S-400 Triumf Air Defence Missile System

Air Defense System July 29, 2020

S-400 Triumf Air Defence Missile System

Efran Syah       Comment   

(Sergei Malgavko/TASS)

The S-400 Triumf (Translation: Triumph; NATO reporting name: SA-21 Growler), previously known as the S-300PMU-3, is an anti-aircraft weapon system developed in the 1990s by Russia's Almaz Central Design Bureau as an upgrade of the S-300 family.

(via rbth.com)

It has been in service with the Russian Armed Forces since 2007.

The development of the S-400 system began in the late 1980s, and the system was announced by the Russian Air Force in January 1993. On 12 February 1999, successful tests were reported at Kapustin Yar in Astrakhan, and the S-400 was scheduled for deployment by the Russian army in 2001.

(@IA_REX)

The S-400 Triumf air defence system integrates a multifunction radar, autonomous detection and targeting systems, anti-aircraft missile systems, launchers, and command and control centre. It is capable of firing three types of missiles to create a layered defence.

(via eurasiantimes.com)

The system can engage all types of aerial targets, including aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), and ballistic and cruise missiles, within the range of 400 km at an altitude of up to 30 km.

The system can simultaneously engage 36 targets.

(via shnyagi.net)

The S-400 is twice as effective as the previous Russian air defence systems and can be deployed within five minutes. It can also be integrated into the existing and future air defence units of the airforce, army and navy.

(via x-true.info)

The S-400 missile system uses four new missile types in addition to the missiles of the S-300PMU system. The first missile inducted for the system was the 48N6DM (48N6E3). It is an improved variant of the 48N6M with a powerful propulsion system. The missile can destroy airborne targets within the range of 250 km.

The 40N6 missile of the S-400 has a claimed range of 400 km and uses active radar homing to intercept air targets at great distances. It can be launched against AWACS, J-STARS, EA-6B support jammers and other high-value targets.

 (via artfile.me)

The S-400 Triumf also launches 9M96E and 9M96E2 medium range ground-to-air missiles. Designed for direct impact, the missiles can strike fast moving targets such as fighter aircraft with a high hit probability. The maximum range of the 9M96 missile is 120 km.

SEVASTOPOL, RUSSIA - JANUARY 13, 2018: S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile systems of the Russian Southern Military District's missile regiment on combat duty. (Sergei Malgavko/TASS)

The 55K6E command and control system of the S-400 Triumf is based on the Ural-532301 mobile command post vehicle. The command post is equipped with LCD consoles to process the air space surveillance data of the individual batteries. It controls and monitors long-range surveillance radar, tracks airborne threats, prioritises the threats, and coordinates other batteries.

The system is also capable of exchanging data with other defence systems such as SA-12, SA-23, and S-300.

(via doblest.club)

The fire control and target tracking radar of the S-400 is the 92N6E (Nato Codename: Gravestone). The radar is based on the MZKT-7930 8×8 vehicle. The 96L6 Cheese Board 3D surveillance and tracking radar is optionally carried by the same vehicle when the S-400 battery is deployed autonomously.

The 91N6E Big Bird acquisition and battle management radar of the S-400 is based on the 8×8 trailer. The radar can detect and track aircraft, rotorcraft, cruise missiles, guided missiles, drones and ballistic rockets within the distance of 600 km. It can simultaneously track up to 300 targets.

S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile systems as an anti-aircraft military unit of the Russian Air Force and the Russian Southern Military District (Getty - Contributor)

The SP85TE2 launchers are based on the BAZ-64022 6×6 tractor truck or MAZ-79100 series Transporter-Erector-Launcher (TEL) vehicle. The TEL vehicle can carry up to four launch tubes holding a mix of missiles.

(via rbth.com)

In 2017, the S-400 was described by The Economist as "one of the best air-defence systems currently made", and Siemon Wezeman of Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) said it "is among the most advanced air defense systems available." China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, India, and Qatar expressed their appreciation for the S-400 system, and China was the first foreign buyer to make a government-to-government deal with Russia in 2014.

