As reported by TASS on February 29, 2024, the Russian state corporation Rostec is planning to restart the production of the A-50 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, as announced by Sergei Chemezov, the corporation's head. This initiative responds to the needs of the Russian Armed Forces and the aircraft's history in the export market. The A-50 is primarily utilized for its surveillance capabilities, providing essential data for command and control in military operations.
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The modernized variant, the A-50U, features updated digital avionics, which enhances the speed of data processing, signal tracking, and target detection. (Picture source: Army Recognition)
The move to resume production follows announcements concerning the modernization of the A-50 into the A-50U variant, which involves enhancements to improve its operational effectiveness based on recent military engagements. This effort involves collaborations between the Vega concern and TANTK named after G.M. Beriev, which are part of the larger Rostec structure, aimed at refining the aircraft's ability to detect, track, and identify various targets.
The necessity for these actions is partly due to significant losses within the Russian Aerospace Forces' A-50 fleet, which have affected operational readiness. These events have led to a reassessment of the aircraft's deployment strategies, recognizing its value beyond mere surveillance as a comprehensive command and control asset. Additionally, the operational history of the A-50, especially its integration with S-400 anti-aircraft systems, illustrates its utility within the Russian Armed Forces in identifying and tracking multiple targets. This has proven significant in the Ukrainian conflict, where the aircraft's capabilities in detecting both air and ground threats have been judged crucial.
The Beriev A-50, designated by NATO as "Mainstay," is an airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft from the Soviet era, developed as a successor to the Tupolev Tu-126 "Moss." Based on the Ilyushin Il-76 transport aircraft, the A-50 first took to the skies in 1978. The Western Bloc became aware of the aircraft in the same year, thanks to disclosures by Adolf Tolkachev. The A-50 was officially put into service in 1985 and around 40 units had been produced by 1992.
The aircraft is distinguished by its large Liana surveillance radar, housed within a 9-meter diameter rotodome atop the fuselage. This system allows for the detection of air targets up to 650 kilometers away and ground targets up to 300 kilometers distant. The A-50 is also capable of controlling up to ten fighter jets for various operations, including air-to-air interception and air-to-ground attacks. It has a flight duration capacity of four hours and a range of 1,000 kilometers from its base. The maximum takeoff weight of the aircraft is 190 metric tons, and it has the capability for mid-air refueling from Il-78 tankers.
The A-50's radar system, "Vega-M," developed by MNIIP in Moscow and manufactured by NPO Vega, is capable of tracking up to 150 targets simultaneously within a 230-kilometer radius. It can also track large targets, like surface ships, up to 400 kilometers away.
The modernized variant, the A-50U, was developed starting in 2003, with state tests commencing on September 10, 2008, using the "37 Red" aircraft from the Russian Air Force as the prototype. This variant features updated digital avionics, replacing the older analog versions, which enhances the speed of data processing, signal tracking, and target detection. The A-50U also includes improved amenities for the crew, such as enhanced rest areas, toilet facilities, and a galley. The first A-50U was delivered to the Russian Air Force on October 31, 2011, designated as "47 Red," RF-92957. This aircraft was incorporated into the 2457th Aviation Base at Ivanovo Severny, which uses the A-50 operationally. As of September 2023, there have been eight A-50U aircraft delivered.
The A-50U serves as a precursor to the forthcoming Beriev A-100 AEW&C, which will maintain a similar configuration but will be equipped with an advanced Vega Premier active electronically scanned array radar.
The A-50's specifications include a crew of 15, a length of 49.59 meters, a wingspan of 50.5 meters, and a height of 14.76 meters. Its empty weight is 75,000 kilograms, and its maximum takeoff weight stands at 170,000 kilograms. The aircraft is equipped with four Soloviev D-30KP turbofan engines, each offering 117.68 kN of thrust, allowing the A-50 to reach a maximum speed of 900 km/h, an operational range of 7,500 kilometers, and a ceiling of 12,000 meters.
