Russia starts development of a new medium-weight frontline fighter

[Basel]

F-35 is cheap because of the economies of scale though. And even though there are at least hundreds of orders, it is still not that cheap. I don't think any Russian plane can achieve that kind of scale in the foreseeable future.


I believe the Russian doctrine advocates frontal stealth with a strong emphasis on EOTS. The theory behind that is when two stealth fighters are confronting each other, whomever sees the adversary first will get the kill through BVR, hence the Western suspicions about PAK FA's non-frontal stealth features.

In NCW that can get one killed as now many sensors from various sides will be monitoring air craft and sharing data.

 

[Bilal Khan (Quwa)]

Well, that's indeed a pleasant surprise ...

In Russia, work began on a new light front-line fighter

MOSCOW, April 16 - RIA News. Research has begun in Russia with the goal of creating a new operational tactical aviation platform, the RIA Novosti was told in the press service of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC, part of Rostec).
In particular, at the end of last year, MiG RSK placed an order for the study "Aerodynamic calculation of a light multi-functional front-line twin-engine aircraft, comparison with foreign analogues" for the period 2020-2025. Information about this was posted on the public procurement portal. The cost of work is estimated at four million rubles.
As explained by RIA Novosti in the United Aircraft Corporation (part of the Rostec Group of Companies), UAC engineering centers are constantly working on new models of equipment. "Search and conceptual research is underway. We are talking about new platforms for operational tactical aviation. These projects will make a promising program of work for Sukhoi Design Bureau and Mikoyan Design Bureau in the framework of the UAC Military Aviation Division," the press service said, commenting on the information from public procurement.
Currently, the Su-57 (formerly PAK FA, experimental name T-50) is being tested in Russia - the fifth-generation Russian fighter designed to destroy all types of air, ground and surface targets. First flew in 2010. The combination of high maneuverability with the ability to perform supersonic flight, as well as a modern complex of avionics and low visibility provide the Su-57 superiority over competitors. VKS entered into a contract for the supply of 76 vehicles of this type.

via: https://ria.ru/amp/20200416/1570107844.html

plus, here's the official announcement via UAC an a question by me:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1252326243992834050

It'd be hilariously ironic if this program gets shelved and ends up as the basis of Project AZM through China. Basically, MiG-33/FC-1/Super-7 Chapter II.

 

[Ultima Thule]

What is that thing? From marking it seems to be a USAF plane.

It was a early concept of JSF program