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This is my take on the 1989 set 6886, the Galactic Peace Keeper of the Space Police I line. I’m very pleased with the shaping, and the added functions of gear operated landing gear and turrets. A huge thank you to Frost (@TFDesigns!) for letting me use his excellent prison pod design! Hope you enjoy!
Captured in: St. Louis, Missouri.
During our recent trip to the Midwest, we had an opportunity to stop over in the city of St. Louis. While there, we took some time to visit one of the well known local landmarks – the Gateway Arch. Seen here is a shot of the monument, as captured from almost directly beneath the structure.
At the very top of the arch, you can make out a series of small black squares (windows) that belong to the arch's observation deck. There is an elevator system on the inside that actually takes guests up to it's highest point, moving approximately 4 mph on the way up.
The elevator operates as a tram system, with each tram consisting of a series of 8 small pods -- designed to carry up to 40 riders (only 5 riders per pod). The pods themselves have the ability to rotate as they move through the curved structure.
It's very small, and definitely not suited for anyone with a problem in tight spaces.
More about the Arch:
The Gateway Arch is a 630-foot monument found in St. Louis, Missouri, and has an outer shell comprised of stainless steel. It’s the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere, and commonly referred to as the Gateway to the West.
The arch was built back in 1963 as a monument to the westward expansion of the United States. It is now the centerpiece of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, and is a famous component of the St. Louis skyline.*
*Info courtesy – Wikipedia.
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"Gateway to the West" is an HDR image constructed from 3 separate shots, with a differential of 2 stops between images.
The resulting HDR image was processed using a combination of ACR, Photomatix, and Photoshop (also includes the use of Topaz Labs plugins -- Adjust, Clean, Denoise, Detail, Glow, Impression and LensFX).
I just had to :3
in the end, I had to sacrifice my mini-Frigate and Destroyer, That robot with the cape that I posted earlier this month, plus my entry into the Halo design your own set contest.
Oh yeah, I'm not planning on entering this into the contest...
Plus, I had to show you people how it's done
Personally, I love the Machine gun :3
Oh yeah, Nick, I totally stole your idea for the rocket pod design >.>
The same Clone stasis pods designed for portability get moved to the final stage of the hatchery. These stasis pods are attached to the machinery that will finally give birth to the mature Clones...
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Na imagem, o tempo parece ter parado por um breve e precioso instante.
O pintarroxo, pequeno, mas cheio de presença, pousa sobre uma pedra manchada pelo tempo, como se fosse o guardião de histórias antigas.
O fundo desfocado em tons de verde dá destaque ao protagonista, envolto numa luz suave que parece acariciar cada pena.
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O peito rubro e vibrante brilha como se fosse chama contida, enquanto o olhar do pássaro, sereno e atento, sugere que ele conhece segredos do campo que os humanos já esqueceram.
Mário Silva, com a sua sensibilidade única, não apenas capturou uma ave — ele prendeu em imagem o respiro da natureza em estado de contemplação.
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Mas… por que “Pintarroxo”?
É impossível não se questionar com carinho e uma pontinha de humor:
“Pintarroxo?! Mas ele não tem pintas… e também não é roxo!”
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A resposta, talvez, não esteja apenas na ciência, mas sim na poética popular que batiza o mundo à sua maneira.
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O nome “pintarroxo” vem do latim vulgar "pictus" (pintado) e do português arcaico "roxo", que não significava exatamente a cor roxa como a entendemos hoje.
Na tradição antiga, “roxo” podia designar qualquer tom avermelhado ou violáceo, especialmente aqueles que se destacavam na natureza.
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O peito do macho adulto, especialmente na primavera, adquire esse tom carmesim intenso que, à luz dourada dos dias de campo, pode parecer púrpura aos olhos de um camponês de séculos atrás.
E assim nasceu o nome — um “pintado de vermelho”, ou melhor, um pintarroxo.
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Não é um nome literal. É um nome sentido. Um nome dado por quem observa o mundo com os olhos do coração.
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O pintarroxo, pequeno e vibrante, é um símbolo de resistência e beleza discreta.
Não canta alto, não se impõe.
Mas quem o vê, não o esquece.
Assim também é a fotografia de Mário Silva: delicada, intensa e profundamente comovente.
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Nesta imagem, o pássaro é um instante de poesia viva, que nos lembra da importância de olhar com atenção — porque mesmo os menores seres carregam uma beleza que escapa aos distraídos.
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Em conclusão, “Pintarroxo” é nome de quem não precisa justificar-se com lógica — apenas existir com graça.
E Mário Silva soube escutar esse nome, com a lente e com a alma.
Porque, no fim, o que importa não é se tem pintas ou se é roxo.
O que importa… é que nos toca.
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Texto & Fotografia: ©MárioSilva
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377409 stands on 2 road at Lovers Walk Depot receiving a replacement valance. The damaged valance had already been removed, exposing the anti-climb pods designed to prevent vehicles overriding one another in the event of a collision
The Bald Cypress tree has beautiful colors in the fall and interesting seed pod design.
I would recommend planting one of these wonderful trees in your yard not only for its beauty but also for the benefits to wildlife and our ecosystem.
This was a super quick design, so it's not the best. I used Malydilnar's rocket pod design, so credit for that goes to him. This whole build so pretty much rushed, I finished it in a little over 45 minuets. The shaping is kinda blocky , I know. Thanks for looking! That's about it.
This picture to showcase the new cockpit pod design. I updated the other shots in the album, make sure to have a look
Building instructions available freely here. I strongly advise to have a look at it before doing anything.
Credits inside the building instructions. Enjoy!
Note: it is a non-purist model that contains 4 LEGO compatible technic metal axles from Dark ice designs (UK manufacturer). More details in the building instructions.
This was a super quick design, so it\'s not the best. I used Malydilnar\'s rocket pod design, so credit for that goes to him. This whole build so pretty much rushed, I finished it in a little over 45 minuets. The shaping is kinda blocky , I know. Thanks for looking! That\'s about it.
Special thanks to:
jerac (who hosted that passionate discussion about the ion engine, although he may not have expected this. check out his new TIE fighters by the way)
20feet (Thanks for the pointers about the ion engine!)
thire5 (he carried out some tests for me, but I could not implement it, that part is definitely useless!)
As well as the Studio LEGO designers group on Facebook for their help and feedback, this was good team work!
Implemented starting 07MAY2021 building instructions revision. See the pictures notes.
Building instructions available freely here. I strongly advise to have a look at it before doing anything.
Credits inside the building instructions. Enjoy!
Note: it is a non-purist model that contains 4 LEGO compatible technic metal axles from Dark ice designs (UK manufacturer). More details in the building instructions.
Minor design changes may occur during the life of the MOC. When implemented, I make a new post in the album as soon as the building instructions are updated and available (the .zip file will indicate the date of the revision). Although I must say, i'd like not to modify this one again, it's tiring!
Sob o rastro das estrelas do hemisfério Sul, um avião do Esquadrão Centauro, que recebe o nome de uma constelação vizinha ao cruzeiro do Sul, equipado com um POD designador de bombas guiadas a laser..
Aeronave A-1A do Esquadrão Centauro com pod designador de bombas guiadas a laser sob o véu da noite na Base Aérea de Santa Maria.
If you want to build this TIE fighter wait. I am still modifying stuff. I found a way to make a more spherical cockpit but this needs testing (old cockpit on the left, new cockpit on the right).
Damn, this thing. It's never good enough. I really hope this is the last modification i'll made.
And i just received a part order with 50 frigging LBG brackets that are no longer needed =D
And I will need to redo building instructions, photos, etc. I am complaining but at the same time, that's the purpose of all this: keeping me busy.
I made this a while back to go with my bat-pod design but never got around to picturing it.
Its been a while since I uploaded anything so I apologies for being inactive. I hope you will see more from me in the next few months and I'm looking to make a full blown re-make of my old stop-motion for Christmas this year.
Anyway, please comment and let me know were to improve and like always, thanks for looking!
The instructions for my Space Marines Cuusoo Drop Pod. Design originally by CrashSanders (N13OS.) This marks my 200th entry to Flickr (ironically, very few have been photos) and I'm very happy with how it turned out. I abandoned LPub- this is made only with Inkscape and LDView. 105 pieces, so with minifigs this could easily sell at the $11-$12 price point.
Remember to support the Space Marines on Lego Cuusoo to see them as real sets!
10 years since I built this!
At the time there was a fad of building space 'pods', small one manned disk shaped spaceships. The story was that an Artist called Salvador Warhol had an argument that pod designs could be beautiful not just functional. He sketched his pod design on a napkin and ordered it from the Insectoid Ambassador, to be built as soon as possible in their vast hive spaceyards.
The napkin had some jelly on it, the ambassador ate it, but vaguely recalled how it looked and later delivered this to the artist. - who loved the interpretation and uses it constantly.
Weird story - weird build, strangely I returned to five directional building last year with the 'Hand of Justice' Space Police MOC. Maybe I'm running out of ideas!
/lol crappy pic is crappy :P
I'm pretty sure this design hasn't been thought of yet. Personally, I think it looks better than the Luger design.
Its made up of:
BA browning
BA U-clip
BA Bipod
TLC clone blaster
Give credit if used please :)
Aircraft maintainers with the Indian air force conduct post-flight maintenance on an SU-30 Fighter following a Red Flag mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Aug. 13 2008. The Indian air force is at Nellis for Red Flag 08-4, a two-week exercise that pits forces in a realistic aerial "battlefield" to hone the fighting skills of American and allied airmen. Republic of Korea, Indian, Navy and Air Force teams are joining the Indian air force in Red Flag 08-4.
Indian Air Force maintainers prepare their Sukhoi Su-30MKI (NATO reporting name: Flanker-H) aircraft during Red Flag 08-04 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Aug. 6, 2008. Red Flag is a multinational advanced aerial combat training exercise.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Sukhoi Su-30MKI (NATO reporting name: "Flanker-H") is a twinjet multirole air superiority fighter developed by Russia's Sukhoi and built under licence by India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF). A variant of the Sukhoi Su-30, it is a heavy, all-weather, long-range fighter.
Development of the variant started after India signed a deal with Russia in 2000 to manufacture 140 Su-30 fighter jets. The first Russian-made Su-30MKI variant was accepted into the Indian Air Force in 2002, while the first indigenously assembled Su-30MKI entered service with the IAF in 2004. The IAF had 240 Su-30MKIs in service as of October 2017. The Su-30MKI is expected to form the backbone of the Indian Air Force's fighter fleet to 2020 and beyond.
The aircraft is tailor-made for Indian specifications and integrates Indian systems and avionics as well as French and Israeli sub-systems. It has abilities similar to the Sukhoi Su-35 with which it shares many features and components.
Origins and acquision
The Su-30MKI was designed by Russia's Sukhoi Corporation beginning in 1995 and built under licence by India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The Su-30MKI is derived from the Sukhoi Su-27 and has a fusion of technology from the Su-37 demonstrator and Su-30 program, being more advanced than the Su-30MK and the Chinese Su-30MKK/MK2. Russia's Defence Ministry was impressed with the type's performance envelope and ordered 30 Su-30SMs, a localised Su-30MKI, for the Russian Air Force. It features state of the art avionics developed by Russia, India and Israel for display, navigation, targeting and electronic warfare; France and South Africa provided other avionics.
After two years of evaluation and negotiations, on 30 November 1996, India signed a US$1.462 billion deal with Sukhoi for 50 Russian-produced Su-30MKIs in five batches. The first batch were eight Su-30MKs, the basic version of Su-30. The second batch were to be 10 Su-30Ks with French and Israeli avionics. The third batch were to be 10 Su-30MKIs featuring canard foreplanes. The fourth batch of 12 Su-30MKIs and final batch of 10 Su-30MKIs were to have the AL-31FP turbofans.
In October 2000, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed for Indian licence-production of 140 Su-30MKIs; in December 2000, a deal was sealed at Russia's Irkutsk aircraft plant for full technology transfer. The first Nasik-built Su-30MKIs were to be delivered by 2004, with staggered production until 2017–18. In November 2002, the delivery schedule was expedited with production to be completed by 2015. An estimated 920 AL-31FP turbofans are to be manufactured at HAL's Koraput Division, while the mainframe and other accessories are to be manufactured at HAL's Lucknow and Hyderabad divisions. Final integration and test flights of the aircraft are carried out at HAL's Nasik Division. Four manufacturing phases were outlined with progressively increasing Indian content: Phase I, II, III and IV. In phase I, HAL manufactured the Su-30MKIs from knocked-down kits, transitioning to semi knocked-down kits in phase II and III; in phase IV, HAL produced aircraft from scratch from 2013 onwards.
In 2007, another order of 40 Su-30MKIs was placed. In 2009, the planned fleet strength was to be 230 aircraft. In 2008, Samtel HAL Display Systems (SHDS), a joint venture between Samtel Display Systems and HAL, won a contract to develop and manufacture multi-function avionics displays for the MKI. A helmet mounted display, Topsight-I, based on technology from Thales and developed by SHDS will be integrated on the Su-30MKI in the next upgrade. In March 2010, it was reported that India and Russia were discussing a contract for 42 more Su-30MKIs. In June 2010, it was reported that the Cabinet Committee on Security had cleared the ₹15,000 crore (US$2.2 billion) deal and that the 42 aircraft would be in service by 2018.
By August 2010, the cost increased to $4.3 billion or $102 million each. This increased unit cost compared to the previous unit cost of $40 million in 2007, has led to the rumours that these latest order of 42 Su-30MKIs are for the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) and these aircraft will be optimised and hardwired for nuclear weapons delivery. The SFC had previously submitted a proposal to the Indian Defence Ministry for setting up two dedicated squadrons of fighters consisting of 40 aircraft capable of delivering nuclear weapons.
HAL expected that indigenisation of the Su-30MKI programme would be completed by 2010; V. Balakrishnan, general manager of the Aircraft Manufacturing Division stated that "HAL will achieve 100 per cent indigenisation of the Sukhoi aircraft – from the production of raw materials to the final plane assembly". As of 2017, HAL manufactures more than 80% of the aircraft. On 11 October 2012, the Indian Government confirmed plans to buy another 42 Su-30MKI aircraft. On 24 December 2012, India ordered assembly kits for 42 Su-30MKIs by signing a deal during President Putin's visit to India. This increases India's order total to 272 Su-30MKIs.
In June 2018, India has reportedly decided not order any further Su-30s as they feel its cost of maintenance is very high compared to Western aircraft.
Upgrades
In 2004, India signed a deal with Russia to domestically produce the Novator K-100 missile, designed to shoot down airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) and C4ISTAR aircraft, for the Su-30MKI. Although not initially designed to carry nuclear or strategic weapons, in 2011, there were plans to integrate the nuclear-capable Nirbhay missile as well.
In May 2010, India Today reported that Russia had won a contract to upgrade 40 Su-30MKIs with new radars, onboard computers, electronic warfare systems and the ability to carry the BrahMos cruise missile. The first two prototypes with the "Super-30" upgrade will be delivered to the IAF in 2012, after which the upgrades will be performed on the last batch of 40 production aircraft. The Brahmos missile integrated on the Su-30MKI will provide the capability to attack ground targets from stand-off ranges of around 300 km. On 25 June 2016, HAL conducted the first test flight of a Su-30MKI fitted with a BrahMos-A missile from Nashik, India. The first air launch of BrahMos from a Su-30MKI was successfully carried out on 22 November 2017.
