Posted on 10/31/2011 12:00:48 PM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
Russia’s new AWACS plane enters service
A modernized A-50U airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft entered service with the Russian Air Force on Monday, an AF spokesman said.
The aircraft has an advanced onboard computer, satellite communication and radar systems, Col. Vladimir Drik said.
It now has the capability to detect various types of flying targets, including helicopters, cruise missiles and supersonic aircraft, he said.
The Beriev A-50, based on the Ilyushin Il-76 transport, first flew in 1978. It entered service in 1984, with about 40 produced by 1992.
The A-50 can track up to 10 fighter aircraft for either air-to-air intercept or air-to-ground attack missions.
Ping.
I think that the author is confusing “controlling” interceptors and “tracking” potential targets. Typical!
E-3 hell... an E-2C can track 600+ aircraft
Taking the whole data center along!
and control 40 intercepts too...
Is there a jettion chute for the empty vodka bottles?
No. This requirement demanded a big cargo ramp in the rear that opens. Every morning they just go into a brief steep climb and open the rear ramp, and, well, there go the empties...
?No. This requirement demanded a big cargo ramp in the rear “that opens. Every morning they just go into a brief steep climb and open the rear ramp, and, well, there go the empties...”
I did not know that Russians drank that much, nor that their vodka bottles were that large.
Interesting. Thanks for posting.
Let’s hear it for the mighty Hummer!
Their bottles aren’t that big, it’s just that there’s that many to get rid of.
You didn’t know they drank that much!?! (Really?)
We Americans look at a potato and think “French Fries.” Russian looks at a potato and thinks “Vodka.”
roger that... 
It can only track 10 fighters at once? That has to be wrong.
Original 1978 model A-50 is capable to control 10 interceptions and track 300 targets.
I think a number of interceptions at once is coming out of a mission crew number.
There are also a modern upgraded ‘monkey model’ A-50E export variant using Israely Phalcon radar and newer A-50U for domestic marker, both has to be more capable than the old original model.
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