Beriev A-60 ('1A', '1A2') airborne laser lab

[fightingirish]

A concept for an airborne laser aircraft that Beriev submitted for a patent in February.
The document filed in February and viewed by Jane’s presents only illustrations of the patented aircraft and does not contain additional information. However the new aircraft is a conversion of an Il-76MD-90A heavy transport and the mirror system, by which the laser is directed on to the target, is placed inside a large drop-shaped fairing on front of the fuselage behind the crew cockpit.[...]

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1237375013453430789

Link/ Source (English): https://www.janes.com/defence-news/...s-to-patent-airborne-carrier-for-laser-weapon
Link/ Source (Russian): http://forum.militaryparitet.com/viewtopic.php?id=28075
Link/ Source (Italian): https://www.analisidifesa.it/2020/0...il-sistema-laser-imbarcato-russo-beriev-a-60/
It looks more anti-satellite now.

 

[yasotay]

I can only think "cg" range when I look at the big nose option.

 

[Jason Dykstra (Wyvern)]

Is this program still under development? Also, regarding the question of intruding balloons, could these have been used for atmospheric sampling/weather reconnaissance, or could they have been from one of Russia's neighbours (most probably China)?

 

[QuadroFX]

Is this program still under development?

https://www.thespacereview.com/article/3967/1

 

[Forest Green]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1993100917835522489

View: https://x.com/NOELreports/status/1993100917835522489?s=20

 

[Anduriel]

Is this truly A-60? Because Taganrog plant has several Il-76/78.

 

[Forest Green]

Is this truly A-60? Because Taganrog plant has several Il-76/78.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1993303220962087141

View: https://x.com/NOELreports/status/1993303220962087141?s=20

 

[Lordarpad]

I keep wondering: "Why bother?"

 

[AGS-1787]

So the s400 was there to protect these assets ?

 

[EmoBirb]

Is this truly A-60? Because Taganrog plant has several Il-76/78.

It is, but FB already stated that these haven't been moved, let alone flown, for years. They were empty husks, out of commission.

 

[Anduriel]

It is, but FB already stated that these haven't been moved, let alone flown, for years. They were empty husks, out of commission.

I saw recent sattelite images. Looks like indeed A-60 was hit, or whatever left of it at the moment.

 

[EmoBirb]

I saw recent sattelite images. Looks like indeed A-60 was hit, or whatever left of it at the moment.

So did I, so did FB, it wasn't operational for almost a decade