A few years ago, the Russian Air Force received the first serially upgraded A-50U long-range radar detection (AWACS) aircraft.
This machine is significantly superior to its Soviet predecessor in range and number of detectable targets, as well as in the quality of air group control. The A-50U continues to be delivered to the VKS, but along with this, the Russian industry is creating a new generation A-100 "Premier" machine with significantly improved characteristics.
According to experts, AWACS aircraft are an important element of ensuring Russia's defense capability, which significantly increases the capabilities for reconnaissance and command of troops, writes RT.
Russian specialists plan to further increase the capabilities of the Russian AWACS fleet through modernization and delivery of new generation aircraft.
The A-50U is an improved version of the Soviet AWACS aircraft, created on the basis of the Il-76 heavy military transport in the late 1970s. The machine received a powerful at that time radio engineering complex (RTK) "Bumblebee", consisting of a three-coordinate radar station (radar), equipment for receiving and processing information, a digital computing complex for solving control tasks and other equipment. The total mass of radio electronics reached 20 tons .
As stated in the materials of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, the A-50 is designed to detect and identify air objects, determine their coordinates and motion parameters. The AWACS aircraft is capable of transmitting information to command posts, directing interceptor fighters and bringing front-line aircraft into the area of ground targets during low-altitude combat operations.
The Defense Ministry notes that RLDNPLANES are of strategic importance for the defense potential of the Russian Federation and are an integral part of the CIS Unified Air Defense System.