I would love for the PAF to procure 50 of these birds in the next decade. There is easily a requirement in the PAF for 50 long range air superiority bombers able to strike far away. The Su-27/30/35 series fits this perfectly well but with the SU-57 it is the latest technology at a very reasonable price (45 million). The engine, IRIST, AESA radar technology in the SU-57 is top notch and superior to the F-35. THe SU-57 equiped with something like the PL-15 would be a Rafale killer.
Hopefully with the increasing cooperation between Russia/Pakistan such a purchase may become a possibility. Russia is expected to invest easily above 10+ billion over the next few years in Pakistan in the energy sector alone. A huge potential exists between us to a create a super region trade block centered around Central Asia.
The titanium is there because it is far more heat resistance to increased temperature during super cruise. Remember the F-22 is expected to super cruise during most of its missions flying above mach 1 without after burners.
During the FXX competition the F-22 was actually outclassed in both stealth and performance by the F-23. The F-23 project team was led by northrop gruman which was know for its cost overruns associated with the B-2 bombs which costs 1+bn each for each bomber. Also during the test trails lockheed showcased live firing of missiles from within the F-22 which the F-23 northrop team did not.
Led to the USAF choosing F-22 for political reason (2 companies benefit ie lockheed and GD which employs 200,000+ employees). I strongly believe the USAF made a big mistake and should have actually went with both fighters as it would allow the US to also export to key allies like NATO/Japan/Korea/ Australia which lack 5th generation capabilities equivelent to the F-22. F-23s legacy did not die though as the USAF actually tested the 6th generation aircraft secretly last year and much of its DNA comes from the F-23
so I guess in the end the F-23 did win out
Does this give the Next Generation Air Dominance program more momentum, or does it open it up to more scrutiny?
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