Home Structure Armed Forces of the Russian Federation Air Force Structure Aviation

Aviation

Air Force Aviation (Av Air Force) according to its purpose and tasks being solved, it is subdivided into long-range, military transport, operational-tactical and army aviation, which include: bomber, assault, fighter, reconnaissance, transport and special aviation.

Organizationally, the Air Force aviation consists of air bases that are part of the Air Force formations, as well as other units and organizations directly subordinate to the Air Force Commander-in-Chief.

Long-range aviation (YES) is a tool of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and is designed to solve strategic (operational-strategic) and operational tasks in theaters of military operations (strategic directions).

The DA formations and units are armed with strategic and long-range bombers, tanker aircraft and reconnaissance aircraft. Acting mainly in strategic depths, DA formations and units perform the following main tasks: defeat air bases (airfields), ground-based missile complexes, aircraft carriers and other surface ships, objects from enemy reserves, military-industrial facilities, administrative and political centers, energy facilities and hydraulic structures, naval bases and ports, command posts of the armed forces and operational control centers of air defense in the theater of operations, land communications facilities, airborne troops and convoys; mining from the air. Part of the DA forces can be involved in aerial reconnaissance and special missions.

Long-range aviation is a component of the strategic nuclear forces.

DA formations and units are based taking into account its operational and strategic designation and tasks from Novgorod in the west of the country to Anadyr and Ussuriisk in the east, from Tiksi in the north and to Blagoveshchensk in the south of the country.

The core of the aircraft fleet is made up of Tu-160 and Tu-95MS strategic missile carriers, Tu-22M3 long-range missile-bombers, Il-78 tanker aircraft and Tu-22MR reconnaissance aircraft.

The main armament of the aircraft: long-range aircraft cruise missiles and tactical missiles in nuclear and conventional weapons, as well as aircraft bombs of various purposes and caliber.

A practical demonstration of the spatial indicators of the combat capabilities of the DA command are air patrol flights of Tu-95MS and Tu-160 aircraft in the area of Iceland and the water area of the Norwegian Sea; to the North Pole and to the Aleutian Islands region; along the east coast of South America.

Regardless of the organizational structure in which long-range aviation exists and will continue to exist, the combat strength, the characteristics of the aircraft and weapons in service, the main task of long-range aviation on the scale of the Air Force should be considered both nuclear and non-nuclear deterrence of potential adversaries. In the event of the outbreak of war, the DA will carry out tasks to reduce the military-economic potential of the enemy, defeat important military facilities, and disrupt state and military control.

Analysis modern views the purpose of the DA, the tasks assigned to it, the predicted conditions for their implementation show that at present and in the future, long-range aviation continues to be the main striking force of the Air Force.

The main directions of development of long-range aviation:

maintaining and building up operational capabilities to fulfill the assigned tasks as part of the strategic deterrent and general-purpose forces through the modernization of Tu-160, Tu-95MS, Tu-22MZ bombers with an extension of their service life;
creation of a promising long-range aviation complex (PAK DA).

Military transport aviation (VTA) is a tool of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and is designed to solve strategic (operational-strategic), operational and operational-tactical tasks in theaters of military operations (strategic directions).

Military transport aircraft Il-76MD, An-26, An-22, An-124, An-12PP, transport helicopters Mi-8MTV are in service with the military transport units and formations. The main tasks of military aviation formations and units are: airborne landing of units (subunits) of the Airborne Forces from the operational (operational-tactical) air assault forces; delivery of weapons, ammunition and materiel to troops operating behind enemy lines; ensuring the maneuver of aviation formations and units; transportation of troops, weapons, ammunition and materiel; evacuation of the wounded and sick, participation in peacekeeping operations. Includes air bases, units and subunits of special forces.

Part of the BTA forces may be involved in special missions.

The main directions of development of military transport aviation: maintaining and building up capabilities to ensure the deployment of the Armed Forces in various theaters of operations, airborne assault landing, transporting troops and materiel by air through the purchase of new Il-76MD-90A and An-70, Il-112V aircraft and modernization of the Il-76 MD and An-124 aircraft.

Operational-tactical aviation is designed to solve operational (operational-tactical) and tactical tasks in operations (combat actions) of groupings of troops (forces) in theaters of military operations (strategic directions).

Army Aviation (AA) is designed to solve operational-tactical and tactical tasks during army operations (combat operations).

