Irbis-E

Irbis-E. The Irbis-E is a sophisticated Russian passive electronically scanned array (PESA) radar system designed for advanced fighter aircraft. Developed by the Tikhomirov Scientific Research Institute of Instrument Design, it serves as the primary sensor for the Sukhoi Su-35 multirole fighter. The system represents a significant evolution from earlier designs like the N011M Bars radar, offering enhanced detection ranges, multi-target tracking, and electronic warfare capabilities to maintain air superiority.

Development and design

The development of the system was led by the Tikhomirov Scientific Research Institute of Instrument Design, a key enterprise within the Rostec state corporation. Its design is a direct progression from the N011M Bars radar used on the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, incorporating a larger antenna array and more powerful signal processing. Engineers focused on creating a system capable of engaging highly maneuverable targets and countering modern electronic countermeasures, integrating it deeply with the Sukhoi Su-35's KSU-35 digital flight control system. The design philosophy emphasized reliability and maintainability, drawing on experience from previous systems fielded with the Russian Aerospace Forces.

Technical specifications

The system features a passive electronically scanned array antenna with approximately 1,700 X-band transmit/receive modules. It can simultaneously track up to 30 airborne targets and engage up to 8 with R-77 or R-27 air-to-air missiles. Against a target with a radar cross-section of 3 square meters, such as a General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon, its maximum detection range exceeds 400 kilometers. For ground surveillance, it offers synthetic aperture radar and ground moving target indicator modes, capable of detecting vehicles like the M1 Abrams. The radar is integrated with an OLS-35 infrared search and track system and is compatible with a wide arsenal of weapons including the R-73 and Kh-59.

Operational history

The radar completed state trials and was officially accepted into service in 2009, entering operational duty with the Russian Aerospace Forces. Its first major public demonstration was at the MAKS Air Show in Zhukovsky, mounted on a Sukhoi Su-35 prototype. The system has been a core component of Sukhoi Su-35 deployments during the Russian military intervention in the Syrian Civil War, where it performed combat air patrol missions. Pilots from the Russian Knights aerobatic team have also demonstrated its capabilities at international events like RIAT. Its performance has been compared in exercises against aircraft equipped with rival systems such as the AN/APG-77 and AN/APG-81.

Operators

The primary operator is the Russian Aerospace Forces, which has integrated the system into its fleet of Sukhoi Su-35 fighters based at locations like Dzemgi Airport. Internationally, the People's Liberation Army Air Force of China became a significant foreign customer, receiving Sukhoi Su-35 aircraft equipped with the radar. Other nations that have expressed interest or are potential operators include the Algerian Air Force and the Egyptian Air Force, following demonstrations at events like the Dubai Airshow. Negotiations have also involved countries like Indonesia and Vietnam, though no final contracts have been confirmed.

Variants

The primary and only confirmed variant is the baseline system installed on the Sukhoi Su-35. However, technologies and subsystems developed for it have influenced later active electronically scanned array projects at the Tikhomirov Scientific Research Institute of Instrument Design, such as the Zhuk-AME radar for the Mikoyan MiG-35. Proposals have been discussed for a navalized version potentially suitable for aircraft like the Sukhoi Su-33, but these have not materialized. The system's architecture is considered a technological bridge between older PESA designs and next-generation AESA radars being developed for the Sukhoi Su-57.

Category:Radar