A modo de cicerone, me gustaría compartir la siguiente mezcolanza de datos con todos ustedes, como podrán comprobar, relativa a aeronaves de combate.
A-10 - US ground support aircraft. The air force loves to bomb, but not in a combat zone. Enemy troops shoot back and an aircraft has to be armored to survive. The A-10 was the US air force solution to this problem. It carries 7.2 tons of bombs and missiles. Although they would prefer to sidestep direct support of combat troops, they are reluctant to let the army have fixed wing combat aircraft. Although the A-10 did exceptionally well in its combat debut during the Gulf War, it's slow speed and ground attack weapons make it different from other air force combat aircraft. The air force is reluctant to build a replacement and has even expressed a willingness to transfer its A-10s to the army. All this may be moot, as the helicopter is increasingly the primary source of air support for ground troops.
A-4 - Predecessor of the A-6. A lightweight carrier bomber. Carries 3.5 tons of bombs. Saw extensive combat in Vietnam and in the Israeli air force. Still used by many nations as an inexpensive but effective (if elderly) ground attack aircraft.
AC-130U - First developed for the Vietnam war, this is a unique combat aircraft. This gun ship can slowly circle a combat area at low altitude. Communicating by radio with troops on the ground, the gunship can deliver pinpoint fire as needed. The infantry love "Spooky" (the original nickname for Vietnam era gunships). The current aircraft is a four engine C-130. It is equipped with 25mm and 40mm automatic cannon and a 105mm howitzer. Also can carry four Hellfire missiles. Has an extensive array of electronics allowing it to operate in any kind of weather. Aerial refueling allows the AC-130 to go just about anywhere and hang around until it's ammunition is used up.
AH-1S - Substantially improved version of the AH-1G (the first helicopter gunship, which was, in fact, a heavily modified UH-1.) Carries 1.6 tons of rockets and missiles. There are still quite a few of these in service. Particularly useful when armed with TOW anti-tank missiles.
AH-1W - USMC version of the AH-1. A much enhanced AH-1S, particularly the use of two engines instead of one. Carries 2.3 tons of rockets and missiles.
AH-64 - Second generation US helicopter gunship. Carries two tons of rockets and missiles. Has much more powerful fire control systems than earlier gunships.
Alpha - Inexpensive light bomber. Carries 2.5 tons of bombs.
AMX - A ground attack aircraft built by Brazil and Italy, with the hope of selling this low cost warplane to the Cold War market. But the Cold War ended and export sales are hard to come by. Can carry 3.8 tons of bombs and missiles.
AV-8B - The original STOL (Short Take Off and Landing) fighter bomber. Can also take off like a helicopter. Saw its first action in the 1982 Malvinas war where it proved even more capable than originally predicted. Carries 4.8 tons of bombs.
B-1B - US long range bomber, designed to use low flying and ECM to penetrate heavy defenses. A very complex system that has had a lot of growing pains. Carries up to 60 tons of bombs, which makes it replacement for the B-52,
B-2 - The "stealth bomber." The first aircraft to cost more than most warships. Carries up to 22 tons of bombs and is equipped with excellent fire control capabilities.
B-52 - Basic US long range bomber since the 1950s. It's electronics have been vastly upgraded and many now carry cruise missiles. Max bomb load is 24 tons.
Ching Kuo- When Taiwan was faced with the prospect of no source for modern jet fighters in the 1980s, they decided to build their own. This was the result, an aircraft somewhere between the F-5 and F-16 in capability (carrying 3.8 tons of bombs). When foreign sources of modern jets reappeared in the early 1990s, production of the Ching Kuo was cut back to 130. The project is a good example of what an industrialized nation, lacking much of an aviation industry, can do to produce their own high performance warplanes.
EA-6E - Until the 1990s, the main US Navy bomber. Now used as the principal electronic warfare aircraft for the navy and air force. Long range and large carrying capacity (4.5 tons) make it an excellent performer in this role. But the remaining aircraft are old and the heavy workload demanded contribute to its long term success.
EF-2000 Typhoon - Also known as the Eurofighter. Britain, Germany, Italy and Spain joined forces to design and build a multipurpose warplane. Roughly equivalent to the F-18E. Can carry 6.5 tons of bombs and missiles.
F-1 - Produced more out of national pride than for any practical reason. It's actually an upgraded version of the Japanese built T-1 jet trainer (similar to the U.S. T-33 jet trainer.) Intended as a ground support aircraft, but carries only 2.7 tons of bombs. Only 77 were ever built.
F-104 - A 1950s design. Contemporary of the MiG-21, but not as successful. Still used by some US allies who have not been able to afford a replacement yet. Can carry about three tons of bombs, but is not very stable at low altitudes. All F-104s will probably be out of service by 2010.
