MiG-29SMT with AKU-170 pylons

This photo of a Russian MiG-29SMT is remarkable because the inner wing pylons are AKU-170s. This means that RVV-AE missiles are available. This type of missile had been seen on Russian Su-35s but not on MiG-29s. Economical crisis during the 1990s prevented acquisition and fielding of this type of missile.

The photo was taken in the Volga region, but the unit has not been identified. MiG-29SMT are used by 14th Fighter Aviation Regiment (14 IAP), based in Kursk. In 2014 Alexander Mladenov stated that it was likely that new built SMTs would be assigned to 31th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment (31 GIAP), based in Millerovo (near the Volga region). This regiment was the last using vanilla MiG-29.

References:

- russianplanes.net
- https://vk.com/military_aircraft

Bostwana, negotiations to buy Gripen figthers

Bostwana's magazine "The Business Weekly & Review" has informed that this country is negotiating with Sweden the possible acquisition of 16 JAS 39 C/D. The cost could be 1.45-1.63 billion $ and deliveries would take place over 2-3 years.

A spokesman of the Swedish defense procurement agency (Försvarets Materielverk [FMV]) has confirmed the negotiations, but has reduced the number of Gripen to 8. The Gripens would replace 15 Canadair CF-5 and CF-5D acquired from Canada in the 90s.

Bostwana Defence Force CF-5 (Unknown copyrigth).

At the momento no contract has been signed. Bostwana has considered other options, like the South Korean T-50 "Golden Eagle" or the F-5M upgrade by Embraer. In any case, good news for Saab. They are getting more customers of consolidating existing ones.

References:

- http://bmpd.livejournal.com/1900660.html
- http://alert5.com/2016/05/16/swedish-fmv-confirms-talk-to-sell-8-gripen-cds-to-botswana/

(*) Thailand could acquire another 4 Gripen.

First flight of Russian helicopter Kamov Ka-62

Last 28th April the new Russian helicopter Kamov Ka-62 made it's maiden flight. Development of this model has lagged for years to sanction and the economic situation of Russia. This model is a derivative of Ka-60. The objective of Kamov is to offer a smaller and cheaper to operate helicopter than Mi-8/17 Hip. According to several studies, the Hip can carry 26 passengers or 4 tons payload, but 80% of the time it operates at 60% capacity.

Ka-62 has a payload of 2.500 kg or 15 passengers, fillinng the gap. The new model has all the characteristics of a new modern helicopter. 50% of the material used in fuselage and blades is composite. The French turbines Ardiden 3G have FADE to reduce fuel consumption, and is certified to operate at a temperature range of -50°C to +45°C.

 

It will be interesting to see how the project moves on, as it uses French components. I am surprised that it was not given a high priority, especially when oil prices were very high. Russia does not offer any product in this range. Also, the event has not been publicised at all.

References

- http://bmpd.livejournal.com/1873718.html
- http://www.russianhelicopters.aero/en/helicopters/civil/ka-62.html