India is planning to upgrade its Su-30MKI fighters with Russian Phazotron Zhuk-AE Active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars. The X band radar can track 30 aerial targets in the track-while-scan mode and engage six targets simultaneously in attack mode. AESA technology offers improved performance and reliability compared with traditional mechanically scanned array radars. On 18 August 2010, India's Minister of Defence A K Antony stated the current estimated cost for the upgrade was ₹10,920 crore (US$2 billion) and the aircraft are likely to be upgraded in phases beginning in 2012.
The Indian Defence Ministry proposed several upgrades for the Su-30MKI to the Indian Parliament, including the fitting of Russian Phazotron Zhuk-AE AESA radars starting in 2012. During MMRCA trials the Zhuk-AE AESA radar demonstrated significant capabilities, including ground-mapping modes and the ability to detect and track aerial targets. At the 2011 MAKS air-show, Irkut chairman Alexy Fedorov offered an upgrade package with an improved radar, and reduced radar signature to the Indian fleet to make them "Super Sukhois".
In 2012, upgrades of the earlier 80 Su-30MKIs involves equipping them with stand-off missiles with a range of 300 km; a request for information (ROI) was issued for such weapons. In 2011, India issued a request for information to MBDA for the integration of the Brimstone ground attack missile and the long-range Meteor air-to-air missile.
In February 2017, it was reported that the planes would be upgraded with AL-41F turbofan engines, same as the ones on Sukhoi Su-35. In August 2017, the Indian government cleared a proposal of Rs. 30,000 crore to equip the planes with new reconnaissance pods.
Design
Characteristics
The Su-30MKI is a highly integrated twin-finned aircraft. The airframe is constructed of titanium and high-strength aluminium alloys. The engine intake ramps and nacelles are fitted with trouser fairings to provide a continuous streamlined profile between the nacelles and the tail beams. The fins and horizontal tail consoles are attached to tail beams. The central beam section between the engine nacelles consists of the equipment compartment, fuel tank and the brake parachute container. The fuselage head is of semi-monocoque construction and includes the cockpit, radar compartments and the avionics bay.
Su-30MKI aerodynamic configuration is a longitudinal triplane with relaxed stability. The canard increases the aircraft lift ability and deflects automatically to allow high angle of attack (AoA) flights allowing it to perform Pugachev's Cobra. The integral aerodynamic configuration combined with thrust vectoring results in extremely capable manoeuvrability, taking off and landing characteristics. This high agility allows rapid deployment of weapons in any direction as desired by the crew. The canard notably assists in controlling the aircraft at large angles-of-attack and bringing it to a level flight condition. The aircraft has a fly-by-wire (FBW) with quadruple redundancy. Dependent on flight conditions, signals from the control stick position transmitter or the FCS may be coupled to remote control amplifiers and combined with feedback signals from acceleration sensors and rate gyros. The resultant control signals are coupled to the high-speed electro-hydraulic actuators of the elevators, rudders and the canard. The output signals are compared and, if the difference is significant, the faulty channel is disconnected. FBW is based on a stall warning and barrier mechanism which prevents stalls through dramatic increases of control stick pressure, allowing a pilot to effectively control the aircraft without exceeding the angle of attack and acceleration limitations. Although the maximum angle of attack is limited by the canards, the FBW acts as an additional safety mechanism.
The Su-30MKI has a range of 3,000 km with internal fuel which ensures a 3.75 hour combat mission. Also, it has an in-flight refueling (IFR) probe that retracts beside the cockpit during normal operation. The air refueling system increases the flight duration up to 10 hours with a range of 8,000 km at a cruise height of 11 to 13 km.[citation needed] Su-30MKIs can also use the Cobham 754 buddy refueling pods.
The Su-30MKI's radar cross-section (RCS) is reportedly from 4 to 20 square metres.
Cockpit
The displays include a customised version of the Israeli Elbit Su 967 head-up display (HUD) consisting of bi-cubic phase conjugated holographic displays and seven multifunction liquid-crystal displays, six 127 mm × 127 mm and one 152 mm × 152 mm. Flight information is displayed on four LCD displays which include one for piloting and navigation, a tactical situation indicator, and two for display systems information including operating modes and overall status. Variants of this HUD have also been chosen for the IAF's Mikoyan MiG-27 and SEPECAT Jaguar upgrades for standardisation. The rear cockpit has a larger monochrome display for air-to-surface missile guidance.
The Su-30MKI on-board health and usage monitoring system (HUMS) monitors almost every aircraft system and sub-system, and can also act as an engineering data recorder. From 2010, indigenously designed and built HUDs and Multi-Function Displays (MFD) were produced by the Delhi-based Samtel Group Display Systems.
The crew are provided with zero-zero NPP Zvezda K-36DM ejection seats. The rear seat is raised for better visibility. The cockpit is provided with containers to store food and water reserves, a waste disposal system and extra oxygen bottles. The K-36DM ejection seat is inclined at 30°, to help the pilot resist aircraft accelerations in air combat.
Avionics
The forward-facing NIIP N011M Bars (Panther) is a powerful integrated passive electronically scanned array radar. The N011M is a digital multi-mode dual frequency band radar. The N011M can function in air-to-air and air-to-land/sea mode simultaneously while being tied into a high-precision laser-inertial or GPS navigation system. It is equipped with a modern digital weapons control system as well as anti-jamming features. N011M has a 400 km search range and a maximum 200 km tracking range, and 60 km in the rear hemisphere. The radar can track 15 air targets and engage 4 simultaneously. These targets can even include cruise missiles and motionless helicopters. The Su-30MKI can function as a mini-AWACS as a director or command post for other aircraft. The target co-ordinates can be transferred automatically to at least four other aircraft. The radar can detect ground targets such as tanks at 40–50 km. The Bars radar will be replaced by Zhuk-AESA in all Su-30MKI aircraft.
OLS-30 laser-optical Infra-red search and track includes a day and night FLIR capability and is used in conjunction with the helmet mounted sighting system. The OLS-30 is a combined IRST/LR device using a cooled, broad waveband sensor. Detection range is up to 90 km, while the laser ranger is effective to 3.5 km. Targets are displayed on the same LCD display as the radar. Israeli LITENING targeting pod is used to target laser guided munitions. The original Litening pod includes a long range FLIR, a TV camera, laser spot tracker to pick up target designated by other aircraft or ground forces, and an electro-optical point and inertial tracker, which enables engagement of the target even when partly obscured by clouds or countermeasures; it also integrates a laser range-finder and flash-lamp powered laser designator for the delivery of laser-guided bombs, cluster and general-purpose bomb.
The aircraft is fitted with a satellite navigation system (A-737 GPS compatible), which permits it to make flights in all weather, day and night. The navigation complex includes the high accuracy SAGEM Sigma-95 integrated global positioning system and ring laser gyroscope inertial navigation system. Phase 3 of further development of the MKI, will integrate avionic systems being developed for the Indo-Russian Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft programme.
Sukhoi Su-30MKI has electronic counter-measure systems. The RWR system is of Indian design, developed by India's DRDO, called Tarang, (Wave in English). It has direction finding capability and is known to have a programmable threat library. The RWR is derived from work done on an earlier system for India's MiG-23BNs known as the Tranquil, which is now superseded by the more advanced Tarang series. Elta EL/M-8222 a self-protection jammer developed by Israel Aircraft Industries is the MKI's standard EW pod, which the Israeli Air Force uses on its F-15s. The ELTA El/M-8222 Self Protection Pod is a power-managed jammer, air-cooled system with an ESM receiver integrated into the pod. The pod contains an antenna on the forward and aft ends, which receive the hostile RF signal and after processing deliver the appropriate response.
Propulsion
The Su-30MKI is powered by two Lyulka-Saturn AL-31FP turbofans, each rated at 12,500 kgf (27,550 lbf) of full after-burning thrust, which enable speeds of up to Mach 2 in horizontal flight and a rate of climb of 230 m/s. The mean time between overhaul is reportedly 1,000 hours with a full-life span of 3,000 hours; the titanium nozzle has a mean time between overhaul of 500 hours. In early 2015, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar stated before Parliament that the AL-31FP had suffered numerous failures, between the end of 2012 and early 2015, a total of 69 Su-30MKI engine-related failures had occurred; commons causes were bearing failures due to metal fatigue and low oil pressure, in response several engine modifications were made to improve lubrication, as well as the use of higher quality oil and adjustments to the fitting of bearings.
The Su-30MKI's AL-31FP powerplant built on the earlier AL-31FU, adding two-plane thrust vectoring nozzles are mounted 32 degrees outward to longitudinal engine axis (i.e. in the horizontal plane) and can be deflected ±15 degrees in one plane. The canting allows the aircraft to produce both roll and yaw by vectoring each engine nozzle differently; this allows the aircraft to create thrust vectoring moments about all three rotational axes, pitch, yaw and roll. Engine thrust is adjusted via a conventional engine throttle lever as opposed to a strain-gauge engine control stick. The aircraft is controlled by a standard control stick. The pilot can activate a switch for performing difficult maneuvers; while this is enabled, the computer automatically determines the deflection angles of the swiveling nozzles and aerodynamic surfaces.
Operational history
The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is the most potent fighter jet in service with the Indian Air Force in the late 2000s. The MKIs are often fielded by the IAF in bilateral and multilateral air exercises. India exercised its Su-30MKIs against the Royal Air Force's Tornado ADVs in October 2006. This was the first large-scale bilateral aerial exercise with any foreign air force during which the IAF used its Su-30MKIs extensively. This exercise was also the first in 43 years with the RAF. During the exercise, the RAF Air Chief Marshal Glenn Torpy was given permission by the IAF to fly the MKI. RAF's Air Vice Marshal, Christopher Harper, praised the MKI's dogfight ability, calling it "absolutely masterful in dogfights".
In July 2007, the Indian Air Force fielded the MKI during the Indra-Dhanush exercise with Royal Air Force's Eurofighter Typhoon. This was the first time that the two jets had taken part in such an exercise. The IAF did not allow their pilots to use the radar of the MKIs during the exercise so as to protect the highly classified N011M Bars. Also in the exercise were RAF Tornado F3s and a Hawk. RAF "Tornado" pilots were candid in their admission of the Su-30MKI's superior manoeuvring in the air, and the IAF pilots were impressed by the Typhoons agility.
In 2004, India sent Su-30MKs, an earlier variant of the Su-30MKI, to take part in war games with the United States Air Force (USAF) during Cope India 04. The results have been widely publicised, with the Indians winning "90% of the mock combat missions" against the USAF's F-15C. The parameters of the exercise heavily favored the IAF; none of the six 3rd Wing F-15Cs were equipped with the newer long-range, active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars and, at India's request, the U.S. agreed to mock combat at 3-to-1 odds and without the use of simulated long-range, radar-guided AIM-120 AMRAAMs for beyond-visual-range kills. In Cope India 05, the Su-30MKIs reportedly beat the USAF's F-16s.
In July 2008, the IAF sent 6 Su-30MKIs and 2 Il-78MKI aerial-refueling tankers, to participate in the Red Flag exercise. The IAF again did not allow their pilots to use the radar of the MKIs during the exercise so as to protect the highly classified N011M Bars. In October 2008, a video surfaced on the internet which featured a USAF colonel, Terrence Fornof, criticising Su-30MKIs performance against the F-15C, engine serviceability issues, and high friendly kill rate during the Red Flag exercise. Several of his claims were later rebutted by the Indian side and the USAF also distanced itself from his remarks.
In June 2010, India and France began the fourth round of their joint air exercises, "Garuda", at the Istres Air Base in France. During Garuda, the IAF and the French Air Force were engaged in various missions ranging from close combat engagement of large forces, slow mover protection, protecting and engaging high value aerial assets. This exercise marked the first time the Su-30MKI took part in a military exercise in France.
The Indian Air Force first took part in the United States Air Force's Red Flag exercise in 2008. Participating in Red Flag costs the IAF ₹ 100 crore (US$17.5 million) each time. To reduce costs, the IAF decided to take part once every five years. The IAF is taking part in the Red Flag exercise in July 2013, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, United States. For the exercise, it is dispatching eight Su-30MKIs, two Lockheed C-130J Hercules tactical aircraft, two Ilyushin Il-78 (NATO reporting name Midas) mid-air refueling tankers, one Ilyushin Il-76 (NATO reporting name Candid) heavy-lift aircraft, and over 150 personnel.
The IAF again fielded its MKIs in the Garuda-V exercise with France in June 2014, where they manoeuvred in mixed groups with other IAF aircraft and French Rafales.
On 21 July 2015, India and UK began the bilateral exercise named Indradhanush with aircraft operating from three Royal Air Force bases. The exercises included both Beyond Visual Range (BVR) and Within Visual Range (WVR) exercises between the Su-30MKI and Eurofighter Typhoon. Indian media reported the results were in favour of the IAF with a score of 12-0 at WVR engagements. They also claim that the IAF Su-30MKIs held an edge over the Typhoons in BVR engagements though not in as dominating a manner. The RAF issued a statement that the results being reported by the Indian media did not reflect the results of the exercise. According to Aviation International News In close combat, thrust vector control on the Flankers more than compensated for the greater thrust-to-weight ratio of the Typhoon.
On 27 February 2019, the Pakistani Air Force stated that it had downed an Indian Sukhoi Su-30MKI in an aerial skirmish. The Indian Air Force said this statement was a cover up for the loss of a Pakistani F-16 fighter, stating that all Sukhoi aircraft that were dispatched returned safely.
On 4 March 2019, an Indian Su-30MKI shot down a Pakistani drone in Indian airspace, according to local media reports.
F-16C Fighting Falcon
Published September 16, 2015
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F-16C Fighting Falcon
Published September 2, 2015
Mission
Primary weapons system of the 20th Fighter Wing, the Lockheed-Martin F-16C Fighting Falcon Block 50 model is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft. It is highly maneuverable and has proven itself in more than 30 years of operations including air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack. It provides a relatively low-cost, high-performance weapon system for the United States and 25 friendly nations.
Only four USAF units operate the C model: 20th Fighter Wing, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. (three squadrons); 169th Fighter Wing, Joint National Guard Base McEntire, S.C. (one squadron); 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany (one squadron); and 35th Fighter Wing, Misawa AB, Japan (two squadrons).
Features
In an air combat role, the F-16's maneuverability and combat radius (distance it can fly to enter air combat, stay, fight and return) until recently have exceed that of all potential adversary fighter aircraft. It can locate targets in all weather conditions and detect low flying aircraft in radar ground clutter. In an air-to-surface role, the F-16 can fly more than 500 miles (860 kilometers), deliver its weapons with superior accuracy, defend itself against enemy aircraft, and return to its starting point. An all-weather capability allows it to accurately deliver ordnance during non-visual bombing conditions.
In designing the F-16, advanced aerospace science and proven reliable systems from other aircraft such as the F-15 and F-111 were selected. These were combined to simplify the airplane and reduce its size, purchase price, maintenance costs and weight. The light weight of the fuselage is achieved without reducing its strength. With a full load of internal fuel, the F-16 can withstand up to nine G's -- nine times the force of gravity -- which exceeds the capability of other current fighter aircraft.
The cockpit and its bubble canopy give the pilot unobstructed forward and upward vision, and greatly improved vision over the side and to the rear. The seat-back angle was expanded from the usual 13 degrees to 30 degrees, increasing pilot comfort and gravity force tolerance. The pilot has excellent flight control of the F-16 through its "fly-by-wire" system. Electrical wires relay commands, replacing the usual cables and linkage controls. For easy and accurate control of the aircraft during high G-force combat maneuvers, a side stick controller is used instead of the conventional center-mounted stick. Hand pressure on the side stick controller sends electrical signals to actuators of flight control surfaces such as ailerons and rudder.
Avionics systems include a highly accurate enhanced global positioning and inertial navigation systems, or EGI, in which computers provide steering information to the pilot. The plane has UHF and VHF radios plus an instrument landing system. It also has a warning system and modular countermeasure pods to be used against airborne or surface electronic threats. The fuselage has space for additional avionics systems.
