1st post. Considerations on PAK-FA

Hello everybody. This is my first post on this forum.

I would like to make some considerations on what may (or may
not) become over the next decade a successfull export item for
the russian aeronautic industry: what is now known as the
PAK-FA.
This is my opinion of what will be the capabilities of the early
production aircraft:

Airframe – Although it is most probable that the design will be
based on the “Berkut” airframe it is possible that a heavily
modified Flanker version is also being studied as an avenue
for development. The main modifications of these known
designs would focus on reducing RCS.
Modifications necessary in a “Berkut” based design would
include use of a delta or trapeze wing, elevator surfaces and
maybe of engine intake geometry. The changes to the
aerodynamic surfaces could imply an extensive reworking of
the flight control systems.
A Flanker based design would require extensive modification
of the engine intakes, which would require also changing
the LERX geometry and the main gear placement. The geometry
of vertical and horizontal tail surfaces would be changed in order
to reduce radar sinature and ventral fins would most likely be
suppressed as well as the exterior wing pylons. An apropriate
placement for internal weapon bays would have to be found
(maybe between the engines) which could then mean moving
forward the front gear placement. Once more extensive FCS
modification would be needed.
The resulting RCS should be below the numbers for the
F/A-18E/F without external stores, but closer to the
SuperHornet than to the F-22 or F-35.

Engine – The recent news of the study of an AL-41 downrated
version. “compatible” in size with the AL-31F may indicate that
the definitive engine may not be ready in time for the early production
aircraft. This could afect their performance by not being able
to “supercruise”. Vectored thrust should be available, at least
in one axis.

Avionics – The radar will have an electronicaly scanned antenna.
The doubt is wether it will be passive or active. It will feature
an IRST. EW suite should be completly separated from the
sensor suit, unlike the most modern western concepts. This
is because I think that system integration and processing power
available will be on the level
of the F/A-18C/D as well as the, man-machine interface (with
the possible exception of a helmet mounted display). Could
feature an active radar signature supression system, although
a “plasma stealth” device is more likely. The backseater in
the 2-seat version may be able to switch between trainer
and WSO roles.

Price – My estimate would go for the $40 – $50 Million Dollar per
unit range.

So what do you make of these ideas? Do you think they could
be close to sukhoi’s concept?