Six plants under one wing
On December 24, 2013, the Tu-154 of the Air Force Commander-in-Chief, Lieutenant General Viktor Bondarev, rose from the Chkalovsky airfield near Moscow and headed east. Together with the current commander-in-chief, the director of the Directorate of Military Programs aviation United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) - the previous Air Force Commander Vladimir Mikhailov, also a Hero of Russia. And a group of comrades from the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, the Air Force and the KLA, since it was planned to visit aircraft factories and receive aircraft on state defense orders. In addition to them, five journalists were invited on board, including the author of these lines.It was expected that in three days the command of the Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force would visit a pair of aircraft factories. However, the result exceeded all expectations - 13 takeoffs and landings. The final route looks like this: Moscow (Chkalovsky) - Novosibirsk - Domna (Chita) - Vladivostok (Knevichi) - Arseniev - Vozdvizhenka air base - Vladivostok - Khabarovsk - Komsomolsk-on-Amur - Ulan-Ude - Irkutsk - Novosibirsk - Ulyanovsk - Moscow ( Chkalovsky).
"ALLIGATORS" FLY HIGH
At one o'clock, after parting with the snotty Moscow winter, the Tu-154 headed for the sun - it is above the clouds! And literally a couple of hours later, the plane crashed into the darkness of the night, peppered with bright stars. Refueling in Novosibirsk (overboard minus 20) and the flight to Domn air base (minus 29) in the Chita region, where the commander-in-chief met with the flight crew, found out how the new technology is being mastered. Next landing in Vladivostok.
It was barely past midnight in Moscow, and dawn was already waiting here. It started quite early, already in 9 hours. By this time, everyone had settled in two new Mi-8AMTSH helicopters. The machine differs from previous models in the presence of a ramp that allows loading and transporting wheeled vehicles. And the ramp is separated from the salon with a curtain of silver blankets so that less cold comes inside. And another nice little thing - heating. They just took off, from special holes at the level of the lower back, people sitting along the sides of the people blew warm air. After a quarter of an hour it became really warm. Those who flew in the winter on old helicopters will especially appreciate such comfort.
We land at the factory airfield of the enterprise of the OJSC “Arsenyev Aviation Company“ Progress ”named after Sazykin” in the city of Arsenyev. The territory of the flight test station AAC Progress. There are ready-made Ka-12 "Alligator" 52 helicopters in the workshop with the blades removed so that it is more convenient to load into a container and transport. Here a solemn transfer to their customer took place. In addition to Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force Viktor Bondarev, the General Director of the Russian Helicopters holding company, Alexander Mikheyev, and the managing director of AAK Progress, Yuri Denisenko, were present.
A helicopter just last summer was presented to the international community at the Le Bourget air show. Although already in 2011, 12 Ka-52 were supplied to the Russian Air Force, and the total number of machines of this type built was already 65 units. 20 of them is located at the Chernigovka airbase (Primorsky Krai), 16 transferred to the 393-th Sevastopol airbase (Korenovsk, Krasnodar Krai), 8 - in Torzhok. Unfortunately, 2 machines are lost.
In 2013, Progress AAC completed the implementation of the contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense, signed in 2009. And the execution of the next long-term contract for the supply of 143 Ka-52 with a total value of about 120 billion rubles began.
Viktor Bondarev, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Air Force, said at the acceptance ceremony: “Today we saw machines in the workshops from the back of 2014. The Russian Helicopters holding and the plant give us a promise that next year we will receive helicopters rhythmically and quarterly. Not at the end of the year, but starting from March, the first six helicopters will go, and then quarterly - three or four cars. The pilots will begin to master them in March. ”
Alexander Mikheyev, Director General of the Russian Helicopters holding company, said: “The transfer of a large batch of new-generation Ka-52 Alligator helicopters to the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation is of great importance to us. The Ministry of Defense of Russia is the largest customer of the holding’s products, and in working with it we prioritize the timeliness of deliveries and the quality of the unique helicopter technology, which is designed to increase the defense capability of our country. ”
In the next shop is assembling a prototype of a new multi-purpose helicopter Ka-62. First time in stories Domestic helicopter project is implemented in close cooperation with leading Russian and foreign companies. The glass cabin Ka-62 was developed by the Russian company Transas, it will also supply a navigation system with support for GPS and GLONASS. Foreign engines have already been delivered to Russia, have been tested and confirmed the declared characteristics. An experimental copy of the Ka-62 in the 2014 year will go on tests. The machine is designed to carry 12 – 15 passengers and cargo.