Bomber aviation (BA) armed with strategic, long-range and operational-tactical bombers, it is the main strike weapon of the Air Force and is designed to defeat groupings of troops, aviation, naval forces of the enemy, destroy its important military, military-industrial, energy facilities, communication centers, conduct air reconnaissance and mining from the air, mainly in strategic and operational depth.

Assault aviation (SHA) being armed with attack aircraft, it is a means of air support for troops (forces) and is designed to defeat troops, ground (sea) objects, as well as enemy aircraft (helicopters) at home airfields (sites), conducting aerial reconnaissance and mining from the air, mainly at the forefront, in the tactical and operational-tactical depth.

Fighter aircraft (IA) armed with fighter aircraft, it is designed to destroy aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles in the air and ground (sea) enemy targets.

Reconnaissance aviation (RzA) armed with reconnaissance aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles, it is designed to conduct aerial reconnaissance of objects, the enemy, terrain, weather, air and ground radiation and chemical conditions.

Transport aviation (TRA) armed with transport aircraft, it is intended for airborne assault landing, transportation of troops, weapons, military and special equipment and other materiel by air, ensuring maneuver and combat actions of troops (forces), and performing special missions.

Formations, units, subunits of bomber, assault, fighter, reconnaissance and transport aviation can also be involved in solving other tasks.

Special Aviation (SpA) armed with airplanes and helicopters, it is designed to perform special tasks. Units and subunits of special aviation are under the direct or operational subordination of the commander of the air force formation and are involved in: conducting radar reconnaissance and guiding aviation to air and ground (sea) targets; setting up radio-electronic interference and aerosol curtains; search and rescue of flight crews and passengers; refueling aircraft with fuel in the air; evacuation of the wounded and sick; providing control and communication; conducting aerial radiation, chemical, biological, engineering reconnaissance and performing other tasks.

Few of the townsfolk know that it is customary to celebrate the Day of the Russian Air Force on August 12. Some may say that this holiday is not very important, for example, when compared with the scale of the celebration of Navy Day. However, Russian aviation rightfully deserves this date to be noted in history. It was decided to celebrate Aviation Day on August 12 in Russia pursuant to the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation Boris Yeltsin in August 1997. The date was also not chosen by chance. It was on August 12, 1912, by his decree, that Emperor Nicholas II announced the creation of the first regular aviation unit in the Russian Empire.

It should be noted that at the dawn of aviation, Russia was among the right-flanks. Its Air Force was perhaps the largest in Europe. Russian aviators and balloonists were, to some extent, pioneers in the art of piloting aviation technology. Russian designers did not lag behind them and managed to create a number of interesting and curious aircraft models. The whole world knows Russian aviators - record holders Vladimir Aleksandrovich Lebedev and Peter Nikolaevich Nesterov. Among aircraft designers, Igor Ivanovich Sikorsky won world fame, who created the largest aircraft for that time - the four-engine bomber "Ilya Muromets".

Already in those early years, it became clear that aviation would be a weighty argument in the hands of the military. First in Mexico, and then in Europe during the Italo-Turkish War of 1911, aviation began to be used for military purposes. At first, the function of the aviators was to collect intelligence data. Timid reconnaissance flights became more and more intrusive and unsafe for the warring parties, so they could not go unpunished for a long time. During the First World War, military aviation was finally formed as a separate branch of the armed forces. Airplane and airship pilots immediately became national heroes. Flight units automatically became elite units in the army of any state.

So it was in Russia, where a lot of tests fell to the lot of Russian pilots. The Russian Empire entered the First World war having one of the most numerous aviation parks. However, the economic situation in the country led to the fact that Russia's leadership in the field of aircraft construction was quickly lost. The main opponents entered the arena - the aviation of the Entente countries and their opponents, the air fleet of Kaiser's Germany and Austria-Hungary. It was on the Western Front that the bloodiest air battles unfolded. During the war years, the most massive use of aircraft of all types was observed in the skies over France, England, Belgium and Holland. Here fighter aviation was born, the first bomber units appeared.

Russian aviation was forced to go into the shadows for a long time. This was facilitated by both external and, to a greater extent, internal factors... Only 20 years later, they again spoke out loud about Russian, already Soviet aviation.

First came 1934, when Soviet pilots distinguished themselves on the ANT-4 aircraft designed by Andrey Tupolev. In difficult weather and takeoff and landing conditions they had to take out the crew and passengers of the Chelyuskin steamer sunk in the ice of the Arctic Ocean. Then came the era of transcontinental flights. For the first time, Soviet aviation equipment was seen overseas. In the summer of 1937, an ANT-25 aircraft took off from an airfield near Moscow, the crew of which consisted of three famous Soviet pilots Valery Chkalov, Georgy Baidukov and Alexander Belyakov.

By the way: the first Heroes Soviet Union it was the pilots who became. On April 16, 1934, seven pilots - Lyapidevsky, Levanevsky, Molokov, Kamanin, Slepnev, Vodopyanov and Doronin - received the Golden Star of the Hero for their participation in the rescue operation to evacuate the members of the expedition of the sunken steamer Chelyuskin.

It should be noted that since the 1930s, when the first definite successes in the economy were achieved in the USSR, aviation has experienced a real boom. In the Soviet Union, societies of friends of the Air Fleet are massively created, circles of glider pilots and aeronautics grow like mushrooms after rain. Airplane and stratospheric pilots become national heroes. This was largely facilitated by the program of the Soviet Government, which determined the priorities in the development of the aviation industry in the Soviet Union.

At the very top, it was decided to create the most powerful and numerous air force in the USSR. It is important to note that at a certain stage, the successes of Soviet aviation were truly amazing. Soviet military aviation in the mid-30s was considered one of the most numerous and powerful in the world. Not a single army in the world had as many bombers and fighters as there were in the Air Force of the Red Army.

This result is largely due to the successful work of Soviet aircraft designers. High results were achieved by the teams of designers under the leadership of A.N. Tupolev and N.N. Polikarpov. Through their efforts, the Red Army Air Force is replenishing with new types of aircraft. In the early 30s, full-fledged I-2, I-3 and I-5 fighters entered service with the army units. Bomber units are equipped with heavy bombers TB-1 and TB-3. These aircraft became a kind of breakthrough in the aircraft industry, raising to a higher level not only soviet air force, but also the entire aviation of the Land of the Soviets.

In 1934, the Soviet Union surprised the whole world with the construction of the largest aircraft in the world. The Soviet giant ANT-20 "Maxim Gorky" had colossal parameters at that time:

takeoff weight 28.5 tons;
wingspan 63 m;
the total power of 8 engines was 6000 l / s;
cruising speed 270 km / h;
flight range 1000 km.

The aircraft, made in a single copy, has become a kind of symbol of the propaganda of the USSR. The car did not last long. A year later, on April 18, 1935, the air giant crashed during a demonstration flight over Moscow. The cause of the accident was a collision in the air with the ANT-20 fighter I-5.

In the mid-30s, more advanced machines entered service with the Air Force. The fighters I-15, I-153 and I-16 took to the sky. The bomber fleet is being replenished with more modern SB and DB-3 (future IL-4) aircraft. In quantitative terms, the aircraft fleet of the Air Force of the Red Army increased over 10 years, in the period from 1928 to 1938 by 5.5 times.

In view of the tense international political situation, the Soviet Union embarked on a course of militarizing the economy. The army was rapidly replenished with new models of military equipment, and military aviation did not lag behind in this regard. At the end of the 30s, Soviet aviation had to prove its combat effectiveness by participating in a number of armed conflicts. First, Soviet pilots took part in aerial battles in the skies of Spain. Then came the turn of the participation of Soviet aviation in the battles with the Japanese on Khalkin-Gol during the "Winter War" of 1939-40.

The dizzying successes of the first Soviet five-year plans somewhat lull the vigilance of the Soviet military leadership. Soviet aviation, despite the numerical superiority, began to lag behind the aviation of foreign countries in technical terms.

On the eve of the outbreak of World War II, Soviet aviation had a fairly large fleet of aircraft, but from a technical point of view, many aircraft were already considered obsolete. By the beginning of hostilities on the Soviet-German front, up to 20 thousand vehicles of all types were in service with the Red Army Air Force. The share of modern technology in aviation units was small. Even taking into account the fact that the Soviet aviation industry provided the army with 50 vehicles every day, the aircraft of the new types Yak-1, Lagg-3, MiG-3, Pe-2 and Il-2 have just begun to enter combat units.

The events of the first months of the Great Patriotic War inflicted a heavy blow on the Soviet Air Force. The attack of Hitler's troops, the rapid advance of German troops to the east, led to the catastrophic situation of the Soviet military aviation. In the first six months of hostilities on the Soviet-German front, the Red Army Air Force lost more than 20 thousand aircraft. The share of combat losses was only half of this number - 9233 vehicles. Having survived a difficult period, having recovered from the severe defeats of 1941-42, Soviet aviation was able to turn the tide of the battle in their favor.

From the battles of Kursk to the very last salvoes of the war in the skies of Berlin, the Soviet Air Force did not lose its superiority over the enemy. The Soviet Il-2 attack aircraft and the La-5 fighter became legendary machines, living symbols of victory. Soviet pilots were able not only to prove in practice their high combat skills, opposing the vaunted German Luftwaffe, but also inflict a crushing defeat on German aviation, destroying 57 thousand aircraft of different classes. More than 200 thousand pilots were awarded various military awards.

Continuity of the Russian Air Force

The results of the Second World War showed how rapid the leap of the Soviet aviation industry was. The qualitative superiority of Soviet aviation was again restored. The only gap was long-range bomber aviation, which was only in its infancy in the USSR. Was coming new era- the era of jet aircraft. The Soviet Union made titanic efforts aimed at improving the aircraft fleet and modernizing the structure of the Air Force of the USSR Armed Forces (since 1946).

The renewal of the organizational structure of the Air Force begins, old units and subunits disappear, new formations appear. In parallel with the reorganization issues, the technical base is being re-equipped.

Soviet aircraft designers were able to create a number of aircraft that have become one of the best machines in their class. The advancing Cold war and the arms race that began with it mobilized the Soviet aviation industry. In terms of technical equipment, the Soviet Air Force was not inferior to the military aviation of a potential enemy. Quantitatively and qualitatively, Soviet military aviation was not inferior to either the US Army or the combined air forces of the NATO member countries. In the 1980s, the Air Force of the Armed Forces of the Soviet Union was armed with up to 10 thousand aircraft of all types and helicopters.

Note: The Soviet Union was inferior to US aviation only in terms of the number of strategic bombers, which were considered an anachronism in the USSR for a long time. In the opinion of some high leaders of the Soviet state, there was no need to create an entire fleet of strategic aviation if it was possible to do with intercontinental missiles.

The collapse of the Soviet Union was marked by the collapse of not only the largest state in the world, but also the disappearance of one of the largest armies in the world. Domestic Military Air Force entered the period of the next oblivion. The beginning of the 90s was marked by the collapse of the organizational structure of military aviation the former USSR... The technical base has also undergone significant changes. New developments in the field of aviation technology were shelved, insufficient funding led to a rapid reduction in the personnel of the Air Force, to a decrease in the aircraft fleet. Former perhaps the most powerful air force in the world was divided between the former republics that were part of the Union.

In such a deplorable state, the Russian Air Force was forced to revive.

Aviation of the Russian Air Force at the present stage

Having survived the chaos and hopelessness of the difficult 90s, Russia was able to restore the combat effectiveness of its aviation. Over the past 27 years since the collapse of the USSR, the Air Force of the Russian Federation has become modern look armed forces. The existing military equipment meets the set goals and objectives. Modern air forces differ high level flight personnel training.

The military doctrine, approved for the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, clearly defines the functions of military aviation, defines the range of tasks and the scope of use of the domestic Air Force in modern conditions.

Organizationally, the modern Air Force of the Russian Federation begins its history in 2008. From that moment on, separate commands of the Air Force and Air Defense Forces appeared. All units and subunits of the Air Force are subordinate to regional operational-strategic commands, located according to the geographical principle: Western, Eastern, Central and Southern.

Since 2009, the transition to a two-tier military aviation control system has been carried out. The number of military formations has been reduced from 8 to 6. The previously existing aviation regiments have been consolidated into aviation bases, which, in turn, are divided into tactical, strategic and transport aviation. Air defense units have been consolidated into separate aerospace defense brigades. Over time, the air defense brigades were expanded to divisions. There was a tendency towards the formation of new aviation units already in the air army.

Since 2015, the Air Force of the Russian Federation has been transformed into a new type of armed forces - the Air and Space Forces (VKS) of the Russian Federation. This type combined the structures of the Air Force and Air Defense, anti-missile defense forces and space forces.

Along with the reorganization of the structure, aviation began to receive new types and types of military equipment. Airplanes and helicopters created in the Soviet period are undergoing modernization. New generation machines appear. In particular, the aircraft fleet of front-line aviation is constantly being updated. Vehicles of generation 4 and 4+ are arriving, the fleet of combat helicopters is being updated. In large quantities, unmanned aerial vehicles began to enter service with aviation units. Military aircraft of Russia are equipment inherited from the Air Force of the Soviet Union and have undergone deep modernization, new aircraft and helicopters. The result of the work of the designers of the last 10-15 years should be the newest Su-57 fighter.

In the current conditions, the Russian Aerospace Forces are numerically inferior only to the Air Force of the US Army. The updated aircraft fleet is in line with the set tactical and strategic goals. In 2015 alone, it was planned to transfer up to 150 aircraft of various types to equip aviation units. This number includes:

fighter-bombers Su-30 SM, Su-30M2, Su-34 and Su-35;
fighters Mig-29, Mig-31;
assault aircraft Yak-130;
transport aircraft Il-76MD-90.

It is especially worth noting the rapid increase in the number of helicopters of various types entering the troops. New combat helicopters Ka-52, Mi-28N and modernized Mi-35M make up the strike force of the frontline aviation. The ground forces are supported by a significant number of Mi-8AMTSh, Mi-8 MTPR multipurpose helicopters and Mi-26 transport helicopters.

The numerical strength of the Aerospace Forces is more than 180 thousand people.

Long-range aviation of the Russian Air Force as an element of the nuclear triad

Strategic aviation became the full-fledged successor to the Soviet strategic bomber aviation. The aviation units of strategic aviation are directly subordinate to the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. The goals and tasks assigned to this element of the Nuclear Missile Forces are determined by the strategic and operational-tactical tasks identified in each theater of military operations. Russian long-range aviation is part of the triad of strategic nuclear forces of the Russian Federation.

A promising direction for the development of long-range aviation is the build-up of elements of nuclear missile deterrence in the context of the aggravated international political situation. The increase will be carried out by modernizing the existing fleet and extending the service life of the vehicles in service. It is planned to create in the structure of long-range aviation a special complex of long-range aviation PAK-DA.

The long-range aviation of the Russian Aerospace Forces is equipped with Tu-160 missile-carrying bombers. By 2020, the delivery of modernized Tu-160M2 machines is expected. The approximate number of aircraft of this type currently in operation is 16 aircraft.

The armada of Tu-95MS strategic bombers appears to be more formidable. The current strategic forces include 38 aircraft of this type. More than 60 vehicles are partly in storage, partly undergoing modernization to a more modern modification of the Tu-95MSM. The missile carriers Tu-22M3, created during the Soviet era, continue their combat service. To date, there are up to 40 vehicles in service, about a hundred are in reserve. Since 2012, a large-scale modernization of these missile carriers began.

The Il-78 and TU-22MR tanker aircraft are used as rear tactical and strategic support for equipping long-range aviation, as well as reconnaissance aircraft.

Russian strategic missile carriers are armed with Kh-55SM long-range cruise missiles and nuclear-armed free-fall air bombs. Tactically, long-range aviation has been the carrier of the Kh-15S, Kh-22 cruise missiles and, since 2017, the newest air-launched Caliber-A 3M-54 cruise missiles.

By 2020, it is planned to transfer the latest Kh-555 and Kh-101 missile systems, which have a long range, more than high speed flight and guidance accuracy. The level of training and technical equipment of Russian long-range aviation is in a transitional state. Qualitatively, this type of armed forces is somewhat inferior to US strategic aviation, but it continues to be at a technical level sufficient for defense.

In general, the Russian Aerospace Forces represent a well-organized, fairly modern and numerous branch of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. Russian aviation meets the set goals and objectives, is able to cope with the functions assigned to it.

The Air Force includes the following types of troops:

Aviation (types of aviation - bomber, assault, air defense fighter aviation, reconnaissance, transport and special),
- anti-aircraft missile troops,
- radio engineering troops,
- special troops,
- units and institutions of the rear.

Bomber aviation armed with long-range (strategic) and front-line (tactical) bombers different types... It is designed to defeat groupings of troops, destroy important military and energy facilities and communication centers, mainly in the strategic and operational depth of the enemy's defense. The bomber can carry bombs of various calibers, both conventional and nuclear, as well as guided air-to-surface missiles.

Assault aircraft is intended for air support of troops, destruction of manpower and objects mainly on the front line, in the tactical and immediate operational depth of the enemy, as well as for fighting enemy aircraft in the air.

One of the main requirements for an attack aircraft is high accuracy of destruction of ground targets. Armament: large-caliber guns, bombs, rockets.

Fighter aircraft air defense is the main maneuverable force of the air defense system and is designed to cover the most important areas and objects from enemy air attacks. It is capable of destroying the enemy at maximum distances from defended objects.

The air defense aviation is armed with air defense fighter planes, combat helicopters, special and transport aircraft and helicopters.

Reconnaissance aircraft is intended for conducting aerial reconnaissance of the enemy, terrain and weather; it can destroy hidden enemy objects.

Reconnaissance flights can also be performed by bomber, fighter-bomber, assault and fighter aircraft. To do this, they are specially equipped with day and night cameras at various scales, high-resolution radio and radar stations, heat direction finders, sound recording and television equipment, and magnetometers.

Reconnaissance aviation is subdivided into tactical, operational and strategic reconnaissance aviation.

Transport aviation is intended for the transportation of troops, military equipment, weapons, ammunition, fuel, food, airborne assault landing, evacuation of the wounded, sick, etc.

Special aviation designed for long-range radar detection and guidance, refueling aircraft in the air, conducting electronic warfare, radiation, chemical and biological protection, providing control and communications, meteorological and technical support, rescue crews in distress, evacuation of the wounded and sick.

Anti-aircraft missile troops are designed to protect the most important facilities of the country and groupings of troops from enemy air strikes.

They constitute the main firepower of the air defense system and are armed with anti-aircraft missile systems and anti-aircraft missile systems for various purposes, possessing great firepower and high accuracy in destroying enemy air attack weapons.

Radio-technical troops- the main source of information about the air enemy and are designed to conduct his radar reconnaissance, control the flights of his aviation and the observance of the rules for the use of airspace by the aircraft of all departments.

They provide information on the beginning of an air attack, combat information for anti-aircraft missile forces and air defense aviation, as well as information for commanding air defense formations, units and subunits.

The radio technical troops are armed with radar stations and radar systems capable of detecting not only air targets, but also surface targets at any time of the year or day, regardless of meteorological conditions and interference.

Communication units and subdivisions are intended for the deployment and operation of communication systems in order to ensure command and control of troops in all types of combat activities.

Electronic warfare units and subunits are intended for jamming airborne radars, bombsights, communications and radio navigation equipment of enemy air attack.

Communication and radio technical support units and subdivisions are designed to provide control of aviation units and subunits, air navigation, takeoff and landing of aircraft and helicopters.

Units and subunits of the engineering troops, as well as units and subdivisions of radiation, chemical and biological protection are designed to perform the most complex tasks of engineering and chemical support, respectively.

As the experience of armed conflicts over the past decades shows, the outcome largely depends on the state of the air force. The opposing side with a more developed Air Force is more likely to win. Russia has a strong air force capable of resolving any conflict that poses a threat to the state. The events in Syria can be a good example. Information about the history of development and the current composition of the Russian Air Force is contained in the article.

How did it all begin?

Despite the fact that the official creation of Russian aviation took place in August 1912, the study of aerodynamics in tsarist Russia started practicing much earlier. It was for this purpose that a special institute was founded in 1904 by Professor Zhukovsky. In 1913, the legendary bomber "Ilya Muromets" was assembled by the designer Sikorsky.

In the same year, the four-engine biplane "Russian Knight" was designed. Designer Grigorovich worked on various hydroplane schemes. In 1914, the military pilot P. Nesterov performed a "loop". The first successful flights to the Arctic were made by Russian pilots. According to experts, the military aviation of the Russian Empire did not last long, nevertheless, it established itself as one of the best air forces at that time.

Revolutionary time

By 1917, the fleet of Russian aviation was represented by aircraft of at least 700 units. IN October revolution aviation was disbanded, a large number of pilots died, a significant part was forced to emigrate. Soon, in 1918, the young Soviet republic formed its own air forces, which were listed as the RKKVF (Workers 'and Peasants' Red Air Fleet). The Soviet government began to intensively develop the aviation industry: new enterprises and design bureaus were created. The career of such brilliant Soviet designers as Polikarpov, Tupolev, Lavochkin, Ilyushin, Petlyakov, Mikoyan and Gurevich began in the 1930s. The training and initial training of flight personnel was carried out in special flying clubs, after which the cadets were distributed first to flight schools, and later to combat units. In those years, 18 flight schools functioned, through which 20 thousand cadets passed. The training of technical personnel took place in six specialized aviation institutions. The leadership of the Soviet republic understood that it was very important for the first socialist state to have a powerful air force. In order to increase the aircraft fleet, the government took all measures. As a result, by 1940, the air charges were replenished with Yak-1 and Lag-3 fighters, assembled in the design bureaus of Yakovlev and Lavochkin. In the Ilyushin Design Bureau, they worked on the creation of the first Il-2 attack aircraft. Tupolev and his designers designed the TB-3 long-range bomber. Mikoyan and Gurevich at that time were engaged in the MiG-3 fighter.

During the Second World War

By the beginning of the Great Patriotic Aviation Industry of the Soviet Union, 50 aircraft were produced per day. Production was soon doubled. According to experts, Soviet aviation suffered very heavy losses in the first years of the war. This is due to the fact that the Soviet pilots did not have sufficient combat experience. Their outdated tactics did not work as expected. In addition, the border zone was constantly attacked by the enemy. As a result, the Soviet planes stationed there were defeated without taking off. Nevertheless, by 1943, Soviet pilots had acquired the necessary experience, and aviation was replenished with modern technology: Yak-3, La-5, La-7 fighters, modernized Il-2 attack aircraft, Tu-2 and DB-3 bombers. During the Great Patriotic War, aviation schools graduated over 44 thousand pilots. Of these, 27,600 pilots were killed. According to experts, from 1943 until the end of the war, Soviet pilots received complete superiority in the air.

Post-war period

After the end of World War II, the confrontation between the USSR and the Western countries escalated. This period in history is known as the Cold War. Aviation is being replenished with jet aircraft. Helicopters appear, which have become a completely new type of military equipment. The rapid development of Soviet aviation does not stop. The aircraft fleet was replenished with 10 thousand aircraft. In addition, Soviet designers completed work on the fourth generation Su-29 and MiG-27 fighters. The design of the fifth generation aircraft began immediately.

After the collapse of the USSR

At this time, the division of aviation began between the young republics that had left the Soviet Union. According to experts, all the undertakings of Soviet designers were buried. In July 1997, the President of the Russian Federation was formed new kind troops - the Russian Air Force. It united the air defense forces and the air force. After all the necessary structural changes, the Main Staff of the Russian Air Force was created in 1998. Nevertheless, according to military experts, the 90s became a period of degradation for the aviation of the Russian Federation. The situation was extremely difficult: many abandoned airfields remained, unsatisfactory maintenance of the remaining aviation equipment was observed, training of flight personnel was not carried out at the proper level. Lack of funds negatively affected training flights.

2008-2009

During this time period, experts say, the situation in the Russian Air Force (a photo of this type of troops is presented in the article) has improved dramatically. In order to correct the critical state of the air force, large sums are allocated for modernization by the state. except overhaul and modernization, the aircraft fleet is intensively updated with new aircraft models.

The designers of the Russian Air Force are completing the development of the 5th generation aircraft PAK FA T-50. Military personnel with significantly increased pay, pilots sharpen their flying skills better, since they have the opportunity to conduct in the air required amount hours.

2015 year

In August, the Air Force of the Russian Federation was included in the Aerospace Forces (military space forces) under the leadership of the commander-in-chief, Colonel-General Bondarev. The Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force and Deputy Chief of the Aerospace Forces is Lieutenant General Yudin. The Russian Air Force is represented by long-range, military transport and army aviation, as well as radio engineering, anti-aircraft and missile forces. Intelligence activities, protection against weapons of mass destruction, rescue operations and electronic warfare are carried out by special forces, which are also part of the Russian air force. In addition to the Air Force, engineering and logistic services, medical and meteorological units are attached.

Tasks of the Russian Air Force

The new air force of the Russian Federation is doing the following:

They repel the attacks of aggressors from the air and space.
Provide air cover for strategically important objects and cities.
They are engaged in intelligence activities.
Destroy enemy troops. For this purpose, both conventional and nuclear weapon.
Air support for ground forces.

On the military equipment of Russian aviation

Below are some of the most efficient aircraft of the Russian Air Force. Long-range and strategic aviation has:

Aviation unit Tu-160, which is also called the "White Swan". The model was created back in Soviet times. The aircraft is capable of overcoming enemy air defenses and delivering nuclear strikes. In Russia, there are 16 such vehicles in service.
Aircraft Tu-95 "Bear" in the amount of 30 units. The model was designed back in Stalin's times, but it is still in service today.
Strategic missile carriers Tu-22M. Produced since 1960. Russia has 50 vehicles. Another 100 are under conservation.

