Fighters Ground Attack

A-10 Thunderbolt
Image of the A-10 Thunderbolt, also known as the Warthog, the 'flying gun' and the Tankbuster, in action.

The aircraft was used extensively during Operation Desert Storm, the Kosovo crisis, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The A-10 is a high-survivability and versatile aircraft.

The first flight of the A-10 was in May 1972.

The 30mm cannon.

The magazine drum can hold 1,350 rounds of 30mm ammunition.

The aircraft has 11 stores pylons, providing an external load capacity of 7,260kg.

The A-10 in action.


AMX single-seat and AMX-T two-seat aircraft of the Italian Air Force.

AMX can carry up to 3,800kg of air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, bombs and munitions on seven hardpoints.

AMX is in service with Italian, Brazilian and Venezuelan air forces.

The main roles of the AMX fighter / bomber are in ground attack, long-range strike and close air support.

AMX has been jointly developed by Italy and Brazil.

The AMX fighter / bomber is produced in single-seat and two-seat configurations.

Single-seater AMX of the Brazilian Air Force.


The single-seat multirole fighter aircraft, the Atlas Cheetah, was manufactured by Denel Aviation Systems (formerly Atlas Aircraft Corporation) in South Africa.

The Cheetah series is equipped with advanced avionics, a glass cockpit and HOTAS controls and utilises an array of sophisticated weapons.

The South African Air Force (SAAF) had been operating the Cheetah since 1986, but in 2008, the cheetah series (a dual-seat Cheetah D, single-seat Cheetah E and C) was retired from SAAF's service and replaced by 26 Saab JAS 39 Gripens (17C/9D).

The Cheetah E aircraft is equipped with lightweight Israeli Elta EL-2001 radar capable of tracking and targeting both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat.


The Ching-Kuo Indigenous Defence Fighter (IDF).

130 Ching-Kuo multi-role fighters are in service with the air force of Taiwan (Republic of China).

The Ching-Kuo fighter was developed and manufactured in Taiwan.

The multi-role fighter can be armed with air-to-surface, air-to-ground and anti-ship missiles, as well as rocket pods, bombs and cluster bombs.

The Ching-Kuo firing a Tien Chen (Skysword) air-to-missile.

The Ching-Kuo's TFE1042 engine weighs 1,360lb and delivers 41.1kN of thrust.

The Ching-Kuo made its first flight in May 1989.

The fighter is equipped with a multi-mode pulse Doppler radar, which has look-down, shoot-down capability.


Eurofighter Typhoon ZJ802, one of the first delivered to the RAF.

Eurofighter Typhoon ZJ802. 55 aircraft were delivered to the RAF in Tranche 1.

Development aircraft DA2.

Eurofighter has 'supercruise' capability; it can fly at sustained speeds of over Mach 1 without the use of afterburner.

Eurofighter test firing the AMRAAM air-to-air missile.

Eurofighter Typhoon.

The Eurofighter Typhoon employs the latest in hydraulics, electromechanical and landing gear systems.

Eurofighter Typhoon DA2 for the United Kingdom offers envelope expansion and carefree handling.

Eurofighter Typhoon is competing in a market with potential fighter aircraft orders of around 800.

The Eurofighter Typhoon cockpit.

Eurofighter Typhoon is a highly agile aircraft.

Total combat thrust generated is 40,000lb.


F-117A taxiing prior to take-off.

By avoiding banking sharply, the F-117A reduces its signal to enemy radar.

F-117A in flight.

An F-117 Nighthawk dropping a laser-guided bomb.

F-117s may carry two differerent types of ordnance at the same time. GBU-10 with laser-guided head is in the background, with GBU-27 in the foreground.

The Nighthawk is the world's first operational stealth aircraft. The US Air Force had 59 Nighthawks before the aircraft was retired in April 2008.

An F-117A Nighthawk refuels in flight.

Special coatings on the cockpit canopy glass make the panels appear as metallic surfaces to radar.


