OKB-520 already had working prototypes of their own MBTs to that moment.
http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/9141/file01938ud.th.jpg (http://img121.imageshack.us/my.php?image=file01938ud.jpg)

[Aluka]

Obiekts 430, 430U, and 432

Conception of this main battle tank was formed in 1953 after obiekt 416 was cancelled. The goal of the project was to create high-technological MBT for tank commando units of 60s and future modifications. Obiekt430 was in competition with obiekt140 of OKB-520.
Vehicle had entirely new to the soviet tank industry opposite diesel engine 4TPD, which was 2 times smaller compared to the system of T-54. Technical project was complete in 1955, and the first three prototypes were built in 1957. To the year 1958 tanks have completed several field tests, which had proven extrordinary effectiveness of the new project and it's superiority to obiekt140. Compared to the first sketch final obiekt430 had several differences, including the new, more powerfull 5TD engine, optical rangefinder, infrared equipment, new more relyable suspension and OPVT equipment for underwater driving. Frontal parts of the hull and turret had 3-layer composite armor. As a main gun was installed rifled 100mm D-54TS gun. Project was placed on hold untill 1961.
http://img76.imageshack.us/img76/6466/4305bd.th.jpg (http://img76.imageshack.us/my.php?image=4305bd.jpg)

In parallel with this tank Obiekt430U project was under development. It seems that is was never designed to go into mass production, or even to be built, but to prove with calculations that medium tank with capabilities of heavy tanks is possible.
http://img76.imageshack.us/img76/7620/4305yn.th.jpg (http://img76.imageshack.us/my.php?image=4305yn.jpg)

In the year 1961 Obiekt432 was developed. It used general hull and turret designs of Obiekt430, but had much more armor. Also it had brand new 115mm D-68 maingun with autoloader and several small changes, including more strong suspension (due to increased weight). In 1966 after several field tests and improvements tank was launched into production as T-64.
There also was Obiekt 436 - version with V-45 engine (similar to T-62), but this branch wasn't continued.
http://img76.imageshack.us/img76/2729/4324zu.th.jpg (http://img76.imageshack.us/my.php?image=4324zu.jpg)http://img76.imageshack.us/img76/5350/43213cd.th.jpg (http://img76.imageshack.us/my.php?image=43213cd.jpg)

[Gollevainen]

This is quite nice thread, very welcome one...maybe for vipforum? if you care to aply the membership from Dongfeng?? :cool:

I shall participate on my own behalv...when i find time... :rolleyes:

[Aluka]

I did think about it, but isn't vip forum only for PLA discussions? Anyway, it doesn't matter much, in which forum this thread will be.

More Obiekt430 pics:
http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/8189/43027ut.th.gif (http://img182.imageshack.us/my.php?image=43027ut.gif)http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/5424/43013lt.th.jpg (http://img182.imageshack.us/my.php?image=43013lt.jpg)http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/5089/43025ls.th.jpg (http://img182.imageshack.us/my.php?image=43025ls.jpg)http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/1599/43031yh.th.jpg (http://img182.imageshack.us/my.php?image=43031yh.jpg)

[Aluka]

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/8955/43047sg.th.jpg (http://img7.imageshack.us/my.php?image=43047sg.jpg)http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/4096/43055wj.th.jpg (http://img7.imageshack.us/my.php?image=43055wj.jpg)http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/4064/43087qt.th.jpg (http://img7.imageshack.us/my.php?image=43087qt.jpg)http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/455/43065ot.th.jpg (http://img7.imageshack.us/my.php?image=43065ot.jpg)

[ger_mark]

thats the real leopard 3 by daimler benz
too bad the prototype construction has been stoped in 1992
but many components were already build
it had a weight of 96 tons a 140mm gun and a 25mm AA/infantry machine gun
its powered by a 2000 kw engine and had a Vmax of 75 km/h
to bad that monster was never build

http://www.nast-sonderfahrzeuge.de/images/militaer/leopard3/leo3_01.jpg
http://www.nast-sonderfahrzeuge.de/images/militaer/leopard3/leo3_07.jpg
http://www.nast-sonderfahrzeuge.de/images/militaer/leopard3/leo3_04.jpg
http://www.nast-sonderfahrzeuge.de/images/militaer/leopard3/leo3_06.jpg

[Aluka]

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/6659/43092uv.th.jpg (http://img7.imageshack.us/my.php?image=43092uv.jpg)http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/4286/430107sf.th.jpg (http://img7.imageshack.us/my.php?image=430107sf.jpg)



Early Production T-64 (Obiekt 435):
http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/9913/64307kc.th.jpg (http://img7.imageshack.us/my.php?image=64307kc.jpg)http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/7610/64314ag.th.jpg (http://img7.imageshack.us/my.php?image=64314ag.jpg)

PS Are there any different pics on this Leopard3? Or some links. I mean it's a very interesting piece indeed.

[Aluka]

Obiekt 140.
Developmant of obiekt140 started OKB-520 in 1955. As well as Obiekt430 this was entirely new project. It had brand new chassis with 6 pairs of road wheels of allumineum (similar wheels were later used on o167, o172M and T-72 tanks), new engine, new hull and turret with allumineum parts, mechanised transmission, 100mm D-54 maingun. Final prototype was created in 1967 and project was shortly cancelled. There were several reasons: tank didn't show results better then Obiekt430, didn't have anything revolutionary new, was wery complicated for assembly and wasn't sufficiently relyable, since it's development was carried out with haste.
http://img380.imageshack.us/img380/3444/file01923pb.th.jpg (http://img380.imageshack.us/my.php?image=file01923pb.jpg)http://img380.imageshack.us/img380/4205/file01916ky.th.jpg (http://img380.imageshack.us/my.php?image=file01916ky.jpg)

[BKulan]

i don't know much about military projects but maybe i can help you with some suggestions. anyone know about the german p.1000 and p.1500 landcruisers? they never even became prototypes because of their sheer size. the p.1000 "ratte" was supposed to have a cruiser turret :p and the p.1500 "monster" was meant to be platform for the Dora railway cannon. suggested reading would be a book i've heard about called "my tank is fight". it's not available yet but will be released in the next few months and introduces a few secret projects of the ww2 era. i'm sure you can find information on the forementioned projects and a few more if you use a search engine if you can't wait for the book to be released. maybe you can even find something interesting in your local library but don't count on it.

[Aluka]

Obiekt 434 and Obiekt 447A were prototypes of T-64A and T-64B:

http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/2740/t6428mc.th.jpg (http://img242.imageshack.us/my.php?image=t6428mc.jpg)http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/6894/t6431wd.th.jpg (http://img242.imageshack.us/my.php?image=t6431wd.jpg)
http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/662/t64b9wk.th.jpg (http://img242.imageshack.us/my.php?image=t64b9wk.jpg)

[MIGleader]

A good chinese proto type design would be the type 90. it never entered service, but was exported to pakistan. for pics and info, look for the type 90 page in sinodefence.com

I the seventies, the americans and germans did a joint venture to build a new super tank. it feature some revolutionary technologies like chobam, thermals, stabalised gun, and the ability to elevate itself on to fire up, then hide down. it had exceptional road performance with a high power diesel. it was never completed because the development and the tank cost too much, but the vehicle was a test bed for technologies put on the M1.

[Aluka]

Thanks for the info, but i already know this well. I am collecting photos of armor, and i already have more then 6000 pics. I have lots of them on both ZTZ-90 and MBT-70. Also those are among the most famous prototypes. After soviet tanks i am going to post something on those, and a couple more.



Obiekt 167

In 1961 OKB-520 created a prototype tank based on T-62 (Obiekt 166). The new tank received name Obiekt167. It had several improvements, including V-46 engine (and thus longer hull), and improved chassis from Obiekt140 with allumineum roadwheels. In general it was some sort of a fuse between Obiekt140 and T-62. As a secondary weapon tank had 3 "Malutka" ATGMs, mounted on the top of a turret. Another 6 missiles were inside the tank, and to reload them one crew member needed to go outside.
Version without ATGM was called Obiekt167, with it - Obiekt167ML.
http://img126.imageshack.us/img126/7665/1674ls.gif (http://imageshack.us)
http://img126.imageshack.us/img126/2571/16719yq.th.jpg (http://img126.imageshack.us/my.php?image=16719yq.jpg)http://img126.imageshack.us/img126/4390/1672qj.th.jpg (http://img126.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1672qj.jpg)http://img126.imageshack.us/img126/893/16729jx.th.jpg (http://img126.imageshack.us/my.php?image=16729jx.jpg)

[Aluka]

http://img126.imageshack.us/img126/1183/16733jp.th.jpg (http://img126.imageshack.us/my.php?image=16733jp.jpg)http://img126.imageshack.us/img126/4016/16740uq.th.jpg (http://img126.imageshack.us/my.php?image=16740uq.jpg)http://img126.imageshack.us/img126/7363/16756xq.th.jpg (http://img126.imageshack.us/my.php?image=16756xq.jpg)

There also was a version with GTD-3T gas turbine. Obiekt167T was world's first tank with such engine.
http://img126.imageshack.us/img126/1671/1677nw.th.jpg (http://img126.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1677nw.jpg)

[MIGleader]

yes, ive seen a site with these tanks.

ever tied reaserching german tanks of wwII? the had some novel designs, such as a tank with two guns on opposite sides of the turret, and another on with three turrets and guns!

[Aluka]

Obiekt 775

This one is among my favourite. "Soviet MBT-70" was built in 1962. Tank had 5TD diesel engine from Obiekt430 and some elements of transmission. Hull and turret were completely new, and their construction served one purpose - extremely low profile. Chassis were new as well, used hydraulic suspension. As a main gun tank used 125mm smoothbore rocket launcher with systems for firing guided missiles. Crew consisted of 2 members - driver and gunner, both of them were in turret. Project was rejected, It's not hard to guess why.

http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/5746/7756iv.th.jpg (http://img357.imageshack.us/my.php?image=7756iv.jpg)http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/8110/77511me.th.jpg (http://img357.imageshack.us/my.php?image=77511me.jpg)http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/7451/file01698ck.th.jpg (http://img357.imageshack.us/my.php?image=file01698ck.jpg)http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/4562/77526cy.th.jpg (http://img357.imageshack.us/my.php?image=77526cy.jpg)

[Aluka]

http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/3600/77548jk.th.jpg (http://img357.imageshack.us/my.php?image=77548jk.jpg)http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/917/77556tw.th.jpg (http://img357.imageshack.us/my.php?image=77556tw.jpg)http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/9854/77562fk.th.jpg (http://img357.imageshack.us/my.php?image=77562fk.jpg)http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/8945/77574pv.th.jpg (http://img357.imageshack.us/my.php?image=77574pv.jpg)

[Aluka]

http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/7980/77582gq.th.jpg (http://img357.imageshack.us/my.php?image=77582gq.jpg)http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/4153/77596sa.th.jpg (http://img357.imageshack.us/my.php?image=77596sa.jpg)http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/7056/775102yl.th.jpg (http://img357.imageshack.us/my.php?image=775102yl.jpg)http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/579/775111my.th.jpg (http://img357.imageshack.us/my.php?image=775111my.jpg)

[Gollevainen]

Keep up the good work...

If you allow, i could post pics and information about soviet (and other countryes as well) prototype military aircrats...only proplem is, that they provide me almoust endless source for the quizz...so maybe after being first as a quiz pic i could post about them in here and give more additional info....

[chinawhite]

Aluka could you put them into a folder and upload it onto the net.

[Aluka]

If you allow, i could post pics and information about soviet (and other countryes as well) prototype military aircrats
Not just allow, i insist that anyone who has info should post it here :). I think it would be fair to post those planes after they appear in quiz.
Aluka could you put them into a folder and upload it onto the net.
Unlikely, it's more then 2gb.

[chinawhite]

can you make a small batch of the T-90II :)

[Aluka]

Back on topic.

Next two tanks turned out to be completely pointless. They were made for competition, nobody asked for. Both tanks were shown to Khruschev on 22 july 1960. After seeing several vehicles he had forbidden production and further researches of heavy tanks. Some say it was sober decision, since thanks to it we were able to create MBT concept, others claim that heavy tanks of late 50s were MBTs of the end of 20th century. However they fail to understand that soviet MBT could not have weight higher then 55 tons.


Obiekt 277

Constructed by VNII-100 in 1957. This tank retained some elements from Obiekt260 and T-10, but number of improvements was large enough to call the vehicle new. Front part of the hull and turret were cast, other elements were welded. Armor was made of steel and had thickness of 300mm. Turret had large bustle to house railtype autoloader (many call it Leklerk-type, but soviets were first to construct such thing). Like weapons of medium tanks maingun of 277 (130mm M-65) didn't have mask. Coupled machinegun had caliber of 14.5mm. Maingun had two-dimentional stabilisation (i am not sure, how to call it properly in english) system "Groza", automated FCS, combined commander's sight TPD-2S, IR system. Tank had V-12 engine M-850 with ejection cooling system. This engine provided 1100HP. Chassis were T-10 type with 8 roadwheels per board made of steel.
If T-15 was ever to be made, most likely Obiekt277 would be chosen, since it was much more relyable then other heavy prototypes.