On this occasion, Viktor Bondarev noted: “The Russian Air Force is interested in receiving a new Ka-62 helicopter developed by Kamov. I think the helicopter will turn out good, and the Air Force will be happy to take it. ”
The return flight over the snow-covered hills of Primorye was marked by a brief landing at Vozdvizhenka airfield. The aircraft repair plant of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation is located here, but the commander-in-chief did not go there. It is understandable, because all these enterprises decided to transfer to the jurisdiction of the KLA. The commander-in-chief of the Air Force said so about this: “By the decision of the Minister of Defense, the aircraft repair industry is being transferred to the holding. I believe that this is absolutely correct, because they have spare parts, they can solve all the issues of restoring the aircraft, purchased products, which are already at the limit, much faster ”.
In Vladivostok, straight from the helicopters we flew into the aircraft of the commander-in-chief and immediately took off. Piloting a Tu-154 military crew is very different from piloting a civilian. They just drove out onto the runway, started acceleration and were already taking off, lifting the nose sharply upwards. We looked at the clock: 15 – 20 seconds from the start of the run. Landings are just as fast: sharply down, exit on the runway, for a few seconds, and now trembling from the joints of concrete slabs is felt. And no hit or push at the moment of touch. One word - aces.
THE MOST BIGGEST FIGHTER
Short stop in Khabarovsk and flight to Komsomolsk-on-Amur. The height of the day, and our biological clock shows the end of Moscow night. The plane rolls out for takeoff, I close my eyes, I open it - we roll along the runway. Have we not yet taken off? But the changed landscape outside the window says: just sat down.
The branch of OJSC "Company" Sukhoi "" Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aviation Plant named after Yu.A. Gagarin "- Russia's largest aircraft manufacturing plant for the production of combat aircraft. Su-35, multifunctional super-maneuverable single-seat fighters, are on the stocks.
Says Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force Viktor Bondarev: “The plane is very serious in terms of the 4 ++ program, in the super maneuverability program. Total Su-35 purchased 48 aircraft, this year 12, next 12 and then 14 boards. 10 already exists. ”
Vladimir Mikhailov, Director of the UAC Military Programs Directorate: “We are only happy about this - the growth of the defense order. You know about the growth of industrial production in the country, so it is 25% by UAC. It says a lot, that is, we have a task that we are obliged to perform. As for this enterprise, I know him from 2002 of the year when I became commander in chief. I arrived, we then did an upgrade of the Su-27CM, then the Su-27CM2, Su-27CM3. And before the PAK FA, we had to do this Su-35, on it we work on many points that will be used in the fifth generation aircraft. ”
Naturally, the journalists did not ignore the PAK FA (T-50). When asked about the future prospects of the fifth-generation aircraft, Viktor Bondarev responded: “The industry has released 5 machines, and they are being tested. From March one will be transferred to the 929 State Flight Test Center for further testing. I think this plane will confirm its characteristics. While the materiel works reliably, without delays. From 2016, the year must go to the troops. So planned, and there is still no reason to worry that this program was not implemented. "
ULAN-UDE - CAPITAL OF HELICOPLE-BUILDING
We fly to the west, trying to catch up with the passing day, but do not keep up. In Ulan-Ude already twilight. There are no finished helicopters at the Ulan-Ude Aircraft Plant, only those that are in the process of assembly. The Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force explains: “There are supplies for the Ministry of Defense of the Mi-17AMTSH helicopters. This year, the Air Force received a 53 helicopter from this plant. Not only this year, but also on account of 2014 and 2015's. Passed forward delivery. And, as you can see, there is not a single helicopter for delivery. The surrender has long been completed, and the Air Force has been exploiting these helicopters for a long time. On account of next year, this helicopter is being prepared and a few more. Next year we will take 40 helicopters, and I have no doubt that these helicopters will be delivered in a timely manner. You understand that making a 53 helicopter in one year means huge capacities, good organization of work, excellent specialists, good work performers. Managers think about production, care, prepare workers, prepare a shift. Therefore, I think they will succeed. We have been working with this plant for a long time and closely, and we will continue. ”
Vyacheslav Kozlov, First Deputy Managing Director of OJSC UUAZ, says: “We had the task to fulfill a three-year plan in one year, we coped with that. The total volume of the long-term defense order is 132 helicopter for the period 2012 – 2020 years. The second long-term state order for the supply of upgraded helicopters MI-8AMTSH for 2014 year - 40 products ".
