Never before have i noticed the slight dip in the middle of the canopy line of the MiG-29M. Peculiar.

There are images of the model at the blog, showing 4 semi recessed amraams. So they’re still going with that phase 1/phase 2 silly idea? Here’s my money on phase 2 taking years longer than they initially thought, and taking more money to get there. And the plane itself will change more than the ones who are paying for it would think.

Also, with those 4 semi recessed amraams – I don’t see the plane going under 1 m2, when it comes to RCS. And it looks even worse when strike missions are going to be performed.

easthetics wise, dmu26 is again similar-ish to dmu23. At least it has the x wing tails, though, making it a bit different than most 5th gen designs.

And those are going to be some huge weapon bays if they really plan to cram in 6 aam4 in there. Mind you, aam4 is larger than an amraam, with 10% bigger diameter and 80% larger wingspan. That would also indicate a very large plane, definitely not any smaller than an F-22. Possibly with a shorter reach as well, as bigger weapon bays within the same fuselage volume would indicate less available space for internal fuel.

So what is more likely? That japanese fighter will be:
A) Even larger than F22 so both missile count and fuel can fit
B) Plane will not be larger than F22 but will carry 4 BVR missiles
C) something in between, with a redesigned AAM4 missile of smaller wingspan.

Speaking of Sierra, I read it was first russian SSN (not SSBN) to use natural circulation option for cooling the reactor. Seeing how 971 was developed almost alongside it and launched a year later, did 971 use it as well? What sources do we have to settle that question?

Yes, while a.t.c. the official entry in service of a Sov/russian plane is when its first operative unit reach the equivalent of FOC, as IOC just doesn’t exist for them and LRIP the same, while contracts are afforded one batch at time.

1985 was what milestone for Su-27? Not FOC surely, as that was achieved around 1990. One can read about su-27 started being delivered to the air force in 1985. That would suggest that some combat capability must’ve been achieved by 1987 or so.

What the 35s bring to the table is bringing weapons farther from mainland than ever before. This capability alone makes the 35s worth while.

What are you saying here? Su35 having longer reach than other platforms? A2a reach? Or a2g?

I’ve got a question concerning German Eurofighters.

Have any of them (if so, how many?) finally been integrated with and cleared to use guided air to ground weapons? For some time luftwaffe’s website says “future gbu-48” for their Eurofighters… has nothing changed in that regards? Any other weapons integrated?

I would venture a guess all those graphics are more of artists renderings based on rough requirements (number of engines, rough planform) than actual engineering solutions.