First off the F-22 is a much larger plane than the F-15. They are almost the same in lenght and width, but the F-22 is much thicker.
Secondly, why are so many people talking about the costs of the F-22 being so astronomical. The 200+ million dollar figure is the average cost including research, development, lifetime maintanance, spare parts, fuel, etc. The Unit fly away cost is 108 million. Thus the USAF can buy 1 additional f-22 for 108 millon dollars. Now to compare to other planes. The EF2000’s unit cost is 82 million USD. THe total figure is 180 million. Now for a “cheap” plane. Su-30 MKI, flyaway unit cost is 53 million USD. Actual total cost is estimated 108 million USD. Now I wonder how in the world Russia is going to have a 5th generation fighter, in the same echelon as the F-22, but have it only cost in the 50 million USD range for lifetime costs. I’m guessing it will be 150 million+.
Thirdly, rumors have it that the PAK-FA, will not have structural stealth like the US planes but rather electro or plasma stealth like the the SPECTRA system that is supposed to enter service on the Rafale F3.
Lastly, I believe that the Russians and Indians are just blowing smoke up our backsides when they talk about the PAK-FA. It will just be another point defense fighter like every other Russian plane except for the Flanker. I personally believe that we won’t even have asolid clue of what the PAK-FA’s true appearance and performance characteristic until the JSF comes out, because then the Russians will have a benchmark to try to beat and copy.
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