Aviation reconnaissance complex Tu-214R
The first reconnaissance aircraft Tu-214R. Photo "Rostec"
Not so long ago, the Russian press reported that a Tu-214R optical and electronic reconnaissance aircraft took part in the Special Operation for the Defense of Donbass. He examined the given areas of enemy territory and identified military facilities. As far as we know, this is not the first time this type of aircraft has been used in a real operation and once again showed all its capabilities.
Promising scouts
According to known data, the Tu-214R aviation complex of optical and electronic intelligence was created in the 214s by several enterprises. Thus, the Tupolev company and the Kazan Aviation Plant provided a platform in the form of a Tu-XNUMX serial aircraft, and also ensured the integration of target equipment. The reconnaissance complex was created by the Vega Radio Engineering Concern and other enterprises.
In accordance with the order of the Ministry of Defense, the industry was to build one prototype and two reconnaissance aircraft. The first aircraft of the new type was built in 2009 and took to the air for the first time at the end of the year. The next few years were spent on flight design tests. In 2012, the tests were completed, and according to their results, the lead Tu-214R was accepted into trial operation. In the future, the aircraft passed this stage and began full-fledged service.
At the beginning of the tenth years, the second ordered reconnaissance aircraft was completed. Over the next few years, he passed the necessary tests, after which he was put into operation. In June 2016, the Ministry of Defense ordered the construction of the third Tu-214R. Information about the implementation of this contract is not yet available. Perhaps in the near future there will be news about the first flight of this aircraft, testing and commissioning.
Thus, to date, the Ministry of Defense has received two Tu-214R reconnaissance aircraft, and a third is expected in the future. Such a small amount of technology is due to its specific capabilities and a special role in existing strategies. The mass construction of such aircraft, apparently, does not make sense in terms of application issues, and is also not economically feasible.
Aircraft in service
Starting from 2009, i.e. Since the start of the tests, Tu-214R aircraft have been regularly flying, and they have been noticed in certain areas. For obvious reasons, the goals of specific sorties have always remained unknown. However, it is clear that in the early years, flights within the country were carried out in order to check and fine-tune reconnaissance equipment. Later came the full use aviation complexes for the purpose of reconnaissance. Flights of this kind were carried out near land borders or over neutral waters.
The second aircraft on trials. Photo Telegram / "Defence"
The first reports of such flights appeared at the end of 2012. Then it became known that the Tu-214R was performing certain tasks over the Sea of Japan. Later, this aircraft was spotted several times near the western borders of the country, incl. near the republics of Donbass and Ukraine.
In February 2016, the Tu-214R took part in a real military operation for the first time. One of the aircraft of this type was deployed to the Syrian Khmeimim airbase. Over the next few weeks, he flew and conducted reconnaissance. Collected data about the enemy, his positions, etc. were used both in planning military operations and in organizing strikes. The next such trip took place in July-August of the same year. Subsequently, new flights over Syria were reported.
On September 24, 2022, it became known about the participation of a reconnaissance aircraft in a special operation in Ukraine. This was reported by RIA Novosti with reference to its source in an unnamed structure. According to him, one of the aircraft, recently repaired, went to the zone of the operation for reconnaissance of Ukrainian military facilities.
What kind of targets the plane was looking for and finding, and how this intelligence was used, is not reported. At the same time, the source recalled that the Tu-214R is capable of detecting and identifying various ground objects, such as command posts, radar stations, equipment columns, etc., as well as quickly transmitting data about them to the ground.
Special Features
The Tu-214R aviation complex for radio-technical and optical reconnaissance is made on the basis of the Tu-214 passenger aircraft. Due to this, high flight performance is achieved. In addition, the base aircraft has sufficient volume and carrying capacity to accommodate all the necessary target equipment, operator jobs, etc.
The reconnaissance aircraft outwardly differs from the serial airliner in the location of the windows on the sides and the presence of several new fairings. Similar devices of various shapes and sizes are located on top of the fuselage, under the nose and tail sections. There are also a pair of fairings on the sides of the bow. Various antenna devices and optical devices are hidden under the fairings.
The scout comes in for a landing. Photo by Wikimedia Commons
The aircraft is equipped with the MRK-411 multi-frequency radio-technical complex. According to known data, it includes devices for passive electronic intelligence and interception of radio channels, as well as a side-scan radar. Some sources claim that RTR systems allow detecting radiation sources at ranges up to 400 km. The aircraft's own radar provides observation of the ground situation within a radius of 200-250 km.
Optoelectronic station "Faction" is placed under the nose of the fuselage. It includes day and infrared cameras, probably on a stabilized remote-controlled gimbal. The technical characteristics of the ECO are unknown. Probably, under favorable conditions, it allows observation at distances of tens of kilometers.
Also on board the Tu-214R there should be systems for processing and issuing incoming data. Their composition and exact functions are unknown. Probably, preliminary processing of information from on-board systems and the issuance of ready-made data to a higher headquarters is provided. It cannot be ruled out that a reconnaissance aircraft can transmit information and target designation to military control systems or directly to strike weapons.
The scout does not have any weapons. In this case, the aircraft has the ability to protect itself. According to some reports, it has an airborne defense system capable of detecting threats and responding to them. Depending on their nature, interference of one kind or another is used.
Although all the capabilities and characteristics of the target equipment of the Tu-214R are unknown, some assumptions can be made. It is obvious that the presence of the RTR, radar and OES station gives the aircraft ample opportunities for reconnaissance, detection and identification of various ground objects. Reconnaissance tools complement each other and provide high flexibility in performing missions. In addition, work efficiency is enhanced by high-performance data processing and the ability to quickly transfer information to consumers.
Intelligence tools
The need for various aerial reconnaissance means is obvious, and the necessary measures are being taken in this direction. A variety of means are being created, from suspended containers with limited functions for front-line aircraft to full-size reconnaissance aircraft systems based on passenger liners.
One of the relevant samples of this kind is the Tu-214R aircraft. Our Ministry of Defense currently has two such complexes at its disposal, and a third is expected. Despite the small number, such aircraft participate in military operations and effectively cope with their tasks. Details of their application are not available, but the results are well known. After the reconnaissance Tu-214R appears over the theater, the enemy has to count his losses.
Information