IDN TAKE: THE MIGHTY MIG-35 SQUASHES THE COMPETITION

[Zarvan]

The formidable fighter in Russian Air Force colors

Failure Is An Option
Not long ago, MiG-35 participated in the MMRCA program for the supply of 126 light fighter jets for $10 billion. The battle was won by French Rafale. The reason cited was its technological advantage over the competitors, coupled with the promise of Paris to transfer the aircraft's key production technologies to New Delhi.

However, even till this day, the two parties have still not agreed on the final cost of the machines or on India's demands for production technology transfer. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said recently that the Rafale deal was proving to be too costly for the country. Dassault Aviation has doubled the price per aircraft from $65 million to $120 million. This would bring the entire for 126 fighters to cost $28-30 billion, instead of the earlier agreed $10 billion.

One of the many reasons the project for the supply of 126 Rafale fighters fell through, was primarily because of the inability to agree on a procedure for the transfer of technology to India. The French agreed to a transfer in principle; however, they refused to take responsibility for the fighters which would be assembled by HAL, rightly mistrusting the quality of the assembly process. Personally, I am of the opinion that HAL is not suitably equipped to handle the assembly of this sophisticated piece of military equipment. But, that's a different story altogether.

The Mighty MiG

Sukhoi Su-30MKI jets with their variable thrust vector engines can perform amazing tricks such as short runs, sharp braking, and maneuvers unimaginable for an aircraft, giving the pilot tactical advantage in the aerial dog fighting battle. Even today, watching the "Pugahev Cobra" maneuver gives me the shivers. Today this air superiority monopoly has been broken by another Russian fighter jet - the MiG-35.

Externally, MiG-35 Fulcrum-F multi-role fighter is no different from a regular MiG-29. The mold lines are the same, but it has an advanced modern glass cockpit, as in the latest American fifth-generation fighters F-22 Raptor, the F-35 and the Russian PAK-FA. The aircraft is practically a new design under the hood. The cockpit of MiG-35 doesn't contain pointer-type equipment anymore. Only LCD panels that display the complete flight and combat targeting systems. It's actually a de facto illustration of a fifth-generation fighter cockpit. The second major change compared to the older MiG-29 is the provision of a brand new engine namely the RD-33OVT by Klimov. Its nozzle can rotate in any direction, not only during the regular flight but also during the afterburner mode. This feature makes MiG-35 radically different from the aircraft such as Su-30MKI or the American F-22. Simply put, MiG is more maneuverable and controllable in all modes than any other aircraft in the market.

Advanced Avionics

Pictured here is the Zhuk-A/AE second-generation version of the Zhuk family of AESA radars

MiG-35 was the first Russian aircraft to be equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. The Zhuk-MA's antenna consists of 160 modules, each with four receive-and-transmit modules. It is believed to offer a 160km (85nm) air target detection radius and 300km for surface ships. Like radar, Optical Locator System (OLS) allows the MiG-35 to detect targets and aim weapon systems. But, unlike radar, OLS has no emissions, meaning it cannot be detected.

OLS works like a human eye by getting the picture and later analyzing it. The OLS on the MiG-35 is considered to help pilots to spot even the USAF's stealth planes. OLS includes a complex of powerful optics with IR vision that makes it impossible for any plane to hide. The MiG-35 will also incorporate a powerful electronic warfare suite—an area where the Russians excel.

Mitigation
When the MiG-35 was offered to India, the primary problem with the aircraft was the lack of state support for the program. This had acted as a barrier in securing foreign orders.

Maintenance was the second issue. The time between engine overhauls should be at least 2000 hours and overall life 4000 hours, but the RD-33 didn't meet these parameters.

Both these issues are now sorted out and the plane is ready for takeoff.

Conclusion
India has always been distinguished by its unwillingness to put all its eggs in one basket, and the fact is that it tries to choose suppliers from various countries. It has purchased defense equipment from Russia, UK, France, Germany, Israel and the United States. However, the MiG-35 may have a distinct advantage over other suppliers because India is definitely interested in technology transfer, and above all, the Russians are willing to share it more than others.

In addition to this, equipping the Rafale fighter with missiles and other weapons will also impose a heavy financial burden. India’s Minister of State for External Affairs Gen.VK Singh also recently noted the price attractiveness and reliability of Russian multi-role fighters Su-30, produced under license in India, in comparison with the French Rafale. As a result, Delhi may have to opt out of the Rafale deal. It is possible that the Air Force will now turn its attention again to the Russian light fighter, which is easily more than a match for the Rafale. Furthermore, the MiGs can be operated from even aircraft carriers with very little modifications, even the Russian are going to purchase it in this configuration.

If this amazing fighter is not considered, then India will regret not purchasing it, because it costs just $30-40 million per unit as opposed to the chosen Rafale with a sticker price of more than $100 million a piece – and climbing.
Admin - IDN

http://www.indiandefensenews.in/2016/08/idn-take-mighty-mig-35-squashesthe.html

 

[Skull and Bones]

Even if India doesn't get the fighter, it'll be beneficial for our strategic footing if we sanction soft loans for our allies, like Vietnam to induct these jets. Keeping all the partisans happy.