Background
The F-16A, a single-seat model, first flew in December 1976. The first operational unit was delivered in January 1979 to the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing at Hill Air Force Base, Utah.
The F-16B and D, two-seat versions, have tandem cockpits that are about the same size as the one in the A model. The bubble canopy is lengthened to cover the second cockpit. To make room for the second cockpit, the forward fuselage fuel tank and avionics growth space were reduced. During training, the forward cockpit is used by a student pilot with an instructor pilot in the rear cockpit.
All F-16s delivered since November 1981 have built-in structural and wiring provisions and systems architecture that permit expansion of the multirole flexibility to perform precision strike, night attack and beyond-visual-range interception missions. This improvement program led to the F-16C and D aircraft, which are the single- and two-place replacements to the F-16A/B, and have the latest cockpit control and display technology. At this writing no active, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units still operate the F-16A/B.
The F-16 was built under an unusual agreement creating a consortium between the United States and four NATO countries: Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway. These countries jointly produced with the United States an initial 348 F-16s for their air forces. Final airframe assembly lines were located in Dallas, Belgium and the Netherlands. The consortium's F-16s are assembled from components manufactured in all five countries. Belgium also provides final assembly of the F100 engine used in the European F-16s. Recently, Portugal joined the consortium. The long-term benefits of this program will be technology transfer among the nations producing the F-16, and a common-use aircraft for NATO nations. This program increases the supply and availability of repair parts in Europe and improves the F-16's combat readiness.
USAF F-16 multirole fighters were deployed to the Persian Gulf in 1991 in support of Operation Desert Storm, where more sorties were flown than with any other aircraft. These fighters were used to attack airfields, military production facilities, Scud missiles sites and a variety of other targets.
During Operation Allied Force, USAF F-16 multirole fighters flew a variety of missions to include suppression of enemy air defense, offensive counter air, defensive counter air, close air support and forward air controller missions. Mission results were outstanding as these fighters destroyed radar sites, vehicles, tanks, opposition aircraft and facilities.
(From Lockheed-Martin "Code 1" magazine, August 2015)
F-16 BLOCK 50/52 "WILD WEASEL Plus"
The first Block 50/52 was delivered to the US Air Force in 1991, and reached initial operational status in 1994. The Block 50/52 F-16 is recognized for its ability to carry the AGM-88 High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile in the suppression of enemy air defenses, or SEAD, missions. The F-16 can carry as many as four HARMs.
An avionics launcher interface computer allows the F-16 to launch the HARM missile. US Air Force F-16s have been upgraded to carry the HARM Targeting System, or HTS, pod on the left intake hard point so it can be combined with laser targeting pods designed to fit on the right intake hard point. The HTS pod contains a hypersensitive receiver that detects, classifies, and ranges threats and passes the information to the HARM and to the cockpit displays. With the targeting system, the F-16 has full autonomous HARM capability.
The Block 50/52 F-16 continued to be improved, and the current aircraft sold to the Foreign Military Sales customers is equipped with the APG-68(V9) radar, which offers longer-range detection against air targets and higher reliability. The Block 50/52 now includes embedded global positioning system/inertial navigation system, a larger capacity data transfer cartridge, a digital terrain system data transfer cartridge, a cockpit compatible with night vision systems, an improved data modem, an AL-56M advanced radar warning receiver, an ALE-47 threat-adaptive countermeasure system, satellite communication system and an advanced interrogator for identifying friendly aircraft.
ln the cockpit, an upgraded programmable display generator has four times the memory and seven times the processor speed of the system it replaces. New antennas increase reception ranges. Some Cs have satellite communication capability.
With a maximum gross takeoff weight around 39,000 pounds, the Block 50/52 is powered by increased performance engines: the General Electric F110-GE-129 and the Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229, each rated to deliver over 29,000 pounds of thrust in afterburner. Block 50/52 are the first F-16 versions to fully integrate the AGM-84 Harpoon anti-shipping missile.
New-production Block 50/52 aircraft ordered after 1996 include color multi-function displays, the modular mission computer, and a multichannel video recorder. All international versions of the Block 50/52 have LANTiRN capability. More than 800 Block 50/52s have been delivered from production lines in Fort Worth, Korea, and Turkey. The Fort Worth production line is currently the only active F-16 line. The other production lines have completed their production runs and been shut down.
Cost new: Approximately $20 million ($30 million in 2014 dollars). (Source: Lockheed-Martin)
General Characteristics (F-16C)
Primary Function: Suppression and/or destruction of enemy air defenses, air and ground interdiction
Contractor: Lockheed Martin Corporation
Power Plant: One Pratt and Whitney F100-PW-200/220/229 or General Electric F110-GE-100/129
Thrust: 29,000 pounds
Wingspan: 32 feet, 8 inches (9.8 meters)
Length: 49 feet, 5 inches (14.8 meters)
Height: 16 feet (4.8 meters)
Weight: 19,700 pounds without fuel (8,936 kilograms)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 39,000 pounds (17,690 kilograms)
Payload: Two 2,000-pound bombs, two AIM-9, two AIM-120 and two 2400-pound external fuel tanks
Speed: 1,500 mph (Mach 2 at altitude)
Range: More than 2,002 miles ferry range (1,740 nautical miles)
Ceiling: Above 50,000 feet (15 kilometers)
Armament: One M-61A1 20mm multibarrel cannon with 500 rounds; external stations can carry up to six air-to-air missiles, targeting and visual acquisition pods, conventional air-to-air and air-to-surface munitions and electronic countermeasure pods
Crew: F-16C, one; F-16D, one or two
Initial operating capability: F-16C/D Block 50-52, 1994
Production: F-16C, more than 800.
www.shaw.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/6638...
Indian Air Force maintainers prepare their Sukhoi Su-30MKI (NATO reporting name: "Flanker-H") aircraft during Red Flag 08-04 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Aug. 6, 2008. Red Flag is a multinational advanced aerial combat training exercise.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Sukhoi Su-30MKI (NATO reporting name: "Flanker-H") is a twinjet multirole air superiority fighter developed by Russia's Sukhoi and built under licence by India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF). A variant of the Sukhoi Su-30, it is a heavy, all-weather, long-range fighter.
Development of the variant started after India signed a deal with Russia in 2000 to manufacture 140 Su-30 fighter jets. The first Russian-made Su-30MKI variant was accepted into the Indian Air Force in 2002, while the first indigenously assembled Su-30MKI entered service with the IAF in 2004. The IAF had 240 Su-30MKIs in service as of October 2017. The Su-30MKI is expected to form the backbone of the Indian Air Force's fighter fleet to 2020 and beyond.
The aircraft is tailor-made for Indian specifications and integrates Indian systems and avionics as well as French and Israeli sub-systems. It has abilities similar to the Sukhoi Su-35 with which it shares many features and components.
Origins and acquision
The Su-30MKI was designed by Russia's Sukhoi Corporation beginning in 1995 and built under licence by India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The Su-30MKI is derived from the Sukhoi Su-27 and has a fusion of technology from the Su-37 demonstrator and Su-30 program, being more advanced than the Su-30MK and the Chinese Su-30MKK/MK2. Russia's Defence Ministry was impressed with the type's performance envelope and ordered 30 Su-30SMs, a localised Su-30MKI, for the Russian Air Force. It features state of the art avionics developed by Russia, India and Israel for display, navigation, targeting and electronic warfare; France and South Africa provided other avionics.
After two years of evaluation and negotiations, on 30 November 1996, India signed a US$1.462 billion deal with Sukhoi for 50 Russian-produced Su-30MKIs in five batches. The first batch were eight Su-30MKs, the basic version of Su-30. The second batch were to be 10 Su-30Ks with French and Israeli avionics. The third batch were to be 10 Su-30MKIs featuring canard foreplanes. The fourth batch of 12 Su-30MKIs and final batch of 10 Su-30MKIs were to have the AL-31FP turbofans.
In October 2000, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed for Indian licence-production of 140 Su-30MKIs; in December 2000, a deal was sealed at Russia's Irkutsk aircraft plant for full technology transfer. The first Nasik-built Su-30MKIs were to be delivered by 2004, with staggered production until 2017–18. In November 2002, the delivery schedule was expedited with production to be completed by 2015. An estimated 920 AL-31FP turbofans are to be manufactured at HAL's Koraput Division, while the mainframe and other accessories are to be manufactured at HAL's Lucknow and Hyderabad divisions. Final integration and test flights of the aircraft are carried out at HAL's Nasik Division. Four manufacturing phases were outlined with progressively increasing Indian content: Phase I, II, III and IV. In phase I, HAL manufactured the Su-30MKIs from knocked-down kits, transitioning to semi knocked-down kits in phase II and III; in phase IV, HAL produced aircraft from scratch from 2013 onwards.
In 2007, another order of 40 Su-30MKIs was placed. In 2009, the planned fleet strength was to be 230 aircraft. In 2008, Samtel HAL Display Systems (SHDS), a joint venture between Samtel Display Systems and HAL, won a contract to develop and manufacture multi-function avionics displays for the MKI. A helmet mounted display, Topsight-I, based on technology from Thales and developed by SHDS will be integrated on the Su-30MKI in the next upgrade. In March 2010, it was reported that India and Russia were discussing a contract for 42 more Su-30MKIs. In June 2010, it was reported that the Cabinet Committee on Security had cleared the ₹15,000 crore (US$2.2 billion) deal and that the 42 aircraft would be in service by 2018.
By August 2010, the cost increased to $4.3 billion or $102 million each. This increased unit cost compared to the previous unit cost of $40 million in 2007, has led to the rumours that these latest order of 42 Su-30MKIs are for the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) and these aircraft will be optimised and hardwired for nuclear weapons delivery. The SFC had previously submitted a proposal to the Indian Defence Ministry for setting up two dedicated squadrons of fighters consisting of 40 aircraft capable of delivering nuclear weapons.
HAL expected that indigenisation of the Su-30MKI programme would be completed by 2010; V. Balakrishnan, general manager of the Aircraft Manufacturing Division stated that "HAL will achieve 100 per cent indigenisation of the Sukhoi aircraft – from the production of raw materials to the final plane assembly". As of 2017, HAL manufactures more than 80% of the aircraft. On 11 October 2012, the Indian Government confirmed plans to buy another 42 Su-30MKI aircraft. On 24 December 2012, India ordered assembly kits for 42 Su-30MKIs by signing a deal during President Putin's visit to India. This increases India's order total to 272 Su-30MKIs.
In June 2018, India has reportedly decided not order any further Su-30s as they feel its cost of maintenance is very high compared to Western aircraft.
Upgrades
In 2004, India signed a deal with Russia to domestically produce the Novator K-100 missile, designed to shoot down airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) and C4ISTAR aircraft, for the Su-30MKI. Although not initially designed to carry nuclear or strategic weapons, in 2011, there were plans to integrate the nuclear-capable Nirbhay missile as well.
In May 2010, India Today reported that Russia had won a contract to upgrade 40 Su-30MKIs with new radars, onboard computers, electronic warfare systems and the ability to carry the BrahMos cruise missile. The first two prototypes with the "Super-30" upgrade will be delivered to the IAF in 2012, after which the upgrades will be performed on the last batch of 40 production aircraft. The Brahmos missile integrated on the Su-30MKI will provide the capability to attack ground targets from stand-off ranges of around 300 km. On 25 June 2016, HAL conducted the first test flight of a Su-30MKI fitted with a BrahMos-A missile from Nashik, India. The first air launch of BrahMos from a Su-30MKI was successfully carried out on 22 November 2017.
India is planning to upgrade its Su-30MKI fighters with Russian Phazotron Zhuk-AE Active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars. The X band radar can track 30 aerial targets in the track-while-scan mode and engage six targets simultaneously in attack mode. AESA technology offers improved performance and reliability compared with traditional mechanically scanned array radars. On 18 August 2010, India's Minister of Defence A K Antony stated the current estimated cost for the upgrade was ₹10,920 crore (US$2 billion) and the aircraft are likely to be upgraded in phases beginning in 2012.
The Indian Defence Ministry proposed several upgrades for the Su-30MKI to the Indian Parliament, including the fitting of Russian Phazotron Zhuk-AE AESA radars starting in 2012. During MMRCA trials the Zhuk-AE AESA radar demonstrated significant capabilities, including ground-mapping modes and the ability to detect and track aerial targets. At the 2011 MAKS air-show, Irkut chairman Alexy Fedorov offered an upgrade package with an improved radar, and reduced radar signature to the Indian fleet to make them "Super Sukhois".
In 2012, upgrades of the earlier 80 Su-30MKIs involves equipping them with stand-off missiles with a range of 300 km; a request for information (ROI) was issued for such weapons. In 2011, India issued a request for information to MBDA for the integration of the Brimstone ground attack missile and the long-range Meteor air-to-air missile.
In February 2017, it was reported that the planes would be upgraded with AL-41F turbofan engines, same as the ones on Sukhoi Su-35. In August 2017, the Indian government cleared a proposal of Rs. 30,000 crore to equip the planes with new reconnaissance pods.
Design
Characteristics
The Su-30MKI is a highly integrated twin-finned aircraft. The airframe is constructed of titanium and high-strength aluminium alloys. The engine intake ramps and nacelles are fitted with trouser fairings to provide a continuous streamlined profile between the nacelles and the tail beams. The fins and horizontal tail consoles are attached to tail beams. The central beam section between the engine nacelles consists of the equipment compartment, fuel tank and the brake parachute container. The fuselage head is of semi-monocoque construction and includes the cockpit, radar compartments and the avionics bay.
Su-30MKI aerodynamic configuration is a longitudinal triplane with relaxed stability. The canard increases the aircraft lift ability and deflects automatically to allow high angle of attack (AoA) flights allowing it to perform Pugachev's Cobra. The integral aerodynamic configuration combined with thrust vectoring results in extremely capable manoeuvrability, taking off and landing characteristics. This high agility allows rapid deployment of weapons in any direction as desired by the crew. The canard notably assists in controlling the aircraft at large angles-of-attack and bringing it to a level flight condition. The aircraft has a fly-by-wire (FBW) with quadruple redundancy. Dependent on flight conditions, signals from the control stick position transmitter or the FCS may be coupled to remote control amplifiers and combined with feedback signals from acceleration sensors and rate gyros. The resultant control signals are coupled to the high-speed electro-hydraulic actuators of the elevators, rudders and the canard. The output signals are compared and, if the difference is significant, the faulty channel is disconnected. FBW is based on a stall warning and barrier mechanism which prevents stalls through dramatic increases of control stick pressure, allowing a pilot to effectively control the aircraft without exceeding the angle of attack and acceleration limitations. Although the maximum angle of attack is limited by the canards, the FBW acts as an additional safety mechanism.
The Su-30MKI has a range of 3,000 km with internal fuel which ensures a 3.75 hour combat mission. Also, it has an in-flight refueling (IFR) probe that retracts beside the cockpit during normal operation. The air refueling system increases the flight duration up to 10 hours with a range of 8,000 km at a cruise height of 11 to 13 km.[citation needed] Su-30MKIs can also use the Cobham 754 buddy refueling pods.
The Su-30MKIs radar cross-section (RCS) is reportedly from 4 to 20 square metres.
Cockpit
The displays include a customised version of the Israeli Elbit Su 967 head-up display (HUD) consisting of bi-cubic phase conjugated holographic displays and seven multifunction liquid-crystal displays, six 127 mm × 127 mm and one 152 mm × 152 mm. Flight information is displayed on four LCD displays which include one for piloting and navigation, a tactical situation indicator, and two for display systems information including operating modes and overall status. Variants of this HUD have also been chosen for the IAF's Mikoyan MiG-27 and SEPECAT Jaguar upgrades for standardisation. The rear cockpit has a larger monochrome display for air-to-surface missile guidance.