F-111F - Was the principal US medium range bomber and electronic warfare aircraft (the "Spark Vark", after it's unofficial nickname, the "Aardvark.") Can carry up to 13 tons of bombs. Still used by Australia. Was the model for the larger B-1.
F-117A - Otherwise known as the stealth fighter. This is a rarity in the West, a secret aircraft development project. The Russians probably knew more about it than the American public, assuming they were able to get a photo satellite into position when these things were flying. This is not really a fighter in the same sense as the F-16, F-18 and F-15. It's function is more akin to the A-6. In addition to a heavy load of electronic devices, largely passive, the F-117A is designed to present a very small target to radar. Like the human eye, radar can see larger targets farther away. A B-52 is the aerial equivalent of an aircraft carrier to a radar; the F-117A appears as a small speedboat. Typical missions for the F-117A is destroying SAM sites or heavily defended targets. Reconnaissance is also an ideal mission. As a fighter, the F-117A would, and probably could, have to get the first shot in if equipped with the right sensors and missiles. This is not a very fast or particularly maneuverable aircraft, so it would have to hit first and then slink away. Veteran fighter pilots prefer this approach anyway, which is why they are veterans. The very accurate fire control system is necessary because the F-117 only carries two tons of bombs (usually just two bombs.)
F-14A - Principal US Navy interceptor. Actually designed around its expensive long range Phoenix missiles. Until recently, it's primary job is defending the fleet and especially the carriers. The A model was hampered by an underpowered engine (the result of budget problems.) Carrying the Phoenix missile, this was not much of a problem.
F-14B/D - The B model arrived in the late 1980s, with the more powerful engine the A version never got. The allowed a number of upgrades not possible before (because of the weak A version engine.) But one of the more important features of the new engines was the ability of the F-14 to take off without using its afterburner. During night launches, the afterburner could been seen 80 kilometers away at sea. The B model was followed a few years later by the D model, with many improvements in the aircraft's electronics. This made it possible for the F-14 to drop smart bombs, resulting it many B and D models shifting to ground attack missions as the "Bombcat." Can carry 6.5 tons of bombs.
F-15 - Most effective Western interceptor. Can also be used as a fighter bomber (carrying ten tons of bombs.)
F-15E - A two seat version of the F-15, was developed primarily for ground attack. (carrying eleven tons of bombs.) The F-15E did very well in the Gulf War.
F-16 - The most numerous Western interceptor, with over 4,000 built. Can also function as a bomber and ground attack aircraft, although not as effective as the air force folks would have you believe. Can carry four tons of bombs. In air-to-air combat, it has shot down 69 aircraft so far, without losing anything to enemy warplanes. Originally designed as a cheaper alternative to the heavier F-15.
F-18A - Replaces the A-7 aboard US carriers (as the "F/A-18," with the "A" indicating ground attack capability). Functions as both an interceptor and bomber, carrying seven tons of bombs. Basically a two engine version of the F-16, which is why the Navy took the F-18 and the air force the cheaper F-16. The navy prefers two engine aircraft for carrier operations, it's safer when operating over water. The one major shortcoming of the F-18 is relatively short range. The navy has few aerial tankers, forcing the F-18 to use drop tanks (replacing bombs) when more range is needed.
F-18E - A considerable redesign of the original F-18. The E model is larger than the A model, allowing it to carry 40 percent more internal fuel as well as providing sufficient space for additional electronics. Most nations would give the F-18E a separate designation (like F-23 or something), but the navy ran a bit of a scam to get the F-18D built. Steadfastly maintaining that the E model was simply an upgrade of the A model. It worked, even though the "upgrade" cost billions more than similar programs for other aircraft. By the time Congress caught on, it was too late. Bomb load is only four tons, but range is longer. For all practical purposes, the F-18E can carry the same tonnage of bombs as far as the F-18A. The F-18E also has some stealth characteristics, better maneuverability and electronics than the earlier version.
ç
F-22 - The US ATF (Advanced Tactical Fighter) which is to be the premier fighter for the early 21st century. Because of it's stealth features, weapons have to be carried internally. This limits it's bomb load to two half ton bombs. But the F-22 is equipped to deliver precision munitions, so the two (or more smaller) bombs are likely to hit what they are aimed at. One reason for the development of smaller (250 and 500 pound) guided bombs is to give stealthy aircraft like the F-22 better bombing capability. At over $60 million each, the US probably won't be able to afford more than a few hundred (less than half what the USAF is asking for.) Russia and a consortium of Western European nations are each working on their own version, but because of the cost, neither project is likely to threaten the technical superiority of the F-22. While not invincible, the F-22 is capable enough to dominate any air battle it enters.