(via theindianwire.com)

S-400 Triumf launch vehicle specifications

• Engine: YaMZ-8424.10 Diesel V12 400 HP/294kW
• Transmission: YaMZ
• Suspension: Leaf spring
• Ground clearance: 485 mm
• Operational range:
• 400 km (40N6E missile)
• 250 km (48N6 missile)
• 120 km (9M96E2 missile)
• 40 km (9M96E missile)

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MiG-31 Foxhound Supersonic Interceptor Aircraft

Fighter Aircraft July 28, 2020

MiG-31 Foxhound Supersonic Interceptor Aircraft

Efran Syah       Comment   

The Mikoyan MiG-31 (NATO reporting name: Foxhound) is a supersonic interceptor aircraft developed for use by the Soviet Air Forces.

The aircraft was designed by the Mikoyan design bureau as a replacement for the earlier MiG-25 "Foxbat"; the MiG-31 is based on and shares design elements with the MiG-25.

The MiG-31 has the distinction of being among the fastest combat jets in the world. It continues to be operated by the Russian Air Force and the Kazakhstan Air Force following the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Serial production of the MiG-31 began in 1979. The Russian Defence Ministry expects the MiG-31 to remain in service until 2030 or beyond.

The MiG-31 is able to maintain combat effectiveness despite the potential use of active and passive radar jammers and thermal decoys by adversaries.

A group of four MiG-31 interceptors is able to control an area of air space across a total length of 800 to 900 km (500 to 560 mi); its radar possessing a maximum detection range of 200 km (120 mi) in distance (radius) and the typical width of detection along the front of 225 km (140 mi).

MiG-31 can work efficiently in all weather conditions while fulfilling visual flight rules (VFR) and instrument flight rules (IFR), day and night.

It is equipped with state-of-the-art digital avionics. MiG-31 was the first soviet fighter aircraft to have true look-down and shoot-down capability.

The MiG-31 was designed to fulfill the following mission objectives:

• Intercept cruise missiles and their launch aircraft by reaching missile launch range in the lowest possible time after departing the loiter area;
• Detect and destroy low flying cruise missiles, UAVs and helicopters;
• Long range escort of strategic bombers;
• Provide strategic air defense in areas not covered by ground-based, air defense systems.

Like the MiG-25, the MiG-31 is a large twin-engine aircraft with side-mounted air intake ramps, a shoulder-mounted wing with an aspect ratio of 2.94, and twin vertical tailfins. Unlike the MiG-25, it has two seats, with the rear occupied by a dedicated weapon systems officer.

The MiG-31 is limited to five g when travelling at supersonic speeds. While flying under combat weight, its wing loading is marginal and its thrust-to-weight ratio is favorable. The MiG-31 is not designed for close combat or rapid turning.

Its D30-F6 jet engines, each rated at 152 kN thrust, allow a maximum speed of Mach 1.23 at low altitude. High-altitude speed is temperature-redlined to Mach 2.83 – the thrust-to-drag ratio is sufficient for speeds in excess of Mach 3, but such speeds pose unacceptable hazards to engine and airframe life in routine use.

(Dmitriy Pichugin)

The MiG-31 was among the first aircraft with a phased array radar, and one of two aircraft in the world capable of independently firing long-range air-to-air missiles as of 2013.

The MiG-31 was the world's first operational fighter with a passive electronically scanned array radar (PESA), the Zaslon S-800. Its maximum range against fighter-sized targets is approximately 200 km, and it can track up to 10 targets and simultaneously attack four of them with its Vympel R-33 missiles. The radar is matched with an infrared search and track (IRST) system in a retractable undernose fairing.

Variants

• Ye-155MP (MiG-25MP). Prototype modification of the early MiG-31.
• MiG-31. First variant which entered in serial production. 349 aircraft were built.
• MiG-31M. Development of a more comprehensive advanced version.
• MiG-31D. Two aircraft were designated as Type 31D and were manufactured as dedicated anti-satellite models.
• MiG-31LL. Special modification used as a flying laboratory for testing of ejection seats during flight.
• MiG-31 01DZ. Two-seat all weather, all altitude interceptor.
• MiG-31B. Second production batch with upgraded avionics and in-flight refueling probe introduced in 1990.
• MiG-31E. Export version of the MiG-31B with simplified avionics. Never entered in serial production.
• MiG-31BS. Designation applied to type 01DZ when converted to MiG-31B standard.
• MiG-31BM. After passing state testing in 2008 this modernized variant of MiG-31B was approved for introduction into air force of Russia. 50 planes are modified to MiG-31BM (Bolshaya Modernizatsiya/Deep Modernization) standard in accordance with 2011 contract.
• MiG-31BSM. An upgrade of the BS version, it is the latest modernization variant first time contracted in 2014 for modernization of 60 aircraft, it is very similar in some aspects to the BM standard.
• MiG-31K. Modified MiG-31BM variant capable to carry the hypersonic Kh-47M2 Kinzhal ALBM.
• MiG-31F. Planned fighter-bomber intended for use with TV, radar and laser-guided ASM weapon systems.
• MiG-31FE. Planned export version of the MiG-31F.
• MiG-31I (Ishim). Proposed modification for air launch to orbit of small spacecraft with a payload of 160 kg to 300 km altitude or 120 kg to 600 km altitude orbit.
• MiG-31 (Izdeliye 08). MiG-31 modified as a launch platform for the Izdeliye 293 Burevestnik anti-satellite missile. At least two prototypes converted.