The Su-30MKI on-board health and usage monitoring system (HUMS) monitors almost every aircraft system and sub-system, and can also act as an engineering data recorder. From 2010, indigenously designed and built HUDs and Multi-Function Displays (MFD) were produced by the Delhi-based Samtel Group Display Systems.
The crew are provided with zero-zero NPP Zvezda K-36DM ejection seats. The rear seat is raised for better visibility. The cockpit is provided with containers to store food and water reserves, a waste disposal system and extra oxygen bottles. The K-36DM ejection seat is inclined at 30°, to help the pilot resist aircraft accelerations in air combat.
Avionics
The forward-facing NIIP N011M Bars (Panther) is a powerful integrated passive electronically scanned array radar. The N011M is a digital multi-mode dual frequency band radar. The N011M can function in air-to-air and air-to-land/sea mode simultaneously while being tied into a high-precision laser-inertial or GPS navigation system. It is equipped with a modern digital weapons control system as well as anti-jamming features. N011M has a 400 km search range and a maximum 200 km tracking range, and 60 km in the rear hemisphere. The radar can track 15 air targets and engage 4 simultaneously. These targets can even include cruise missiles and motionless helicopters. The Su-30MKI can function as a mini-AWACS as a director or command post for other aircraft. The target co-ordinates can be transferred automatically to at least four other aircraft. The radar can detect ground targets such as tanks at 40–50 km. The Bars radar will be replaced by Zhuk-AESA in all Su-30MKI aircraft.
OLS-30 laser-optical Infra-red search and track includes a day and night FLIR capability and is used in conjunction with the helmet mounted sighting system. The OLS-30 is a combined IRST/LR device using a cooled, broad waveband sensor. Detection range is up to 90 km, while the laser ranger is effective to 3.5 km. Targets are displayed on the same LCD display as the radar. Israeli LITENING targeting pod is used to target laser guided munitions. The original Litening pod includes a long range FLIR, a TV camera, laser spot tracker to pick up target designated by other aircraft or ground forces, and an electro-optical point and inertial tracker, which enables engagement of the target even when partly obscured by clouds or countermeasures; it also integrates a laser range-finder and flash-lamp powered laser designator for the delivery of laser-guided bombs, cluster and general-purpose bomb.
The aircraft is fitted with a satellite navigation system (A-737 GPS compatible), which permits it to make flights in all weather, day and night. The navigation complex includes the high accuracy SAGEM Sigma-95 integrated global positioning system and ring laser gyroscope inertial navigation system. Phase 3 of further development of the MKI, will integrate avionic systems being developed for the Indo-Russian Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft programme.
Sukhoi Su-30MKI has electronic counter-measure systems. The RWR system is of Indian design, developed by India's DRDO, called Tarang, (Wave in English). It has direction finding capability and is known to have a programmable threat library. The RWR is derived from work done on an earlier system for India's MiG-23BNs known as the Tranquil, which is now superseded by the more advanced Tarang series. Elta EL/M-8222 a self-protection jammer developed by Israel Aircraft Industries is the MKI's standard EW pod, which the Israeli Air Force uses on its F-15s. The ELTA El/M-8222 Self Protection Pod is a power-managed jammer, air-cooled system with an ESM receiver integrated into the pod. The pod contains an antenna on the forward and aft ends, which receive the hostile RF signal and after processing deliver the appropriate response.
Propulsion
The Su-30MKI is powered by two Lyulka-Saturn AL-31FP turbofans, each rated at 12,500 kgf (27,550 lbf) of full after-burning thrust, which enable speeds of up to Mach 2 in horizontal flight and a rate of climb of 230 m/s. The mean time between overhaul is reportedly 1,000 hours with a full-life span of 3,000 hours; the titanium nozzle has a mean time between overhaul of 500 hours. In early 2015, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar stated before Parliament that the AL-31FP had suffered numerous failures, between the end of 2012 and early 2015, a total of 69 Su-30MKI engine-related failures had occurred; commons causes were bearing failures due to metal fatigue and low oil pressure, in response several engine modifications were made to improve lubrication, as well as the use of higher quality oil and adjustments to the fitting of bearings.
The Su-30MKIs AL-31FP powerplant built on the earlier AL-31FU, adding two-plane thrust vectoring nozzles are mounted 32 degrees outward to longitudinal engine axis (i.e. in the horizontal plane) and can be deflected ±15 degrees in one plane. The canting allows the aircraft to produce both roll and yaw by vectoring each engine nozzle differently; this allows the aircraft to create thrust vectoring moments about all three rotational axes, pitch, yaw and roll. Engine thrust is adjusted via a conventional engine throttle lever as opposed to a strain-gauge engine control stick. The aircraft is controlled by a standard control stick. The pilot can activate a switch for performing difficult maneuvers; while this is enabled, the computer automatically determines the deflection angles of the swiveling nozzles and aerodynamic surfaces.
Operational history
The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is the most potent fighter jet in service with the Indian Air Force in the late 2000s. The MKIs are often fielded by the IAF in bilateral and multilateral air exercises. India exercised its Su-30MKIs against the Royal Air Force's Tornado ADVs in October 2006. This was the first large-scale bilateral aerial exercise with any foreign air force during which the IAF used its Su-30MKIs extensively. This exercise was also the first in 43 years with the RAF. During the exercise, the RAF Air Chief Marshal Glenn Torpy was given permission by the IAF to fly the MKI. RAF's Air Vice Marshal, Christopher Harper, praised the MKIs dogfight ability, calling it "absolutely masterful in dogfights".
In July 2007, the Indian Air Force fielded the MKI during the Indra-Dhanush exercise with Royal Air Force's Eurofighter Typhoon. This was the first time that the two jets had taken part in such an exercise. The IAF did not allow their pilots to use the radar of the MKIs during the exercise so as to protect the highly classified N011M Bars. Also in the exercise were RAF Tornado F3s and a Hawk. RAF "Tornado" pilots were candid in their admission of the Su-30MKIs superior manoeuvring in the air, and the IAF pilots were impressed by the Typhoons agility.
In 2004, India sent Su-30MKs, an earlier variant of the Su-30MKI, to take part in war games with the United States Air Force (USAF) during Cope India 04. The results have been widely publicised, with the Indians winning "90% of the mock combat missions" against the USAF's F-15C. The parameters of the exercise heavily favored the IAF; none of the six 3rd Wing F-15Cs were equipped with the newer long-range, active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars and, at India's request, the U.S. agreed to mock combat at 3-to-1 odds and without the use of simulated long-range, radar-guided AIM-120 AMRAAMs for beyond-visual-range kills. In Cope India 05, the Su-30MKIs reportedly beat the USAF's F-16s.
In July 2008, the IAF sent 6 Su-30MKIs and 2 Il-78MKI aerial-refueling tankers, to participate in the Red Flag exercise. The IAF again did not allow their pilots to use the radar of the MKIs during the exercise so as to protect the highly classified N011M Bars. In October 2008, a video surfaced on the internet which featured a USAF colonel, Terrence Fornof, criticising Su-30MKIs performance against the F-15C, engine serviceability issues, and high friendly kill rate during the Red Flag exercise. Several of his claims were later rebutted by the Indian side and the USAF also distanced itself from his remarks.
In June 2010, India and France began the fourth round of their joint air exercises, "Garuda", at the Istres Air Base in France. During Garuda, the IAF and the French Air Force were engaged in various missions ranging from close combat engagement of large forces, slow mover protection, protecting and engaging high value aerial assets. This exercise marked the first time the Su-30MKI took part in a military exercise in France.
The Indian Air Force first took part in the United States Air Force's Red Flag exercise in 2008. Participating in Red Flag costs the IAF ₹ 100 crore (US$17.5 million) each time. To reduce costs, the IAF decided to take part once every five years. The IAF is taking part in the Red Flag exercise in July 2013, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, United States. For the exercise, it is dispatching eight Su-30MKIs, two Lockheed C-130J Hercules tactical aircraft, two Ilyushin Il-78 (NATO reporting name Midas) mid-air refueling tankers, one Ilyushin Il-76 (NATO reporting name Candid) heavy-lift aircraft, and over 150 personnel.
The IAF again fielded its MKIs in the Garuda-V exercise with France in June 2014, where they manoeuvred in mixed groups with other IAF aircraft and French Rafales.
On 21 July 2015, India and UK began the bilateral exercise named Indradhanush with aircraft operating from three Royal Air Force bases. The exercises included both Beyond Visual Range (BVR) and Within Visual Range (WVR) exercises between the Su-30MKI and Eurofighter Typhoon. Indian media reported the results were in favour of the IAF with a score of 12-0 at WVR engagements. They also claim that the IAF Su-30MKIs held an edge over the Typhoons in BVR engagements though not in as dominating a manner. The RAF issued a statement that the results being reported by the Indian media did not reflect the results of the exercise. According to Aviation International News In close combat, thrust vector control on the Flankers more than compensated for the greater thrust-to-weight ratio of the Typhoon.
On 27 February 2019, the Pakistani Air Force stated that it had downed an Indian Sukhoi Su-30MKI in an aerial skirmish. The Indian Air Force said this statement was a cover up for the loss of a Pakistani F-16 fighter, stating that all Sukhoi aircraft that were dispatched returned safely.
On 4 March 2019, an Indian Su-30MKI shot down a Pakistani drone in Indian airspace, according to local media reports.
The origins of the A-6 Intruder came in a 1957 Navy specification for a new attack aircraft to replace the aging Douglas AD-1/A-1 Skyraiders. The Marine Corps initiated the request with a desire for a Close Air Support (CAS) aircraft capable of short takeoff. At the same time, however, the Navy's experience in the Korean War showed the need for a new long-range strike aircraft with high subsonic performance at tree-top height to permit under-the-radar penetration of enemy defenses and to be capable of finding and hitting small and moving targets in any weather. Thus, the final specifications combined both missions, giving requirements for speed, range, weight, and payload, but left the numbers and type of engines to the bidders. The specifications also included a new wrinkle: unlike prior invitations, this one required the bidders to design and integrate the entire weapons system rather than having another manufacturer supply the equipment for later installation.
Grumman's design won out. Designated as the A2F Intruder (re-designated the A-6 in 1962), it featured twin jet engines in the wing roots and side-by-side seating for the two-person crew, with the Bombardier/Navigator's seat slightly lower and further back to improve the pilot's view out the right side of the aircraft. The seating arrangement was possible because of the bulbous nose, which is necessary to house the significant target acquisition and tracking radar and a separate, smaller terrain radar. Input from these and other instruments fed into a central computer system, the Digital Integrated Attack and Navigation Equipment (DIANE), which drove new Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) displays—one of the first times these were used in an aircraft—to guide the pilot in navigation and bombing. The DIANE system was critical to the Intruder's all-weather ability. The Intruder's shape led to nicknames like "Flying Drumstick" and "Iron Tadpole," along with the more general "Double Ugly."
Initial orders for the Intruder were placed in March of 1959 for eight YA2F-1 development aircraft. The first one flew on April 19th, 1960. The original design featured jet tailpipes that tilted down 23° to help shorten takeoffs and landings. However, testing with the YA2F-1s showed that this made no difference, so the feature was removed from production aircraft along with other changes due to testing. The YA2F-1s also added strengthened nose gear to accommodate the Navy's new nose-tow catapult system that replaced the older bridle-tow system. The Intruder was the first to have the new tow bar on the nose gear after Grumman's W2F-1/E-2A Hawkeye early warning airplane, designed around the same time as the Intruder.
The first A-6As were delivered to the U.S. Navy in 1963 and the Marines Corps in 1964. The first operational squadron to receive them was VA-75 ("Sunday Punchers"), which began supporting U.S. forces in Vietnam in 1965, flying off of the carrier USS Independence. The A-6's all-weather capability, enabled by the Digital Integrated Attack and Navigation Equipment (DIANE) and its subsystems, was a significant technological advancement. It allowed the crew to attack preselected targets at night or under adverse weather conditions without looking out of the cockpit during the mission (from launch to recovery). This capability greatly enhanced the aircraft's versatility and effectiveness in various combat scenarios.
As A-6 aircraft were produced, sophisticated electronics and delivery hardware developments were incorporated. 19 A models were modified to A-6Bs for "Iron Hand" missions (suppression of enemy anti-aircraft missiles). About a dozen aircraft became C models that carried a specialized belly pod called TRIM (Trails, Roads, Interdiction Multi-sensor) that included Low Light Level TV (LLLTV), Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR), and other specialized systems. TRIM was both heavy and unreliable. It was later replaced with a wing-mounted "Pave Knife" pod designed by the U.S. Air Force that added laser targeting and could be flown on many aircraft, not just the A-6. Properly used, Intruders were capable of delivering highly effective aerial attacks. For example, two A-6s made a nighttime strike, dropping 26 500 lb. bombs against a power plant in North Vietnam. The Vietnamese were convinced that B-52 bombers had been at work. A Distinguished Navy Cross was awarded for this mission.
The final variant of the Intruder, the A-6E, first flew in February 1970 as a modified A-6A. 240 A-6Es were rebuilt as A, B, and C models, with another 207 that Grumman manufactured new. The new model, featuring an updated avionics suite, airborne radar set, and a navigational computer, entered service with the VA-42 ("Green Pawns") training unit in 1971 and with VA-85 ("Black Falcons") as the first operational unit in December of that year.
The new radar set was a multi-mode radar that replaced the two single-mode radars in the A-6A. As a result, there was space available in the nose for new sensors, but the final design of those sensors took longer than anticipated. Grumman delivered most of the A-6Es (new and conversion) with accommodations to install the sensors later. These sensors ultimately became a chin-mounted pod known as TRAM (Target Recognition Attack Multi-sensor) that featured FLIR (Forward Looking Infra-Red camera), laser ranging and designation, and a laser sensor (so the bombardier/navigator could see targets designated by others) in a gyro-stabilized turret. The TRAM began coming into the fleet in 1979. Newly constructed Intruders had them installed on the production line, as did older Intruders converted after that, but most were retrofitted to aircraft in the field.
After fatigue problems were discovered in the A-6E fleet, new wings made from graphite/epoxy construction were developed and flown by 1987. In addition to the new composite wings, these aircraft were fitted with a digital armament system and a standoff weapons capability under the Systems Weapons Integration Program (SWIP).
Since Vietnam, the A-6s have made effective all-weather strikes against targets in Libya during the Gulf of Sidra crisis, Iranian gunboats in the Persian Gulf, and Iraqi installations during Desert Storm operations. TRAM-equipped A-6E Intruders were responsible for up to 85% of the laser designations and laser-guided bomb drops during Operation Desert Storm. The Intruder's last combat missions were over Bosnia in 1994. Despite its continued effectiveness, the A-6 Intruder was retired from frontline service in 1997, marking the end of an era in military aviation. Its retirement was a testament to the advancements in military technology and the changing nature of warfare.
This aircraft is not an ordinary A-6 but is, in fact, an A-6F Intruder II. This version was a more advanced A-6E that was proposed in the mid-1980s that would have replaced the Intruder's aging Pratt & Whitney J52 turbojets with non-afterburning versions of the General Electric F404 turbofan used in the F/A-18 Hornets, providing substantial improvements in both power and fuel economy. The A-6F would have had new avionics, including a Norden AN/APQ-173 synthetic aperture radar and multi-function cockpit displays—the AN/APQ-173 would have given the Intruder air-to-air capacity with provision for the AIM-120 AMRAAM. Two additional wing pylons were added for a total of seven stations.
