Air Intakes of Soviet Aircraft

In summary: The F-22 & YF-23 have fixed intakes that are angled to increase the airflow over the core of the aircraft. This is done to reduce the chance of an intake stall during high G turns and high alpha flight. The F-22 & YF-23 also have trapezoidal wings and stabilators.In summary, the Soviet fifth-generation fighter had a variable ventral air intake from the start, whereas the F-22 had non-adjustable lateral intakes optimised for supersonic cruising and the rival Northrop/General Dynamics YF-23 had non-adjustable dorsal intakes. Soviet aerodynamicists believed a ventrally located intake offered certain advantages during vigorous manoeuvres, minimizing the danger of an
  • #1
sorter
48
0
Air Intakes??

At an early stage of the fighter's development
it became obvious that the MFI was a
lot different from the American fifth-generation
fighters. For instance, the Mikoyan fighter
had a variable ventral air intake from the
start, whereas the F-22 had non-adjustable
two-shock lateral intakes optimised for supersonic
cruise and the rival Northrop/General
Dynamics YF-23 had non-adjustable dorsal
intakes. Soviet aerodynamicists believed a
ventrally located intake offered certain
advantages during vigorous manoeuvres,
minimising the danger of an intake stall during
high-G turns and high-alpha flight. Also,
the tail-first layout maximised lift and the
canards performed a pitch damping function
at critical AoAs. By comparison, the F-22 and
YF-23 utilised a more conventional layout
with trapezoidal wings and stabilators.

Source:
Russian Fifth-Generation Fighter
Technology Demonstrators
Yefim Gordon
Original translation by Dmitriy Komissarov

Question is simple; is Soviet thinking while choosing from 3 given air intakes is correct & why US think otherwise??
 
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It just sounds like the two sets of designers had different priorities in mind when designing the intakes. Each is correct for the priority it optimizes to.
 
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Can anybody given me images of these 3 types of air intakes; I am fed up googling it
 
  • #4


sorter said:
Russian Fifth-Generation Fighter
Technology Demonstrators
Yefim Gordon

This could mean war - '5th generation fighter' is a registered trademark of Lockheed (makers of the F35).
This just came up in a lawsuit in Canada over their decision to buy the F35, apparently the air force specification required a '5th generation fighter'.
The specifications were written with the aid of consultants supplied by an unnamed US aircraft maker.
 
  • #5


In addition to the excessive angles of attack envisioned by Soviet aeronautical engineers, they also had to contend with operations from austere (grass) fields which required upper inlets.
 
  • #6


mugaliens said:
In addition to the excessive angles of attack envisioned by Soviet aeronautical engineers, they also had to contend with operations from austere (grass) fields which required upper inlets.

What does this bold part means. The placement of air intakes with respect to cockpit is fairly equal that of Su-25/30/35 & F-15/35/22

With the exception of F-16/J-10(a copycat of F-16) all modern aircraft had 2 side air intakes. including the newbaby JF-17
 
  • #7


Most russian aircraft have moveable covers over the inlets which can be partly closed to stop FOD when operating from rough strips.
 

Related to Air Intakes of Soviet Aircraft

1. What are air intakes and what is their purpose?

Air intakes are openings on an aircraft that allow air to flow into the engine. Their purpose is to provide the necessary air for the engine to function properly and to regulate the flow of air for optimal performance.

2. How do the air intakes on Soviet aircraft differ from those on other aircraft?

Soviet aircraft often have larger, more angular air intakes compared to Western aircraft. This is due to the different design philosophies and engine types used by Soviet engineers.

3. What are the advantages of the Soviet air intake design?

The larger and more angular design of Soviet air intakes allows for greater amounts of air to be taken in, which can lead to increased engine performance. The design also allows for easier maintenance and repair of the engine.

4. Are there any drawbacks to the Soviet air intake design?

One potential drawback is that the larger and more angular design may increase the radar signature of the aircraft, making it more visible to enemy radar systems. Additionally, the design may not be as aerodynamically efficient as other designs.

5. How have Soviet air intakes evolved over time?

Like all aircraft technology, Soviet air intakes have evolved over time to become more efficient and effective. In the 1950s and 1960s, Soviet air intakes were often very large and boxy, but in later years, they became more streamlined and aerodynamic.

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