Four long-range Vympel R-33E air-to-air missiles are installed in the MiG-31 aircraft. The R-33 can be launched in inertial navigation mode to shoot the target at extreme range. It can be guided in semi-active radar homing (SARH) mode for initial acquisition and mid course updates. It is used for attacking large and high-speed targets such as the SR-71 Blackbird, the B-1 Lancer bomber, and the B-52 Stratofortress.

The aircraft is also equipped with four short-range R-60MK missiles and two Bisnovat R-40TD1 medium-range missiles. A six-barrel 30mm internal cannon (Ghs-6-23M) is installed above the starboard main landing gear bay of the MiG-31 aircraft. The cannon contains 800 rounds of ammunitions and can fire at a rate of over 10,000 rounds a minute.

MiG-31BM can accommodate the AA-12 Adder missile and various Russian air-to-ground missiles (AGMs) such as the AS-17 Krypton anti-radiation missile (ARM).

The MiG-31 can climb at a rate of 208 m a second and has the capacity to fly at 3,000 km/h. The ferry and combat ranges of the aircraft are 3,300 km and 720 km respectively. The maximum take-off weight of the aircraft is 46,200 kg. The cruise range and wing loading capacities are 1,620 m and 665 kg/m² respectively, while the maximum g-load is 5g.

Operators

• Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan Air Force – 25 in inventory as of 2017.
• Russia.
• Russian Air Force – about 250 in inventory and approximately 120-132 (MiG-31B/BS/BM/BSM) in service as of 2017.
• Russian Naval Aviation – 32 in inventory as of 2016.

Specifications (MiG-31)

General characteristics

• Crew: 2 (pilot and weapons systems officer)
• Length: 22.62 m (74 ft 3 in)
• Wingspan: 13.456 m (44 ft 2 in)
• Height: 6.456 m (21 ft 2 in)
• Wing area: 61.6 m2 (663 sq ft)
• Empty weight: 21,820 kg (48,105 lb)
• Gross weight: 41,000 kg (90,390 lb)
• Max takeoff weight: 46,200 kg (101,854 lb)
• Fuel capacity: 35,550 lb (16,130 kg) internals, plus optional external fuel tanks
• Powerplant: 2 × Soloviev D-30F6 afterburning turbofan engines, 93 kN (21,000 lbf) thrust each dry, 152 kN (34,000 lbf) with afterburner

Performance

• Maximum speed:
• 3,000 km/h (1,900 mph, 1,600 kn) at 21,500 m (70,538 ft) / Mach 2.83
• 1,500 km/h (930 mph; 810 kn) / Mach 1.21 at low altitude
• Cruise speed: 2,500 km/h (1,600 mph, 1,300 kn) / Mach 2.35
• Range:
• 3,000 km (1,900 mi, 1,600 nmi) with 4 x R-33E and 2 drop tanks
• 5,400 km (3,400 mi; 2,900 nmi) with 4 x R-33E and 2 drop tanks with one aerial refueling
• Combat range:
• 1,450 km (900 mi, 780 nmi) at Mach 0.8 and 10,000 m (32,808 ft)
• 720 km (450 mi; 390 nmi) at Mach 2.35 and 18,000 m (59,055 ft)
• Service ceiling: 25,000 m (82,000 ft) +
• g limits: +5
• Rate of climb: 288 m/s (56,700 ft/min)
• Wing loading: 665 kg/m2 (136 lb/sq ft)
• Thrust/weight: 0.85

