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—–

It’s a half-breed with the front of a Su-27 and back of the YF-23.

—–JT—–

A smaller French design that looks like it has potential is the CMN Combattante BR62 S. Good option for a smaller (62m) littoral ship. I haven’t been able to find too much information on it.

http://www.meretmarine.com/article.cfm?id=108647

From the bit of information released it is a stealthy design with single mast, vertical launchers for SAM and hidden, pop-up ASM launcher as well as medium caliber gun, looks like the stealthy SAAB 57mm.

Anyone else have more information? Any word if it is a modular design?

—–JT—–

here’s the Saab presentation to Korea. I wonder if this is what they had in mind

the 3rd one not Saab, but a Korean company. But the concept looks very similar to Saab’s proposal.

I think they may be better off with 1 larger engine instead of 2 smaller ones.

It would be nice if this turns out to be what Sweden has in mind. Would be good to have a lighter 5th Gen fighter available for the world market. Maybe this is their way of trying to bolster their chances with S. Korea.

—–JT—–

It could be that the first actual drawings/pics may come out because of the deal between India and Russia. Maybe some presentation slide or pamphlet will be released showing what it will look like.

Well if things hold true, it may only be a few months away…after more than a decade of speculation! MAKS2009 could really be an interesting one!!

—–JT—–

Well so much for that aformented lightweight 5th-gen complement to the PAK FA from MiG…

Yeah, would have been interesting as I truly believe there is a bigger potentail market for a lighter 5th-gen fighter than one of the PAK-FA size. Just look at the sales and number of countries that purchased the MiG-29 family vs. Su-27 family.

—–JT—–

The MI-35 has many advantages over other attack helicopters because of its secondary role of troop/cargo transport. With extensive upgrades, like those offered by ATE or Israeli companies, it offers more for the buck than its competitors.

Not only this multi-use point but also much cheaper than a dedicated attack helicopter. For the needs of most of these armed forces, the capabilities offered by the Mi-35 are more than enough. Transport, support, assault and some descent attack capabilities when needed.

—–JT—–

I doubt the Rafale has any real range advantage over the Gripen. We have to accept that the Gripen will only carry 4 AAMs in long range config, but that is sufficient most of the time.

Which goes back to the argument, how much more are people willing to pay for a small percentage improvement or even an enhanced option (such as carrying more AAMs) when they will rarely be used to their full potential. If the Gripen can offer 80% of what the F18 and Rafale can offer but at 70% of the purchase and operational cost, which option becomes more tempting for Brazil. Although obviosuly there is always the politcal game at play where the most obvious choice is not always made….

—–JT—–