LFMS – Easy multi-purpose a front line an airplane

Surely Laki (the ‘L’ in the acronym) is for ‘Light’ rather than ‘Easy’.

But the question I would like to ask is , Is the Mig-35 an already evolved platform ( since its already a 3 decade old design and has gone through multiple upgrades/improvements , or as some one would argue that it was a design far ahead of its time ) with little scope of improvements over a period of 25 years , except perhaps on the avionics front ?

Now, as far as I understood things the MiG-35 is only a “3 decades old design” in the sense that externally it resembles early model ’29s. I would expect that the internal design of the aircraft to be completely different – including the internal structure, layout of fuel-tanks, avionics, engines etc etc. In this internal sense, it might well be useful to think of it as a completely new aircraft, similar, in a way* to the relationship between the bug and the super-bug.

* Obviously with the Hornet family, there (more) significant external differences too.

….but it now has a curious bulge behind the mainwheels on the engine trunking…???

Ken, I’m sorry, I seem to have misunderstood something, which photo shows the ‘curious bulge’… I’m curious :rolleyes: .

I quite like Frisbee… I think its somehow fitting.

Also, how about Firearm?

Su-35 (II)

ZHUHAI (China), October 31 (RIA Novosti) – Sukhoi, Russia’s state-owned aircraft manufacturing holding, said Tuesday a prototype of its advanced multi-role fighter has been undergoing flight tests.

Sukhoi is among more than 50 Russian companies showcasing their aircraft and aerospace technologies at the sixth China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China 2006), which opened today in Zhuhai, in southern China.

“A prototype of the Su-35 has already conducted test flights, but I cannot give you more details,” said Sergei Sergeyev, deputy general director of the holding and head of Sukhoi’s China office.

He also said the company has started to promote the Su-35 fighter on the Chinese market.

The Su-35 Flanker-E is an advanced version of the Su-27 interceptor and is powered by two AL-37F engines. It is a versatile fighter that combines high maneuverability and the capacity to intercept air targets with ground and sea attack capability using both unguided and guided, including high precision, weapons.

Personally I’m not really doubting the presence of a market – aid agencies, foreign (i.e. western) governments and armed forces all have a need to transport very large payloads quickly across the globe. Should the Be-2500 be available tomorrow it would doubtless find customers just as the An-225 is kept relatively busy. It would also probably be cheaper per ton of payload to operate than a heavy conventional transporter. The problem is finding funding to get this immensely complex and expensive project off the ground/water. I simply doubt that anyone is willing to front the billions of dollars required and to take on the risk involved.

Then it will be my Fin is bigger , my split airleon is larger then yours , my TVC nozzle is more boadcious then your TVC nozzle etc etc

We surely cannot be the only members bored half to death by this sort of debate.

… Or maybe we are*.

* Judging by the “F-22 vs. S-300/400” thread we’re in a serious minority here.