Russia To Unveil Futuristic Fighter, Bomber Aircraft Models At MAKS

Russia is working on several futuristic fighter and bomber models in addition to the PAK-FA stealth fighters, scale models of some of which will be displayed at the upcoming MAKS 2015 air and defense exhibition in Moscow this month-end.

Work is being carried out in major aviation complexes to build next generation stealth aircraft. Russia plans to acquire 65 units of the T-50 (Pak-FA) fifth generation fighter aircraft by 2020, build80 new cargo aircraft (PAK TA) by 2024, develop PAK DA bomber by 2019 and to begin work on PAK DP (as a replacement for MiG-31) in 2017, Sputnik reported last week.

The PAK FA heavy multi-role fighter, capable of competing for air superiority and using precision-guided weapons with US F-22 Raptor is scheduled for delivery to the Russian Air Force in early 2017. The initial 12 aircraft will be purchased by 2017 and the rest after 2020. The T-50 is the name of the prototype aircraft designed by Sukhoi for the PAK FA program.

The PAK DA will have a subsonic flying wing and will be equipped with advanced types of precision guided weapons, including hypersonic weapons. The bomber itself will fly at subsonic speeds.

The design includes a combat radius of around 3,500 kilometers with full payload, a loaded weight of 100 to 120 tons, 4 engines and the possible use of some equipment from the Sukhoi PAK FA project such as avionics and engines. The next-generation strategic bomber design is being developed by the Tupolev Design Bureau.

The development work began in 2014. First flights will begin in 2019, and the bomber is to enter service in 2025.

The PAK TA supersonic transport aircraft will have a high payload of 200 tons and a range of at least 7,000 kilometers.

In a decade Russia’s Central Command will be able to place a battle-ready armored army anywhere, Sputnik quoted Expert Online reports citing a source in the military.

The Pak DP long-range interception aircraft will be developed as a replacement for the MiG-31. The work will begin in 2019 Sputnik reported quoting a recent statement by Russian commander Bondarev.