The technology stealth is deeply undermining the claims of Russian rearmament that should be concluded between the 2020 and the 20205. After the difficulties with the development of the PAK-FA fighter, the future Russian fifth-generation bomber also complains of "special" technical problems that will delay the first flight by at least three years. The confirmation comes directly from Tupolev, a company that is developing the new platform.
A few weeks ago, the design phase of the PAK-DA, was considered concluded with Tupolev Design Bureau ready to start the construction phase of the first prototype. According to initial estimates, the first flight of the new bomber should have been carried out (further retouching the previously announced) within the 2019. The PAK-DA, on the other hand, will not make its first flight at least until the 2021. The timeline provided by the Russians, considered too rosy, involved the entry into service of the PAK-DA within the 2025.
Russia has begun development of a new strategic bomber in the 2014. The project, set aside for several years and known as PAK-DA (Russian acronym of "future long-range aircraft"), received the green light from the Russian leadership only at the end of the 2013. Russian engineers would be aiming at a subsonic aircraft in the shape of a "flying wing", which would guarantee superior "stealth capacity", a cross between the B-2 Spirit from Northrop Grumman and the new Long Range Strike-Bomber from Air Force.
Probably as big as a Boeing 757 line, it should have a range of over 6.700 nautical miles. The PAK-DA, according to the guidelines of the Ministry of Defense, will have to be equipped with advanced electronic warfare systems and armed with the new long-range nuclear cruise missiles, as well as a variety of high precision conventional weapons.
The new bomber will most likely be built at a new aircraft assembly line in the Kazan plant. The PAK-DA will have to replace the current Russian strategic fleet composed of 63 Tupolev Tu-95MS Bear and 13 Tu-160 Blackjack (photo).
The PAK-DA was designed to be armed also with hypersonic missiles that are expected to go into production in Russia within the next four years. According to Tactical Missile Systems Corporation, the missiles will go into production before the 2020.
(photo: Russian Defense Ministry's Press and Information Department)
