Modernization of the 2000s: how the downed Russian A-50U aircraft differs from the A-50 basic version. Photo

On the evening of Friday, February 23, it became known that another Russian A-50 aircraft had been shot down in the Azov Sea, a joint operation by the Main Intelligence Directorate and the Air Force. Later, the intelligence agency clarified that it was an A-50U, a modernized version of the airborne reconnaissance aircraft.

The cost of such a vessel, of which the aggressor state has only a few left, is $350 million, the DIU noted. OBOZ.UA collected information on how the A-50U differs from the basic version of the A-50.

Work on the modernization of A-50s in service began in 2003, and they were fully deployed in 2008. Factory tests of the vehicle lasted until July 2009, and joint tests ended on November 26 this year.

During this period, work was carried out on the radio engineering complex, the automatic control system and the communication complex were improved. After the modernization of the workstations of the tactical crew members, information is displayed on liquid crystal displays instead of cathode ray tubes.

A-50U aircraft have been fitted with a new radio system with improved parameters for detecting low-observable airborne targets (including supersonic and helicopters, in conditions of electronic jamming).

Rostec's materials stated that the upgraded A-50 can detect new types of aircraft and it is capable of simultaneously tracking more targets and guided fighters than the previous modification. It has improved its performance against helicopter targets and detection of surface targets. A new satellite navigation system has been installed.

"Up to 300 targets are tracked simultaneously, and several dozen fighters are guided automatically. There are optical and infrared sensors to detect the flares of launching ballistic missiles."

"The A-50U aircraft can detect ballistic missiles at a distance of up to 800 km, strategic bombers (such as Boeing B-52) at a range of up to 650 km, and enemy fighters such as F-35 at a radius of up to 300 km. Cruise missiles such as Storm Shadow or SCALP can be seen at a range of up to 215 km. Ground targets, such as air defense systems or air defense systems, as well as group targets of armored vehicles, are seen at a range of 250 to 300 km," the Russian media wrote.

The first modernized aircraft was delivered to the Russian Air Force in October 2011.

The Russian media were particularly active in emphasizing that this version of the aircraft "finally" had lounges and a kitchen, namely a buffet with household equipment. The A-50U can accommodate 5 crew members and 10 operators of the radio system at a time.

The use of more modern equipment has reduced the weight of the aircraft and increased the range and time in the air during combat missions.

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