Armament

• Guns: 1 × 23 mm Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-6-23M rotary cannon with 800 rounds (later removed)
• Hardpoints: 8 × underwing pylons with provisions to carry combinations of:
• Missiles: Air-to-air missiles:
• 4 × R-33E
• 4 × R-60MK
• 2 × R-40RD/TD
• Air-to-surface missiles:
• 4 × Kh-58UShKE anti-radiation missile
• 1 × Kh-47M2 Kinzhal hypersonic air-launched ballistic missile

Avionics

• 8TK IRST
• Phazotron Zaslon passive electronically scanned array radar

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Ilyushin Il-78 Midas Aerial Refueling Tanker

Tanker Aircraft July 28, 2020

Ilyushin Il-78 Midas Aerial Refueling Tanker

Efran Syah       Comment   

(David Bracci — Flight Line Images)

The Ilyushin Il-78 (NATO reporting name Midas) is a Soviet four-engined aerial refueling tanker based on the Ilyushin Il-76 strategic airlifter.

(Dmitry Terekhov)

The Il-78 tanker was developed and designed in the Ilyushin Aviation Complex in Russia. The main reason behind its development was an expansion of the transferable fuel load of an earlier version of tanker, the Il-76.

(Aleksandr Markin)

The maiden flight of Il-78 took place on 26 June 1983 and the aircraft entered into service in 1984. About 53 aircraft are currently operational worldwide.

(Nikolay Pominov)

The Il-78 aircraft has been developed on the basis of the Il-76MD and is designed to refuel in the air long-range aircraft and frontline aviation during day time and nighttime, and in conditions of poor visibility, in order to widen their operational range.

(Andrey Rakul)

The cargo compartment contains two fuel tanks. With the help of three unified suspended-type refueling devices (UPAZ) installed under outer wing panels and in the aft part of the fuselage, the transmission of fuel from fuselage tanks and wing boxes is possible.

(Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation)

The Il-78 may be used for transporting fuel to the maneuvering airfield and refueling aircrafton the ground. The Il-78 transfers fuel solely through deployment of the probe-and-drogue refueling method. The Il-78 aircraft can refuel a maximum of four planes simultaneously on the ground.

(Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation)

The Il-78 has a total transferable fuel load of 85,720 kg (188,980 lb), which includes 28,000 kg (62,000 lb) from a pair of 18,230-litre (4,010 imp gal; 4,820 US gal) tanks in the freight hold. In comparison, the Il-76 has a capacity of only 10,000 kg (22,000 lb).

(via thamlevan.violet.vn)

The Il-78 can fly at a maximum speed of 850 km/h. The range and service ceiling of the aircraft are 7,300 km and 12,000 m respectively. The aircraft weighs around 72,000 kg and the maximum take-off weight is 210,000 kg.

(Vortaxg)

If necessary, the aircraft can be refitted under field conditions as a transportation plane for carrying military personnel, equipment, cargo and ill/wounded people.

(Kirill Naumenko)

Variants

• Il-78. The original production.
• Il-78T. Alternative designation for Il-78 due to retention of all cargo handling equipment and convertible freight hold.
• Il-78M. The Il-78M equipped with three permanent fuselage tanks, a higher gross weight of 210 tonnes, and no cargo door or cargo handling equipment.
• Il-78M2. Modernization of Il-78/78M
• Il-78M-90A. An upgraded variant based on the Il-76MD-90A.
• Il-78ME. Export version of Il-78M.
• Il-78MKI. Customized variant of the Il-78ME for the Indian Air Force.
• Il-78MP. Multi-role aerial refuelling tanker/transport aircraft, with removable fuel tanks in cargo hold and UPAZ refuelling pods, for the Pakistan and Chinese Air Force.

(via airwar.ru)

Operators

• Algerian Air Force – 4 Il-78
• Angolan Air Force – 1 Il-78
• Chinese Air Force – 3 Il-78MP
• Indian Air Force – 6 Il-78MKI
• Libyan Air Force – 1 Il-78E
• Pakistan Air Force – 4 Il-78MP
• Russian Air Force – 19 Il-78/78M.

Former operators

• Soviet Air Forces
• Ukrainian Air Force
• United States.

