Nice…

Anyone have any more specs on the missile (size, weight, speed..etc.)?

—–JT—–

…I always liked the IA 58….

I second the Pucara vote. A very capable aircraft that with the proper upgrades, will provide everything needed for a low cost and easy to maintain COIN/CAS aircraft. I believe that back in the late 60’s or early 70’s, they flew one to the Paris airshow (obviously refueled along the way) but nevertheless, it shows its capabilitites. The aircraft is still flying so I don’t think it would be a big deal for FMA to start production again if the interest for a modernized version was there.

—–JT—–

To me it looks like a bird…although a highly reflective bird. Unless it just came out from taking a dive into the water and the water is causing the sparkling effect.

—–JT—–

I guess this is what happens when there’s no new worthy PAK-FA news…the subject completely changes.

—–JT—–

I hope the stealthy SAAB project works out for Sweden as it will keep a Gripen type of aircraft in production for the future. By the popularity of the current Gripen, there is obviously demand for an aircraft of it’s size and weight.

Besides the US and Russia, there is very little development on 5th gen fighters:
-Japan (internally developed stealth aircraft program in doubt-may be cancelled)
-S. Korea (same as Japan)
-India (joining Russia on a PAK-FA variant and possibly developing a medium weight stealthy fighter)
-China (developing a new 5th gen fighter but rumors place it at a bigger sized aircraft, like F-22, than a smaller one like what Sweden is proposing).

Without counting the F-35, this new SAAB stealth design may be the only other option for a smaller stealth aircraft since it also sounds like Russia will not develop a lighter 5th gen aircraft and only produce the heavier PAK-FA.

—–JT—–

I also like those Vietnam war pictures of Broncos with a small 20mm three-barreled cannon turret below the mid-section of the aircraft. Looked mean but not sure how useful it was.

Another interesting option would be the Argentine Pucara Charlie (only a prototype was developed). It was a single seat STOL aircraft, with armored plating, two engines, one 30mm cannon, 2x 20mm cannons and 4x 7.62mm machineguns, ability to carry a variety of weapons and even AA missiles. With upgraded engines and avionics it could make for a very affordable and effective COIN aircraft.

http://www.ww2aircraft.net/forum/modern/fma-ia-58-pucara-coin-aircraft-1599-10.html

In Spanish…
http://www.taringa.net/posts/imagenes/1481384/El-IA-58-C,-Pucar%C3%A1–Charlie_-Ense%C3%B1anza-de-Malvinas.html

—–JT—–

My guess is they are refering to the Shafaq, possibly with more powerful engines to give it a better fighter capability.

Another possibility is that it is based on the F-5 9as some have already suggested), but may have some surfaces treated with a RAM coating. Maybe also some surfaces redesigned a bit (like the V-tail, maybe the wings and the nose).

This may not be a true stealth fighter but a reduced RCS one.

—–JT—–

I think the first flight of the PAK-FA will be in may or july.Because su 27 conducted its first flight in may,su 15 again in may,su 25 in february,su 24 in july and su 17/20/22 did first flight in july.But in my opinion the big probabilty is it will make it’s first flight in may if everything goes on the way because Mr. pogosyan have said that we will conduct the first flight of the PAK-FA as early as 2009.

Or it could be in August to coincide with MAKS2009…

—–JT—–