@Ainen I misread your original statement. I was assuming you were answering in the context of sensors aiding directly in air to air combat. But yes 101KS-P makes sense but OLS-50 in MWIR? Wouldn't it make more sense in LWIR?
Disclaimer: "Why" are my explanations, not coming from elsewhere. I am not an engineer by education or profession.
OLS-27/35 (or, for instance, Rafale OPF) are mwir, too.
If the goal is (weapon grade) WVR targeting and not just long range detection with compact sensor, mwir is better - better resolution, excellent performance in clear atmosphere(matching and complementing pilot's view). It also matches missile sensors and lrf.
2) Also the idea of a spherical coverage in UV/MWIR doesn't make alot of sense unless the MWIR sensors are really really bad. Any competent MWIR sensors providing spherical coverage would provide good MLD, negating any need for UV sensors.
UV sensors are wide/constant FoV, providing persistent observation(6 appertures in 4 blocks).
IR is 3 balls, doing proper line scans (there are videos with them doing high speed rotation, doing IRST things), and they have other duties. In operation IR balls may need to stare and track, abandoning scan duties - for their DIRCM and likely HMD purposes. Doing so leaves airspace unobserved, and skipping launch warning isn't nice.
Finally, Su-57 is built around mixing(fusing) as much spectral bands as possible; more is merrier, overcoming band disadvantages, if you're ready to pay for it.
Unlike the normal fighter norm, Felon isn't built on "reasonable minimum" basis.
3) I believe picture from Mariwoj is conjecture with heavy dose of fanboyism and then some. Unless you only cited to show where 101KS-P is then that's correct. Thank you.
It's a very faithful representation of available English sources (apparently he reads Russian, too).
It matches E. Gordon book (Butowski books and articles), If you're interested, I strongly suggest the former book for cross reference and further details.
t.me
