Su-35 and An-12 company: As in the Russian Federation, the gaps will be filled after the losing two Dlo aircraft (photo)
This decision is detailed in The Eurasian Times from February 29. Views write that the Russian PCS can attract an old military transport aircraft An-12 to cover a considerable length of almost 700 kilometer front of hostilities in Ukraine, although the range and coverage will be limited.
However, much depends on how quickly the Russian industry will be able to make a radar "Irbis-e" and integrate them into the AN-12, because the components for the manufacture of radars are intended for future Su-35. The authors of the publication point out that such a plan was unofficially discussed about a year ago when there was an urgent need for additional DLLO.
In addition to the loss of A-50 aircraft, there was information that the modernization of existing machines to the modification of the A-50U is delayed, and the latest aircraft of this type A-100 in Russia is only one. In this way, Russian engineers can equip about 10 An-12 or Tu-154 aircraft, which are in operation and storage, but this solution has shortcomings. "RLS fighter cannot be placed in a" plate "above the fuselage, as in A-50.
Even an enlarged nasal cone, as in the Israeli Phantom system, will leave a significant dead zone. It can help the second radar in the tail that is better than none at all. Solution, " - experts say. In conclusion, the observers write that if such a modification will work, their An-12 will be largely similar to a British early warning aircraft about Nimrod or Chinese KJ-200 Awacs.