Tactical aircraft are potential carriers of FAB-3000 with UMPC
In the version with the UMPC, the nose of the FAB-3000 will most likely be covered with fairings to increase the flight range after being dropped. Image based on photo by Alexander Beltyukov
In the material The feasibility of using strategic, long-range and transport aircraft as carriers of FAB-3000 with UMPC such potential FAB-3000 carriers with UMPC were considered as Tu-160(M), Tu-95MS(MSM), Tu-22M3(M3M) and Il-76. Today we will talk about tactical aircraft aviation, which are potentially capable of acting as a carrier of FAB-3000 with UMPC.
Considering the weight and dimensions of the FAB-3000-54 (hereinafter referred to as FAB-3000), especially in conjunction with the UMPC, the choice may not be particularly large, however, there are options. According to open data from the Internet, the role of carrier of the FAB-3000 with UMPC is predicted for the Su-34 fighter-bomber, but we will start not with it, but with the MiG-31K aircraft.
MiG-31K
Yes, it is the MiG-31K that can potentially become the carrier of the FAB-3000 with the UMPK, because this aircraft has already been adapted to launch a hypersonic missiles the Kinzhal complex, whose weight exceeds 4 tons and whose diameter is 1,2 meters. For comparison, the FAB-3000 weighs about 3 tons and has a diameter of 1 meter. This leaves a decent reserve in weight and dimensions for the UMPK.
MiG-31K with a Kinzhal missile. Image aex.ru
The advantage of the MiG-31K is its ability to accelerate to high speeds, which will allow the FAB-3000 with UMPC to be thrown over a greater distance, as far as the strength of the UMPC design allows.
There are also disadvantages - the MiG-31K, judging by pilot reviews, is much more difficult to control than aircraft of the Su-27 family. It is possible that this shortcoming can be compensated for by highly specialized training of pilots, aimed at solving just one task - the use of UMPC.
In addition, MiG-31 aircraft are no longer produced - it turns out that this is a “non-renewable resource”, however, options are possible here too. Previously, the author considered the possibility of restoring from storage any decommissioned aircraft, for example, MiG-25 and MiG-31 fighters, if they are still in suitable technical condition, and turning them into highly specialized carriers of aerial bombs with UMPC.
Most likely, the MiG-25 is not capable of lifting the FAB-3000, but restoring decommissioned MiG-31s from storage and upgrading them to some highly specialized modification intended only for the use of various air bombs with UMPC, including the FAB-3000, most likely quite real. Of course, provided that the above-mentioned MiG-31s are still preserved in a form suitable for restoration, but if so, then it already turns out that we have a “limitedly renewable resource.”
Su-34(M)
Now let's return to the Su-34. The assumption about the possibility of using FAB-3000 with UMPC from Su-34(M) aircraft is based on information about the possible use of hypersonic missiles of the Kinzhal complex from this aircraft, similar to what is now happening with the MiG-31K.
Su-34 fighter-bomber. Image by Wikimedia Commons / Vitaly V. Kuzmin
Despite the fact that at the moment this capability has not been implemented for the Su-34, it can be assumed that the very elaboration of this issue potentially speaks to the Su-34’s ability to carry ammunition of such mass and dimensions. As we said above, the dimensions and weight of the FAB-3000 are significantly smaller than that of the Kinzhal missile, so the question is what dimensions and weight the UMPC for this aerial bomb will have.
In general, the maximum load capacity of the Su-34 is an impressive 12,5 tons, and with 100% fuel filling - 10,4 tons, which potentially allows us to talk about the Su-34 being able to carry two FAB-3000 with UMPC, but it is unlikely that the existing underwing units weapon suspensions are capable of withstanding such a mass without modification.
Theoretically, something like a “corset” could be created for the Su-34, that is, a certain bracket attached to all pylons or parts of the weapons suspension pylons and evenly distributing the load from two FAB-3000 with UMPC over the involved pylons. Of course, there are a lot of questions here, for example, is it possible to make a single bracket that will also use the pylons under the fuselage, without interfering with the operation of the wing mechanization and the extension/retraction of the landing gear? How will this affect the aerodynamics of the plane?
Or will combining the pylons under the wings be enough? It is possible that there is no point in using pairs of outer pylons due to the minimum load that can be placed on them - then the possibility of attaching to two inner underwing pylons could be implemented on the UMPCs themselves?
Distribution of payload among Su-34 hardpoints. Image by Wikimedia Commons / D. Ilyin
On the other hand, the Su-34 is capable of carrying two PTB-3000 on underwing pylons - accordingly, is it possible that it is only necessary to “gain” a little more carrying capacity for the UMPC?
Su-34 with one and two PTB-3000
There are images of the Su-34 with three PTB-3000s - the question is, are they empty or full?
Su-34 with three PTB-3000
A number of sources talk about the extremely limited maneuverability of the Su-34 when attached to two PTB-3000s. Most likely, the suspension of one or two FAB-3000s with UMPC will also negatively affect the Su-34’s ability to maneuver. However, the maximum threat to the aircraft most likely arises after the payload has been dropped, after which its maneuverability will “return” and it can undertake all the necessary maneuvers to evade enemy attacks.
Sioux 24M
Why not? Like the Su-34, the Su-24 front-line bomber can carry two PTB-3000, its total payload capacity is up to 7 tons. This aircraft can definitely carry three FAB-1500s, and it is possible that two FAB-3000s with UMPC will also be “up to par” after certain modifications. The question is rather one of expediency; after all, the age of these machines is coming to an end.
Su-24M with and two PTB-3000. Image by Wikimedia Commons/Alexander Mishin
Su-35U and Su-30SMU
In the material Lessons from the SVO: multifunctional weapons systems should complement highly specialized combat vehicles The author considered the possibility of developing and producing simplified, highly specialized versions of modern, mass-produced combat aircraft, such as the Su-35S or MiG-35. For example, such machines could be used specifically for dropping aerial bombs from UMPC.
As we said above, when working according to coordinates, according to previously reconnoitred targets, aircraft do not require any complex avionics, and its cost can be a significant part of the cost of a combat vehicle. Simplified, highly specialized modifications of combat aircraft, for example, the conventional Su-35U and Su-30SMU, could be cheaper, produced faster and in larger quantities, pilots for them could undergo an accelerated training course aimed at solving one but important task - mass use air bombs with UMPC.
In addition, reducing the weight of the aircraft due to the abandonment of part of the avionics would potentially make it possible to strengthen the airframe design, for example, in order to increase the number of 250, 500 and 1500 kilogram caliber bombs they can simultaneously use, equipped with UMPC, or to ensure the possibility of using FAB-3000 with UMPC.
Su-35S and Su-30SM. Image by Wikimedia Commons / Mil.ru/ Alex Beltyukov
Conclusions
At the moment, most likely, there are no tactical aircraft capable of using the FAB-3000 with UMPC without modification. At the same time, after modification, the MiG-31K and Su-34 (M) fighter-bombers could potentially receive this capability. The possibility and feasibility of modifications to ensure the possibility of using the FAB-3000 with the UMPC of Su-24M front-line bombers is in question.
At the same time, the creation of simplified, highly specialized versions of mass-produced modern combat aircraft Su-35S and Su-30SM (conventionally Su-35U and Su-30SMU) with an additionally reinforced airframe can be considered, which will allow them to use an increased number of aerial bombs with UMPC, and will also provide the ability application of FAB-3000 with UMPC.
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