Analysis: Experts assess prospects of Russian antisubmarine aircraft - part 2


The Russian Navy reportedly plans to develop passenger Tu-204 airplane into an Antisubmarine Airborne Complex (PlAK). Gazeta.ru online publication analyzed the prospects of the project.


Analysis Experts assess prospects of Russian antisubmarine aircraft part 2 Tupolev Tu-214R inflight (Picture source: Rimma Sadykova)


Landing on water restrictions are not the main problem in A-42 story. The main reason is economic. A-42 antisubmarine aircraft had to be created from scratch. The series would be small without any export prospects, as no customers would need A-42. It means single aircraft would be produced for the Russian armed forces. These were unjustified investments from the economic point of view. It would be completely unfeasible to maintain a plant that produces several aircraft a year.

Besides, there are no Russian engines for A-42. The upgrade of available engines for an amphibian is very complicated. Modernization of PS-90 or PD-14 would be very costly. In other words, the project is very expensive and production is limited by several aircraft a year. Engine upgrade for Tu-214 is not that acute and demands less work than A-42.

Therefore, the choice of Tu-214 is economic. There are no other reasons in conditions of limited appropriations. It is the first aspect.

The second aspect relates to claims that Tu-214 option would be much cheaper. Naturally, it is cheaper than to create an aircraft from scratch, however there are pitfalls as well. The US Poseidon P-8 costs 150-250 mln dollars. Passenger Boeing-737 from which it is developed costs over 50 mln dollars.

The figures provide a perception of the cost of an antisubmarine aircraft. The price of the aircraft itself comprises a third of the cost of the whole system. The most expensive is the antisubmarine complex.

Therefore, claims that Tu-214 antisubmarine aircraft will cost less are groundless. The difference against A-42 will not be big.

There are questions to Tu-214 itself. The US Poseidon has internal arms compartments and a possibility to suspend antisubmarine torpedoes. Tu-214 will need a major upgrade of the power plant for that. It was impossible to add a cargo hatch to some aircraft to say nothing about a torpedo suspension. It is not clear so far whether the problem can be resolved with Tu-214. It may need a complete redesign. It is to be clarified whether the wing can sustain the suspension. There are many other questions with no clear answers, as antisubmarine aircraft have specific requirements.

Their main operational regime differs from civilian aircraft. The latter is optimized for cruising speed at altitudes of 9 to 11 thousand meters. The regime saves fuel, etc.

An antisubmarine aircraft has a different flight regime. It flies lower at a slower cruising speed. The US Orion P-3S was an ideal aircraft in this respect. Anyway, major research and upgrade is likely necessary.

It is necessary to think about the export potential of antisubmarine Tu-214. It is possible that an aircraft created on the basis of Il-114 will be in demand in small countries with limited budget funds, Gazeta.ru said.


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