New hypersonic Russian aircraft Yu 71. Media: Russia tested a hypersonic aircraft
Moscow is developing a hypersonic strategic strike aircraft similar to a similar Chinese one, media reports citing military analysts.
Yu-71 (Yu-71) has been in development for several years. The last tests of the aircraft took place in February 2015. The launch took place from the Dombarovsky test site in eastern Russia. Previously, it was purely speculatively reported by other Western sources, but now this launch has been confirmed by new analysts. The publication refers to a report released in June by the famous Western military analytical center Jane’s Information Group.
Previously, this designation - Yu-71 - did not appear in open sources.
According to The WashingtonFree Beacon, the aircraft is part of a secret Russian project to create a certain object 4202. Analysts claim that the February launch was carried out using an UR-100N UTTH rocket, in which object 4202 served as the warhead, and ended unsuccessfully.
Perhaps this index refers to the modifications being developed of hypersonic maneuvering nuclear warheads, which have been equipped with Russian ICBMs for several years now. These units, after separation from the launch vehicle, are capable of changing the flight trajectory in altitude and heading and, as a result, successfully bypass both existing and future missile defense systems.
The Pentagon refused to comment on Russian tests of a hypersonic aircraft.
Let us recall that in early June it was reported that the Chinese military conducted another successful test of the WU-14 hypersonic attack aircraft, capable of breaking through the US missile defense system and delivering a nuclear strike.
China conducted the first flight test of a new hypersonic glide vehicle in January 2014. Then the media reported that, “according to officials, the hypersonic vehicle appears to
intended to be launched on one of the intercontinental ballistic missiles, so that on the way to the target from close near-Earth space it could glide and reach speeds up to ten times the speed of sound.”
In July 2014, it was reported that China was developing a jet hypersonic cruise missile to complement the WU-14. It was reported that the Chinese development is similar to the experimental X-43 hypersonic unmanned aerial vehicle developed by NASA. According to published information, the Chinese rocket can reach speeds of 8 thousand miles per hour.
Experts note that the missile can become a strike weapon against American aircraft carriers and warships.
Judging by what is not reported to the contrary, the tests of the Chinese design were successful. While the last flight test of conventional hypersonic weapons in the United States ended in failure.
Although the era of the Cold War is in the past, today there are still enough problems in the world that must be solved with the help of the latest developments in the field of weapons. At first glance, the world's main problems come from terrorist groups; relations between some major world powers are also quite tense.
Recently, relations between Russia and the United States have become extremely strained. Using NATO, the United States surrounds Russia with missile defense systems. Concerned by this, Russia has begun developing hypersonic aircraft, so-called “drones,” that can carry nuclear warheads. It is with these projects that the secret supersonic glider Yu-71 is associated, the tests of which are carried out in the strictest secrecy.
History of the development of hypersonic weapons
The first tests of aircraft capable of flying at speeds exceeding the speed of sound began back in the 50s of the 20th century. This was associated with the era of the Cold War, when the two strongest superpowers in the world (the USA and the USSR) tried to beat each other in the arms race. The first Soviet development in this area was the Spiral system. It was a small orbital aircraft, and had to meet the following parameters:
- The system was supposed to be superior to the American X-20 "Dyna Soar", which was a similar project;
- The hypersonic carrier aircraft was supposed to provide a speed of about 7,000 km/h;
- The system had to be reliable and not fall apart under overload.
Despite all the efforts of Soviet designers, the characteristics of the hypersonic carrier aircraft did not even come close to the coveted speed figure. The project had to be closed because the system did not even take off. To the great joy of the Soviet government, the American tests also failed miserably. At that time, world aviation was still infinitely far from speeds exceeding several times the speed of sound.
Tests that were already closer to technologies related to hypersound took place in 1991, then in the USSR. Then the flight of “Kholod” was carried out, which was a flying laboratory created on the basis of the S-200 missile system, based on the 5B28 rocket. The first test was quite successful, as it was possible to reach a speed of about 1,900 km/h. Developments in this area continued until 1998, after which they were curtailed due to the economic crisis.