Among the fighters, the following models should be highlighted:

Su-27. It is a Soviet front-line fighter. On the basis of the machine, many modifications were created. There are 360 such aircraft in Russia.

Su-30. A modified version of the previous fighter. The Air Force has 80 units at its disposal.
Su-35. Very maneuverable 4th generation aircraft. In service with the Russian air force since 2014. The number of vehicles is 48.
MiG-27. 4th generation fighter. Number of 225 cars.
Su-34. It is the newest Russian aircraft model. The Air Force has 75 fighters.

The functions of attack aircraft and interceptors are performed by:

Su-24. It is an exact copy of the American F-111, which, unlike the Soviet version, has long been removed from service. Nevertheless, the Su-24 is also subject to write-off. They plan to do this in 2020.
Su-25 "Rook". Created in the 70s. The Russian Air Force is armed with 200 aircraft, another 100 are mothballed.
MiG-31. Russia has 140 of these interceptors.

Military transport aviation is represented by:

An-26 and An-72. They are light transport aircraft.
An-140 and An-148. The machines are characterized by an average carrying capacity.
An-22, An-124 and Il-86. They represent heavy aircraft equipment.

At least 300 transport aircraft are serving in the Russian Air Force.

Flight training is carried out on the following models:

Yak-130.
L-39.
Tu-134 UBL.

Army aviation includes:

Helicopters Mil and Kamov. After the production of the Ka-50 was discontinued, the army aviation fleet was replenished with Ka-52 and Mi-28 helicopters, 100 aircraft each. In addition, the Air Force has Mi-8 (570 aircraft) and Mi-24 (620 aircraft) helicopters.
UAVs "Pchela-1T" and "Reis-D" are used as unmanned aerial vehicles in the Russian air force.

Air Force style clothing for the civilian consumer

Due to their design features, Russian Air Force flight jackets are in great demand. Unlike other models, this item of clothing has special pockets on the sleeves. Pilots put cigarettes, pens and other small parts in them. In addition, in the manufacture of side pockets, the presence of insulation is not provided, and on the back of the jacket there are no seams. This reduces the burden on the pilot. The cost of products depends on the sewing method and the materials used. The price of fur products is 9400 rubles. "Chevretka" will cost the buyer in the range of 16 thousand. For a leather jacket of the Russian Air Force will have to pay from 7 to 15 thousand rubles.

The Air Force includes the following types of troops:

aviation (kind of aviation - bomber, assault, air defense fighter aircraft, reconnaissance, transport and special),
anti-aircraft missile troops,
radio-technical troops,
special troops,
parts and institutions of the rear.

Bomber aviation is armed with long-range (strategic) and front-line (tactical) bombers of various types. It is designed to defeat groupings of troops, destroy important military, energy facilities and communication centers, mainly in the strategic and operational depth of the enemy's defense. The bomber can carry bombs of various calibers, both conventional and nuclear, as well as guided air-to-surface missiles.

One of the main requirements for an attack aircraft is high accuracy of destruction of ground targets. Armament: large-caliber guns, bombs, rockets.

The air defense aviation is armed with air defense fighter planes, combat helicopters, special and transport aircraft and helicopters.

Reconnaissance aircraft is intended for conducting aerial reconnaissance of the enemy, terrain and weather; it can destroy hidden enemy objects.

Reconnaissance aviation is subdivided into tactical, operational and strategic reconnaissance aviation.

Transport aviation is intended for the transportation of troops, military equipment, weapons, ammunition, fuel, food, airborne assault landing, evacuation of the wounded, sick, etc.

Special aviation It is designed for long-range radar detection and guidance, refueling aircraft in the air, conducting electronic warfare, radiation, chemical and biological protection, providing control and communications, meteorological and technical support, rescuing crews in distress, evacuating the wounded and sick.

Anti-aircraft missile troops are designed to protect the most important facilities of the country and groupings of troops from enemy air strikes.

Communication units and subdivisions are intended for the deployment and operation of communication systems in order to ensure command and control of troops in all types of combat activities.

Electronic warfare units and subunits are intended for jamming airborne radars, bombsights, communications and radio navigation equipment of enemy air attack.

Communication and radio technical support units and subdivisions are designed to provide control of aviation units and subunits, air navigation, takeoff and landing of aircraft and helicopters.

Units and subdivisions of engineering troops, as well as parts and subdivisions of radiation, chemical and biological protection are designed to perform the most complex tasks of engineering and chemical support, respectively.