Hyperwarp
Captain
This is a bit a head-scratcher for me. MiG-31 variants don't have that marking but the MiG-29, Su-30 and Su-35S do have those markings right besides the radome
Other than the MiG-29K all others are in-service planes.
Russian Su-57 Aircraft Thread (PAK-FA and IAF FGFA)
- Thread starter A Bar Brother
- Start date
This is a bit a head-scratcher for me. MiG-31 variants don't have that marking but the MiG-29, Su-30 and Su-35S do have those markings right besides the radome
Other than the MiG-29K all others are in-service planes.
In mass production yet?
No, they have just first flighted the -2 version 056, they currently have the first five -1s doing flight test, the former 055, destroyed by fire, rebuilt using the fuselage/center section of what would have been the 6th -1 prototype.
1. So five -1 prototypes are currently airworthy and participating in flight test, they have been extensively modified to rectify some initial structural cracking, etc, etc, and have now each been returned to flight, this will bring some credibility back to the PAK-FA program as a whole.
2. 056, the first 6-2 prototype has recently completed its first flight and been flown to the flight test center as the newest pre-production prototype, so PAK-FA is coming back up to full flight test status, 7-2 is a non-flying test article, and I believe there are at least two -2 prototypes to fly very soon, the -2 seem to be equipped with working avionics systems etc, so in fact may lead us to the first LRIP birds in 2017-2018???
b787
Captain
in their plans i mean official plans yes, the last 3 prototypes have been flown with weapons and radar sets completed, will they start production in 2017? that will be another question, there are no structural changes in the prototypes that can be seen structurally, since all aircraft are identical except in the tail stings, 06 has the latest model but by exception of sensors and tail stings all are identical
O come on ! The question was clearly "In mass production yet?" and as such the answer is as clearly: NO !
To mention three prototypes having "been flown with weapons and radar sets completed" is irrelevant.
Even more - and I'm sure You will immediately dismiss it since it is not officially confirmed - Your statement that "there are no structural changes in the prototypes that can be seen structurally, since all aircraft are identical except in the tail stings" is plain wrong. Just compare how many attached stringers and reinforcement stripes were attached after 051's maiden flight during the testing and also visible on the other birds like 053 too.
If they are not a hint or even proof for structural issues, I don't know for what else ? Surely not for improving the RCS.
Also how many parts now are made from different materials like the LEVCONS ??
If You always want to ignore the facts or avoid reading the lines and instead only listen to official news, You will never get a clue ...
Deino
b787
Captain
Okay tell me each and every change and later tell me technically why is the change done, the structure has not have any relevant change except the tail stings, if you compare the Su-27 T-10 original prototype and the T-10S you will see they really changed the aircraft structurally.
PAKFA only possible structural problem is the weapons bays since the weapons bay doors will open, this could potentially mean weakness, so the aircraft needs a strong longitudinal back and spine and aft fuselage fairing, such changes are not visible, if the aircraft has had changes are internal and not visible, the back of an aircraft that opens its rear door such a C-5 or An-124 requires a strong roof at the top of the fuselage and the same are the weapons bays of the T-50.
If the T-50 has a trouble the weapons are the likely cause since there is a empty area that open its bay doors, the solution will be change the structure and architecture of the aircraft entirely and integrate potentially new and stronger materials, in few words the bulkheads will be needed to re-modified and re-design and that will change most likely the external physical appearance, such changes are not seen in PAKGA, regardless you believe the forum posters of LTD key aviation
I leave you these picture so you can visualize what i am saying
Last edited: