Russian Military News, Reports, Data, etc.

The new Russian liquid-fuel Liner missile is world’s most advanced submarine-based strategic weapon with range and payload capabilities surpassing every model deployed by any other country, its developer says.
The submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) Liner can carry up to 12 low-yield MIRV nuclear warheads and has a payload/mass ratio surpassing any solid-fuel strategic missiles designed by the US, UK, France and China, the developer Makeyev State Rocket Center said in a statement. It is very flexible in terms of what its payload can be, varying and mixing warheads of different capabilities.

The design bureau believes that the missile, which was first tested on May 20, will ensure the use of Delta IV class submarines until at least 2030.

There are seven vessels of this class in the Russian Navy, and they are armed with the SLMBs Sineva. The Liner is a highly advanced version of the Sineva missile.

There is little further detail about the Liner’s specifications so far. Sineva is a three-stage ballistic missile. It has a reported operational range of almost 12,000 kilometers, listed throw-weigh of 2.8 tonnes and can be launched from up to 55 meters deep.

Russia is the only nation that uses liquid-fuel submarine-based nuclear missiles. All other nations deploying SLBMs opt for solid propellants, since they allow for the building of more reliable missiles, which are simpler and cheaper to operate.

Russia has a solid-fuel SLBM in development too. The Bulava missile, which is the designated armament for the advanced Borey-class submarines, has seen several delays and setbacks over the years, but now it is slated to enter service after a series of successful test fires in 2010-2011.

Military experts say there is a certain competition between the two design approaches, but each has its own niche in the Russian Navy.

“The Bulava, which is similar to the American Trident II missile, is not able to replace the heavy liquid-fuel missile Sineva and its advanced version, the Liner. Only such heavy liquid-fuel missiles are capable of throwing big payloads to very long ranges,” military analyst Igor Khokhlov told RT.

The use of such missiles is necessary due to specifics of the missions,which the Russian Navy has to carry out, as well as its structure and nature, the expert says. Historically, Russia has perceived a land invasion as the primary military threat, while the Navy’s task was to protect the coastline rather then serve as an attack force. Liquid-fuel missiles are part of this force and will remain an integral part of Russia’s nuclear deterrence for at least several decades to come.

“Submarines armed with such missiles can operate from Russia’s safe territorial waters, where they are covered by the Russian Air Force and its surface Navy. They can also have electronic equipment, necessary to suppress the US antiballistic missile system, as part of their payload in addition to the warheads themselves,” Igor Khokhlov from the Institute of World Economy and International Relations explained.

Building heavy liquid-fuel SLBMs is a scientific and engineering task, which only Russia can carry out at the moment, Khokhlov added. No other technology can provide similar capabilities now, unless an unexpected sudden breakthrough happens.

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They can also have electronic equipment, necessary to suppress the US antiballistic missile system, as part of their payload in addition to the warheads themselves,” Igor Khokhlov from the Institute of World Economy and International Relations explained.

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At the static parking area the Russian Air Force will present the full range of military airplanes and helicopters: Tu-160, A-50, Tu-95, Su-27 SM, MiG-29SMT, Su-24M, Su-25SM, Su-34, MiG-31B, Jak-130, helicopters Ka-52, Mi-26, Mi-8 MTV-5, Mi-28. Also, Russian Helicopters, JSC will demonstrate their wide range of military and civil helicopters. Apart from this, themed flight performances are in the schedule: "Search and Rescue" with participation of Ka-226Т Mi-34S1 helicopters; “Anti-terror” with participation of Ka-52 Mi-28NE, Mi-8 helicopters.