Although five development aircraft were built, the U.S. Navy ultimately chose not to proceed with the A-6F, preferring to concentrate on the A-12 Avenger II. This would leave the service in a tight bind when the A-12 was also canceled in 1991. Grumman proposed a cheaper alternative in the A-6G, which had most of the A-6F's advanced electronics but retained the existing engines. This proposal would be canceled as well.
A total of five full-scale development A-6Fs were ordered. These aircraft were diverted from a batch of A-6Es (BuNos 162183-162187) and were known as "Intruder II." They were fitted with Grumman metal wings since Boeing's composite wings were not ready yet. BuNo 163183 was the aerodynamic and propulsion test vehicle and flew for the first time on August 26th, 1987, with Harry Hentx and Dave Goulette at the controls. BuNo 162184 followed on November 23rd. This aircraft, BuNo 162185, was the Digital Systems Development aircraft and was used as the testbed for the AN/APQ-173 radar and other advanced avionics systems. It flew for the first time on August 22nd, 1988. However, by this time, the A-6F project had already been canceled, and the last two A-6Fs had been mothballed from the fleet without having a chance to leave the ground.
A quick test of some ideas I wanted to try recently. Not sure about the left arm, and it lacks some detailing overall, but once again I hope it looks rather nice. The cockpit opens to front, which is exactly what I wanted.
Further tests with my NEW55 reagents, trying for a better DTR print.
My new pod design is working better, so at least my reagent distribution is working more consistently. New paper and glue is also making my sleeves easier to work with, which is a bonus too.
In these tests I decided to drastically increase the halide solvents to see whether I was working in the right direction (in a less subtle manner). My conclusion is clear, that I simply have too many loose halides now, as they are having a rather magical impact on the negative's denser areas (more unexposed halides), which is also staining and silver-plating the print to an unuseable extreme.
In the late 1960s, the X-15 program was reaching its end. With most of the high speed/high altitude testing completed, the X-15 was now being used for high altitude scientific research, as part of its Phase 8 commitment.
Sadly, on 15 November 1967, U.S. Air Force test pilot Major Michael J. Adams was killed during X-15 Flight 191 when X-15-3 (serial 56-6672) entered a hypersonic spin while descending, then oscillated violently as aerodynamic forces increased after re-entry. As his aircraft’s flight control system operated the control surfaces to their limits, acceleration built to 15 g (150 m/s2) vertical and 8.0 g (78 m/s2) lateral. The airframe broke apart at 60,000 feet (18 km) altitude, scattering the X-15’s wreckage for 50 square miles (130 km2). Major Adams was posthumously awarded Air Force astronaut wings for his final flight in X-15-3, which had reached an altitude of 50.4 miles (81.1 km).
In this image, X-15-1 returns from a scientific experiment flight. Note the wingtip pod designed to carry a variety of scientific experiments. X-15-1 and X-15A-2 were also modified to carry onboard telescopes and sensory devices. The pick-up truck is based on one of Makaleves excellent Lego vehicles.
General Motors' Bison heavy truck concept. No, that's not a sleeper space behind the cab, it's a pod designed to house two turbine engines producing a total of 1,000 hp.!
Rather than a steering wheel, the Bison had coupled hand grips (or two connected, early video game joysticks, only those didn't exist yet to provide Lyndall that metaphor) — our photo from inside the cab provides an extremely rare view of these. The driver could program them to control steering from the truck's front axle, rear axle or both axles, with wheels in parallel or in opposing directions, depending on the application. The driver could activate power sand-spreaders on either side of the vehicle to boost traction for the drive wheels. A cockpit-style, panoramic glass canopy lifted off the truck to allow entry.
Indian Air Force maintainers marshal a Sukhoi Su-30MKI (NATO reporting name: "Flanker-H") aircraft to its parking spot after arriving at the flight line at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Aug. 6, 2008, during Red Flag 08-04. Red Flag is a multinational advanced aerial combat training exercise.
Indian Air Force maintainers prepare their Sukhoi Su-30MKI (NATO reporting name: "Flanker-H") aircraft during Red Flag 08-04 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Aug. 6, 2008. Red Flag is a multinational advanced aerial combat training exercise.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Sukhoi Su-30MKI (NATO reporting name: "Flanker-H") is a twinjet multirole air superiority fighter developed by Russia's Sukhoi and built under licence by India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF). A variant of the Sukhoi Su-30, it is a heavy, all-weather, long-range fighter.
Development of the variant started after India signed a deal with Russia in 2000 to manufacture 140 Su-30 fighter jets. The first Russian-made Su-30MKI variant was accepted into the Indian Air Force in 2002, while the first indigenously assembled Su-30MKI entered service with the IAF in 2004. The IAF had 240 Su-30MKIs in service as of October 2017. The Su-30MKI is expected to form the backbone of the Indian Air Force's fighter fleet to 2020 and beyond.
The aircraft is tailor-made for Indian specifications and integrates Indian systems and avionics as well as French and Israeli sub-systems. It has abilities similar to the Sukhoi Su-35 with which it shares many features and components.
Origins and acquision
The Su-30MKI was designed by Russia's Sukhoi Corporation beginning in 1995 and built under licence by India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The Su-30MKI is derived from the Sukhoi Su-27 and has a fusion of technology from the Su-37 demonstrator and Su-30 program, being more advanced than the Su-30MK and the Chinese Su-30MKK/MK2. Russia's Defence Ministry was impressed with the type's performance envelope and ordered 30 Su-30SMs, a localised Su-30MKI, for the Russian Air Force. It features state of the art avionics developed by Russia, India and Israel for display, navigation, targeting and electronic warfare; France and South Africa provided other avionics.
After two years of evaluation and negotiations, on 30 November 1996, India signed a US$1.462 billion deal with Sukhoi for 50 Russian-produced Su-30MKIs in five batches. The first batch were eight Su-30MKs, the basic version of Su-30. The second batch were to be 10 Su-30Ks with French and Israeli avionics. The third batch were to be 10 Su-30MKIs featuring canard foreplanes. The fourth batch of 12 Su-30MKIs and final batch of 10 Su-30MKIs were to have the AL-31FP turbofans.
In October 2000, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed for Indian licence-production of 140 Su-30MKIs; in December 2000, a deal was sealed at Russia's Irkutsk aircraft plant for full technology transfer. The first Nasik-built Su-30MKIs were to be delivered by 2004, with staggered production until 2017–18. In November 2002, the delivery schedule was expedited with production to be completed by 2015. An estimated 920 AL-31FP turbofans are to be manufactured at HAL's Koraput Division, while the mainframe and other accessories are to be manufactured at HAL's Lucknow and Hyderabad divisions. Final integration and test flights of the aircraft are carried out at HAL's Nasik Division. Four manufacturing phases were outlined with progressively increasing Indian content: Phase I, II, III and IV. In phase I, HAL manufactured the Su-30MKIs from knocked-down kits, transitioning to semi knocked-down kits in phase II and III; in phase IV, HAL produced aircraft from scratch from 2013 onwards.
In 2007, another order of 40 Su-30MKIs was placed. In 2009, the planned fleet strength was to be 230 aircraft. In 2008, Samtel HAL Display Systems (SHDS), a joint venture between Samtel Display Systems and HAL, won a contract to develop and manufacture multi-function avionics displays for the MKI. A helmet mounted display, Topsight-I, based on technology from Thales and developed by SHDS will be integrated on the Su-30MKI in the next upgrade. In March 2010, it was reported that India and Russia were discussing a contract for 42 more Su-30MKIs. In June 2010, it was reported that the Cabinet Committee on Security had cleared the ₹15,000 crore (US$2.2 billion) deal and that the 42 aircraft would be in service by 2018.
By August 2010, the cost increased to $4.3 billion or $102 million each. This increased unit cost compared to the previous unit cost of $40 million in 2007, has led to the rumours that these latest order of 42 Su-30MKIs are for the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) and these aircraft will be optimised and hardwired for nuclear weapons delivery. The SFC had previously submitted a proposal to the Indian Defence Ministry for setting up two dedicated squadrons of fighters consisting of 40 aircraft capable of delivering nuclear weapons.
HAL expected that indigenisation of the Su-30MKI programme would be completed by 2010; V. Balakrishnan, general manager of the Aircraft Manufacturing Division stated that "HAL will achieve 100 per cent indigenisation of the Sukhoi aircraft – from the production of raw materials to the final plane assembly". As of 2017, HAL manufactures more than 80% of the aircraft. On 11 October 2012, the Indian Government confirmed plans to buy another 42 Su-30MKI aircraft. On 24 December 2012, India ordered assembly kits for 42 Su-30MKIs by signing a deal during President Putin's visit to India. This increases India's order total to 272 Su-30MKIs.
In June 2018, India has reportedly decided not order any further Su-30s as they feel its cost of maintenance is very high compared to Western aircraft.
Upgrades
In 2004, India signed a deal with Russia to domestically produce the Novator K-100 missile, designed to shoot down airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) and C4ISTAR aircraft, for the Su-30MKI. Although not initially designed to carry nuclear or strategic weapons, in 2011, there were plans to integrate the nuclear-capable Nirbhay missile as well.
In May 2010, India Today reported that Russia had won a contract to upgrade 40 Su-30MKIs with new radars, onboard computers, electronic warfare systems and the ability to carry the BrahMos cruise missile. The first two prototypes with the "Super-30" upgrade will be delivered to the IAF in 2012, after which the upgrades will be performed on the last batch of 40 production aircraft. The Brahmos missile integrated on the Su-30MKI will provide the capability to attack ground targets from stand-off ranges of around 300 km. On 25 June 2016, HAL conducted the first test flight of a Su-30MKI fitted with a BrahMos-A missile from Nashik, India. The first air launch of BrahMos from a Su-30MKI was successfully carried out on 22 November 2017.
India is planning to upgrade its Su-30MKI fighters with Russian Phazotron Zhuk-AE Active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars. The X band radar can track 30 aerial targets in the track-while-scan mode and engage six targets simultaneously in attack mode. AESA technology offers improved performance and reliability compared with traditional mechanically scanned array radars. On 18 August 2010, India's Minister of Defence A K Antony stated the current estimated cost for the upgrade was ₹10,920 crore (US$2 billion) and the aircraft are likely to be upgraded in phases beginning in 2012.
The Indian Defence Ministry proposed several upgrades for the Su-30MKI to the Indian Parliament, including the fitting of Russian Phazotron Zhuk-AE AESA radars starting in 2012. During MMRCA trials the Zhuk-AE AESA radar demonstrated significant capabilities, including ground-mapping modes and the ability to detect and track aerial targets. At the 2011 MAKS air-show, Irkut chairman Alexy Fedorov offered an upgrade package with an improved radar, and reduced radar signature to the Indian fleet to make them "Super Sukhois".
In 2012, upgrades of the earlier 80 Su-30MKIs involves equipping them with stand-off missiles with a range of 300 km; a request for information (ROI) was issued for such weapons. In 2011, India issued a request for information to MBDA for the integration of the Brimstone ground attack missile and the long-range "Meteor" air-to-air missile.
In February 2017, it was reported that the planes would be upgraded with AL-41F turbofan engines, same as the ones on Sukhoi Su-35. In August 2017, the Indian government cleared a proposal of Rs. 30,000 crore to equip the planes with new reconnaissance pods.
Design
Characteristics
The Su-30MKI is a highly integrated twin-finned aircraft. The airframe is constructed of titanium and high-strength aluminium alloys. The engine intake ramps and nacelles are fitted with trouser fairings to provide a continuous streamlined profile between the nacelles and the tail beams. The fins and horizontal tail consoles are attached to tail beams. The central beam section between the engine nacelles consists of the equipment compartment, fuel tank and the brake parachute container. The fuselage head is of semi-monocoque construction and includes the cockpit, radar compartments and the avionics bay.
Su-30MKI aerodynamic configuration is a longitudinal triplane with relaxed stability. The canard increases the aircraft lift ability and deflects automatically to allow high angle of attack (AoA) flights allowing it to perform Pugachev's Cobra. The integral aerodynamic configuration combined with thrust vectoring results in extremely capable manoeuvrability, taking off and landing characteristics. This high agility allows rapid deployment of weapons in any direction as desired by the crew. The canard notably assists in controlling the aircraft at large angles-of-attack and bringing it to a level flight condition. The aircraft has a fly-by-wire (FBW) with quadruple redundancy. Dependent on flight conditions, signals from the control stick position transmitter or the FCS may be coupled to remote control amplifiers and combined with feedback signals from acceleration sensors and rate gyros. The resultant control signals are coupled to the high-speed electro-hydraulic actuators of the elevators, rudders and the canard. The output signals are compared and, if the difference is significant, the faulty channel is disconnected. FBW is based on a stall warning and barrier mechanism which prevents stalls through dramatic increases of control stick pressure, allowing a pilot to effectively control the aircraft without exceeding the angle of attack and acceleration limitations. Although the maximum angle of attack is limited by the canards, the FBW acts as an additional safety mechanism.
The Su-30MKI has a range of 3,000 km with internal fuel which ensures a 3.75 hour combat mission. Also, it has an in-flight refueling (IFR) probe that retracts beside the cockpit during normal operation. The air refueling system increases the flight duration up to 10 hours with a range of 8,000 km at a cruise height of 11 to 13 km.[citation needed] Su-30MKIs can also use the Cobham 754 buddy refueling pods.
The Su-30MKI's radar cross-section (RCS) is reportedly from 4 to 20 square metres.
Cockpit
The displays include a customised version of the Israeli Elbit Su 967 head-up display (HUD) consisting of bi-cubic phase conjugated holographic displays and seven multifunction liquid-crystal displays, six 127 mm × 127 mm and one 152 mm × 152 mm. Flight information is displayed on four LCD displays which include one for piloting and navigation, a tactical situation indicator, and two for display systems information including operating modes and overall status. Variants of this HUD have also been chosen for the IAF's Mikoyan MiG-27 and SEPECAT "Jaguar" upgrades for standardisation. The rear cockpit has a larger monochrome display for air-to-surface missile guidance.
The Su-30MKI on-board health and usage monitoring system (HUMS) monitors almost every aircraft system and sub-system, and can also act as an engineering data recorder. From 2010, indigenously designed and built HUDs and Multi-Function Displays (MFD) were produced by the Delhi-based Samtel Group Display Systems.
The crew are provided with zero-zero NPP Zvezda K-36DM ejection seats. The rear seat is raised for better visibility. The cockpit is provided with containers to store food and water reserves, a waste disposal system and extra oxygen bottles. The K-36DM ejection seat is inclined at 30°, to help the pilot resist aircraft accelerations in air combat.
Avionics
The forward-facing NIIP N011M Bars (Panther) is a powerful integrated passive electronically scanned array radar. The N011M is a digital multi-mode dual frequency band radar. The N011M can function in air-to-air and air-to-land/sea mode simultaneously while being tied into a high-precision laser-inertial or GPS navigation system. It is equipped with a modern digital weapons control system as well as anti-jamming features. N011M has a 400 km search range and a maximum 200 km tracking range, and 60 km in the rear hemisphere. The radar can track 15 air targets and engage 4 simultaneously. These targets can even include cruise missiles and motionless helicopters. The Su-30MKI can function as a mini-AWACS as a director or command post for other aircraft. The target co-ordinates can be transferred automatically to at least four other aircraft. The radar can detect ground targets such as tanks at 40–50 km. The Bars radar will be replaced by Zhuk-AESA in all Su-30MKI aircraft.
