Technically I have also forgotten the Su-35 (Su-27M). Which was, again, KnAAZ, right?

Yes. Su-35/37 were from KnAAPO.

Does anyone have access to the original DigitalGlobe images?

F-22 engines are very overweight that’s why the plane is heavy with tiny fuel capacity.

…

On paper the French one seems the biggest and baddest, but then again I am no expert, heck not even a novice.

Jonesy we need your wisdom!

I guess it could be done in theory, but there are trade-offs. In its current configuration the Ka-52 combines a devastating punch (the 2A42 gun is by far the most powerful on any modern attack helo bar the Mi-28, which has the same weapon) with excellent accuracy. With a turreted gun, you’d gain a much greater firing envelope, similar to Western attack helos, but loose either the accuracy (due to lower mounting rigidity to cope with the immense recoil if you kept the 2A42, see Mi-28 or even Tiger HAD) or the fire power (going for a less powerful gun). Additionally, thanks to its unique co-axial configuration which enables much faster pedal turns in a hover than with a conventional attack helo, the real-world benefit of a gun turret is likely lower on the Ka-52 than it would ordinarily be – why incur the complexity of being able to turn the gun independently when you can turn the entire helo almost as fast?

It’s basically a question of what your concept of operations for an attack helo intends the gun to be for – do you require a serious anti-armour capability or is it to be used against soft targets only? If the former, the semi-rigid mounting with 2A42 is probably the answer, if the latter a lighter (even 20mm as on the AH-1Z should do fine) gun, but in a turret, will suffice. In that regard the Ka-52 is a more consistent and logical design than the Mi-28.

Thanks for that insight. Yeah, I guess its a trade-off.

Japan unveils second modified X-2 prototype

https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/second-mitsubishi-x2-421374/

You know, you almost got me there…..

:eagerness::stupid::highly_amused::very_drunk::p

RIP Dr. Song Wencong (26 March 1930 – 22 March 2016)

PS:

J-10B with new generation PL-10 AAM

J-15 including #13 on Liaoning Training CV,