Development of supersonic technologies in the 21st century
Although there is no exact information on the development of hypersonic weapons for the period from 2000 to 2010, having collected materials from open sources, one can see that these developments were carried out in several directions:
- First of all, warheads are being developed for ballistic intercontinental missiles. Although their mass is much higher than conventional missiles of this class, due to maneuvers in the atmosphere they will not be intercepted by standard missile defense systems;
- The next direction in the development of supersonic technologies is the development of the Zircon complex. This complex is based on the supersonic missile defense system "Yakhont/Oniks";
- A missile system is also being developed, the rockets of which will be able to reach speeds that exceed the speed of sound 13 times.
If all these projects are united in one holding company, then the rocket that will be created through joint efforts can be both ground-based, airborne or ship-based. If the American project “Prompt Global Strike,” which envisages the creation of supersonic weapons capable of hitting anywhere in the world within one hour, is successful, Russia will only be able to be protected by intercontinental supersonic missiles of its own design.
Russian supersonic missiles, the tests of which are recorded by British and American experts, are capable of speeds of about 11,200 km/h. They are almost impossible to shoot down and even extremely difficult to track. There is very little information about this project, which is often referred to as Yu-71 or “object 4202”.
The most famous facts about Russia's secret weapon Yu-71
The secret Yu-71 glider, which is part of Russia's supersonic missile program, is capable of flying to New York in 40 minutes. Although this information has not been officially confirmed, based on the fact that supersonic Russian missiles are capable of reaching speeds of over 11,00 km/h, exactly the same conclusions can be drawn.
According to the little information that can be found about it, the Yu-71 glider is capable of:
- Fly at speeds over 11,000 km/h;
- Has incredible maneuverability;
- Able to plan;
- During the flight it can go into space.
Although the tests have not yet been completed, everything suggests that by 2025, Russia may have this supersonic glider armed with nuclear warheads. Such a weapon will be capable of being almost anywhere in the world within an hour and delivering a targeted nuclear strike.
Dmitry Rogozin said that the Russian defense industry, which was the most developed and advanced during the Soviet era, fell far behind in the arms race during the 90s and 2000s. Over the past decade, the Russian army has begun to revive. Soviet technology is being replaced by modern high-tech models, and fifth-generation weapons, which have been “stuck” in design bureaus in the form of projects on paper since the 90s, are beginning to take on very specific shapes. According to Rogozin, new Russian weapons may surprise the world with their unpredictability. By unpredictable weapon, they most likely meant the Yu-71 glider, armed with nuclear warheads.
Although this device has been in development since at least 2010, information about its tests reached the US military only in 2015. The Pentagon fell into complete despondency because of this, because if the Yu-71 is used, the entire missile defense system, which is installed along the perimeter of Russian territory, becomes absolutely useless. In addition, the United States of America itself becomes defenseless against this secret nuclear glider.
The Yu-71 is capable of not only delivering nuclear strikes against the enemy. Thanks to the presence of a powerful, ultra-modern electronic warfare system, the glider is capable of disabling all detection stations equipped with electronic equipment in a few minutes, flying over US territory.
If you believe NATO reports, then from 2020 to 2025, up to 24 Yu-71 type devices may appear in the Russian army, any of which is capable of crossing the enemy border undetected and destroying an entire city with a few shots.
Russian plans for the development of hyperweapons
Although no official statements have been made in Russia regarding the adoption of the Yu-71, it is known that development began at least in 2009. Back in 2004, a statement was made that a spacecraft capable of reaching hypersonic speeds had successfully passed tests. It is also known that the test vehicle is capable of not only flying along a given course, but also performing various maneuvers in flight.
The key feature of the new weapon will be precisely this ability to maneuver at supersonic speeds. Doctor of Military Sciences Konstantin Sivkov argues that modern intercontinental missiles are capable of reaching supersonic speeds, although they act only as ballistic warheads. The flight trajectory of these missiles is easy to calculate and prevent. The main danger to the enemy is precisely controlled aircraft, which are able to change the direction of movement and at the same time move along a complex and unpredictable trajectory.
At a meeting of the military-industrial commission, which was held in Tula on September 19, 2012, Dmitry Rogozin made a statement that we should expect the emergence of a new holding that will take over all aspects of the development of hypersonic technologies. Also at this conference, the enterprises that should be part of the new holding were named:
- NPO Mashinostroyenia, which is now directly involved in the development of supersonic technologies. To create a holding, NPO Mashinostroyenia must leave Roscosmos;
- The next part of the new holding should be the Tactical Missile Weapons Corporation;
- The Almaz-Antey concern, whose field of activity currently lies in the area of anti-missile and aerospace, should also actively assist the holding in its work.
Although, according to Rogozin, this merger has long been necessary, due to some legal aspects, it has not yet taken place. Rogozin emphasized that this process is precisely a merger, and not an acquisition of one company by another. It is this process that will significantly accelerate the development of hypersonic technologies in the military field.
Director of the Center for Analysis of the Global Arms Trade, military expert and chairman of the Public Council under the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation Igor Korotchenko supports the merger ideas voiced by Rogozin. According to him, the new holding will be able to fully concentrate its efforts on creating new promising types of weapons. Since both enterprises have enormous capabilities, together they will be able to make a significant contribution to the development of the Russian defense complex.
If by 2025 Russia will be armed with not only hypersonic missiles with nuclear warheads, but also Yu-71 gliders, this will be a serious application in negotiations with the United States. Due to the fact that America is accustomed to acting from a position of strength in all negotiations of this type, dictating only favorable conditions to the other side, full-fledged negotiations with it can be conducted only by possessing new powerful weapons. The only way to force the United States to listen to the words of its opponent is to seriously frighten the Pentagon.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking at the Army 2015 conference, noted that nuclear forces will receive 40 of the latest intercontinental missiles. Many understood that this meant hypersonic missiles that are able to overcome all known missile defense systems. The president’s words are indirectly confirmed by Viktor Murakhovsky (member of the expert council under the chairman of the military-industrial commission), saying that Russian intercontinental ballistic missiles are being improved every year.
Russia is developing cruise missiles that can fly at hypersonic speeds. These missiles are capable of reaching targets at ultra-low altitudes. All modern missile defense systems in service with NATO are unable to hit targets flying at such low altitudes. In addition, all modern missile defense systems are capable of intercepting targets flying at a speed of no more than 800 meters per second, so even if you do not count the Yu71 glider, there are enough supersonic Russian intercontinental missiles to render NATO missile defense systems useless.
According to the latest data, it is known that the USA and China are also developing their own analogue of the Yu-71, only the Chinese development can be a real competitor to the Russian development. The Americans, to their deepest sorrow, have so far failed to achieve serious success in this area.
The Chinese glider is known as Wu-14. This device was officially tested only in 2012, but as a result of these tests it was able to reach speeds of over 11,000 km/h. Although the general public is aware of the speed qualities of the Chinese development, there is not a word anywhere about the weapons that the Chinese glider will be equipped with.
The American supersonic drone Falcon HTV-2, which was tested several years ago, suffered a crushing fiasco - it simply lost control and crashed after 10 minutes of flight.
If supersonic weapons become the standard weapon of the Russian Space Force, then the entire missile defense system will become practically useless. The introduction of supersonic technologies will create a real revolution in the military sphere throughout the world.
Russia has tested a hypersonic aircraft. This was reported by Western media with reference to a report by analysts from the British publication Jane’s Intelligence Review.
According to the authors of the publication, cited by The Washington Free Beacon (WFB), in February of this year, the Yu-71 device was launched into low-Earth orbit, where it was delivered by an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) UR-100 N (SS-19 "Stiletto" ). It was launched from the position area of the Dombarovsky Strategic Missile Forces formation in the Orenburg region. It is this that, as stated, will receive 24 Yu-71 units by 2025, which will most likely be used as combat equipment for the new one.