OLS-30 laser-optical Infra-red search and track includes a day and night FLIR capability and is used in conjunction with the helmet mounted sighting system. The OLS-30 is a combined IRST/LR device using a cooled, broad waveband sensor. Detection range is up to 90 km, while the laser ranger is effective to 3.5 km. Targets are displayed on the same LCD display as the radar. Israeli LITENING targeting pod is used to target laser guided munitions. The original Litening pod includes a long range FLIR, a TV camera, laser spot tracker to pick up target designated by other aircraft or ground forces, and an electro-optical point and inertial tracker, which enables engagement of the target even when partly obscured by clouds or countermeasures; it also integrates a laser range-finder and flash-lamp powered laser designator for the delivery of laser-guided bombs, cluster and general-purpose bomb.
The aircraft is fitted with a satellite navigation system (A-737 GPS compatible), which permits it to make flights in all weather, day and night. The navigation complex includes the high accuracy SAGEM Sigma-95 integrated global positioning system and ring laser gyroscope inertial navigation system. Phase 3 of further development of the MKI, will integrate avionic systems being developed for the Indo-Russian Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft programme.
Sukhoi Su-30MKI has electronic counter-measure systems. The RWR system is of Indian design, developed by India's DRDO, called Tarang, (Wave in English). It has direction finding capability and is known to have a programmable threat library. The RWR is derived from work done on an earlier system for India's MiG-23BNs known as the Tranquil, which is now superseded by the more advanced Tarang series. Elta EL/M-8222 a self-protection jammer developed by Israel Aircraft Industries is the MKI's standard EW pod, which the Israeli Air Force uses on its F-15s. The ELTA El/M-8222 Self Protection Pod is a power-managed jammer, air-cooled system with an ESM receiver integrated into the pod. The pod contains an antenna on the forward and aft ends, which receive the hostile RF signal and after processing deliver the appropriate response.
Propulsion
The Su-30MKI is powered by two Lyulka-Saturn AL-31FP turbofans, each rated at 12,500 kgf (27,550 lbf) of full after-burning thrust, which enable speeds of up to Mach 2 in horizontal flight and a rate of climb of 230 m/s. The mean time between overhaul is reportedly 1,000 hours with a full-life span of 3,000 hours; the titanium nozzle has a mean time between overhaul of 500 hours. In early 2015, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar stated before Parliament that the AL-31FP had suffered numerous failures, between the end of 2012 and early 2015, a total of 69 Su-30MKI engine-related failures had occurred; commons causes were bearing failures due to metal fatigue and low oil pressure, in response several engine modifications were made to improve lubrication, as well as the use of higher quality oil and adjustments to the fitting of bearings.
The Su-30MKI's AL-31FP powerplant built on the earlier AL-31FU, adding two-plane thrust vectoring nozzles are mounted 32 degrees outward to longitudinal engine axis (i.e. in the horizontal plane) and can be deflected ±15 degrees in one plane. The canting allows the aircraft to produce both roll and yaw by vectoring each engine nozzle differently; this allows the aircraft to create thrust vectoring moments about all three rotational axes, pitch, yaw and roll. Engine thrust is adjusted via a conventional engine throttle lever as opposed to a strain-gauge engine control stick. The aircraft is controlled by a standard control stick. The pilot can activate a switch for performing difficult maneuvers; while this is enabled, the computer automatically determines the deflection angles of the swiveling nozzles and aerodynamic surfaces.
Operational history
The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is the most potent fighter jet in service with the Indian Air Force in the late 2000s. The MKIs are often fielded by the IAF in bilateral and multilateral air exercises. India exercised its Su-30MKIs against the Royal Air Force's Tornado ADVs in October 2006. This was the first large-scale bilateral aerial exercise with any foreign air force during which the IAF used its Su-30MKIs extensively. This exercise was also the first in 43 years with the RAF. During the exercise, the RAF Air Chief Marshal Glenn Torpy was given permission by the IAF to fly the MKI. RAF's Air Vice Marshal, Christopher Harper, praised the MKI's dogfight ability, calling it "absolutely masterful in dogfights".
In July 2007, the Indian Air Force fielded the MKI during the Indra-Dhanush exercise with Royal Air Force's Eurofighter "Typhoon". This was the first time that the two jets had taken part in such an exercise. The IAF did not allow their pilots to use the radar of the MKIs during the exercise so as to protect the highly classified N011M Bars. Also in the exercise were RAF "Tornado" F3s and a Hawk. RAF "Tornado" pilots were candid in their admission of the Su-30MKI's superior manoeuvring in the air, and the IAF pilots were impressed by the "Typhoon's" agility.
In 2004, India sent Su-30MKs, an earlier variant of the Su-30MKI, to take part in war games with the United States Air Force (USAF) during Cope India 04. The results have been widely publicised, with the Indians winning "90% of the mock combat missions" against the USAF's F-15C. The parameters of the exercise heavily favored the IAF; none of the six 3rd Wing F-15Cs were equipped with the newer long-range, active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars and, at India's request, the U.S. agreed to mock combat at 3-to-1 odds and without the use of simulated long-range, radar-guided AIM-120 AMRAAMs for beyond-visual-range kills. In Cope India 05, the Su-30MKIs reportedly beat the USAF's F-16s.
In July 2008, the IAF sent 6 Su-30MKIs and 2 Il-78MKI aerial-refueling tankers, to participate in the Red Flag exercise. The IAF again did not allow their pilots to use the radar of the MKIs during the exercise so as to protect the highly classified N011M Bars. In October 2008, a video surfaced on the internet which featured a USAF colonel, Terrence Fornof, criticising Su-30MKI's performance against the F-15C, engine serviceability issues, and high friendly kill rate during the Red Flag exercise. Several of his claims were later rebutted by the Indian side and the USAF also distanced itself from his remarks.
In June 2010, India and France began the fourth round of their joint air exercises, "Garuda", at the Istres Air Base in France. During Garuda, the IAF and the French Air Force were engaged in various missions ranging from close combat engagement of large forces, slow mover protection, protecting and engaging high value aerial assets. This exercise marked the first time the Su-30MKI took part in a military exercise in France.
The Indian Air Force first took part in the United States Air Force's Red Flag exercise in 2008. Participating in Red Flag costs the IAF ₹ 100 crore (US$17.5 million) each time. To reduce costs, the IAF decided to take part once every five years. The IAF is taking part in the Red Flag exercise in July 2013, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, United States. For the exercise, it is dispatching eight Su-30MKIs, two Lockheed C-130J "Hercules" tactical aircraft, two Ilyushin Il-78 (NATO reporting name Midas) mid-air refueling tankers, one Ilyushin Il-76 (NATO reporting name Candid) heavy-lift aircraft, and over 150 personnel.
The IAF again fielded its MKIs in the Garuda-V exercise with France in June 2014, where they manoeuvred in mixed groups with other IAF aircraft and French "Rafale's".
On 21 July 2015, India and UK began the bilateral exercise named Indradhanush with aircraft operating from three Royal Air Force bases. The exercises included both Beyond Visual Range (BVR) and Within Visual Range (WVR) exercises between the Su-30MKI and Eurofighter "Typhoon". Indian media reported the results were in favour of the IAF with a score of 12-0 at WVR engagements. They also claim that the IAF Su-30MKIs held an edge over the "Typhoon's" in BVR engagements though not in as dominating a manner. The RAF issued a statement that the results being reported by the Indian media did not reflect the results of the exercise. According to Aviation International News In close combat, thrust vector control on the "Flanker's" more than compensated for the greater thrust-to-weight ratio of the "Typhoon".
On 27 February 2019, the Pakistani Air Force stated that it had downed an Indian Sukhoi Su-30MKI in an aerial skirmish. The Indian Air Force said this statement was a cover up for the loss of a Pakistani F-16 fighter, stating that all Sukhoi aircraft that were dispatched returned safely.
On 4 March 2019, an Indian Su-30MKI shot down a Pakistani drone in Indian airspace, according to local media reports.
The first gas-powered demonstrator bus to be built by ADL and Scania, complete with a roof pod designed by Ray Stenning, Scania N270UB Alexander Dennis Enviro 300NG YT13 YUK has been doing the rounds with a few companies (the usual suspects) including Cardiff, Newport, Nottingham, Anglianbus, and most recently in Bristol with Firstgroup (the trial is to last 6 months, I am led to believe). Fuelled by Compressed Natural Bio Gas, which can come from sources such as food waste and human waste, the vinyl wrap for Bristol has played on this with images of people disposing leftover food on the offside and people going to the toilet displayed on the nearside, which has given this vehicle the nickname of the 'poo bus' (despite it's 'proper' name being the biobus) and has seen it being used in Bristol on the number 2 service.... This photo is one of a set showing it at Big Bus Day in Hull, whereby EYMS has use of it for a week before it returns south; photos include nearside and offside vinyls detail (including where bits are peeling off!), front detail, back detail including a look inside the pod towards the gas storage tanks, wheel detail (every single wheel nut has the Scania name on it), driving cab and interior passenger saloon (the leather seats are the same type as is on SN62DNJ Enviro 350H Hybrid which was trialled in York: www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=10110677%40N07&sort=da... ), and of course external views with the destination in operation - including a test display which I set up for the photos and then took off afterward.
Companies involved with its trial in Bristol include Wessex Water, CNG Services Ltd, Grontmij, Roadgas, and Trant, whilst the system itself is from GenEco Sustainable Solutions.
Type: Holden Rodeo 3.0TDI utility
Registration:
Call Sign:
Operator: Australian Federal Police (Airport Policing)
Time: 01/06/2007
Notes: Fitted with the Australian designed and build Varley Pod for prisoner transport. The same pod design is still in use across Australia nearly 20 years later.
Thank you for your service.
The first gas-powered demonstrator bus to be built by ADL and Scania, complete with a roof pod designed by Ray Stenning, Scania N270UB Alexander Dennis Enviro 300NG YT13 YUK has been doing the rounds with a few companies (the usual suspects) including Cardiff, Newport, Nottingham, Anglianbus, and most recently in Bristol with Firstgroup (the trial is to last 6 months, I am led to believe). Fuelled by Compressed Natural Bio Gas, which can come from sources such as food waste and human waste, the vinyl wrap for Bristol has played on this with images of people disposing leftover food on the offside and people going to the toilet displayed on the nearside, which has given this vehicle the nickname of the 'poo bus' (despite it's 'proper' name being the biobus) and has seen it being used in Bristol on the number 2 service.... This photo is one of a set showing it at Big Bus Day in Hull, whereby EYMS has use of it for a week before it returns south; photos include nearside and offside vinyls detail (including where bits are peeling off!), front detail, back detail including a look inside the pod towards the gas storage tanks, wheel detail (every single wheel nut has the Scania name on it), driving cab and interior passenger saloon (the leather seats are the same type as is on SN62DNJ Enviro 350H Hybrid which was trialled in York: www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=10110677%40N07&sort=da... ), and of course external views with the destination in operation - including a test display which I set up for the photos and then took off afterward.
Companies involved with its trial in Bristol include Wessex Water, CNG Services Ltd, Grontmij, Roadgas, and Trant, whilst the system itself is from GenEco Sustainable Solutions.
Indian Air Force maintainers marshal a Sukhoi Su-30MKI (NATO reporting name: "Flanker-H") aircraft to its parking spot after arriving at the flight line at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Aug. 6, 2008, during Red Flag 08-04. Red Flag is a multinational advanced aerial combat training exercise.
Indian Air Force maintainers prepare their Sukhoi Su-30MKI (NATO reporting name: "Flanker-H") aircraft during Red Flag 08-04 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Aug. 6, 2008. Red Flag is a multinational advanced aerial combat training exercise.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Sukhoi Su-30MKI (NATO reporting name: "Flanker-H") is a twinjet multirole air superiority fighter developed by Russia's Sukhoi and built under licence by India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF). A variant of the Sukhoi Su-30, it is a heavy, all-weather, long-range fighter.
Development of the variant started after India signed a deal with Russia in 2000 to manufacture 140 Su-30 fighter jets. The first Russian-made Su-30MKI variant was accepted into the Indian Air Force in 2002, while the first indigenously assembled Su-30MKI entered service with the IAF in 2004. The IAF had 240 Su-30MKIs in service as of October 2017. The Su-30MKI is expected to form the backbone of the Indian Air Force's fighter fleet to 2020 and beyond.
The aircraft is tailor-made for Indian specifications and integrates Indian systems and avionics as well as French and Israeli sub-systems. It has abilities similar to the Sukhoi Su-35 with which it shares many features and components.
Origins and acquision
The Su-30MKI was designed by Russia's Sukhoi Corporation beginning in 1995 and built under licence by India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The Su-30MKI is derived from the Sukhoi Su-27 and has a fusion of technology from the Su-37 demonstrator and Su-30 program, being more advanced than the Su-30MK and the Chinese Su-30MKK/MK2. Russia's Defence Ministry was impressed with the type's performance envelope and ordered 30 Su-30SMs, a localised Su-30MKI, for the Russian Air Force. It features state of the art avionics developed by Russia, India and Israel for display, navigation, targeting and electronic warfare; France and South Africa provided other avionics.
After two years of evaluation and negotiations, on 30 November 1996, India signed a US$1.462 billion deal with Sukhoi for 50 Russian-produced Su-30MKIs in five batches. The first batch were eight Su-30MKs, the basic version of Su-30. The second batch were to be 10 Su-30Ks with French and Israeli avionics. The third batch were to be 10 Su-30MKIs featuring canard foreplanes. The fourth batch of 12 Su-30MKIs and final batch of 10 Su-30MKIs were to have the AL-31FP turbofans.
In October 2000, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed for Indian licence-production of 140 Su-30MKIs; in December 2000, a deal was sealed at Russia's Irkutsk aircraft plant for full technology transfer. The first Nasik-built Su-30MKIs were to be delivered by 2004, with staggered production until 2017–18. In November 2002, the delivery schedule was expedited with production to be completed by 2015. An estimated 920 AL-31FP turbofans are to be manufactured at HAL's Koraput Division, while the mainframe and other accessories are to be manufactured at HAL's Lucknow and Hyderabad divisions. Final integration and test flights of the aircraft are carried out at HAL's Nasik Division. Four manufacturing phases were outlined with progressively increasing Indian content: Phase I, II, III and IV. In phase I, HAL manufactured the Su-30MKIs from knocked-down kits, transitioning to semi knocked-down kits in phase II and III; in phase IV, HAL produced aircraft from scratch from 2013 onwards.
In 2007, another order of 40 Su-30MKIs was placed. In 2009, the planned fleet strength was to be 230 aircraft. In 2008, Samtel HAL Display Systems (SHDS), a joint venture between Samtel Display Systems and HAL, won a contract to develop and manufacture multi-function avionics displays for the MKI. A helmet mounted display, Topsight-I, based on technology from Thales and developed by SHDS will be integrated on the Su-30MKI in the next upgrade. In March 2010, it was reported that India and Russia were discussing a contract for 42 more Su-30MKIs. In June 2010, it was reported that the Cabinet Committee on Security had cleared the ₹15,000 crore (US$2.2 billion) deal and that the 42 aircraft would be in service by 2018.
By August 2010, the cost increased to $4.3 billion or $102 million each. This increased unit cost compared to the previous unit cost of $40 million in 2007, has led to the rumours that these latest order of 42 Su-30MKIs are for the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) and these aircraft will be optimised and hardwired for nuclear weapons delivery. The SFC had previously submitted a proposal to the Indian Defence Ministry for setting up two dedicated squadrons of fighters consisting of 40 aircraft capable of delivering nuclear weapons.