(Gleb Osokin - Russian AviaPhoto Team)

Specifications (Il-78M)

• Crew: 6
• Capacity: Max 100,000 kg payload
• Length: 46.59 m (152 ft 10 in)
• Wingspan: 50.5 m (165 ft 8 in)
• Height: 14.76 m (48 ft 5 in)
• Wing area: 300 m2 (3,200 sq ft)
• Empty weight: 72,000 kg (158,733 lb)
• Max takeoff weight: 210,000 kg (462,971 lb)
• Special equipment: 3 x UPAZ-1M 'Sakhalin', refuelling pods; Two on pylons under the outer wings, and the third on the port side of the rear fuselage.
• Fuel transfer rate: 900 to 2,200 liters/min
• Powerplant: 4 × Aviadvigatel D-30 KP turbofan engines, 118 kN (27,000 lbf) thrust each
• Maximum speed: 850 km/h (530 mph, 460 kn)
• Range: 7,300 km (4,500 mi, 3,900 nmi)
• Service ceiling: 12,000 m (39,000 ft)
• Thrust/weight: 0.23
• Calendar operating life: 35 years
• Number of flights: 6,000 hours
• Number of flight:  8,000 hours

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Tupolev Tu-160 Blackjack Supersonic Heavy Strategic Bomber

Bomber Aircraft July 21, 2020

Tupolev Tu-160 Blackjack Supersonic Heavy Strategic Bomber

Efran Syah       1 comment   

(via arabianbusiness.com)

The Tupolev Tu-160 (NATO reporting name: Blackjack) is a supersonic, variable-sweep wing heavy strategic bomber designed by the Tupolev Design Bureau in the Soviet Union in the 1970s.

(via fsnovosti.ru)

The Tu-160 is the largest and heaviest Mach 2+ supersonic military aircraft ever built and second only to the XB-70 Valkyrie in overall length.

(via  bazaistoria.ru)

The Tu-160 is the largest and heaviest combat aircraft, the fastest bomber now in use and the largest and heaviest variable-sweep wing airplane ever flown.

(via  tokkoro.com)

Entering service in 1987, the Tu-160 was the last strategic bomber designed for the Soviet Union. As of 2016, the Russian Air Force's Long Range Aviation branch has at least 16 aircraft in service.

The Tu-160 active fleet has been undergoing upgrades to electronics systems since the early 2000s. The Tu-160M modernization programme has begun with the first updated aircraft delivered in December 2014.

(via  photosight.ru)

The Tu-160 is a variable-geometry wing aircraft. The aircraft employs a fly-by-wire control system with a blended wing profile, and full-span slats are used on the leading edges, with double-slotted flaps on the trailing edges and cruciform tail.

The Tu-160 has a crew of four (pilot, co-pilot, bombardier, and defensive systems operator) in K-36LM ejection seats.

(via  acecombat.fandom.com)

The Tu-160 is powered by four Kuznetsov NK-32 afterburning turbofan engines, the most powerful ever fitted to a combat aircraft. Unlike the American B-1B Lancer, which reduced the original Mach 2+ requirement for the B-1A to achieve a smaller radar cross-section, the Tu-160 retains variable intake ramps, and is capable of reaching Mach 2.05 speed at altitude.

The Tu-160 is equipped with a probe-and-drogue in-flight refueling system for extended-range missions, although it is rarely used.

The Tu-160's internal fuel capacity of 130 tons gives the aircraft a roughly 15-hour flight endurance at a cruise speed of around 850 km/h (530 mph), Mach 0.77, at 9,100 m (30,000 ft).

In February 2008, Tu-160 bombers and Il-78 refueling tankers practiced air refueling during air combat exercise, as well as MiG-31, A-50 and other Russian combat aircraft.

Tu-160 legacy cockpit. (via  worldwarwings.com)

The aircraft carries a TsNPO Leninets Obzor-K (Survey, NATO: Clam Pipe) radar for tracking ground and air targets, and a separate Sopka Terrain-following radar.

Although the Tu-160 was designed for reduced detectability to both radar and infrared signature, it is not a stealth aircraft. Nevertheless, Lt. Gen. Igor Khvorov claimed that Tu-160s managed to penetrate the US sector of the Arctic undetected on 25 April 2006, leading to a USAF investigation according to a Russian source.

(via  nationalinterest.org)

Weapons are carried in two internal bays, each capable of holding 20,000 kg (44,000 lb) of free-fall weapons or a rotary launcher for nuclear missiles; additional missiles may also be carried externally.

