Hmm, but how long can it stay at the high speeds? The MiG-31 is famous exactly for its ability to actually stay at Mach 2 plus for extended periods.
Then there is issue like rate of climb, the much larger space for heavy radar systems that the MiG-31 has over a single engine alternative…

There is no way to escape the trade off for a smaller one engine interceptor, unless you want to use a single monster engine.

Checkout this old post by GarryB – Link

http://ifakesiri.com/img/jnfgcl9n.jpg%5B/img]

…

April Fools’ Day just begun in Moscow….:D

Ok, I admit. I fell for that…

But.. that is a simulator:confused:
Are there any ‘hard evidence’ out there.
By now there should at least be a pic of the Su-27SM3 cockpit..

Isn’t this the SM3 cockpit? Image-1 (And I think this was the ealier SM cockpit – Image-2)

Ah…..excellent news! 😀 Even better that they are going 100% local!

I just hope they won’t cave-in to external pressure like with the F-2.

That landing gear is too heavy !! They over engineered it for 5 times the tolerance needed !!

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-scdIM3lNaGE/T3BfnHDL03I/AAAAAAAAJIM/nwFibsl3c…]

Case of ‘better safe than sorry’ gone too far?

This has turned out to be an awesome thread. Well done guys, keep it up (especially mack8).