HAL expected that indigenisation of the Su-30MKI programme would be completed by 2010; V. Balakrishnan, general manager of the Aircraft Manufacturing Division stated that "HAL will achieve 100 per cent indigenisation of the Sukhoi aircraft – from the production of raw materials to the final plane assembly". As of 2017, HAL manufactures more than 80% of the aircraft. On 11 October 2012, the Indian Government confirmed plans to buy another 42 Su-30MKI aircraft. On 24 December 2012, India ordered assembly kits for 42 Su-30MKIs by signing a deal during President Putin's visit to India. This increases India's order total to 272 Su-30MKIs.
In June 2018, India has reportedly decided not order any further Su-30s as they feel its cost of maintenance is very high compared to Western aircraft.
Upgrades
In 2004, India signed a deal with Russia to domestically produce the Novator K-100 missile, designed to shoot down airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) and C4ISTAR aircraft, for the Su-30MKI. Although not initially designed to carry nuclear or strategic weapons, in 2011, there were plans to integrate the nuclear-capable Nirbhay missile as well.
In May 2010, India Today reported that Russia had won a contract to upgrade 40 Su-30MKIs with new radars, onboard computers, electronic warfare systems and the ability to carry the BrahMos cruise missile. The first two prototypes with the "Super-30" upgrade will be delivered to the IAF in 2012, after which the upgrades will be performed on the last batch of 40 production aircraft. The Brahmos missile integrated on the Su-30MKI will provide the capability to attack ground targets from stand-off ranges of around 300 km. On 25 June 2016, HAL conducted the first test flight of a Su-30MKI fitted with a BrahMos-A missile from Nashik, India. The first air launch of BrahMos from a Su-30MKI was successfully carried out on 22 November 2017.
India is planning to upgrade its Su-30MKI fighters with Russian Phazotron Zhuk-AE Active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars. The X band radar can track 30 aerial targets in the track-while-scan mode and engage six targets simultaneously in attack mode. AESA technology offers improved performance and reliability compared with traditional mechanically scanned array radars. On 18 August 2010, India's Minister of Defence A K Antony stated the current estimated cost for the upgrade was ₹10,920 crore (US$2 billion) and the aircraft are likely to be upgraded in phases beginning in 2012.
The Indian Defence Ministry proposed several upgrades for the Su-30MKI to the Indian Parliament, including the fitting of Russian Phazotron Zhuk-AE AESA radars starting in 2012. During MMRCA trials the Zhuk-AE AESA radar demonstrated significant capabilities, including ground-mapping modes and the ability to detect and track aerial targets. At the 2011 MAKS air-show, Irkut chairman Alexy Fedorov offered an upgrade package with an improved radar, and reduced radar signature to the Indian fleet to make them "Super Sukhois".
In 2012, upgrades of the earlier 80 Su-30MKIs involves equipping them with stand-off missiles with a range of 300 km; a request for information (ROI) was issued for such weapons. In 2011, India issued a request for information to MBDA for the integration of the Brimstone ground attack missile and the long-range "Meteor" air-to-air missile.
In February 2017, it was reported that the planes would be upgraded with AL-41F turbofan engines, same as the ones on Sukhoi Su-35. In August 2017, the Indian government cleared a proposal of Rs. 30,000 crore to equip the planes with new reconnaissance pods.
Design
Characteristics
The Su-30MKI is a highly integrated twin-finned aircraft. The airframe is constructed of titanium and high-strength aluminium alloys. The engine intake ramps and nacelles are fitted with trouser fairings to provide a continuous streamlined profile between the nacelles and the tail beams. The fins and horizontal tail consoles are attached to tail beams. The central beam section between the engine nacelles consists of the equipment compartment, fuel tank and the brake parachute container. The fuselage head is of semi-monocoque construction and includes the cockpit, radar compartments and the avionics bay.
Su-30MKI aerodynamic configuration is a longitudinal triplane with relaxed stability. The canard increases the aircraft lift ability and deflects automatically to allow high angle of attack (AoA) flights allowing it to perform Pugachev's Cobra. The integral aerodynamic configuration combined with thrust vectoring results in extremely capable manoeuvrability, taking off and landing characteristics. This high agility allows rapid deployment of weapons in any direction as desired by the crew. The canard notably assists in controlling the aircraft at large angles-of-attack and bringing it to a level flight condition. The aircraft has a fly-by-wire (FBW) with quadruple redundancy. Dependent on flight conditions, signals from the control stick position transmitter or the FCS may be coupled to remote control amplifiers and combined with feedback signals from acceleration sensors and rate gyros. The resultant control signals are coupled to the high-speed electro-hydraulic actuators of the elevators, rudders and the canard. The output signals are compared and, if the difference is significant, the faulty channel is disconnected. FBW is based on a stall warning and barrier mechanism which prevents stalls through dramatic increases of control stick pressure, allowing a pilot to effectively control the aircraft without exceeding the angle of attack and acceleration limitations. Although the maximum angle of attack is limited by the canards, the FBW acts as an additional safety mechanism.
The Su-30MKI has a range of 3,000 km with internal fuel which ensures a 3.75 hour combat mission. Also, it has an in-flight refueling (IFR) probe that retracts beside the cockpit during normal operation. The air refueling system increases the flight duration up to 10 hours with a range of 8,000 km at a cruise height of 11 to 13 km.[citation needed] Su-30MKIs can also use the Cobham 754 buddy refueling pods.
The Su-30MKI's radar cross-section (RCS) is reportedly from 4 to 20 square metres.
Cockpit
The displays include a customised version of the Israeli Elbit Su 967 head-up display (HUD) consisting of bi-cubic phase conjugated holographic displays and seven multifunction liquid-crystal displays, six 127 mm × 127 mm and one 152 mm × 152 mm. Flight information is displayed on four LCD displays which include one for piloting and navigation, a tactical situation indicator, and two for display systems information including operating modes and overall status. Variants of this HUD have also been chosen for the IAF's Mikoyan MiG-27 and SEPECAT "Jaguar" upgrades for standardisation. The rear cockpit has a larger monochrome display for air-to-surface missile guidance.
The Su-30MKI on-board health and usage monitoring system (HUMS) monitors almost every aircraft system and sub-system, and can also act as an engineering data recorder. From 2010, indigenously designed and built HUDs and Multi-Function Displays (MFD) were produced by the Delhi-based Samtel Group Display Systems.
The crew are provided with zero-zero NPP Zvezda K-36DM ejection seats. The rear seat is raised for better visibility. The cockpit is provided with containers to store food and water reserves, a waste disposal system and extra oxygen bottles. The K-36DM ejection seat is inclined at 30°, to help the pilot resist aircraft accelerations in air combat.
Avionics
The forward-facing NIIP N011M Bars (Panther) is a powerful integrated passive electronically scanned array radar. The N011M is a digital multi-mode dual frequency band radar. The N011M can function in air-to-air and air-to-land/sea mode simultaneously while being tied into a high-precision laser-inertial or GPS navigation system. It is equipped with a modern digital weapons control system as well as anti-jamming features. N011M has a 400 km search range and a maximum 200 km tracking range, and 60 km in the rear hemisphere. The radar can track 15 air targets and engage 4 simultaneously. These targets can even include cruise missiles and motionless helicopters. The Su-30MKI can function as a mini-AWACS as a director or command post for other aircraft. The target co-ordinates can be transferred automatically to at least four other aircraft. The radar can detect ground targets such as tanks at 40–50 km. The Bars radar will be replaced by Zhuk-AESA in all Su-30MKI aircraft.
OLS-30 laser-optical Infra-red search and track includes a day and night FLIR capability and is used in conjunction with the helmet mounted sighting system. The OLS-30 is a combined IRST/LR device using a cooled, broad waveband sensor. Detection range is up to 90 km, while the laser ranger is effective to 3.5 km. Targets are displayed on the same LCD display as the radar. Israeli LITENING targeting pod is used to target laser guided munitions. The original Litening pod includes a long range FLIR, a TV camera, laser spot tracker to pick up target designated by other aircraft or ground forces, and an electro-optical point and inertial tracker, which enables engagement of the target even when partly obscured by clouds or countermeasures; it also integrates a laser range-finder and flash-lamp powered laser designator for the delivery of laser-guided bombs, cluster and general-purpose bomb.
The aircraft is fitted with a satellite navigation system (A-737 GPS compatible), which permits it to make flights in all weather, day and night. The navigation complex includes the high accuracy SAGEM Sigma-95 integrated global positioning system and ring laser gyroscope inertial navigation system. Phase 3 of further development of the MKI, will integrate avionic systems being developed for the Indo-Russian Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft programme.
Sukhoi Su-30MKI has electronic counter-measure systems. The RWR system is of Indian design, developed by India's DRDO, called Tarang, (Wave in English). It has direction finding capability and is known to have a programmable threat library. The RWR is derived from work done on an earlier system for India's MiG-23BNs known as the Tranquil, which is now superseded by the more advanced Tarang series. Elta EL/M-8222 a self-protection jammer developed by Israel Aircraft Industries is the MKI's standard EW pod, which the Israeli Air Force uses on its F-15s. The ELTA El/M-8222 Self Protection Pod is a power-managed jammer, air-cooled system with an ESM receiver integrated into the pod. The pod contains an antenna on the forward and aft ends, which receive the hostile RF signal and after processing deliver the appropriate response.
Propulsion
The Su-30MKI is powered by two Lyulka-Saturn AL-31FP turbofans, each rated at 12,500 kgf (27,550 lbf) of full after-burning thrust, which enable speeds of up to Mach 2 in horizontal flight and a rate of climb of 230 m/s. The mean time between overhaul is reportedly 1,000 hours with a full-life span of 3,000 hours; the titanium nozzle has a mean time between overhaul of 500 hours. In early 2015, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar stated before Parliament that the AL-31FP had suffered numerous failures, between the end of 2012 and early 2015, a total of 69 Su-30MKI engine-related failures had occurred; commons causes were bearing failures due to metal fatigue and low oil pressure, in response several engine modifications were made to improve lubrication, as well as the use of higher quality oil and adjustments to the fitting of bearings.
The Su-30MKI's AL-31FP powerplant built on the earlier AL-31FU, adding two-plane thrust vectoring nozzles are mounted 32 degrees outward to longitudinal engine axis (i.e. in the horizontal plane) and can be deflected ±15 degrees in one plane. The canting allows the aircraft to produce both roll and yaw by vectoring each engine nozzle differently; this allows the aircraft to create thrust vectoring moments about all three rotational axes, pitch, yaw and roll. Engine thrust is adjusted via a conventional engine throttle lever as opposed to a strain-gauge engine control stick. The aircraft is controlled by a standard control stick. The pilot can activate a switch for performing difficult maneuvers; while this is enabled, the computer automatically determines the deflection angles of the swiveling nozzles and aerodynamic surfaces.
Operational history
The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is the most potent fighter jet in service with the Indian Air Force in the late 2000s. The MKIs are often fielded by the IAF in bilateral and multilateral air exercises. India exercised its Su-30MKIs against the Royal Air Force's Tornado ADVs in October 2006. This was the first large-scale bilateral aerial exercise with any foreign air force during which the IAF used its Su-30MKIs extensively. This exercise was also the first in 43 years with the RAF. During the exercise, the RAF Air Chief Marshal Glenn Torpy was given permission by the IAF to fly the MKI. RAF's Air Vice Marshal, Christopher Harper, praised the MKI's dogfight ability, calling it "absolutely masterful in dogfights".
In July 2007, the Indian Air Force fielded the MKI during the Indra-Dhanush exercise with Royal Air Force's Eurofighter "Typhoon". This was the first time that the two jets had taken part in such an exercise. The IAF did not allow their pilots to use the radar of the MKIs during the exercise so as to protect the highly classified N011M Bars. Also in the exercise were RAF "Tornado" F3s and a Hawk. RAF "Tornado" pilots were candid in their admission of the Su-30MKI's superior manoeuvring in the air, and the IAF pilots were impressed by the "Typhoon's" agility.
In 2004, India sent Su-30MKs, an earlier variant of the Su-30MKI, to take part in war games with the United States Air Force (USAF) during Cope India 04. The results have been widely publicised, with the Indians winning "90% of the mock combat missions" against the USAF's F-15C. The parameters of the exercise heavily favored the IAF; none of the six 3rd Wing F-15Cs were equipped with the newer long-range, active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars and, at India's request, the U.S. agreed to mock combat at 3-to-1 odds and without the use of simulated long-range, radar-guided AIM-120 AMRAAMs for beyond-visual-range kills. In Cope India 05, the Su-30MKIs reportedly beat the USAF's F-16s.
In July 2008, the IAF sent 6 Su-30MKIs and 2 Il-78MKI aerial-refueling tankers, to participate in the Red Flag exercise. The IAF again did not allow their pilots to use the radar of the MKIs during the exercise so as to protect the highly classified N011M Bars. In October 2008, a video surfaced on the internet which featured a USAF colonel, Terrence Fornof, criticising Su-30MKI's performance against the F-15C, engine serviceability issues, and high friendly kill rate during the Red Flag exercise. Several of his claims were later rebutted by the Indian side and the USAF also distanced itself from his remarks.
In June 2010, India and France began the fourth round of their joint air exercises, "Garuda", at the Istres Air Base in France. During Garuda, the IAF and the French Air Force were engaged in various missions ranging from close combat engagement of large forces, slow mover protection, protecting and engaging high value aerial assets. This exercise marked the first time the Su-30MKI took part in a military exercise in France.
The Indian Air Force first took part in the United States Air Force's Red Flag exercise in 2008. Participating in Red Flag costs the IAF ₹ 100 crore (US$17.5 million) each time. To reduce costs, the IAF decided to take part once every five years. The IAF is taking part in the Red Flag exercise in July 2013, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, United States. For the exercise, it is dispatching eight Su-30MKIs, two Lockheed C-130J "Hercules" tactical aircraft, two Ilyushin Il-78 (NATO reporting name Midas) mid-air refueling tankers, one Ilyushin Il-76 (NATO reporting name Candid) heavy-lift aircraft, and over 150 personnel.
The IAF again fielded its MKIs in the Garuda-V exercise with France in June 2014, where they manoeuvred in mixed groups with other IAF aircraft and French "Rafale's".
On 21 July 2015, India and UK began the bilateral exercise named Indradhanush with aircraft operating from three Royal Air Force bases. The exercises included both Beyond Visual Range (BVR) and Within Visual Range (WVR) exercises between the Su-30MKI and Eurofighter "Typhoon". Indian media reported the results were in favour of the IAF with a score of 12-0 at WVR engagements. They also claim that the IAF Su-30MKIs held an edge over the "Typhoon's" in BVR engagements though not in as dominating a manner. The RAF issued a statement that the results being reported by the Indian media did not reflect the results of the exercise. According to Aviation International News In close combat, thrust vector control on the "Flanker's" more than compensated for the greater thrust-to-weight ratio of the "Typhoon".
On 27 February 2019, the Pakistani Air Force stated that it had downed an Indian Sukhoi Su-30MKI in an aerial skirmish. The Indian Air Force said this statement was a cover up for the loss of a Pakistani F-16 fighter, stating that all Sukhoi aircraft that were dispatched returned safely.
On 4 March 2019, an Indian Su-30MKI shot down a Pakistani drone in Indian airspace, according to local media reports.
Further tests with my NEW55 reagents, trying for a better DTR print.
My new pod design is working better, so at least my reagent distribution is working more consistently. New paper and glue is also making my sleeves easier to work with, which is a bonus too.
(Stacked from 50 exposures in CombineZP.)
Empilhamento de foco combinando 50 exposições com ampliação de 2x.
Canon 600D com lente MP-E 65mm.
Mamangaba, besouro-mangangá, marimbondo-manganga, ou ainda vespa-de-rodeio no Brasil e abelhão, abugão ou zangão (o que também pode designar os machos de qualquer espécie de abelha) em Portugal. Mamangava parece ser o mais comum no Brasil. É uma designação comum dada às abelhas do gênero (Bombus), de ampla distribuição no Brasil e em Portugal. Possuem abdome largo e piloso, geralmente de cor negra e amarela. Medem à volta de 3 cm de comprimento.