The aircraft's total weapons load capacity is 40,000 kg (88,000 lb). No defensive weapons are provided; the Tu-160 is the first post-World War II Soviet bomber to lack such defenses.

(via  goodfon.com)

A demilitarized, commercial version of the Tu-160, named Tu-160SK, was displayed at Asian Aerospace in Singapore in 1994 with a model of a small space vehicle named Burlak attached underneath the fuselage.

(via  mtdata.ru)

While similar in appearance to the American B-1 Lancer, the Tu-160 is a different class of combat aircraft; its primary role being a standoff missile platform (strategic missile carrier).

The Tu-160 is also larger and faster than the B-1B and has a slightly greater combat range, though the B-1B has a larger combined payload. Another significant difference is that the colour scheme on the B-1B Lancer is usually subdued dark gray to reduce visibility; the Tu-160 is painted with anti-flash white, giving it the nickname among Russian airmen "White Swan".

(via yandex collections)

Variants

• Tu-160. Production version.
• Tu-160S. Designation used for serial Tu-160s when needed to separate them from all the pre-production and experimental aircraft.
• Tu-160V. Proposed liquid hydrogen fueled version.
• Tu-160 NK-74. Proposed upgraded (extended range) version with NK-74 engines.
• Tu-160M. Upgraded version that features new weaponry, improved electronics and avionics, which double its combat effectiveness.
• Tu-160P (Tu-161). Proposed very long-range escort fighter/interceptor version.
• Tu-160PP. Proposed electronic warfare version carrying stand-off jamming and ECM gear.
• Tu-160R. Proposed strategic reconnaissance version.
• Tu-160SK. Proposed commercial version, designed to launch satellites within the "Burlak" system.
• Tu-160M2. Highly upgraded version featuring low observable coatings, new more powerful and efficient engines giving it greater operational range, new avionics, electronics, glass cockpit, communications and control systems, and a number of weapons, as well as improved thrust and unrefueled range. It will also have a new defensive system protecting it from missiles.

(via tokkoro.com)

Specifications (Tu-160)

Crew: 4 (pilot, co-pilot, bombardier, defensive systems officer)

Length: 54.1 m (177 ft 6 in)

Wingspan: 55.7 m (182 ft 9 in) wings spread (20°)

Height: 13.1 m (43 ft 0 in)

Wing area: 400 m2 (4,300 sq ft) wings spread

Empty weight: 110,000 kg (242,508 lb)

Gross weight: 267,600 kg (589,957 lb)

Max takeoff weight: 275,000 kg (606,271 lb)

Powerplant: 4 × Samara NK-321 afterburning turbofan engines, 137.3 kN (30,900 lbf) thrust each dry, 245 kN (55,000 lbf) with afterburner

Maximum speed: Mach 2.05

Cruise speed: 960 km/h (600 mph, 520 kn) / Mach 0.9

Range: 12,300 km (7,600 mi, 6,600 nmi) practical range without in-flight refuelling, Mach 0.77 and carrying 6 × Kh-55SM dropped at mid range and 5% fuel reserves

Combat range: 7,300 km (4,536 mi)

Service ceiling: 16,000 m (52,000 ft)

Rate of climb: 70 m/s (14,000 ft/min)

Armament:

• Two internal weapon bays for 45,000 kg (99,208 lb) of ordnance.
• Two internal rotary launchers each holding 6× Raduga Kh-55SM/101/102/555 cruise missiles (primary armament) or 12× AS-16 Kickback short-range nuclear missiles.

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C-130 Hercules Tactical Transport Aircraft

Airlift Aircraft July 19, 2020

C-130 Hercules Tactical Transport Aircraft

Efran Syah       Comment   

A C-130J Super Hercules takes a pass over Larissa Drop Zone Feb. 7, 2014, in Greece during Stolen Cerberus training. (USAF photo by Tech. Sgt. Chris Birdwell/Released)

The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is an American four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed (now Lockheed Martin).

A Lockheed C-130H Hercules of the Royal New Zealand Air Force parked at Hobart International Airport. (YSSYguy / Wiki Common)

Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medevac, and cargo transport aircraft.

Lockheed C-130H Hercules CH11 of the Belgian Air Force, in invasion markings, at Antwerp International Airport during the Antwerp Liberation Festivities 2019. (Ad Meskens / Wiki Common)

The C-130 features a loading ramp and door in the tail that can accomodate palletized loads, vehicles and troops. The aircraft can airdrop up to 19,000 kg (42,000 lb) loads or land on short, unimproved airstrips in forward combat zones.

