The concept of a promising light attack aircraft for the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine based on the experience of tactical aviation in the Joint Forces operation

Abstract

The article analyses the experience of using tactical aircraft Su-24, Su-25, Su-27, MiG-29 of the Air Force of Ukraine in the Joint Forces Operation. Against A-50 and MiG-31, Su-35 with long-range missiles R-33, R-37M and S-300, S-400. The interaction between them allows the enemy to achieve air dominance over Ukrainian tactical aviation. And the combat capabilities of NATO's Generation 4+ tactical fighters that are entering service. The difficulties encountered by Ukrainian tactical aviation in the course of confrontation with the enemy are clarified. It is determined that the tactical measures used by Ukrainian aviation do not give the desired tactical result. And, given that there is no talk of supplying Ukraine with Generation 5 fighters, it is concluded that a second combat aircraft is needed. The STEALTH light attack aircraft. The aircraft has an aerodynamic flying wing made up of flat panels similar to the F-117. The concept of its creation and serial production has been developed. The concept takes into account intelligence information about the activities of Northrop Corporation (now Northrop Grumman) to study STEALTH technology. The basis of the structure configuration: flat panels. The structure itself consists of several blocks of composite monocoque or semi-monocoque. There is only one weapon compartment and, together with the engine, it can serve as the power base of the structure, to which the landing gear and cannon are attached, and around which the composite airframe itself is attached. The construction of separate blocks makes it possible to disperse production. And to load Ukrainian aviation enterprises. The light attack aircraft should be optimised in terms of cost-effectiveness. Its tactics should be tailored to the conditions of the combat theatre: guided weapons instead of unguided ones for ground strikes. To avoid passing over the target after the strike. Long-range air-to-air guided missiles such as the MBDA Meteor as a means of destroying enemy A-50s, MiG-31s, Su-35s, as some ways to use these missiles do not require an on-board radar if there is a third-party targeting after launch. Therefore, in general, the tactics of such a light attack aircraft will be to implement the tactical advantages provided by STEALTH technology such as F-22, F-35, F-117. The concept was developed specifically for the existing technologies, real capabilities and needs of the Ukrainian national aviation industry.