Estas abelhas podem ser solitárias ou, em certas épocas do ano, sociais. Quando sociais, vivem em colmeias de dez a duzentos indivíduos. São grandes, peludas e emitem um zumbido alto ao voar. São muito importantes na polinização de muitas plantas. Uma mamangava raramente pica, a não ser que seja provocada; caso isso aconteça, a sua ferroada é muito dolorosa. Ao contrário das abelhas do gênero Apis, uma mamangaba pode picar várias vezes.
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The first gas-powered demonstrator bus to be built by ADL and Scania, complete with a roof pod designed by Ray Stenning, Scania N270UB Alexander Dennis Enviro 300NG YT13 YUK has been doing the rounds with a few companies (the usual suspects) including Cardiff, Newport, Nottingham, Anglianbus, and most recently in Bristol with Firstgroup (the trial is to last 6 months, I am led to believe). Fuelled by Compressed Natural Bio Gas, which can come from sources such as food waste and human waste, the vinyl wrap for Bristol has played on this with images of people disposing leftover food on the offside and people going to the toilet displayed on the nearside, which has given this vehicle the nickname of the 'poo bus' (despite it's 'proper' name being the biobus) and has seen it being used in Bristol on the number 2 service.... This photo is one of a set showing it at Big Bus Day in Hull, whereby EYMS has use of it for a week before it returns south; photos include nearside and offside vinyls detail (including where bits are peeling off!), front detail, back detail including a look inside the pod towards the gas storage tanks, wheel detail (every single wheel nut has the Scania name on it), driving cab and interior passenger saloon (the leather seats are the same type as is on SN62DNJ Enviro 350H Hybrid which was trialled in York: www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=10110677%40N07&sort=da... ), and of course external views with the destination in operation - including a test display which I set up for the photos and then took off afterward.
Companies involved with its trial in Bristol include Wessex Water, CNG Services Ltd, Grontmij, Roadgas, and Trant, whilst the system itself is from GenEco Sustainable Solutions.
The first gas-powered demonstrator bus to be built by ADL and Scania, complete with a roof pod designed by Ray Stenning, Scania N270UB Alexander Dennis Enviro 300NG YT13 YUK has been doing the rounds with a few companies (the usual suspects) including Cardiff, Newport, Nottingham, Anglianbus, and most recently in Bristol with Firstgroup (the trial is to last 6 months, I am led to believe). Fuelled by Compressed Natural Bio Gas, which can come from sources such as food waste and human waste, the vinyl wrap for Bristol has played on this with images of people disposing leftover food on the offside and people going to the toilet displayed on the nearside, which has given this vehicle the nickname of the 'poo bus' (despite it's 'proper' name being the biobus) and has seen it being used in Bristol on the number 2 service.... This photo is one of a set showing it at Big Bus Day in Hull, whereby EYMS has use of it for a week before it returns south; photos include nearside and offside vinyls detail (including where bits are peeling off!), front detail, back detail including a look inside the pod towards the gas storage tanks, wheel detail (every single wheel nut has the Scania name on it), driving cab and interior passenger saloon (the leather seats are the same type as is on SN62DNJ Enviro 350H Hybrid which was trialled in York: www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=10110677%40N07&sort=da... ), and of course external views with the destination in operation - including a test display which I set up for the photos and then took off afterward.
Companies involved with its trial in Bristol include Wessex Water, CNG Services Ltd, Grontmij, Roadgas, and Trant, whilst the system itself is from GenEco Sustainable Solutions.
The first gas-powered demonstrator bus to be built by ADL and Scania, complete with a roof pod designed by Ray Stenning, Scania N270UB Alexander Dennis Enviro 300NG YT13 YUK has been doing the rounds with a few companies (the usual suspects) including Cardiff, Newport, Nottingham, Anglianbus, and most recently in Bristol with Firstgroup (the trial is to last 6 months, I am led to believe). Fuelled by Compressed Natural Bio Gas, which can come from sources such as food waste and human waste, the vinyl wrap for Bristol has played on this with images of people disposing leftover food on the offside and people going to the toilet displayed on the nearside, which has given this vehicle the nickname of the 'poo bus' (despite it's 'proper' name being the biobus) and has seen it being used in Bristol on the number 2 service.... This photo is one of a set showing it at Big Bus Day in Hull, whereby EYMS has use of it for a week before it returns south; photos include nearside and offside vinyls detail (including where bits are peeling off!), front detail, back detail including a look inside the pod towards the gas storage tanks, wheel detail (every single wheel nut has the Scania name on it), driving cab and interior passenger saloon (the leather seats are the same type as is on SN62DNJ Enviro 350H Hybrid which was trialled in York: www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=10110677%40N07&sort=da... ), and of course external views with the destination in operation - including a test display which I set up for the photos and then took off afterward.
Companies involved with its trial in Bristol include Wessex Water, CNG Services Ltd, Grontmij, Roadgas, and Trant, whilst the system itself is from GenEco Sustainable Solutions.
Malagasy Pea Pod. Designed and folded by James Lucas from one uncut 100 ariary banknote. For size comparison, the 50 ariary coin is about the size of a US half dollar.
The first gas-powered demonstrator bus to be built by ADL and Scania, complete with a roof pod designed by Ray Stenning, Scania N270UB Alexander Dennis Enviro 300NG YT13 YUK has been doing the rounds with a few companies (the usual suspects) including Cardiff, Newport, Nottingham, Anglianbus, and most recently in Bristol with Firstgroup (the trial is to last 6 months, I am led to believe). Fuelled by Compressed Natural Bio Gas, which can come from sources such as food waste and human waste, the vinyl wrap for Bristol has played on this with images of people disposing leftover food on the offside and people going to the toilet displayed on the nearside, which has given this vehicle the nickname of the 'poo bus' (despite it's 'proper' name being the biobus) and has seen it being used in Bristol on the number 2 service.... This photo is one of a set showing it at Big Bus Day in Hull, whereby EYMS has use of it for a week before it returns south; photos include nearside and offside vinyls detail (including where bits are peeling off!), front detail, back detail including a look inside the pod towards the gas storage tanks, wheel detail (every single wheel nut has the Scania name on it), driving cab and interior passenger saloon (the leather seats are the same type as is on SN62DNJ Enviro 350H Hybrid which was trialled in York: www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=10110677%40N07&sort=da... ), and of course external views with the destination in operation - including a test display which I set up for the photos and then took off afterward.
Companies involved with its trial in Bristol include Wessex Water, CNG Services Ltd, Grontmij, Roadgas, and Trant, whilst the system itself is from GenEco Sustainable Solutions.
The first gas-powered demonstrator bus to be built by ADL and Scania, complete with a roof pod designed by Ray Stenning, Scania N270UB Alexander Dennis Enviro 300NG YT13 YUK has been doing the rounds with a few companies (the usual suspects) including Cardiff, Newport, Nottingham, Anglianbus, and most recently in Bristol with Firstgroup (the trial is to last 6 months, I am led to believe). Fuelled by Compressed Natural Bio Gas, which can come from sources such as food waste and human waste, the vinyl wrap for Bristol has played on this with images of people disposing leftover food on the offside and people going to the toilet displayed on the nearside, which has given this vehicle the nickname of the 'poo bus' (despite it's 'proper' name being the biobus) and has seen it being used in Bristol on the number 2 service.... This photo is one of a set showing it at Big Bus Day in Hull, whereby EYMS has use of it for a week before it returns south; photos include nearside and offside vinyls detail (including where bits are peeling off!), front detail, back detail including a look inside the pod towards the gas storage tanks, wheel detail (every single wheel nut has the Scania name on it), driving cab and interior passenger saloon (the leather seats are the same type as is on SN62DNJ Enviro 350H Hybrid which was trialled in York: www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=10110677%40N07&sort=da... ), and of course external views with the destination in operation - including a test display which I set up for the photos and then took off afterward.
Companies involved with its trial in Bristol include Wessex Water, CNG Services Ltd, Grontmij, Roadgas, and Trant, whilst the system itself is from GenEco Sustainable Solutions.
The first gas-powered demonstrator bus to be built by ADL and Scania, complete with a roof pod designed by Ray Stenning, Scania N270UB Alexander Dennis Enviro 300NG YT13 YUK has been doing the rounds with a few companies (the usual suspects) including Cardiff, Newport, Nottingham, Anglianbus, and most recently in Bristol with Firstgroup (the trial is to last 6 months, I am led to believe). Fuelled by Compressed Natural Bio Gas, which can come from sources such as food waste and human waste, the vinyl wrap for Bristol has played on this with images of people disposing leftover food on the offside and people going to the toilet displayed on the nearside, which has given this vehicle the nickname of the 'poo bus' (despite it's 'proper' name being the biobus) and has seen it being used in Bristol on the number 2 service.... This photo is one of a set showing it at Big Bus Day in Hull, whereby EYMS has use of it for a week before it returns south; photos include nearside and offside vinyls detail (including where bits are peeling off!), front detail, back detail including a look inside the pod towards the gas storage tanks, wheel detail (every single wheel nut has the Scania name on it), driving cab and interior passenger saloon (the leather seats are the same type as is on SN62DNJ Enviro 350H Hybrid which was trialled in York: www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=10110677%40N07&sort=da... ), and of course external views with the destination in operation - including a test display which I set up for the photos and then took off afterward.
Companies involved with its trial in Bristol include Wessex Water, CNG Services Ltd, Grontmij, Roadgas, and Trant, whilst the system itself is from GenEco Sustainable Solutions.
The first gas-powered demonstrator bus to be built by ADL and Scania, complete with a roof pod designed by Ray Stenning, Scania N270UB Alexander Dennis Enviro 300NG YT13 YUK has been doing the rounds with a few companies (the usual suspects) including Cardiff, Newport, Nottingham, Anglianbus, and most recently in Bristol with Firstgroup (the trial is to last 6 months, I am led to believe). Fuelled by Compressed Natural Bio Gas, which can come from sources such as food waste and human waste, the vinyl wrap for Bristol has played on this with images of people disposing leftover food on the offside and people going to the toilet displayed on the nearside, which has given this vehicle the nickname of the 'poo bus' (despite it's 'proper' name being the biobus) and has seen it being used in Bristol on the number 2 service.... This photo is one of a set showing it at Big Bus Day in Hull, whereby EYMS has use of it for a week before it returns south; photos include nearside and offside vinyls detail (including where bits are peeling off!), front detail, back detail including a look inside the pod towards the gas storage tanks, wheel detail (every single wheel nut has the Scania name on it), driving cab and interior passenger saloon (the leather seats are the same type as is on SN62DNJ Enviro 350H Hybrid which was trialled in York: www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=10110677%40N07&sort=da... ), and of course external views with the destination in operation - including a test display which I set up for the photos and then took off afterward.
Companies involved with its trial in Bristol include Wessex Water, CNG Services Ltd, Grontmij, Roadgas, and Trant, whilst the system itself is from GenEco Sustainable Solutions.
The first gas-powered demonstrator bus to be built by ADL and Scania, complete with a roof pod designed by Ray Stenning, Scania N270UB Alexander Dennis Enviro 300NG YT13 YUK has been doing the rounds with a few companies (the usual suspects) including Cardiff, Newport, Nottingham, Anglianbus, and most recently in Bristol with Firstgroup (the trial is to last 6 months, I am led to believe). Fuelled by Compressed Natural Bio Gas, which can come from sources such as food waste and human waste, the vinyl wrap for Bristol has played on this with images of people disposing leftover food on the offside and people going to the toilet displayed on the nearside, which has given this vehicle the nickname of the 'poo bus' (despite it's 'proper' name being the biobus) and has seen it being used in Bristol on the number 2 service.... This photo is one of a set showing it at Big Bus Day in Hull, whereby EYMS has use of it for a week before it returns south; photos include nearside and offside vinyls detail (including where bits are peeling off!), front detail, back detail including a look inside the pod towards the gas storage tanks, wheel detail (every single wheel nut has the Scania name on it), driving cab and interior passenger saloon (the leather seats are the same type as is on SN62DNJ Enviro 350H Hybrid which was trialled in York: www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=10110677%40N07&sort=da... ), and of course external views with the destination in operation - including a test display which I set up for the photos and then took off afterward.
Companies involved with its trial in Bristol include Wessex Water, CNG Services Ltd, Grontmij, Roadgas, and Trant, whilst the system itself is from GenEco Sustainable Solutions.
The first gas-powered demonstrator bus to be built by ADL and Scania, complete with a roof pod designed by Ray Stenning, Scania N270UB Alexander Dennis Enviro 300NG YT13 YUK has been doing the rounds with a few companies (the usual suspects) including Cardiff, Newport, Nottingham, Anglianbus, and most recently in Bristol with Firstgroup (the trial is to last 6 months, I am led to believe). Fuelled by Compressed Natural Bio Gas, which can come from sources such as food waste and human waste, the vinyl wrap for Bristol has played on this with images of people disposing leftover food on the offside and people going to the toilet displayed on the nearside, which has given this vehicle the nickname of the 'poo bus' (despite it's 'proper' name being the biobus) and has seen it being used in Bristol on the number 2 service.... This photo is one of a set showing it at Big Bus Day in Hull, whereby EYMS has use of it for a week before it returns south; photos include nearside and offside vinyls detail (including where bits are peeling off!), front detail, back detail including a look inside the pod towards the gas storage tanks, wheel detail (every single wheel nut has the Scania name on it), driving cab and interior passenger saloon (the leather seats are the same type as is on SN62DNJ Enviro 350H Hybrid which was trialled in York: www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=10110677%40N07&sort=da... ), and of course external views with the destination in operation - including a test display which I set up for the photos and then took off afterward (even though some busybody mum seen on the right started to tell me off as if I was her 3-year-old son because I was in the cab at the Deric and she wanted her sprog in the cab instead. Some people have absolutely no respect for others).
Companies involved with its trial in Bristol include Wessex Water, CNG Services Ltd, Grontmij, Roadgas, and Trant, whilst the system itself is from GenEco Sustainable Solutions.
The first gas-powered demonstrator bus to be built by ADL and Scania, complete with a roof pod designed by Ray Stenning, Scania N270UB Alexander Dennis Enviro 300NG YT13 YUK has been doing the rounds with a few companies (the usual suspects) including Cardiff, Newport, Nottingham, Anglianbus, and most recently in Bristol with Firstgroup (the trial is to last 6 months, I am led to believe). Fuelled by Compressed Natural Bio Gas, which can come from sources such as food waste and human waste, the vinyl wrap for Bristol has played on this with images of people disposing leftover food on the offside and people going to the toilet displayed on the nearside, which has given this vehicle the nickname of the 'poo bus' (despite it's 'proper' name being the biobus) and has seen it being used in Bristol on the number 2 service.... This photo is one of a set showing it at Big Bus Day in Hull, whereby EYMS has use of it for a week before it returns south; photos include nearside and offside vinyls detail (including where bits are peeling off!), front detail, back detail including a look inside the pod towards the gas storage tanks, wheel detail (every single wheel nut has the Scania name on it), driving cab and interior passenger saloon (the leather seats are the same type as is on SN62DNJ Enviro 350H Hybrid which was trialled in York: www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=10110677%40N07&sort=da... ), and of course external views with the destination in operation - including a test display which I set up for the photos and then took off afterward.
Companies involved with its trial in Bristol include Wessex Water, CNG Services Ltd, Grontmij, Roadgas, and Trant, whilst the system itself is from GenEco Sustainable Solutions.