Laser weapon technology

LASER DEFENSE

Its not too far that we’ll be witnessing aircrafts, gunship helicopters, naval gunships and ground vehicles using laser to destroy targets anstead of today’s bullet-firing guns. Laser is the weapon of future now. It is not only the weapon system that has a quick responce but it can be thought of as a shield against enemy. These direct energy and microwave weapons are now the latest developements in military sector. Efforts are being made to install them to fighter aircrafts as well, so as to make them able to destroy the missiles seeking them or even the ground targets.

Sukhoi Superjet 100

Superjet 100

A two crewed, twin turbofan engine, mach 0.78 and somewhat standardized design aircraft having a capacity of 75 in standard version and 98 in extended. Superjet-100 is Sukhoi’s engineered product for civil aviation that made its maiden flight on May 19th, 2008. It is the first of its kind by Sukhoi and it also marks the stepping into larger civil aircraft manufacturing. Previously, Sukhoi has been producing civil aviation products of either of smaller capacity as Su-80 or of aerobatic class as Su-26, Su-29 and Su-31. This can also be considered a step forward to Sukhoi’s target of capturing 14-15% of regional market. As the investment in only one sector, military aircraft manufacturing, cannot prove to be really feasible and practical, Sukhoi is now investing in civil sector to keep the balance.

Sukhoi T50 PAK-FA

Russia is to respond F-35 Lightening-II by coming up with its countepart T50 PAK-FA. Sukhoi is to develop this 5th generation aircraft for Russia. Three of these are to be completed, with all of testing done, in late 2009.

At present F-35 is maintaining air superiority in both air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities. Presently, Russia is having only one aircraft, the Su-35, that can compete with F-35 only in some of the aspects. Su-35 is a 4++ generation aircraft with  improved engines that can make it perform at mach 2+.

There are no confirmed news related to the development of PAK-FA. Even then, these have been released via interviews with some of the Russian air force high officials. Along with Russia, Brazil and India were also to work on this jet project. It will be a twin engine aircraft with the engines producing about 14.5 ton thrust each, which will be able to make the aircraft cross the mach 2.5 barrier.

A hall mark of Russian aviation industry, the Sukhoi has till now produced some of the best aircrafts of their times. It is still expected that soon we will be witnessing a new development in the PAK-FA’s domain. In today’s world of fast growing technology, in-time acquisition of military equipment has a great importance. Though the US technology is advanced as compared to Russia’s, Russia seems to be working on this matter without bringing it out in public.