The F-14D incorporates digital avionics and improved radar. Upgrades have equipped the Tomcat to deliver precision air-to-ground weapons.

The F-14 entered service with the US Navy in 1972 and was retired in September 2006.

An F-14A Tomcat releasing a 2000lb GBU-24/B laser-guided bomb.

An F-14 Tomcat armed with six Phoenix long-range air-to-air missiles.

The radar intercept officer's instrument panel in an F-14D.

The pilot's instrument panel in an F-14D.

The F-14B and the F-14D Super Tomcat have two F110-GE-400 turbofan engines, developed by General Electric.

An F-14 Tomcat taxis into position aboard a Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier.


Four F-15Es flying in close formation.

F-15E in turn can pull up to 9G.

The F-15E uses its dorsal airbrake, as opposed to a parachute braking system.

The wind-corrected munitions dispenser for the sensor fused weapon provides precision area attack of heavy armour.

The joint direct attack munition immediately after release.

F-15E has a ferry range of more than 3,500 miles.

F-15E's role is as a long-range interdiction and air superiority aircraft.

The F-15E aircraft can carry payloads up to 23,000lb.

More than 1,300 F-15s are in service worldwide.

The F-15E has an additional cockpit station for the weapon systems officer, unlike the F-15C shown here.


A flight of F-16CJs flying over Japan.

An F-16 of the Indonesian Air Force.

The F-16 is the world's most prolific fighter, with more than 4,000 delivered.

The air-conditioned and pressurised cockpit is fitted with an ACES II zero/zero ejection seat manufactured by Goodrich.

The radar remains the prime sensor for target acquisition and missile guidance.

A K-C10A Tanker refuels an F-16C in flight.

An F-16 dropping a laser-guided bomb.

Two fully loaded F-16C Wild Weasels.

An F-16C flying over Kuwait.

A Block 50 F-16C 96-0080 delivered to the US Air Force.

Artist's impression of the F-16S.


The F16I Soufa made its maiden flight in December 2003.

The first two F-16I aircraft were delivered to the IAF at the Ramon Air Base in February 2004.

102 F-16I aircraft are on order for the Israeli Air Force.

The F-16I can be armed with AMRAAM and Python 4 air-to-air missiles and JDAM guided bombs.

The Soufa is powered by the Pratt and Whitney F100-PW-229 Increased Performance Engine (IPE), which has a thrust of 129.4kN (29,000lb).

The F-16I equipped with the Litening II targeting pod (on the left) and the LANTIRN navigation pod (on the right). The conformal fuel tank can be seen above the wing.

The IAF received 260 F-16A/B/C/D aircraft between 1980 and 1994.

The Rafael Python 4 short-range infrared air-to-air missile has an agile aerodynamic configuration, suitable for visual range dogfights.

The short-range to beyond visual range Rafael Derby has an active radar seeker, look down / shoot down and lock on before or after launch capability.


The F-2 support fighter is a joint US / Japan development programme, with Mitsubishi as prime contractor and Lockheed Martin as main US subcontractor.

The F-2 fighter is in production for the Japan Air Self Defence Force (JASDF).

The integrated electronic warfare suite, active phased array radar and mission computer were developed by Mitsubishi Electric.

The fighter is armed with ASM-1 and ASM-2 anti-ship missiles from Mitsubishi.

The F-2 can be equipped with Sparrow, Sidewinder or AAM-3 air-to-air missiles.

The F-2 fighter has a maximum speed at altitude of Mach 2.


Kfir can fly at an altitude of 30,000m with a maximum speed of 2,285km/h over a range of 1,300km.

IAI manufactured the Kfir F-21 fighter jets specifically to meet the requirements of the US Navy and the US Air Force training programmes.

Kfir jets are in service with air forces of Sri Lanka, Ecuador and Colombia (variant pictured).


The F-22 Raptor has lookdown, shootdown capability, allowing it to destroy a target that is pulling away.

