India continues to select new aircraft for its air force. Countries, claiming to be suppliers of air vehicles, and Russia.
As we know, the story of the Russian-Indian contract for the purchase of Su-57 aircraft by India ended with India's withdrawal from cooperation. New Delhi abandoned Russian planes, and Indian officers harshly criticized the PAK FA. But that unpleasant story does not mean the termination of military-technical cooperation between Russia and India., which took decades and is at a very high level.
As became known, also in 2019 Russia received a request from the Indian Ministry of Defense for information on the upgraded MiG-35 fighters. It is this aircraft that should represent our country in the light fighter competition. If the parties manage to agree, then Russia may receive an order from India for the construction of more 100 aircraft.
The main advantages of the upgraded version of the MiG-35 are the G-Force protection system and the automatic landing system.. Without them, the Russian aircraft would not look convincing next to such competitors as the Dasault Rafale and Lockheed Martin F-21 aircraft..
Recall, that the modernization of the MiG-35 was carried out in January - February 2020 of the year. The installation of the G-Force protection system and the automatic landing system was made in order to increase the attractiveness of the Russian jet aircraft for those buyers., who have already familiarized themselves with western aircraft, with these key characteristics.
MiG-35 G-Force protection system helps reduce pilot distraction, tracking G-force using the indicator on the dashboard. An even more important characteristic of the modernized aircraft – automatic digital landing system.
As reported by the United Aircraft Corporation, this system is patented by engineers of the Russian corporation "MiG". Its installation entails easier landing of aircraft, including in difficult weather conditions, since the pilot can quickly use the glide path in automatic mode and continue to descend until visibility appears. Russian-made MiG-29M / M2 and MiG-35 aircraft will be equipped with the new system.
However, the MiG-35 will have some pretty serious competitors.. At first, this is the F-21 of the American company Lockheed Martin. As is known, Lockheed Martin has a very strong position in India and a very influential lobby in the leadership of this country. But even without these factors, it is worth noting, that the F-16 aircraft have an automatic landing system, on-board computer controlled.
Computer uses Lockheed Martin aircraft attitude control algorithms, glide path, airspeed, rate of decline. Also, F-16 aircraft are equipped with a system, providing an unobstructed view of the pilot, and for easier and more precise control of the aircraft movement instead of the usual lever, centered, using a side stick controller.
Another competitor to the MiG-35 in India is the French multirole fighter Dassault Rafale. It also has similar characteristics.. So, Rafale on-board computer programmed to counteract pilot disorientation. The device is installed on the plane, allowing the pilot to assess the position of the aircraft and giving an alarm when an unusual position is detected.
In Italy came 14 th in a row RF plane videoconferencing with specialists and equipment
The pilot's seat is tilted back at an angle 29 °, which improves the overload stability and maneuvering of the aircraft. Finally, Rafale pilot wears a special intelligent flight suit, automatically controlled by the aircraft and responding to possible overloads.
by the way, at 2018 India has already preferred the French Rafale aircraft over the Russian Su-30MKI. Then the command of the Indian Air Force attracted a higher flight range, the ability to long-term loitering and the possibility of more combat missions of the French fighter.
It is worth noting, that due to difficult relations with neighboring Pakistan, India is very scrupulous about arming its army and, Firstly, Air Force. So, Indian military believe, that to confront each Pakistani F-16 aircraft would need 2 Su-30MKI, and in the case of the Rafale, only one plane is required. But then it was about the Su-30MKI, and today - about the MiG-35, therefore, Russia has quite good chances to conclude another contract with India.
Ilya Polonsky