This time you will also be able to see the reconstruction of the Soviet field airdrome of air defense of the period of the Battle of Moscow, with flying display of planes wording off the raids of Hitlerites to Moscow. The program includes the single, group and aerobatic flights accompanied by the performance of the group of reenactors in the field airdrome and by the comments of an announcer. For the first time it will be possible to see about 10 planes of the military period simultaneously in the air of MAKS. The following defense equipment is prepared for demonstrations: I-15bis, I-153, I-16, DIT, Sh-2, three Po-2, two MiG-3 fighters, and also two T-60 tanks, GAZ-AA cars, anti-aircraft guns and a functioning field kitchen
No doubt that the main premiere of MAKS-2011 will be the biggest passenger airplane А-380 made by Airbus concern. An-158 airplane will be one of the Ukrainian novelties. Thus, this year’s MAKS will be the only exhibition in the world, where the visitors will see the biggest passenger and cargo aircraft!

The French Air Force will demonstrate Rafale fighters in their flight program and the Italian Air Force will demonstrate the only cargo aircraft in the world, performing aerial stunts – S27.

This year, after 4-year break, US Air Force airplanes will take part in the Salon. For the first time C-5А Galaxy military transport airplane, А-10 attack planes and P-3 reconnaissance plane will be presented at the static parking area. The Salon’s visitors will also be able to see traditional MAKS participants - KC-135 transport airplanes, F-16 and F-15 fighters as well as В-52 bomber. F-15 multipurpose fighter will perform a new 15 minute long program.

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zoom said:

Excuse my laziness but you can see a few good pics of the T50 here >

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ZHUKOVSKY, Russia (AP) — Russia's first stealth fighter jet had to abort a takeoff at Moscow's International Aviation and Space Show on Sunday because of what officials said was a malfunction in the right engine.

The T-50 did not leave the runway and was slowed by a brake parachute.

The twin-engined jet was traveling at 60 miles per hour (100 kph) when the pilot decided to abort takeoff because of a right engine malfunction, the RIA Novosti news agency reported, citing a representative of United Aircraft Building Corp., a state-controlled holding that incorporates top Russian aircraft-makers,

The T-50, which made its maiden flight in January 2010, had been kept out of the public eye before its debut at the air show on Wednesday during a visit by Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

The fighter is intended to match the U.S. F-22 Raptor, which entered service in 2005.

The T-50 still lacks new engines and state-of-the art equipment, and its serial production is only expected to begin in 2015 at the most optimistic forecast. Two T-50s are currently undergoing tests, and another pair is expected to join them later this year.

Russia has signed deals with India to cooperate on the aircraft's development, and hopes that the Indian air force will become a major customer for the plane.

The six-day air show at the Zhukovsky air base outside of Moscow wrapped up on Sunday.

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firefox007 said:

Not new; but still compelling;

RIA-Novosti

"A purchase of French-built Mistral class amphibious assault ships by Russia poses a threat to U.S. security and is aimed against Washington's allies, the chairwoman of the U.S. House of Representatives' Foreign Affairs Committee has said."

"It is deeply troubling that France, a NATO ally, has decided to ignore the clear danger of selling advanced warships to Russia even as Moscow is taking an increasingly hostile approach toward the U.S., its neighbors, and Europe itself," Ileana Ros-Lehtinen said in a statement."

"Russia and France signed a $1.7 billion (1.2 bln euro) contract on two Mistral class ships for the Russian Navy in St. Petersburg ."

"In line with the contract, the first warship is to be delivered in 2014 and the second in 2015. The warships will be equipped with Russian weapon systems, Navy chief Adm.Vladimir Vysotsky said."

"French President Nicolas Sarkozy hailed the contract as a sign of strategic partnership between the two countries."

"The deal has alarmed Russia's neighbors, especially Georgia, whose relations with Russia remain very tense since the August 2008 five-day war between the countries over the breakaway republic of South Ossetia, which Russia subsequently recognized as independent."


These ships could be posted to Vladivostok, making a new threat to China's northern interests, such as energy-rich Manchuria. They have strong force-projection capabilities, and show that Russia will now purchase the latest Western technology to further their foreign-policy demands, in the east as well. China should be concerned.

edit: I would post the link to RIA-Novosti, but until I've posted 10 times, I cannot post links.

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