Will Russia be able to implement the plan for a future aircraft carrier based on the Su-57 with an electromagnetic catapult? Recently, Russia presented a mock-up of a warship carrying a modified Su-57 with an electromagnetic catapult, writes the user Sohu.
The new version of the fighter would allow her to strengthen the fleet at minimal cost. But there is one thing, the author notes.
Not so long ago, Russia presented a mock-up of the future aircraft carrier. Interestingly, the deck aircraft for this vessel is actually a model of a sea-based Su-57 fighter, whose launch is carried out using the most advanced electromagnetic catapult technology. Currently, the only aircraft carrier operating in Russia is the obsolete Admiral Kuznetsov, which uses a springboard deck. Moreover, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that the Navy will train naval aviation to use electromagnetic catapults. Is it really possible to implement this technology? Which aircraft carrier does the Russian Federation really need?
At the moment, the smallest aircraft carrier in the world is considered to be a multipurpose universal landing ship (UDC) with a displacement of up to 40 thousand tons. In general, this so-called aircraft carrier is a multi-purpose warship converted from the UDC. Its springboard deck is used for take-off and landing of aircraft, inside it is possible to transport vehicles for disembarkation. In addition to vertical take-off and landing fighters, helicopters are the main carrier-based aircraft of the UDC. The reason why this type of ship can also be considered aircraft carriers is that the United States recently completed the construction of F-35B fighters. If other countries can buy sea-based F-35B and upgrade the decks of their UDC somewhat, then landing ships will be able to carry them.
Take, for example, the United Kingdom: its aircraft carrier of the Queen Elizabeth type has a deck with a springboard for F-35B takeoff and a deck for vertical landing of the aircraft, which greatly simplifies the process. In addition, landing ships with a displacement of less than 40 thousand tons can be built by many countries, such as Italy, Spain, France, South Korea and Japan, so buying an advanced F-35B will allow them to fulfill their dream of an aircraft carrier. This is the same situation as when a low-tonnage aircraft carrier was upgraded to a Hawker Sea Harrier carrier-based fighter.
It is not difficult for Russia to build a light aircraft carrier with a displacement of less than 40 thousand tons. The main problem is that Russia does not have a proven and reliable vertical take-off and landing fighter, so this option does not suit it. An aircraft carrier with an electromagnetic catapult and a flat deck with a displacement of more than 60 thousand tons would become a worthy vessel of a powerful military power. The installation of an electromagnetic catapult will increase the efficiency of launching deck aircraft, incomparable with an aircraft carrier with a springboard deck. But the problem is that it is very difficult to develop such a catapult. China and the United States were able to create it only after many years of in-depth research. In addition, from the point of view of time, this technology has not yet "matured", its reliability is still incomparable with the previous steam catapult, it has to go through a lot of experiments and test launches.
As for the speed of development, in the next few years or even decades it will be almost impossible to introduce and practically apply electromagnetic catapult technology in Russia. Just like China with the type 003 aircraft carrier, Russia knows that it is unrealistic to create this technology in a short period of time. There is only one possibility for this: Moscow will try to get developments from Beijing. However, this is the most advanced military technology, whose export is also unlikely.
Thus, Russia cannot turn to the latest developments and does not want to turn to outdated ones. Can she choose the middle?
The main carrier-based aircraft of the country is the upgraded MiG-29K, its positioning system is similar to the system of the US Navy Super Hornet fighter, but it is inferior in actual characteristics. If Russia makes a deck version of the Su-57 and puts it into service, theoretically it can become an improved replacement for the MiG-29K. The Su-57 is a special air—to-air anti-aircraft aircraft that can carry heavy weapons for land and sea attacks. The MiG-29K was originally a medium–sized fighter with a fairly large take-off weight and high impact characteristics. Although it doesn't compare to the Chinese J-35 and the upgraded J-15, it's still not bad.
The most important thing is that, whether it is the MiG-29K or the previous Su-33 deck aircraft, Russia really has a wealth of experience in using aircraft carriers with a springboard deck. The Su-33 fighter is larger in size and weight than the Su-57. For many years, Moscow has successfully used the Su-33, proving that an aircraft carrier with a displacement of 60 thousand tons, such as the Admiral Kuznetsov, can carry and launch fighters. If you create a deck version of the Su-57, there will be no need to upgrade the carrier ship much, and then the springboard deck will fully reveal almost all the capabilities of the fighter. Thus, Russia will get a good aircraft carrier with minimal costs and difficulties.
Some time ago, Russia announced that it wants to make a deck model of the Su-57. It can modernize the Admiral Kuznetsov and get an advanced aircraft carrier with a flat deck and a displacement of about 60 thousand tons. First of all, this will significantly reduce the cost and complexity of its construction. Secondly, only two carrier-based aircraft guarantee its basic combat capability — especially if one of them is the Su-57.
Of course, at this stage, one should not have too high hopes for a deck combination of the Su-57 or MiG-29K — this is just an idea so far. With several landing ships of 20 thousand tons, capable of carrying a sufficient number of drones and helicopters, Moscow will already strengthen the Navy well. Competing with America for hegemony at sea is just a dream. To be able to defend our territories and resist Europe is already a great feat.
Author: Lu Zhi (路))