F-4 - The predecessor of the F-15. The F-4 is an early 1960s design that has been upgraded considerably. One of the most widely used warplanes of the late 20th century (over 5,000 built.) Still a capable aircraft and many still in use. Some will probably still be in use at the end of the decade. A classic design that proved very capable in combat. The F-4 was very capable as a ground attack aircraft, carrying seven tons of bombs.
F-5E - Designed and built by the United States as an inexpensive interceptor for nations with tight budgets and insufficient technical manpower to support more complex aircraft. Roughly equal to the MiG-21. For this reason, many less affluent nations facing neighbors equipped with MiG-21s feel much better when they have a few dozen F-5s in their air force. Also useful for ground attack, carrying three tons of bombs. Being phased out, and many that are still in use are poorly maintained or otherwise not really ready for combat.
H-5 - Chinese built Russian Il-28. Although the Il-28 design is fifty years old, China has continued to rely on their H-5s as one of their principal bombers.
H-6 - Chinese built Russian Tu-16. After nearly forty years, this bomber still serves, mainly as China's heavy bomber. Many are gradually being converted to electronic warfare duties. Can carry nine tons of bombs.
J-6 - A Chinese built copy of the MiG-19. An inexpensive alternative for less wealthy nations, including China. Only carries a half ton of bombs.
J-7 - A Chinese built copy of the MiG-21. Many being equipped with Western electronics and engines. This makes it a considerably improved MiG-21. Can carry 1.5 tons of bombs.
J-8 - Chinese two engine variant of the MiG-21. China's first attempt at building their own aircraft. But it was not a very original or successful effort. Can carry about three tons of bombs.
J-9 - A development project based on MiG-29 technology. The Chinese aircraft industry is pushing this one, but the air force is resisting. Officially, the project is still underway, but nothing has flown yet. Tentative plan is to have it enter service by 2005.
J-10 - Basically the Israeli Lavi (a F-16 clone Israel was forced to abandon in the 1980s because of money problems.) China appears to have obtained the technology from Israel, and an F-16 obtained from Pakistan. China is obtaining the high performance jet engine from Russia. The electronics may be obtained from Israel (secretly, as the U.S. will raise a stink if the Israelis try to do it openly), or from Russia. America has the best stuff, but this technology will have to be stolen.
J-11 - Chinese designation for the Russian Su-27. China is also assembling Su-27s from Russian parts. Some modifications already apparent are a greater emphasis on the Su-27s bombing capability.
J-12 - New Chinese design, not expected to enter service until 2015. The J-12 is an attempt to design and build an F-22 class fighter. The Chinese will have to acquire a lot of new technology (legally from Russia, illegally from the U.S. and semi-legally from Israel) to pull this off. If they do it, this will be the first home grown Chinese warplane.
Jaguar - British/French joint effort. Basically a ground attack bomber. Carries 4.7 tons of bombs. Originally designed as a trainer, but kind of just grew.
JSF (Joint Strike Fighter) - Attack aircraft (light bomber) still in development. This is the air force version, which can carry six tons of bombs. Has some stealth ability and a variant (for the US Marines and the British navy) of this version will be able to take off vertically (like the Harrier.) The JSF will have the most modern fire control and all weather electronics. The JSF will also be a very expensive light bomber, costing some $50 million each.
JSF/N (Navy JSF) - Heavier and sturdier (to withstand carrier landings) than the US Air Force version, it still shares some 80 percent of the components of the air force JSF and has much the same characteristics. Carries eight tons of bombs.
Ka-50 - New Russian attack helicopter. Unique in that it has a crew of one. Western helicopter designers are dubious that the Russians can achieve enough on board automation to allow one pilot to do it all. Apparently they were right, as there is now a two seat version. Not likely to be produced in large numbers unless foreign customers can be found. Russian armed forces have only bought about a dozen. Can carry three tons of rockets and missiles.
Kfir - An upgraded version of the original Mirage V. Carries six tons of bombs. Designed and manufactured by Israel.
Mi-24 - Russian helicopter gunship. Originally designed primarily as an armed transport, but soon modified to emphasize the gunship role. Can carry 2,4 tons, which can include up to eight troops.
MiG-21J - A 1950s design, the most widely produced post World War II fighter. Cheap, and easy to maintain. Many nations keep them in service for that reason, and because a wide range of avionics and weapons upgrades are available. Not really designed for ground attack, but can carry 1.5 tons of bombs.
MiG-23 - Russian equivalent of F-4 equipped for air to air combat. Can carry three tons of bombs.