Analysts suggest that the development of the experimental device is being carried out within the framework of a top-secret program designated “4202”, which has been carried out since 2009. Its goal is to create a supernova strategic strike weapon that will significantly increase the capabilities of the strategic missile forces and will be the answer to any missile defense. The Yu-71 will be able to carry both conventional and nuclear warheads.
The trajectory of a hypersonic vehicle is unpredictable. It flies at speeds of over 11 thousand kilometers per hour (7 thousand miles per hour) and can maneuver, making it almost impossible for it to be intercepted by air defense or missile defense elements.
According to Jane’s analysts, the Yu-71 was developed at the end of the 2000s, and its February tests were the fourth in a row. The first test launch took place in December 2011, the second in September 2013, and the third in 2014. The authors of the publication name these dates on the basis of a number of documents relating to the construction of new military facilities.
According to WFB, the Pentagon press secretary declined to comment on Jane’s information. However, former US Defense Department official Mark Schneider told the publication that the American military department is closely monitoring Russian developments in this area.
According to him, Russia, unlike China, does not hide its intention to create hypersonic technology. The existence of such projects has been repeatedly confirmed by Russian officials, who have not provided details. Schneider recalled that the first tests of hypersonic military objects were carried out under the USSR in the 1980s. Then, according to available information, tests of similar devices took place in 2001 and 2004.
Jane's analysts also did not rule out that one of the Yu-71 variants could be adapted for the promising PAK DA strategic bomber.
WFB notes that hypersonic vehicles are also being developed by China and several organizations in the United States. According to experts, so far it is the Celestial Empire, which has been actively launching experimental devices since 2014, that has managed to achieve the greatest results in this area.
The Cold War, which took place between the USA and the USSR in 1946-1991, is long over. At least that's what many experts think. However, the arms race did not stop for a minute, and even today it is in the stage of active development. Despite the fact that today the main threats to the country are terrorist groups, relations between world powers are also tense. All this creates conditions for the development of military technologies, one of which is a hypersonic aircraft.
Necessity
Relations between the United States and Russia are greatly strained. And although at the official level the United States in Russia is called a partner country, many political and military experts argue that there is an unspoken war between the countries not only on the political front, but also on the military one in the form of an arms race. In addition, the United States is actively using NATO to encircle Russia with its missile defense systems.
This cannot but worry the leadership of Russia, which has long ago begun to develop unmanned aerial vehicles that exceed hypersonic speed. These drones can be equipped with a nuclear warhead, and they can easily deliver a bomb to anywhere in the world, and quite quickly. A similar hypersonic aircraft has already been created - this is the Yu-71 airliner, which is currently being tested in strict secrecy.
Development of hypersonic weapons
For the first time, testing aircraft that could fly at the speed of sound began in the 50s of the 20th century. Then it was still associated with the so-called Cold War, when two developed powers (USSR and the USA) sought to overtake each other in the arms race. The first project was the Spiral system, which was a compact orbital aircraft. It was supposed to compete with and even surpass the US hypersonic aircraft X-20 Dyna Soar. Also, the Soviet aircraft had to be able to reach speeds of up to 7000 km/h and not fall apart in the atmosphere under overloads.
And although Soviet scientists and designers tried to bring such an idea to life, they failed to even come close to the cherished characteristics. The prototype did not even take off, but the USSR government breathed a sigh of relief when the American plane also failed during testing. The technologies of that time, including in the aviation industry, were infinitely far from the current ones, so the creation of an aircraft that could exceed the speed of sound several times was doomed to failure.
However, in 1991, a test was carried out of an aircraft that could reach speeds exceeding the speed of sound. It was a flying laboratory "Cold", created on the basis of the 5B28 rocket. The test was successful, and then the plane was able to reach a speed of 1900 km/h. Despite progress, development was stopped after 1998 due to the economic crisis.
Technologies of the 21st century
There is no accurate and official information about the development of hypersonic aircraft. However, if we collect materials from open sources, we can conclude that such developments were carried out in several directions at once:
- Creation of warheads for intercontinental ballistic missiles. Their mass exceeded the mass of standard missiles, but due to the ability to maneuver in the atmosphere, it is impossible or, at least, extremely difficult to intercept them with missile defense systems.