Lockheed C-130H Hercules CH11 of the Belgian Air Force, in invasion markings, at Antwerp International Airport during the Antwerp Liberation Festivities 2019. (Ad Meskens / Wiki Common)

The C-130 can be rapidly reconfigured for the various types of cargo such as palletized equipment, floor-loaded material, airdrop platforms, container delivery system bundles, vehicles and personnel or aeromedical evacuation.

Lockheed C-130H Hercules CH11 of the Belgian Air Force, in invasion markings, at Antwerp International Airport during the Antwerp Liberation Festivities 2019. (Ad Meskens / Wiki Common)

The C-130 can deliver personnel, equipment or supplies either by landing or by various aerial delivery modes. Three primary methods of aerial delivery are used for equipment.

• In the first, parachutes pull the load, weighing up to 19,000 kg (42,000 lb), from the aircraft. When the load is clear of the plane, cargo parachutes inflate and lower the load to the ground.
• The second method, called the Container Delivery System, uses the force of gravity to pull from one to 16 bundles of supplies from the aircraft. When the bundles, weighing up to 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) each, are out of the aircraft, parachutes inflate and lower them to the ground.
• The Low Altitude Parachute Extraction System is the third aerial delivery method. With LAPES, up to 17,000 kg (38,000 lb) of cargo is pulled from the aircraft by large, inflated cargo parachutes while the aircraft is five to 10 feet above the ground. The load then slides to a stop within a very short distance. Efforts are underway to increase the maximum load weights for LAPES aerial delivery to 19,000 kg (42,000 lb).

Lockheed C-130H Hercules cockpit. (Ad Meskens / Wiki Common)

In its personnel carrier role, the C-130 can accommodate 92 combat troops or 64 fully equipped paratroops on side-facing seats. For medical evacuations, it carries 74 litter patients and two medical attendants. Paratroopers exit the aircraft through two doors on either side of the aircraft behind the landing-gear fairings. Another exit is off the rear ramp for airdrops.

Lockheed C-130H Hercules cargo. (Ad Meskens / Wiki Common)

The C-130's design maximum gross weight is 70,000 kg (155,000 lb) with a normal landing weight of 59,000 kg (130,000 lb). The operating weight is approximately 36,000 kg (80,000 lb).

The airplane is capable of airlifting 92 ground troops, 64 fully equipped paratroopers, or 74 litter patients. It can also carry 20,000 kg (45,000 lb) of cargo.

Lockheed C-130H Hercules CH11 of the Belgian Air Force, in invasion markings, at Antwerp International Airport during the Antwerp Liberation Festivities 2019. (Ad Meskens / Wiki Common)

The versatile airframe has found uses in a variety of other roles, including as a gunship (AC-130), for airborne assault, search and rescue, scientific research support, weather reconnaissance, aerial refueling, maritime patrol, and aerial firefighting.

It is now the main tactical airlifter for many military forces worldwide. More than 40 variants of the Hercules, including civilian versions marketed as the Lockheed L-100, operate in more than 60 nations.

A US Air Force Reserve HH-60G Pave Hawk search and rescue helicopter, conducts in-flight refueling with a Air Force Reserve Command HC-130 Hercules tanker aircraft during a mission over Tallil Air Base, Iraq, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. 5 May 2003. (USAF photo/Staff Sgt. Shane Cuomo)

Variants
Significant military variants of the C-130 include:

