The PAK-DA Saga Episode I: The beginning.

I hope this thread to remain civilized. 😉

It seems that technical requirements for a new Russian strategic bomber had been defined.

The PAK DA (or PAK-DA), is a next generation strategic bomber which is being developed by Russia. It stands for Perspektivnyi Aviatsionnyi Kompleks Dalney Aviatsyi (Перспективный авиационный комплекс дальней авиации in Russian) which means Future Air Complex for Strategic Air Forces. The PAK DA is going to be heavily based on Russia’s current supersonic bomber Tupolev Tu-160 and is expected to have it’s maiden flight by 2015.

Russian Air Force has made tactical and technical requirements for a new generation of strategic bombers, as reported Interfax.

According to Russian Air Force commander Aleksandr Zelin, work on a new bomber has already begun. “The requirements are formulated, and many firms are now implementing plans” – said Zelin.

According to available information, the aircraft being developed under the project PAK DA (prospective aviation complex long-distance aircraft), will be computed on the basis of construction of a supersonic Tu-160 bomber. According to specialists, to create a new aircraft will take from 5 to 8 years, and the first flight of bombers to be expected after 2015.

Currently, the Russian airforce has Tu-95 and Tu-160 strategic bombers, as well as long range Tu-22 bombers. They can carry bombs and cruise missiles. The aircraft of these types are currently undergoing modernization.

Reports also say that the new bomber will have stealth characteristics.

http://www.defenceaviation.com/2008/07/pakda-russian-stealth-bomber.html