Journalists are interested in whether the export order will not interfere with the fulfillment of the state defense order by Peru?
“On the contrary, it will help. We need a total load of at least 100 helicopters to ensure a comprehensive process economy, so we produce both civilian and military equipment at an aircraft factory. There can be no doubt: we will deliver the equipment in time for the needs of the Ministry of Defense, as well as for all third-party customers.
It can be added that helicopters supplied abroad contribute in a certain way to the development of aviation technology for the Russian Air Force. They sometimes create the necessary reserve of monetary profit, which can be used ahead of the formation of the technical specifications of the Air Force.
It was a comprehensive portfolio of orders of both civil and military equipment that allowed us to fulfill the state defense order ahead of schedule. It was already mentioned earlier that we prematurely supplied both 2013 and 2014 and 2015 vehicles. All equipment has already been delivered to military units, so we have already closed the year in full ”.
Viktor Bondarev, Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force, states with satisfaction: “The technology has gone to all the districts. We make a priority from Transbaikalia further here and slightly to Europe. Kazan helicopters mostly go to the European part. And there is an insignificant part here, therefore, in order not to drive cars far away, it is this kind of cooperation. The helicopter is reliable, good. Taking this opportunity, I want to congratulate the team on the New Year ... But do not stop there. Our rivals in this area of development also have quite good helicopters. Therefore, we must always be ahead. ”
I ask a favorite question about the problem of accessory companies and purchasing cooperation. Too often due to failures in delivery, state orders were disrupted.
“We went on the shelf for orders on the order of 100 products per year. Therefore, it can be said that they have more or less stabilized, ”says Vyacheslav Vladimirovich Kozlov, First Deputy Managing Director of OJSC UUAZ. - There is growth, but moderate, so all subcontractors by and large adapted to this growth. We have, starting with 2006, the growth of the production program is proceeding systematically, therefore all subcontractors understand this and one of the fundamental bases of interaction with them is long-term contracts for the supply of purchased components.
We prescribe there all the cost conditions. The associates clearly understand how many products need to be supplied in what period. And they manage to prepare their production, recruit people, embroider bottlenecks and ensure the delivery of purchased components at exactly the right time. This is indeed a serious problem, since the cost of our product is of the order of 70% in value terms - these are purchased components. A very important serious question, but for now everything is going fine, and there are all the assumptions and hopes that in 2014 – 2015 there will be no failures. ”
New tasks for the armed forces have appeared in the Polar Region, and a new version of the Mi-17 is being prepared in Ulan-Ude for work in high latitudes. The project details were revealed by the chief engineer of the enterprise Sergey Vladimirovich Solomin:
“The radio station, which will work as a scanner and move at high latitudes in the case of a weak signal to the signals that it receives over the range, has been changed. You see, there is an auxiliary power plant - this design was practically not shown anywhere. She has a power 30 KW, excess for a helicopter. It will be possible to solve a lot of problems in relation to the northern conditions. Heating the cabin, warming up food, you can ensure that the helicopter is warming up before launching in the cold. We think to equip it with skis forgotten in our time for landing on soft snow, on swampy terrain. The complex of work on it must be done, the fuselage is insulated. We have worked these things so far in the salons to provide heat and sound insulation. Now we want to transfer these technologies to the helicopter under the index “Arctic”. Use space technology for heating. Hopefully, the pricing on this helicopter will be acceptable. The main one, of course, will be the VK-2500 engine, which in the Arctic provides the possibility of continued take-off in the event of a single engine shutdown. Glazing is nothing new - heating, alcohol system. It is worth thinking about painting the blades in some color that will allow you to see it in the air and in the snow. ”
Here it is necessary to say about the work of the entire holding company “Helicopters of Russia” - the organizing force. I remembered how several years ago the UUAZ team rebelled against the intervention of the holding company, which transferred production of helicopters to another plant in order to concentrate the production of one brand on one enterprise. Then the words were heard that they want to eliminate UUAZ. And now they are making 100 helicopters a year here. Ten years ago, no one would believe in the possibility of this.