The F-22 Raptor is designed to replace the F-15.

F-22 Raptor firing an AIM-120 AMRAAM.

The aircraft is coated to provide a low radar cross-section.

The F-22 is designed for stealth, supercruise speed and super-agility.

The F-22 construction is 39% titanium, 24% composite, 16% aluminium and 1% thermoplastic.

The F/A-22 Raptors 01 and 02 at the Edward's Air Force Base.

The F-22 has demonstrated the ability to 'supercruise' - supersonic flight without the use of afterburner.

The F-22 is powered by two F119-100 engines from Pratt & Whitney.


The first flight of the CTOL F-35A took place on 15 December 2006.

The F-35B STOVL will replace the USMCAV-8B Harrier.

The F-35C will replace the F/A-18 Hornet and complement the newer F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.

Aerial refuelling of the F-35A.

The F-35B STOVL variant is due to enter service in 2012.

The F-35C will operate from the US Navy's future generation carrier, CVN 21.

The Joint Strike Fighter was designated theF-35 Lightning II in July 2006.

The F-35B counter-rotating lift fan, developed by Rolls-Royce, can generate more than 20,000lb of thrust.

The F35C is the US Navy's first stealth aircraft.

In October 2001, an international team led by Lockheed Martin was awarded the contract to build the JSF Joint Strike Fighter.

The F-35A is the Conventional Take-Off and Landing (CTOL) variant of the JSF.

The F-35C Carrier-based Variant (CV) for the US Navy.

The F-35B Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) variant for the US Marine Corps and the Royal Navy.

The F-35A stealthy, supersonic multi-role fighter for the USAF.

The F-35C has larger wing and tail control surfaces for improved control for carrier landing.

The STOVL system on the F-35B utilises a shaft-driven lift fan propulsion system.

The F-35C naval version has a stronger internal structure to withstand catapult assisted launches and tailhook arrested landings.


F/A-18E with landing gear deployed.

F/A-18F landing on a Nimitz Class aircraft carrier.

Weapons separation tests have been conducted since 1997.

F/A-18E/F will support a full range of armaments.

A Super Hornet E/F firing an AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missile (AMRAAM).

F/A-18F taxiing into position on the aircraft carrier.

The ALQ-99 jammer fitted on an F/A-18F Super Hornet.

F/A-18F on final approach with tail-hook deployed.

The Super Hornet is equipped with the Raytheon APG-73 radar, but will be fitted with the Raytheon AN/APG-79 AESA from 2006.


Artist's impression of a FOAS manned aircraft launching Conventional Air-Launched Cruise Missiles (CALCM).

FOAS is a comprehensive strike system which includes a Conventional Air Launched Cruise Missile, launched from a large non-penetrating aircraft, together with Manned Aircraft and Uninhabited Vehicles.

Weapons system characteristics include hard-target kill capability, modular payload options and co-ordinated attack capability.

Artist's impression of a FOAS military transporter launching Conventional Air-Launched Cruise Missiles (CALCM).

A conventional air-launched cruise missile (CALCM) firepower, survivability, target depth and assets diagram.

Artist's impression of a FOAS unmanned aerial vehicle after deployment from a conventional aircraft.

The FOAS key systems schematic.

Options being evaluated for the FOAS Manned Aircraft include THE Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter or derivatives of the Eurofighter.


The Gripen multirole fighter aircraft is in service with the Swedish Air Force.

Gripen multirole combat aircraft.

Gripen can fly at supersonic speeds at all altitudes.

JAS 39B is equipped with the same avionics as the JAS 39A.

Gripen on the ground, armed with both Sidewinder and Maverick missiles.

Gripen on the ground, being armed with a rocket pod.

Gripen is equipped to carry an extensive range of air-to-air and air-to-surface weaponry.

The long range multi-purpose pulse Doppler radar is the Saab Microwave Systems PS-05.

The distinctive profile of the Gripen derives from the aerodynamic structure of the delta wing and foreplane canards.


