The R&D results for those GaN PAs were signed off on 20/04/13.

So maybe now they are probably fine tuning the LTCC tape usage . During the firing process, the LTCC tape will shrink between 12% – 16% + 0.2% in the X and Y-axis and 15%-25%+0.5% in the Z-axis . Assuming balanced metal loading and good process control, the shrinkage should be consistent. However, with certain systems, there maybe a narrow processing window in which the fabrication must take place.

Why did Europe build it’s own birds while they could have purchased F-18 and F-15 ? Same reason.

But Europe did not have a JV with US or any other country to jointly design an aircraft . That’s why they went in for Typhoon , Rafale and Gripen .

However, India is jointly producing the PAK FA with Russia . Chances are that it will be tailor made to India’ specifications . So why the need for a Advanced-Medium-Combat-Aircraft ?

Of note- the map that appears to show Bangalore, India is titled: ‘Joint research on the electronic model’ and the model of a new ramjet missile (in black):

Jō , can you please elaborate this . I was of the opinion that Indians don’t have much of an input on the R & D part .

This is a classic example of the novel ways that Defense Contractors come up with in this country to waste tax payers $$ .

All these years we were told that STEALTH is the holy grail of penetrating enemy defenses .

Eventually , the Pentagon & Defense Contractors have realized that this is no longer the case due to the proliferation of counter stealth technology ( primarily Russian) the world over .

Now , we are being told that HYPERSONIC speed is the counter to counter stealth .

I hope realization draws on these individuals that the S 300V and S 400 already have the capability of firing hypersonic surface to air missiles that can travel a lot faster than the SR 72 .

Btw, Respect is an extremely rare commodity and as such is hard earned. Contempt is available in abundance and can be doled out in generous portions. You’re submerged in the latter for reasons entirely of your own making.

x2 . Couldn’t agree more.

Also keep in mind that the FGFA export version is not the same thing as PAKFA it might have similar airframe but the radars,ecm and other classified tech is removed and will be replaced with something else.

Seems the UAC Boss doesn’t share your enthusiasm about the export version . They are selling the same aircraft to India

http://en.ria.ru/military_news/20130206/179261409/India-to-Use-Russian-Avionics-For-Future-Fighter—UAC-Boss.html

:stupid:Lol that is the funniest thing I head this month,a vertical takeoff version of a large 2 engine Su 27 sized fighter that weighs around 40,000lb,I whould like to see your design proposal for it

Laughter is the best medicine , but if you laugh for no reason , you need medicine.

If designing VTOL aircraft was easy there would have been a dozen VTOL aircrafts doing the round today . I accept there are challenges .Vertical thrust engines need to be balanced to allow the aircraft to take off vertically.The plane will lift only if the thrust-to-weight ratio is above 1 . Thus with a full fuel and weapons load, the plane is too heavy to lift. But the benefits are hard to argue with .

The main advantage of VTOL aircraft is closer basing to the enemy, which reduces response time and tanker support requirements. During the Falklands War, Harrier jets permitted high performance fighter air cover and ground attack without a large aircraft carrier equipped with a catapult.

Ideally Sukhoi should have focused on a Vertical Take Off version of the PAK FA which could have been used from the Mistral LPH . But for reasons known best to Sukhoi they chose to ignore it .

Also, having digested the data in the other links regarding SWNT composite RAM, do you think this (worst case) -20dB can be achieved by a Polymer Matrix Composite laminate no more than 2mm (that’s two millimetres) thickness?

Jō , is there a possibility that enhanced LO features are meant for the Indian FGFA and not the Russian PAKFA ?

I have read a couple of Press releases that HAL came up with basically says that the Indian FGFA will be “more stealthy” than the Russian version , primarily because the Russians are more interested in having a super manoeuvrable aircraft , whereas the Indians are willing to compromise on manoeuvrability to make their aircraft more stealthy .