All enterprises of Russian Helicopters have completed the 2013 state defense order of the year. Exact figures were not reported, but tentatively for the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation for the year delivered at least 112 helicopters. Production per employee of the holding increased by 12,4%, reaching 3,4 million rubles. The order book is 772 helicopter worth over 370 billion rubles. In 2013, enterprises introduced over 800 units of new equipment.
IRKUTSK – NOVOSIBIRSK
Irkutsk Aviation Plant - a branch of OJSC "Irkut Corporation". During the visit, Lieutenant-General Viktor Bondarev, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Air Force, Colonel-General Alexander Zelin, Assistant Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation, and Vladimir Mikhailov, Director of the Directorate of Military Aviation Programs of UAC, summed up the implementation of the 2013 defense order by the Irkut Corporation.
“The Irkutsk Aviation Plant this year fulfilled and even exceeded the plan for the supply of aircraft to the troops,” said Viktor Bondarev. “The two Yak-130s that are included in the 2014 plan of the year are almost ready to be shipped and will be delivered early.”
According to the commander in chief, the 18 Yak-130 from Irkutsk was sent to the Borisoglebsky Aviation Training Center of the Russian Air Force, and the 14 Su-30CM was sent to the garrison in Domn. However, the Yak-130 is not the same as it was several years ago, now it is the Yak-130CM.
“We are just from Domna. We looked at how new machines are being developed, ”Viktor Bondarev told reporters. - I want to note: the planes are beautiful - the pilots are happy. And it very much pleases, - the commander-in-chief emphasized. “After all, for many years we have cursed the industry for late deliveries and poor quality products. On the example of Irkut, it is clear that the situation is changing for the better: the industry gives out high-quality products and, which is very important, not by the end of the year, but quarterly. Due to this, the pilots constantly fly, train. The work of the Irkutsk Aviation Plant is a good example for other enterprises. ”
A series of flights was interrupted in Novosibirsk. Here we were able to spend the night in a hotel. The 32-hour working day is over. All this time, the Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force and his team did not show fatigue, they were vigorous and active. The same can be said about the crew of the Tu-154. In general, in the Russian Air Force there are entirely seven-person people who can be on alert 24 hours a day and do their job, as they say, without loss of quality. Therefore, be sure that the sky of Russia is reliably protected day and night.
Early in the morning went to the Novosibirsk Aviation Plant named. V.P. Chkalov. In the assembly shop are skeletons Su-34. There are quite a lot of young people among the collectors;
“This plane will be in demand, since it solves a complex of such problems, which other types of aircraft never dreamed of,” said BBC Commander-in-Chief Viktor Bondarev. - It is, in principle, the flagship of the aviation industry, Russian aviation. There were periods when the Air Force did not receive a single 10 – 15 aircraft for years. It was from this plane that everything began. I went to the production of the Su-34, and after that with the help of the President, the Minister of Defense, we get the latest technology. But still, the Su-34, as it was an airplane that solves many questions and problems, remains the flagship of the aviation industry and the Air Force. The plant fully paid off with the state order of this year, we received 14 aircraft. Next year we get 16 aircraft. And you see here: the groundwork is already there. Worth 5 aircraft, and I think so, we will get the first batch in March. ”
A representative of the plant answered my question: “There are always problems with cooperation. On this plane almost 200 major suppliers. 75% of the cost of the aircraft - purchased components. But this is a working mode, and we must pay tribute, the existing cooperation has now steadily reached the volume of 14 – 16 aircraft sets per year, and the issues that arise are solved in working order. ”
Victor Bondarev told about how production grew from year to year:
“Initially there were 10 planes per year, then 12, then 14. The following year, the 16 board, and with 2015, the plant goes to 20 aircraft a year. And then this is the figure. You can, of course, increase, do it in three years, and then the plant will stand. But he will perform this task for 7 years. Such aircraft in service with 32. In the Western and Southern District replenish. We will get almost 24 for the replacement of the Su-150, and maybe 200 aircraft.
Su-24 - is a front-line bomber, bomb load 7,5 tons. But this is at the minimum range, 350 km combat radius. This aircraft carries 12 tons, and it has a combat radius of more than 1000 km. Plus, the tasks that the scope solves are much better. Su-24 could get into 20 – 30 m from the center of the target, this plane solves problems at a distance of 5 – 7 m from the center of the target and a direct hit. Any bomb is precision. weapon, thanks to the equipment that is installed on the Su-34 ".
