Russia has been dominating the news headlines of late, and for all the wrong reasons. But did you know that they have been drastically increasing their military spending over the past decade? It’s true. While current and previous U.S. administrations have eschewed the Russian threat as being less dangerous than it is, we are seeing something seriously noteworthy take place in Vladimir Putin’s nation. Led by a new generation of “super weapons,” Russia is beginning to turn heads all over the world. Here are some of the technological marvels we’re talking about.
Sukhoi PAK FA T-50
Sukhoi aircraft have an impressive history in Russia. The newest model, the T-50, is currently in joint development with India.
Supersonic Flight
The T-50 is expertly equipped to sustain supersonic flight, better than any Russian plane built in years past. Its range at supersonic speeds is 930 miles. At subsonic speeds, it can go 2,175 miles.
9G Maneuvers
It’s quite an aerobatic plane. Its life-support system can sustain 9G maneuvers for a period of up to 30 seconds. Meanwhile, a pilot ejection is possible from an altitude of 60,000 feet.
FANCY HELMETS
It looks straight out of Mad Max, but it’s not. This is the high-tech helmet worn by T-50 pilots. The cockpit of the T-50 is full of next level technology, but this heads-up display acts as its own computer screen for the pilots and it’s simply attached to their helmets.
Technological Beast
A quarter of the aircraft’s body weight is made of composite materials that help reduce its overall weight. Sharp angles help minimize its radar detection, making it tough to be spotted from far away distances.
THE ENGINES
The Saturn izdeliye 117 engines provide vectored thrust for the plane. The engines originated as part of the original AL-41F program which was launched way back in 1982.
T-50 VS F-22 SHORT RANGE
The F-22 Raptor is the U.S.’s stealth fighter, but how would it fare against the T-50? Both aircraft can supercruise, but the Raptor can go faster at Mach 1.8 compared to the T-50’s Mach 1.6. In terms of maneuverability, the T-50 takes the cake. The F-22 Raptor might be the most maneuverable of the American fighter jets, but it doesn’t quite meet the standard of the T-50. We’d have to give the Russian jet a slight advantage in a dogfight, especially thanks to its advanced helmet-mounted targeting capabilities. However, a long range fight might be different.
T-50 VS F-22 LONG RANGE
A long range battle could provide a different outcome. The T-50’s three-dimensional thrust vector nozzles could give away its location to an F-22 pilot, allowing them to attack from miles away. Additionally, the F-22 can carry six AIM-120 missiles compared to the T-50’s four missiles. Chances are that the F-22 could take it down from a far away distance.
MEET THE T-14
Russia’s newest super tank is greatly disturbing for western nations. According to a UK Ministry of Defence report, “ certainly deserves its billing as the most revolutionary tank in a generation.”
EPIC CANNON
Its 2A82-1M cannon puts enemies to shame with the capability of firing between 10 and 12 rounds per minute. This could potentially overpower the armor on existing NATO tanks.
ACTIVE PROTECTION SYSTEM (APS)
The APS enables the T-14 to swat away attacks that are at speeds exceeding Mach 5. This technology can also hinder the targeting systems associated with anti-tank guided missiles. It’s time for western nations to play catch up.
SU-35S
This single seat fighter aircraft is slightly beyond a fourth generation but not quite considered a fifth generation fighter. The child of the Su-27, the 35S is supposed to hold down the fort until the T-50 is ready to go.
SHOWING OFF AT THE AIR SHOW
In 2015, the Su-35S strutted its stuff at the MAKS international air show. It showed off its versatility and missile-carrying capabilities. The plane’s underwing reveals 12 hard points that can carry laser-guided rockets and bombs.
CURRENTLY FOR USE AGAINST ISIS
In 2016, the Su-35S was deployed to fight ISIS for the first time. It would be stationed at the brand new Khmeimim Air Base in Syria.
ICBM
There’s no scarier phrase than “intercontinental ballistic missile.” Indeed, ICBMs are not here to play around. They have a range of between 1,240 and 6,520 miles (twice the size of the United States). Each one is 68.6 feet long and can carry up to 10 independently targetable, massive warheads.
ICBM UPGRADES
Russia is taking its Cold War-era thermonuclear weapons to the next level. At the 2015 Victory Day parade in Moscow, they displayed their RS-24 Yars for the first time.
THE TEST
This is actual footage from the October 28, 2015 test launch of an RS-24 ICBM. It was launched from the Plesetsk State Test Cosmodrome.
CHECK THE SEAS