Sea Harrier FA2 is a modified and updated version of the Royal Navy's Sea Harrier FRS1 fighter, reconnaissance and strike aircraft.

Harrier FA2s, Harrier GR7s and Sea King helicopters aboard HMS Invincible.

Sea Harrier FA2 on patrol.

Sea Harrier FA2 is capable of deploying a wide range of weapon systems.

Sea Harrier FA2 taking off.

The trainer for the Harrier FA2 is the Harrier T mk 8. This aircraft has the systems and the cockpit layout of the FA2.

A Harrier GR7 armed with an ASRAAM weapon system.

A Harrier T.4 comes in to land at RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, England.

A Harrier T.4 is made ready for the pilot and waits on standby on the apron at a British military airbase.


The Harrier GR9 made its first flight in May 2003 and was accepted into service in September 2006.

BAE Systems is upgrading all 69 of the RAF Harrier GR7 fleet to the GR9 standard.

The Harrier GR9 standard includes improved weapon-aiming systems, improved navigation and the ability to fire advanced, precision-guided weapons.

The Harrier GR9 landing on HMS Ark Royal during trials in 2006.

The Harrier GR9 made a first operational deployment in January 2007, as part of the NATO International Security Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan.

The Lockheed Martin Sniper targeting pod is being fitted on the RAF Harrier GR9.

The GR9 is the latest version of the Harrier, the world's first fixed-wing Vertical or Short Take-Off and Landing (VSTOL) strike aircraft.

The Harrier GR9 performs roles including close air support, air interdiction and Strike Coordination and Reconnaissance (SCAR).

The RAF / Royal Navy Joint Force Harrier, based at RAF Cottesmore, is operated with RAF Harrier GR7 and GR9 aircraft.

Harrier GR9 aircraft will be armed with the Brimstone millimetre wave-guided anti-armour missile from 2008.


Two AV-8B Harriers in service with the US Marine Corps.

Harrier II Plus is able to respond instantly to requests for air support and deliver large weapon loads on target.

Harrier II Plus is capable of deploying a wide range of weapon systems.

The cockpit interior is fully integrated for day and night operability.

The Raytheon APG-65 radar system is the key to converting the Harrier II into a day-or-night, adverse-weather fighter/attack aircraft.

During Desert Storm, Harrier II demonstrated its effectiveness.

Harrier II Plus is able to operate in the most extreme environments.


The J-10 (Jian 10 or Fighter 10) is China's indigenously built multirole fighter aircraft.

It is estimated that China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) has a requirement for up to 300 J-10 fighter aircraft to replace J-7 and Q-5 aircraft.

The J-10 has 11 external hardpoints for weapons and fuel tanks – five on the fuselage (one on the centreline and a pair on each side of the fuselage) and three hardpoints on each wing.

The J-10 has a maximum speed of Mach 1.9 and a combat range of 550km.

The J-10 fitted with external fuel tanks and the PL-8 short range air-to-air missile, which is a variant of the Rafael Python 3 missile manufactured under licence in China.

The horizontal close-coupled foreplanes on the forward fuselage improve the take-off and low-speed handling characteristics of the J-10.

The J-10 is powered by one AL-31FN turbojet engine. The more advanced J-10 Super 10 has AL-31FN engine with thrust-vectoring nozzle.


The MiG-21 2000 upgraded fighter and ground attack version of the MiG-21 fighter aircraft.

The MiG-21 2000 cockpit after upgrade and modernisation.

The DASH helmet allows the pilot to fly head-up and off-boresight.

Further development has afforded the MiG-21 2000 aircraft air-to-ground capabilities, extended range and more advanced sensors.

The MiG-21 is the most prevalent fighter aircraft of the post-war era.

The MiG-21bis fighter was the last serial version of the MiG-21 aircraft family.

The MiG-21-93 fighter is a derivative of the MiG-21bis.


The MiG-25P is an interceptor aircraft for countering air targets in all weather conditions.