MiG-25 - Original designed as a high altitude interceptor, ended up as a reconnaissance aircraft, with secondary air defense duties. Built around two huge engines so that it could fly very fast. But it's very expensive to operate and few are in service anymore. No ground attack capability, only carries air to air missiles.
MiG-27 - Russian equivalent of F-4 equipped for ground attack. Can carry four tons of bombs.
MiG-29 - Russian equivalent of the F-16. Many variants have been produced to satisfy export customer needs. Can carry three tons of bombs. When the Cold War ended, the Russian air forced realized it could not afford to buy many new aircraft. It had to choose between supporting the MiG-29 or the Su-27. MiG lost, and must depend on export orders to stay alive.
MiG-31 - Upgraded version of MiG-25, with much better radar, other electronics and engines. Primarily for air defense. Still very expensive to operate. No ground attack capability, only carries air to air missiles.
MiG-33 - Looks like the MiG-29, but built of different materials, uses a different engine and has a much improved set of avionics. Can carry 4.5 tons of bombs. Much more effective in ground attack than MiG-29. This project was an attempt to get something into the air to counter the US F-22. Unfortunately, no customers can be found yet. Much of the MiG-33 technology was sold to China, which is developing the J-9 (or FC-1) for itself and Pakistan.
Mirage 2000 - Roughly equivalent to the F-16. Carries 6.3 tons of bombs. A few two seat versions were built to carry a nuclear stand-off missile. In the 1990s, both the single and two seat versions received better electronics. Like most French aircraft, few were built. In this case, not quite 600 of all Mirage 2000 types.
Mirage F1 - Replaced the Mirage III interceptor. Basically a fighter-bomber in the F-4 class. Did not use delta wings of most French aircraft, giving it better control close to the ground (and making it a better ground attack aircraft.) Can carry four tons of bombs,
Mirage III - Original French lightweight interceptor. Basically a superior Western version of the MiG-21 type. A very capable aircraft in its time. Mirage V and Mirage 50 are ground attack versions. Can carry four tons of bombs.
Mirage V - Ground attack version of the Mirage III. Carries four tons of bombs.
OH-58 - Current US scout helicopter. Can carry about a ton of rockets and missiles, but is mainly used to find targets for gun ships, and illuminate targets with a laser so the larger gunships don't have to get so close to launch anti-tank missiles.
Q-5 - A clever Chinese modification of the Russian MiG-19. The front of the aircraft was redesigned to allow for a radar dome. Can only carry two tons of bombs.
Rafale - Latest French lightweight interceptor. Can carry six tons of bombs.
Su-17 - Basically a swing wing version of the older Su-7 ground attack aircraft. Exported in less capable versions designated Su-20 and Su-22. Can carry 3.1 tons of bombs. Being phased out.
Su-24 - Russian version of F-111 and Tornado. Carries 8 tons of bombs and has a good fire control and electronics.
Su-25 - Russian version of the A-10. Carries 4.4 tons of bombs. Kinks were worked out during the 1980s Afghan war.
Su-27 - Russian version of F-15. Primarily for air defense. Also a navalized version for Russias only heavy aircraft carrier. Has ground attack capability and can carry four tons of bombs.
Su-30 - Russia version of the F-15E bomber. Can carry eight tons of bombs and has two crew (one a weapons officer) All will be upgraded with the vector thrust engine (making the aircraft much more maneuverable.)
Su-37 - Basically a single seat version of the Su-30, optimized for air-to-air combat. No customers in sight, but the "Terminator" is available. Can carry eight tons of bombs.
Tornado - Multipurpose aircraft, most versions are optimized for medium range bombing, although the British developed an interceptor variant. It is a British- German-Italian joint effort. Can carry 8.5 tons of bombs.
Tu-160 (Blackjack) - Russian version of the US B-1. This aircraft has been under development for over ten years, indicating that the Russians are having a difficult getting it to perform as they would like. Considering the problems with the B-1, this is understandable. Went into service in 1990, but only 36 were built. Can carry 16 tons of bombs,
Tu-22 - Older Russian medium bomber, a category that no longer exists in the West. Designed to carry cruise missiles. Can carry 12 tons of bombs and missiles.
Tu-22M - Replacement for the Tu-22 (although the Tu22M is a completely new design). The backbone of Russia's long range bomber force. Can carry 24 tons of bombs.
Tu-95 - Russian heavy bomber that entered service about the same time as the US B-52. Serves as recon aircraft as well as cruise missile carrier. Can carry 11 tons of bombs and other weapons (like depth charges in the Tu-142 anti-submarine version.)
Para traducir:
http://www.elmundo.es/traductor/index.html?a=ca74d6142ee95044340d1f2fca2fcc3a&t=1221218675
Fuente: Strategypage
SALUDOS
