………………

That is why I mentioned political reasons.

As far as performance issues go, I am not in a position to comment. I have nothing to go on.
But correct me if I am wrong, aren’t initial number deduced from operational requirements? The F-35 (large numbers) were reached with an actual plan in mind, not the “let’s have a couple of thou’ of those little things!!” ..

surely operational requirements have come into the plan. which means, that if a third of the order for the T-50 is cut, something else must fill this void, at least in planning or on paper even. I.e. life extensions for the MKI’s, more rafales or more force multipliers or in any case whatever the IAF thinks will bridge the gap the cut down leaves…

Am I wrong here then ?

It might be financial reasons

It might be political reasons

It might be because their insight into the project tells them the plane will not fulfil their requirements, but have a commitment with Russia they do not wish to break not to upset their relationship.

It might be because they simply don’t need that many.

who knows… I can take a guess, but hey… who am I ?

Hopefully with China operationalizing both an F-35 tier AND a Raptor tier plane the MoD will finally approve restarting F/A-22 production using the stored production tooling.

it is not going to happen.

The USAF does not feel threatened.

The way the F-22 and the F-35 will be used and deployed ensure prevalence over an adversary.

1) US thinks the T-50 will not be produced in enough numbers to be a factor in the end. Original figures place it at ~500, they simply don’t think that many will be ever produced.

2) The chinese planes -although impressive as an achievement in their own right- are expected to be inferior in avionics technology.

hence.. no need to start production of an 80’s design.

They are already thinking of 6th gen planes. It would be far more sensible.

Thanks flateric, its already enough to see the weapon bays opened 😉

We saw them open ? when ?

But its near F-35 in capability11!!

better in fact.

I’ve heard that engines and hydraulic drives (designed by hydraulics guru Belevitin at NPO Rodina and made by MMZ Znamya) were removed. Will be happy if that were just a rumors.

Well in that photo Berkut pointed me to, there is indeed something that looks like it could be nozzle drooping down.

Are you sure it lacks the engines? On the most recent picture something is seen under the belly, like the nozzles are pointing downwards. Yes i know they are in neutral position usually. On high res pic from same author taken during the winter it looks like there are tarp covers covering something circular.

Interesting. I looked around but couldn’t find an image. Have you got a link perhaps?