FLYING GIANTS
The next destination is Ulyanovsk. At the airfield East are four An-124 "Ruslan". This is the same airfield where they allegedly almost built a NATO base, although it was only a transit point with a small civilian staff for the transfer of property from Afghanistan to Europe. There was a lot of patriotic hysteria. But Pakistan opened the roads, and the United States immediately abandoned the Ulyanovsk project, which promised the Russian treasury 6 – 8 thousands of dollars from each plane that landed.
Ulyanovsk CJSC Aviastar-SP was in a pre-bankrupt state several years ago. Then the production of IL-76 was moved here from Tashkent and began assembling a new IL-476 (IL-76MD-90А). In the giant workshop of the plant, we saw both of these aircraft in the process of final assembly and several huge Ruslans undergoing repairs. The spectacle is impressive.
Summing up, the commander-in-chief of the Air Force said: “Now we have looked not only at Ruslana, we looked at the aircraft that is replacing the IL-76, this is IL-476. Factory readiness percent 90. And 15 May this aircraft factory already passes us into operation. Behind him is the second side - in October. Well, there are three "Ruslan" are, you saw them, they are repair. In 2014, we get them. These are our veveesovskie, and we are not going to transfer them to anyone.
IL-476-e in the 2014 year will go, two pieces. Before 20, the plant will fulfill the order - the Air Force will receive 39 aircraft. The difference is even visible. IL-476 brand new car. What we stated in the TTZ, they performed. Firstly, avionics is different, navigation is different, wing, the engines on the 20% are more economical, plus range and plus weight. Also on 20% more. The plane satisfies us, and we will gladly take it further.
Until 2020, I think we can repair and extend the resource to the rest of the Ruslans. I think all the 26, consisting in the Air Force, we will pass through the repair of the plant. "Ruslan" solves many questions and problems. Plus, he makes money. It is the largest aircraft in the world, it carries the most cargo and cannot be abandoned. I think that the decision on the resumption of production has been correctly made, it will benefit both us, and Ukraine, and the Armed Forces.
The Minister of Defense has been assigned a task that is being considered in several versions. Now "Ruslan" 26 in the sun. I think the same amount would not hurt. You understand that, having such an aircraft, it is possible to transfer the airborne battalion during 10 hours to any distance, to any theater of military operations ”.
It should be added that all the Ruslans of the Russian Defense Ministry are not just being repaired, but upgraded to An-124-100. This is an aircraft version for military transport aviation that meets ICAO requirements for noise on the ground, accuracy of navigation, etc. Modernization is made according to the documentation of the ASTC. OK. Antonov and resource extension programs.
From Ulyanovsk to Moscow is within reach. Here on Chkalovsky this wonderful three-day adventure ended with 13 ups and landings, six aircraft factories and meetings with interesting people and no less interesting planes and helicopters.
And the conclusions from all this are obvious. The rearmament program before 2020 is in place. Thanks to her, the aviation industry of Russia is fully loaded. Yesterday's bankrupts are today thriving enterprises, where the main problem is personnel. Ulyanovsk Aviastar-SP has already recruited over 10 thousand employees, but still needs at least 5 thousand, because the staff number is 16 thousand.
All enterprises entered the rhythmic production with delivery on schedule. Long-term contracts with the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation made it possible to conclude the same contracts with related companies, ensuring the assembly of aircraft equipment with regular deliveries of purchased components. The leadership of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation and the Air Force provided timely funding and advance work, which was hardly possible two or three years ago. Agreed and prices for finished products that satisfy both parties.
Therefore, it is very funny to hear periodic cries about a devastated defense and outdated Air Force equipment. Comrades are far behind life, do not follow the news and do not represent modern realities.
Upgrading Air Force equipment is going well. And the latest models, already created in our time, are coming, and not the legacy of the Soviet era. And they need young lieutenants. As in the industry, the personnel problem in the Air Force has worsened. And each time, telling journalists about the high qualities of the new aircraft, Viktor Bondarev certainly reminded of the decision of the President and Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu to restore a number of flight schools in 2014. And I asked to write that school graduates are required, ready to do real male work - to conquer the sky and protect it with honor and dignity, the sky of the Motherland. By the way, the army has not been in trouble for a long time. And the salaries of young officers, especially pilots, are such that office clerks will burst with envy.
Information