- The development of the Zircon complex is another direction in the development of technology, which is based on the use of the Yakhont supersonic missile defense system.
- Creation of a complex whose rockets can exceed the speed of sound 13 times.
If all these projects are united in one holding company, then by joint efforts an air-, ground- or ship-based missile can be created. If the Prompt Global Strike project, created in the United States, is successful, then the Americans will have the opportunity to hit anywhere in the world within one hour. Russia will be able to defend itself only with technologies of its own development.
American and British experts have recorded tests of supersonic missiles that can reach speeds of up to 11,200 km/h. Given such a high speed, it is almost impossible to shoot them down (not a single missile defense system in the world is capable of this). Moreover, they are even extremely difficult to spy on. There is very little information about the project, which sometimes appears under the name "Yu-71".
What is known about the Russian hypersonic aircraft "Yu-71"?
Considering that the project is classified, there is very little information about it. It is known that this glider is part of a supersonic rocket program, and in theory it is capable of flying to New York in 40 minutes. Of course, this information has no official confirmation and exists at the level of guesswork and rumors. But given that Russian supersonic missiles can reach speeds of 11,200 km/h, such conclusions seem quite logical.
According to various sources, the hypersonic aircraft "Yu-71":
- Has high maneuverability.
- Can plan.
- Capable of reaching speeds of over 11,000 km/h.
- Can go into space during a flight.
Statements
At the moment, tests of the Russian hypersonic aircraft "Yu-71" have not yet been completed. However, some experts argue that by 2025 Russia may receive this supersonic glider, and it could be equipped with nuclear weapons. Such an aircraft will be put into service, and in theory it will be capable of delivering a targeted nuclear strike anywhere on the planet within just one hour.
Russia's representative to NATO, Dmitry Rogozin, said the USSR's once most developed and advanced industry had fallen behind the arms race in recent decades. However, more recently the army has begun to revive. Outdated Soviet technology is being replaced by new models of Russian developments. In addition, fifth-generation weapons, stuck in the 90s in the form of projects on papers, are taking on visible shape. According to the politician, new models of Russian weapons may surprise the world with their unpredictability. It is likely that Rogozin is referring to the new hypersonic aircraft Yu-71, which can carry a nuclear warhead.
It is believed that the development of this aircraft began in 2010, but the United States learned about it only in 2015. If the information about its technical characteristics is true, then the Pentagon will have to solve a difficult problem, since the missile defense systems used in Europe and on its territory will not be able to provide counteraction to such an aircraft. In addition, the United States and many other countries will simply be defenseless against such weapons.
Other functions
In addition to the ability to launch nuclear strikes on the enemy, the glider, thanks to powerful modern electronic warfare equipment, will be able to conduct reconnaissance and also disable devices equipped with electronic equipment.
If you believe NATO reports, then from approximately 2020 to 2025, up to 24 such aircraft may appear in the Russian army, which will be able to cross the border unnoticed and destroy an entire city with just a few shots.
Development plans
Of course, there is no data regarding the adoption of the promising Yu-71 aircraft, but it is known that it has been in development since 2009. In this case, the device will be able not only to fly in a straight path, but also to maneuver.
It is maneuverability at hypersonic speeds that will become a feature of the aircraft. Doctor of Military Sciences Konstantin Sivkov argues that intercontinental missiles can reach supersonic speeds, but at the same time they act like conventional ballistic warheads. Consequently, their flight path is easily calculated, which makes it possible for the missile defense system to shoot them down. But controlled aircraft pose a serious threat to the enemy, since their trajectory is unpredictable. Consequently, it is impossible to determine at what point the bomb will be released, and since the release point cannot be determined, the trajectory of the warhead’s fall is not calculated.
In Tula on September 19, 2012, at a meeting of the military-industrial commission, Dmitry Rogozin said that a new holding should soon be created, the task of which would be to develop hypersonic technologies. The enterprises that will be part of the holding were immediately named:
- "Tactical missile weapons."
- "NPO Mashinostroyenia" At the moment, the company is developing supersonic technologies, but at the moment the company is part of the Roscosmos structure.