Weight 56 tons
Armor 120-300mm
Weapons 130mm M-65, 14.5mm KPVT
Ground Pressure 0.82kg/cm^2
Max Speed 55km/h
Tactical Range 190km

http://img356.imageshack.us/img356/4144/27717xh.th.jpg (http://img356.imageshack.us/my.php?image=27717xh.jpg)
http://img356.imageshack.us/img356/8247/27739qa.th.jpg (http://img356.imageshack.us/my.php?image=27739qa.jpg)
http://img356.imageshack.us/img356/6097/27725bf.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


Obiekt 770

Another possible T-15 was built by KB-174. Unlike 277 this tank was completely new, and had several original decisions. Uncommon to soviet tank industry of those times this one was completely cast - hull and turret were made solid. Armor was the same as of 277. Generally all mechanisms of the tank including gun and autoloader had specs similar to Obiect 277. Water-cooled DTN-10 Engine had power of 1000HP. Chassis were original, had 6 pairs of large roadwheels. Suspension was hydraulic. First in soviet production driver of the tank had rudder instead of levers.

http://img367.imageshack.us/img367/43/7706jo.th.jpg (http://img367.imageshack.us/my.php?image=7706jo.jpg)

Both prototypes are now in Kubinka museum in Moscow. By the way as you have probably noticed many tanks are in Kubinka now. Some photos were made by me.

[Aluka]

More pictures of Obiekt 770:

http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/1907/77018rx.th.jpg (http://img360.imageshack.us/my.php?image=77018rx.jpg)http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/5249/77026zn.th.jpg (http://img360.imageshack.us/my.php?image=77026zn.jpg)http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/5383/77048ab.th.jpg (http://img360.imageshack.us/my.php?image=77048ab.jpg)http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/6647/77054nn.th.jpg (http://img360.imageshack.us/my.php?image=77054nn.jpg)

When i said "lots" i was referring mostly to Al-Khalid. On ZTZ-90 i have 5 pictures, 3 pictures on ZTZ-90II, and 7 pictures on ZTZ-90III. Will post them when time will come. By the way, i don't have too many overall, 2gb is my entire collection.

[Aluka]

Obiekt 279

The most interesting heavy tank ever. It was created in 1957 by L. Troyanov of NII-100. This tank was created during preparation to worldwide nuclear war (which was actually accepted quite possible by soviet military analytics), and wasn't just nuclear-proof (like many later MBT's), but was designed to operate in the most epicentre of explosion, no matter how powerfull charge is. While having classic composition this tank's solutions to armor and mobility were more then just interesting. Cast turret and hull had thickness of frontal parts up to 310mm, glacis was complicated and had very high angles, making it impossible to peneterate with any shells, existing to the time. Some sources also say that tank had composite armor elements, which would even more increase it's protection. Weapons and FCS were similar to another KB's project - Obiekt277. The most interesting part of the tank was it's chassis - tank had 4 caterpillar sets, greatly decreasing ground pressure, and thus allowing this tank to operate on swampy or whinter terrain.

http://img278.imageshack.us/img278/7800/2790pb.th.jpg (http://img278.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2790pb.jpg)http://img278.imageshack.us/img278/1841/27923us.th.jpg (http://img278.imageshack.us/my.php?image=27923us.jpg)http://img278.imageshack.us/img278/3456/27938xr.th.jpg (http://img278.imageshack.us/my.php?image=27938xr.jpg)http://img278.imageshack.us/img278/27/27944lj.th.jpg (http://img278.imageshack.us/my.php?image=27944lj.jpg)

[Aluka]

http://img386.imageshack.us/img386/7424/27973oe.th.jpg (http://img386.imageshack.us/my.php?image=27973oe.jpg)http://img386.imageshack.us/img386/2909/27980ak.th.jpg (http://img386.imageshack.us/my.php?image=27980ak.jpg)http://img386.imageshack.us/img386/8366/27991pg.th.jpg (http://img386.imageshack.us/my.php?image=27991pg.jpg)http://img386.imageshack.us/img386/895/279104pu.th.jpg (http://img386.imageshack.us/my.php?image=279104pu.jpg)

PS People, is it interesting or not? I mean does at least anybody read this topic?

