Return of the Albatross. A-42 project resumes
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The resumption of the 3 project in September was reported by Izvestia, citing unnamed sources in the aviation industry and the Ministry of Defense. It is alleged that a fundamental decision has already been made to resume the development and production of A-42 aircraft. Now the military is busy forming requirements for the updated car.
According to the publication, the Ministry of Defense wants to get a universal flying boat, capable of using different equipment to solve the problems of anti-submarine defense and participate in search and rescue operations. So far, it is planned to purchase only three aircraft of a new type. At the same time, the timing of the work is unknown.
The theme of resuming work on the Albatross last time was raised about a year ago - in early September of 2018. Then the United Aircraft Corporation revealed its plans of this kind, but did not go into details. In addition, the topic of the possible resumption of the A-40 project has repeatedly been included in news and earlier, almost from the beginning of the current decade.
Unlike previous reports, the latest news reveals the approximate plans of the Ministry of Defense and indicate the desired paths for the development of aviation technology. In addition, it is indicated that the previously closed A-42 search and rescue aircraft project, created on the basis of the A-40, will receive development.
Universal amphibian
Izvestia points out some features of the modernization of the existing Albatros project to meet the current needs of the customer. According to them, the improved aircraft will receive a whole set of modern equipment of various kinds, which will ensure the growth of technical and operational characteristics, as well as solve the tasks.
The power plant can preserve the existing architecture, but the option of its reconstruction, already proposed in the A-42PE project, is being considered. In this case, the D-30ТКПВ turbojet engines should give way to the D-27 propeller-driven engines. According to calculations, this will reduce fuel consumption and increase the range to 9,3 thousand km. At the same time, “Albatross” will maintain a refueling system in flight, which will positively affect the combat radius.
A complex of on-board electronic equipment is undergoing radical modernization. It is proposed to replace the radar station, introduce an optoelectronic unit, etc. The aiming and navigation complex must meet modern requirements, incl. characteristic of flying boats. New means of communication and control are required.
The upgraded A-42 will be designed to solve two main problems: conducting PLO and search and rescue operations. Depending on the task, the amphibian will have to receive the necessary avionics and appropriate equipment or weapons. In such configurations, “Albatross” will have to look for surface and underwater targets and hit them, or provide assistance. It is expected that the ability to land on water will give the A-42 characteristic advantages over other PLO and MSS aircraft.
Anti-submarine potential
Even in the basic project A-40 "Albatross", a set of measures was envisaged to turn the platform aircraft into a specialized amphibious submarine. Similar ideas and solutions can be applied in the new A-42 project with clear results. The result of this should be the emergence of a fairly successful anti-submarine aircraft with high performance.
According to the flight performance A-40 / 42 is comparable with some domestic PLO aircraft, and the presence of a refueling system in the air allows you to increase the flight range and patrol time. It is possible to transport sonar buoys and anti-submarine weapons. Special search equipment can be mounted in available glider volumes.
One of the options for equipping the passenger compartment of the search and rescue A-42. Photo Airwar.ru
An important advantage of amphibians over other anti-submarine aircraft is the ability to land on water. Thanks to this, the A-42 will be able to search for enemy submarines not only using buoys and a magnetometer, but also using a fuselage or lowering sonar station.
The anti-submarine version of the base A-40 could carry 6,5 tons of payload and weapons. This is enough to carry a stock of buoys, torpedoes or missiles. Apparently, the modernized Albatross will have at least similar characteristics.
Modification of the future A-42 with anti-submarine equipment and weapons can be of great interest to the fleet. According to its flight data, such an aircraft is located between the existing IL-38 and Tu-142. The combat load also occupies an intermediate position. At the same time, “Albatross” compares favorably with its ability to work with water and has some other advantages. Finally, we are talking about a completely new aircraft with a large supply of resources, which is also important for our PLO.
Rescue work
The goal of the A-42 project from the very beginning was to create a promising flying rescue boat. The aircraft was supposed to receive the appropriate equipment to find those in distress, to provide assistance and lift them on board. To solve such problems, it was planned to install special electronic equipment and organize compartments with the necessary equipment.
For the search, it was proposed to use radar, ECO and means of receiving alarms. On board there were dumped containers with life-saving appliances. Also, the plane could independently provide assistance by landing in the desired area.
One of the laying of rescue equipment on the A-42. Photo Airwar.ru
On the sides of the A-42 fuselage, two large hatches were provided, which made it possible to launch and receive a motor boat. A multifunctional salon was organized in the cargo compartment. It could accommodate more than 50 people or bedridden wounded. It also provided for the deployment of a medical compartment with an operating room.
It was assumed that the search and rescue "Albatross" would be able to help the distressed crews of surface ships, submarines and aircraft. The wide capabilities of the amphibian aircraft and the availability of various equipment on board made it possible to search and save the victims in an optimal way. The aircraft could perform patrols at ranges up to 3-3,5 thousand km from the base or in more remote areas due to refueling.
The promising A-42 aircraft could reach the series and enter the naval aviation. However, the project appeared at a bad time and was not even brought to the prototype tests. The prototype of the flying boat was not completed and was not brought to the test. All further development of the project was carried out only on paper.
"Albatross" from the future
Flying boats for various purposes, whose characteristics are close to the old A-40 aircraft or built on its basis, may be of interest to the Russian Navy. Using such a technique, it is possible to solve a number of urgent problems, and to do this with greater efficiency in comparison with other equipment. However, to obtain such results, it is necessary to rework existing projects in accordance with the current requirements and views of the customer.
According to recent reports, a fundamental decision to create a new version of Albatross has already been taken. Now the Ministry of Defense is engaged in the formation of the right tactical and technical requirements. In view of the earliest stages of work, there is no need to talk about the timing of the appearance of the finished aircraft. In addition, until the end the technical appearance of such a machine is not clear, although its main features and capabilities are clear.
It can be expected that in the foreseeable future there will be new information about the A-42 project, revealing its particular features. Thanks to this, it will become clear what exactly the Russian fleet wants to receive. Until then, it remains only to make forecasts regarding the appearance, capabilities, timing and number of upgraded Albatrosses.
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