The MiG-25 fighter series of aircraft are known by the NATO codename Foxbat.

The MiG-25P is a twin-finned, high-wing monoplane with slightly swept wings and a variable-angle tail plane.

A MiG-25RBF 'Foxbat' variant.

The aircraft is powered by two R-15B-300 single-shaft turbojets, arranged in the tail section of the fuselage.

Mig-25RB, a derivative of the MiG-25P.

MiG-25PU Foxbat-'C', a twin-cockpit derivative of the MiG-25P.

A Kh-58U (AS-11 Kilter) air-launched anti-radar missile, deployed by the MiG-25BM derivative.


The MiG-27M of the Indian Air Force, landing at Jodhpur airbase.

A full size mock-up of the X-31 missile, suspended under a MiG-27M.

A MiG-23 of the Russian Air Force.

The KAB-1500 guided bomb with HE or HE- penetration warhead.

The MiG-27K variant of the MiG-27 family is a variable geometry wing fighter bomber.

A MiG-27M Flogger-J variant of the Russian Air Force.

The MiG-23 Flogger-B variant of the Czech Republic Air Force.

The KAB-500KR television-guided bomb.

The aircraft is equipped with an internally installed single-turbojet engine with afterburn.

The MiG-23UB combat trainer.


The mission of the MiG-29 is to destroy hostile air targets within radar coverage limits and to destroy ground targets using unguided weapons in visual flight conditions.

The MiG-29 can carry two R-27R1 BVR missiles and four R-73E WVR missiles. Radar upgrades allow it to carry the new R-77 BVR missile.

The MiG-29 is internationally recognised as a high-performance combat aircraft, and has often been compared to the USAF F-16.

The MiG-29M cockpit.

A MiG-29A Fulcrum of the Czech Republic Air Force on exercise.

The MiG-29M deploying a cruciform braking parachute.

The MiG-29 can both travel at speeds of up to 2,400km/h at high altitudes and produce 16,600kg of thrust.

MiG-29 about to refuel in-flight.


The MiG-35's combination of TVC and advanced missile-warning sensors gives it the edge during combat.

MiG-35 offers a 160km (85nm) air target detection radius and 300km for surface ships.

MiG-35 is compatible with Russian and foreign-origin weapons applications and an integrated variety of defensive systems to increase combat survivability.

MiG-35 will be the first Russian aircraft to be fitted with active electronically scanned array radar. The Zhuk-MA's antenna consists of 160 modules, each with four receive-and-transmit modules.


Mirage 2000-5 Mk 2, on order for the Hellenic Air Force of Greece.

The Mirage 2000-5 incorporates new multiple target air-to-ground and air-to-air firing procedures, using the RDY radar, and new sensor and control systems.

The Mirage 2000-5 has a maximum rate of climb of 60,000ft/min.

The Mirage 2000 has been operational with the French Air Force since 1984.

The cockpit of the Mirage 2000-5.

The Mirage 2000-5 Mk 2 can carry four MICA missiles, two Magic missiles and two laser-guided bombs.

The 2000-5 Mk 2 is equipped with the Thales Damocles laser designation pod.

Mirage 2000-5 has nine weapon hardpoints, five on the fuselage and two on each wing.


Seven Rafale fighters are operational on the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier.

The Rafale B for the French Air Force.

Rafale refuelling in-flight.

The Rafale B with Scalp EG missiles, Mica missiles and external fuel tanks.

The Rafale is powered by two M88-2 engines from SNECMA, each providing a thrust of 75 kN.

The Rafale M variant is a single-seater, carrier-based aircraft for the Navy.

The Rafale cockpit.

The Rafale can carry payloads of over 9t on 14 hardpoints for the air force version and 13 for the naval version.

The Rafale B fitted with conformal fuel tanks.


The S-3B Viking multi-role aircraft in service with the US Navy.

The S-3A entered service in 1975. All these aircraft have been converted to S-3B.