[ger_mark]

ok lets post some german prototypes
http://stefan.mafi-web.de/Picard/Technik/Versuchstraeger_EGS_Farbe.jpg
http://stefan.mafi-web.de/Picard/Technik/Versuchstraeger_EGS.jpg
thats egs mbt concept, just imagine a gun
quiet similar to the american fcs

http://www.fortunecity.de/wolkenkratzer/firelli/95/images/marder2c.jpg
http://www.fortunecity.de/wolkenkratzer/firelli/95/images/marder2a.jpg
marder 2 prototype ,1999

[walter]

isn't FCS a collection of systems and not just some next generation tank? My understanding is that it's main feature is unmanned vehicles on the ground and air, not a future tank.

[ger_mark]

however
i mean this one
http://stefan.mafi-web.de/Picard/Technik/FCS.jpg

[MIGleader]

the germans and russians were always good at developing radical prototype tanks. the last one looks like a stealth tank.but they are getting a little old, ni matter what you can up it with.

[BKulan]

let's bring this topic back to the first page because this was interesting...

anyway, i also consider obiekt 279 to be an interesting tank, many would say that it was one of the most revolutionary tank concepts during that time period but the crew can't afford to waste shells because of the tanks low ammo capacity due to it's small size, besides it was probably very expensive with such a complicated design. Always wondered how it would perform in conflict though.

[Issa]

Some info regarding Shafaq, the IRIAF's very own stealth-fighter project:

At the end of 2nd Kish aka Persian Gulf Air show, Hossein Roustaie, manager of the office for design of Aeronautic and Space University said the constructions of Shafaq, a jet trainer capable of competing with other leading world jet trainers will soon begin with the capability to be converted to a jet fighter if there is any customer demand. He said this project in progress under Aeronautic/Space complex in cooperation with Malek Ashtar University will soon enters construction phase...

http://www.irna.ir/?SAB=OK&LANG=PE&PART=_NEWS&TYPE=HE&id=13831104194401

http://img187.exs.cx/img187/8343/49gi.jpg

The fact that Iran continues to think long proves the project Shafagh, that with the conditions to that Malek Ashtar University OF Technology was presented. The sample, that as in and two-seaters to be built and also different engines both and training and and mehrzweckkampfflugzeug use to find is, points all characteristics of the modern building of combat aircraft up. Beside models of the different variants became also Wind tunnel model as well as photo of a Mockups shown. The parts manufacture for prototypes is to have already begun.

http://www.mig-21.de/Deutsch/Publikationen/FLiEGERREVUE0203.htm

http://img177.exs.cx/img177/2549/iriafshafagh05044fb.jpg

"Shafagh" - the project of a future combat aircraft

A step into the future is the project "Shafagh", which was presented at the conditions of the Malek Ashtar University OF Technology. The sample, which as in and two-seaters are built and with different engines both when training as well as and mehrzweckkampfflugzeug use to find is, exhibits all characteristics of the modern building of combat aircraft. Beside models of the different variants also photos of a 1:1-Modells as well as a wind tunnel model were presented. According to statements of participants the parts manufacture for the prototype already began. All versions of the airplane are to be equipped - so the official statement - "with engines by the native market". Whether with it self-developments or license and/or reproductions of foreign engines are meant, was not verifiable.

http://www.mig-21.de/Deutsch/Publikationen/TRUPPENDIENST0103.htm

Shafagh has since been transferred to the MoD's Malek-e-Ashtar Industrial University, where it has undergone some changes including proposals for a chin-mounted air intake similar to that of the F-16 Fighting Falcon. There are now hopes of completing a flying example." (AFM December 2004, p37).

http://img184.exs.cx/img184/7176/06rsh28qv.jpg

Iran unveils jet trainer

Following years of speculation, Iran unveiled its new advanced jet trainer on August 10. Named ‘Shafaq’ the aircraft is powered by a single engine. It is similar in configuration to the Yakolev Yak-130 trainer featuring a blended wing, but differs in being equipped with twin vertical tails. A single canopy encloses both cockpits, which are equipped with digital avionics and multifunctional displays (MFD). Wearing serial number 01 the trainer was recently displayed for the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) and, according to the chief design engineer, it is currently undergoing flight tests.