- The next member of the holding should be the Almaz-Antey concern, which is currently developing technologies for the aerospace and missile defense industries.
Rogozin believes that such a merger is necessary, but legal aspects do not allow it to take place. It is also noted that the creation of a holding does not imply the absorption of one company by another. This is precisely the merger and joint work of all enterprises, which will speed up the development of hypersonic technologies.
Chairman of the Council under the Russian Ministry of Defense Igor Korotchenko also supports the idea of creating a holding company that would develop hypersonic technologies. According to him, the new holding is really necessary, because it will allow all efforts to be directed to the creation of a promising type of weapon. Both companies have great potential, but individually they will not be able to achieve the results that are possible by combining their efforts. It is together that they will be able to contribute to the development of the Russian defense complex and create the fastest aircraft in the world, the speed of which will exceed expectations.
Weapons as a tool of political struggle
If by 2025 not only hypersonic missiles with nuclear warheads are in service, but also Yu-71 gliders, this will seriously strengthen Russia’s political position in negotiations with the United States. And this is completely logical, because all countries during negotiations act from a position of strength, dictating favorable conditions to the opposite side. Equal negotiations between the two countries are possible only if both sides have powerful weapons.
Vladimir Putin, during a speech at the Army 2015 conference, said that nuclear forces are receiving 40 new intercontinental missiles. These turned out to be hypersonic missiles, and they can currently overcome existing missile defense systems. Viktor Murakhovsky, a member of the expert council of the military-industrial commission, confirms that ICBMs are being improved every year.
Russia is also testing and developing new cruise missiles that can fly at hypersonic speeds. They can approach targets at ultra-low altitudes, making them virtually invisible to radar. Moreover, modern missile defense systems in service with NATO cannot hit such missiles due to their low flight altitude. In addition, in theory, they are capable of intercepting targets moving at speeds of up to 800 meters per second, and the speed of the Yu-71 aircraft and cruise missiles is much higher. This makes NATO missile defense systems almost useless.
Projects from other countries
It is known that China and the United States are also developing an analogue of the Russian hypersonic aircraft. The characteristics of the enemy models are still unclear, but we can already assume that the Chinese development is capable of competing with the Russian aircraft.
Known as the Wu-14, the Chinese aircraft was tested in 2012, and even then it was able to reach speeds of over 11,000 km/h. However, there is no mention anywhere about the weapons that this device is capable of carrying.
As for the American Falcon HTV-2 drone, it was tested several years ago, but 10 minutes into the flight it crashed. However, before it, the X-43A hypersonic aircraft was tested, which was carried out by NASA engineers. During tests, it showed a fantastic speed of 11,200 km/h, which is 9.6 times the speed of sound. The prototype was tested in 2001, but then during the tests it was destroyed due to the fact that it got out of control. But in 2004 the device was successfully tested.
Similar tests by Russia, China and the United States cast doubt on the effectiveness of modern missile defense systems. The introduction of hypersonic technologies in the military-industrial sector is already producing a real revolution in the military world.
Conclusion
Of course, the military-technical development of Russia cannot but rejoice, and the presence of such an aircraft in service with the army is a big step in improving the country’s defense capability, but it is foolish to believe that other world powers are not making attempts to develop similar technologies.
Even today, with free access to information via the Internet, we know very little about promising developments of domestic weapons, and the description of the Yu-71 is known only by rumors. Consequently, we have no way of knowing what technologies are being developed right now in other countries, including China and the United States. The active development of technology in the 21st century makes it possible to quickly invent new types of fuel and apply previously unfamiliar technical and technological techniques, so the development of aircraft, including military ones, is proceeding very quickly.
It is worth noting that the development of technologies that make it possible to achieve aircraft speeds exceeding 10 times the speed of sound will be reflected not only in the military, but also in the civilian sphere. In particular, such well-known aircraft manufacturers as Airbus or Boeing have already announced the possibility of creating hypersonic aircraft for passenger air transportation. Of course, such projects are still only in plans, but the likelihood of developing such aircraft today is quite high.