The S-3B is operational on all classes of US Navy carriers.

The S-3B Viking has over the horizon precision targeting capability.

The fuselage is strengthened for repeated carrier catapult launches and arrester landings.

A number of Vikings have been armed with Maverick air-to-ground missiles.

The wings are folded upward and inward hydraulically for transfer and storage in the hangar deck.

The S-3B has a maximum speed of 834km/h and range with maximum payload of 3,706km.

S-3B with tailhook down for arrester landing.

On the foredeck of the carrier being prepared for catapult launch.

The Viking is to be replaced by the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.


The Su-24M front-line bomber is manufactured by the Sukhoi Design Bureau Joint Stock Company.

The Su-24 armament system comprises a range of guided and unguided weapons.

The Su-24 Fencer and the Su-25 Frogfoot were the primary bombing aircraft in the Chechen campaign.

The Su-24 bomber's integrated navigation and aiming system is the PNS-24.

The Su-24M has a maximum speed of 1,550kph and a range of over 3,000km.

Su-24 deploying two cruciform parachutes.

Su-24 on display at Farnborough.


The Su-25 and Su-28 single-seat, close-support aircraft, known by the Nato reporting name Frogfoot.

A Su-25 aircraft of the Czech Air Force deploying cruciform parachutes.

The aircraft can be fitted with UB-32A pods for 57mm S-5 rockets, B-8M1 pods for 80mm S-8 rockets, S-24 240mm guided rockets and S-25 330mm guided rockets.

The Su-25 can carry air-to-ground missiles, air-to-air missiles, rockets, cluster and laser-guided bombs, as well as incendiary devices.

The aircraft has an all-welded, 24mm titanium alloy cockpit.

The Su-25T derivative.

The rear of the aircraft showing the infrared jammer plus the chaff and flare dispenser.


The Su-27 (NATO designation Flanker) is the front-line fighter aircraft designed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau.

Armament of the Su-27SK includes the 30mm calibre gun, with its set of 150 cartridges, rocket-guided and unguided weapons, and bombs.

During airframe design, attention was given to high strength, light weight, durabilty, repairability and adaptability to series production.

The cockpit displays and instrumentation of the Su-27.

The nose and radome shape of the Su-27M is new.

The large air brake, which is used in landing and in combat manoeuvres, is located on top of the fuselage.

Su-27 SK avionics upgrades will allow the aircraft to include the new RVV-AE and R-77 medium-range anti-aircraft missiles.

The power plant consists of two twin AL-31F turbofan engines, designed by the Lyulka Engine Design Bureau.


The Sukhoi Su-30M multi-role two-seater fighter. The Su-30MK is the export version of the aircraft.

The aircraft is equipped with thrust vectoring engines for superior combat agility and manoeuvrability.

The Su-30M is armed with precision anti-surface missiles and has a stand-off launch range of 120km.

The Su-30M, like the Su-30, can engage two airborne targets simultaneously.

The Su-30MK has been ordered by India, China and Malaysia.

The Su-30M landing.

The tandem cockpit of the Su-30M.

The layout of the Su-30M.

The Su-30M fighter is a development of the Su-27 (Flanker) family.

The Su-30M has 12 hardpoints for external payloads up to 8,000kg.

The Su-30M has a maximum level speed of Mach 2.35 (2,150km/hr).


The Su-34 fighter bomber is manufactured by the Sukhoi Design Bureau Joint Stock Company.

The Su-34 deploying two cruciform parachutes on landing.

The Su-34 fighter bomber is a derivative of the Su-27 fighter aircraft.

The Su-34 designation refers to the T1OV (Su-27IB).

Su-34 supports a full range of weaponry.

The crew gain access to the cockpit via the door of the nosewheel bay.

The aircraft can achieve a speed of 1,900km/h (Mach 1.6) at altitude and 1,300km/h (Mach 1) at sea level.

The underside of the Su-34.


The Su-35BM advanced capability multi-role air superiority fighter.