Combat Aircraft Vol.6, No.3, pg 17.
November 2004

New Trainer

The Aviation Industries Organisation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (AIO) finally unveiled its 'Shafaq' advanced jet trainer on 10 August following years of speculation about the type. The 'Shafaq', displayed for the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), was revealed as a tandem two-seat trainer, broadly similar to the Russian Yakovlev Yak-130 design but with twin tails.
'Shafaq' was first revealed in 2000, and until now only model mock-ups had been seen. The unveiling, chaired by the aircraft's chief designer Shafiqieh Bafarin (the only female aeronautics engineer in Iran), revealed the design to boast a larger and sharper-swept wing than the Yak trainer, suggesting the possibility that the aircraft is capable of sustained supersonic flight. The cockpit canopy is one piece and brief glances into the cockpit itself did not show a central control stick so 'Shafaq' may indeed have been designed with side stick controls. It is also equipped with digital avionics and multi-function displays, marking a major step forward in the technology employed by Iran's aviation industries.
Kian Mokhtari

Aircraft Illustrated Vol 37, No 10, Pg 9
October 2004

Iran Airshow 2002 - Iran's new combat aircraft waits in the wings

ROBERT HEWSON Editor, Jane's Air-Launched Weapons

Kish Island

Advanced design work has already been completed in Iran for an all-new advanced trainer and attack aircraft, known as the Shafagh ('the light before dawn').

The Shafagh design team, working under the aegis of the Aviation University Complex (AUC - part of the Malek Ashtar University of Technology), has conducted wind-tunnel tests of the design in Tehran using a 1/7-scale model, and has also built a full-scale mock-up of the aircraft.

The integration of landing gear and vehicle systems, such as hydraulics and avionics, is now under way, and the roll-out of the first prototype in scheduled for 2008.

The AUC team, based at Tehran's Mehrabad airport, is working to the instructions of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iranian industry sources say engineers from both the Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG (RSK MiG) and Sukhoi design bureaus have helped with the design. In the past, RSK MiG discussed licence-production of the MiG-29 (NATO reporting name: 'Fulcrum') fighter with Iran, but negotiations broke down irrevocably after both sides repeatedly failed to reach an agreement. Beyond this proposal, the real level of co-operation between the Iranian and Russian defence industries is unclear.

The Shafagh is a subsonic aircraft with an empty weight of around 5,000kg, an overall length of about 14m and a 12m wingspan. The aircraft has an ambitious aerodynamic configuration, with a close-coupled layout, substantial leading-edge root extensions and a highly unusual circular section at the wing root. The platform has been designed as an attack aircraft from the programme's outset, and is equipped with seven stores hardpoints - three beneath each wing and one beneath the aircraft's fuselage centreline.

The original design was built to have two J85 turbojet engines, but this has now changed to a single-engined configuration using a J79 power plant drawn from an F-4 Phantom strike aircraft. Preliminary designs for the cockpit layout show an aircraft equipped with three multi-function displays in a horizontal row, a head-up display and hands-on throttle and stick controls on a central column.

Mention has also been made of another combat aircraft project, the Saeghe, which is being developed by MATSA (Iran's air force technology and electronics centre), at Mehrabad. According to Iranian industry sources, the aircraft is a modified F-5 fighter that has been rebuilt in a twin-fin configuration.

Iran has already displayed considerable expertise in overhauling and adapting its inventory of F-5s. Work on constructing new fuselage sections under its air force programme to rebuild F-5As as F-5Bs is also understood to have been translated to the Saeghe. The programme's first airframe is reportedly about 70% complete and work on this is expected to be finished within the next six months. The relationship between the Saeghe and Iran's other reported F-5-derived combat aircraft programme - the Azarakhsh - is unclear.

Wind-tunnel training:

http://img215.echo.cx/img215/9056/15729eu.jpg

[Issa]

Full-scale mockup on display at the 2003 Kish Air Show:

http://img177.exs.cx/img177/2964/iriafshafagh20029gf.jpg

Scale model:

http://www.acig.org/artman/uploads/a08.jpg

[sumdud]

To Issa:
Do you know if this plane will have as much potential as its father the I-2000?
What changes are made to it? (Was the I-2000 this size?)
I hope to see this 5G in action, under whoever's hand he serves.

[Issa]

Sumdud, as much as I hate to admit, I doubt this bloody thing will ever enter service. R&D is simply too expensive.

It is very similar in design to the MiG I-2000, but it is smaller (will only be fitted with one RD-33). It has stealthy characteristics, but is sub-sonic and will largely be used for ground attack purposes. I hope I was of help.

[Spartan00006]

why did the USSR come up with so many tank prototypes...is it because the tanks could be used quite a bit in the steepes...what is the russian fixation with tanks?