• C-130A/B/E/F/G/H/K/T. Tactical airlifter basic models
• C-130A-II Dreamboat. Early version Electronic Intelligence/Signals Intelligence (ELINT/SIGINT) aircraft
• C-130J Super Hercules. Tactical airlifter, with new engines, avionics, and updated systems
• C-130B BLC. A one-off conversion of C-130B 58-0712, modified with a double Allison YT56 gas generator pod under each outer wing, to provide bleed air for all the control surfaces and flaps.
• C-130K. Designation for RAF Hercules C1/W2/C3 aircraft
• AC-130A/E/H/J/U/W. Gunship variants
• C-130D/D-6. Ski-equipped version for snow and ice operations.
• CC-130E/H/J Hercules. Designation for Canadian Armed Forces / Royal Canadian Air Force Hercules aircraft.
• C-130M. Designation used by the Brazilian Air Force for locally modified / up-graded C-130H aircraft
• DC-130A/E/H. USAF and USN Drone control
• EC-130 (5 variants).  Airborne psychological warfare aircraft, Electronic warfare and electronic attack aircraft, and Airborne early warning and control (AEW&C)
• GC-130. Permanently grounded instructional airframes
• HC-130 (4 variants). Combat search and rescue
• JC-130. Temporary conversion for flight test operations; used to recover drones and spy satellite film capsules.
• KC-130F/R/T/J. United States Marine Corps aerial refueling tanker and tactical airlifter.
• LC-130F/H/R. Ski-equipped version for Arctic and Antarctic support operations.
• MC-130 (5 variants). Special operations aircraft
• NC-130. Permanent conversion for flight test operations
• PC-130/C-130-MP. Maritime patrol
• RC-130A/S. Surveillance aircraft for reconnaissance
• SC-130J Sea Herc. Proposed maritime patrol version of the C-130J, designed for coastal surveillance and anti-submarine warfare.
• TC-130. Aircrew training
• VC-130H. VIP transport
• WC-130A/B/E/H/J. Weather reconnaissance ("Hurricane Hunter") version for USAF / Air Force Reserve Command's 53d Weather Reconnaissance Squadron in support of the National Weather Service's National Hurricane Center

A C-130 Hercules from Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, makes a water drop, over New Mexico during annual Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) training. 02 May 2007. (Technical Sergeant Rick Sforza, United States Air Force)

The initial production model was the C-130A, with four Allison T56-A-11 or -9 turboprops. Conceptual studies of the C-130A, were initiated in 1951.

The first prototype flight took place in 1954 and the first production flight followed on April 7, 1955. A total of 219 were ordered and the C-130A joined the U.S. Air Force inventory in December 1956.

Two DC-130A's (originally GC-130A's) were built as drone launchers/directors, carrying up to four drones on underwing pylons. All special equipment was removable, permitting the aircraft to be used as freighters, assault transports, or ambulances.

C-130 Angel Flares

The C-130J is the latest addition to the C-130 fleet and will replace aging C-130Es. The C-130J incorporates state-of-the-art technology, which reduces manpower requirements, lowers operating and support costs, and provides life-cycle cost savings over earlier C-130 models.

Compared to older C-130s, the J model climbs faster and higher, flies farther at a higher cruise speed, and takes off and lands in a shorter distance. The C-130J-30 is a stretch version, adding 15 feet to the fuselage, increasing usable space in the cargo compartment.

Two C-130H Hercules drop heavy equipment payloads April 18, 2014, over South Korea during exercise Max Thunder. (USAF photo by Capt. Raymond Geoffroy/Released)

Specifications (C-130H)

General characteristics
Crew: 5 (2 pilots, CSO/navigator, flight engineer and loadmaster)
Capacity: 42,000 lb (19,000 kg) payload
Length: 97 ft 9 in (29.79 m)
Wingspan: 132 ft 7 in (40.41 m)
Height: 38 ft 3 in (11.66 m)
Wing area: 1,745 sq ft (162.1 m2)
Empty weight: 75,800 lb (34,382 kg)
Max takeoff weight: 155,000 lb (70,307 kg)
Powerplant: 4 × Allison T56-A-15 turboprop engines, 4,590 shp (3,420 kW) each
Propellers: 4-bladed Hamilton Standard 54H60 constant-speed fully feathering reversible propellers, 13 ft 6 in (4.11 m) diameter

Performance
Maximum speed: 320 kn (370 mph, 590 km/h) at 20,000 ft (6,100 m)
Cruise speed: 292 kn (336 mph, 541 km/h)
Range: 2,050 nmi (2,360 mi, 3,800 km)
Service ceiling:

• 33,000 ft (10,000 m) empty
• 23,000 ft (7,000 m) with 42,000 lb (19,000 kg) payload

Rate of climb: 1,830 ft/min (9.3 m/s)
Takeoff distance:

• 3,586 ft (1,093 m) at 155,000 lb (70,307 kg) max gross weight;
• 1,400 ft (427 m) at 155,000 lb (70,307 kg) gross weight

Avionics: Westinghouse Electronic Systems (now Northrop Grumman) AN/APN-241 weather and navigational radar

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