The Su-35 has a high angle of attack that contributes to the aircraft's exceptional dogfighting capability.

The Su-35BM was unveiled at the Aerosalon MAKS air show in Moscow in August 2007 and its first flight was in February 2008.

The Su-35BM has 12 hardpoints for carrying external weapons and stores.

The diameter of the front fuselage of the Su-35 has been increased to accommodate the larger antenna of the Irbis-E radar.

The Su-35BM is powered by two AL-31F 117S turbofan engines with thrust-vectoring nozzle control, each supplying 86.3kN thrust or 142.2kN with afterburn.

The Su-35 has a maximum speed of 2,390km/h or Mach 2.25 and manoeuvrability of +9g.

Each thrust-vectoring engine is rated at 86.3kN thrust or 142.2kN with afterburn.


The Su-37 multirole, all-weather fighter aircraft.

Like the Su-27, the Su-37 is based on an unstable integral triplane layout.

The cockpit is fitted with four liquid crystal displays for tactical and navigation data.

There is also a rear-looking NIIP NO-12 radar and optronic fire-control and surveillance system.

The new feature of the super-manoeuvrable Su-37 fighter is the two-dimensional thrust vector control engines.

The aircraft has demonstrated manoeuvres yet to be emulated by any western aircraft.

The aircraft is fitted with a multifunction, forward-looking, NO-11M pulse Doppler phased array radar.


The Su-47, previously known as the S-37 Berkut (Golden Eagle) fighter aircraft.

The Su-47 demonstrator may provide the basis for Russia's next-generation fighter.

Detailed views of the Su-47.

The Su-47 has demonstrated high agility and manoeuvrability at both subsonic and supersonic speeds.

The forward-swept wing configuration provides a higher drag-to-lift ratio and higher capacity in dogfight manoeuvres.

The high turn rate of the Su-47 allows the aircraft to quickly turn towards the next target for weapon launch.

The Su-47 Berkut is a development of the Su-27 (Flanker) programme.

The swept-forward wing also improves anti-stall characteristics and allows a lower minimum speed.


The Tejas LCA, single-seat, single-engine, lightweight, high-agility supersonic fighter, in development for the Indian Air Force.

The Tejas LCA development program is being led by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) of the Indian DoD with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) as the prime contractor.

The design of the tailless compound delta planform helps keep the LCA small and light and improves close combat performance.

The aircraft has eight external hardpoints to carry stores, with three under each wing, one on the centre fuselage and one installed under the air intake on the port side.

Production aircraft will be powered by the GE F404-GE-IN20 turbofan engine, rated at 85kN with afterburn.

Designed to be aerodynamically unstable, the Tejas LCA has manoeuvrability limits of +9g to -3.5g and maximum speed of Mach 1.8.

The cockpit of the Tejas LCA - the avionics suite includes quadruplex fly-by-wire digital automatic flight control.


The Tornado multirole aircraft, for ground attack and air defence.

Sidewinder missiles (top) and Skyflash missiles (bottom) are amongst the Tornado's range of weapons.

Storm Shadow cruise missiles, which entered initial operational service on Tornado aircraft in March 2003, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The GR 1B maritime attack Tornado with wings swept.

142 of the Royal Air Force GR 1 Tornados have been upgraded to Tornado GR 4 configuration, under the RAF Tornado mid-life update programme.

Tornado F3 Air Defence Variant has been designed to fulfil the requirement for a long-range, long-endurance fighter intercept aircraft.

A Panavia Tornado GR 1 shows its low-level flying capabilities.


Newsletter Sign-Up
For all the latest news in the defence industry, sign up here

Home
New On This Site
Products & Services
Company A-Z
Industry Projects
Features
White Papers
Jobs & Careers
Industry News
Events & Exhibitions
Newsletter Archive
Newsletter Sign-Up
Advertise With Us
About Us
Client Area


RSS What is RSS
The website for the defence industries - air force