Thanks Aksha. This was a little hard to understand, but it seems like they are having some real issues with production. I guess we will see how it goes.
Russian Su-57 Aircraft Thread (PAK-FA and IAF FGFA)
- Thread starter A Bar Brother
- Start date
Thanks Aksha. This was a little hard to understand, but it seems like they are having some real issues with production. I guess we will see how it goes.
Heh! Heh! Heh!,,, oh man I love this, now some of you remember my Buddy from last year, everything that I wrote was wrong, stupid, or worse, even as I read those tea leaves and tried to pull the spin off the top and get a read on PAK-FA, and frankly others who were/are way ahead of me were saying the same thing?
So, this is kinda an I told ya so? and I know that is sometimes frowned upon, but here goes. Moscow is NOT confused, they know the Indians know they are having the devil of a time getting PAK-FA up to speed, they are promising the moon, and kissing lots of butt, and promising to kiss a whole lot more, if the Indians will pick up the tab for getting PAK-FA back on track. The RUAF cutting the PAK-FA buy to 12 is real, they are also sending a message? trust me on this?
The bottom line is that IAF is sick of the games and empty promises, they want the Rafael, as it is a real aircraft, with some neat upgrades, and it will be reliable, and the French will make it happen for them, other folks are buying Rafael, and it is a solid investment and a very solid aircraft! They want airplanes they can park on the flightline, fuel up, preflight, and go fly a mission with, without all the excuses and nonsense! but even though my little buddy said it disappears as soon as you hit the master switch??( it doesn't?), it is a very solid 4.5 gen aircraft, that will be a very fine foil against the anticipated threat?
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That is an understatement TP, and yes thank you Aksha, this does in fact clarify some things? initially after the first flight, some elements appeared to be poorly designed, lots of cracking, unexpected stress fractures, and "pulled rivets?" after finding and attempting to "fix" these design elements, some had to be redesigned, bringing us to T-2 the second stage of PAK-FA, as they were waiting for the tail feathers etc that were honey-combed carbon fibre, they finally decided to just "borrow" the empennage of 054, and fly T-2 650 with those, but finally the long awaited empennage and fairings arrived.
They decided to redesign some parts using 1651T, apparently a Titanium alloy, that proved very difficult to cut and machine, or even drill a clean hole?? they seem to have overcome that final obstacle, and are expecting to fly T-2.6.50. anytime now???
as you said TP, we will see how it goes? I anticipate that India will buy PAK-FA, but in the interim will finally purchase those Rafaels? particularly in light of all the reliability issues with the MKIs, and the ongoing struggle to get PAK-FA in the saddle?
The Indians wanted the better engine as well that would supercruise, but now they are also dragging their feet on footing the co-development costs, so this is throwing a real monkey wrench in the Russian development schedule and plans?? The Indians saying they will now buy the 2nd stage T-50 rather than wait on FG-FA, which is what I predicted they would do anyway.
I'm trying not to be constantly negative on this project. This particular news seems very discouraging for Russians. I'm not sure how valid it is, but it seems like the indians are having some doubts and more excited about Rafael?
Do you think that's the case, Aksha?
b787
Captain
If you were right, they India will ask to join the f-35 program and will demand all the tech transfers they ask Sukhoi to Lockheed, however to understand what is happening, you just need to see India as well as Russia has poverty, India is a country with hundred of millions of poor and Russia while is not that poor, has half of the GDP per capita of the USA and is highly dependent on commodities like oil.
Is PAKFA in trouble? no it is not, the trouble is Russia's economy and India is trying to capitalize by demanding more tech transfers, something India is not going to get, neither Russia will accept, India has troubles with even LCA.
PAKFA is just passing for a logical step, the current geopolitical situation Russia has is they are having less profits from commodities like oil, thus programs like ICBMs and SAMs and other type of weapons will get the main priority, PAKFA will not be cancelled because once all the technologies are ready (engines, avionics and materials) MiG will make a lighter 5 generation aircraft and they are already working in such aircraft
b787
Captain
It is a political ploy by the Indians if it is true, but not something that means PAKFA is in trouble, the Machine is without doubt on par with any 5th generation fighter out there, however the international economic situation in Russia and even China, has consequences on the PAKFA program reducing the number of PAKFAs they might procure at this moment however for Russia PAKFA has a main capital importance, Russia exports mostly oil and weapons, so for Russia they need to remain a step ahead of any customer or rival to sell PAKFA, and PAKFA is thought to be an export aircraft, it might benefit MiG, if the Indians buy less PAKFAs then the need for a cheaper 5th generation will be greater, meaning all the technology designed for PAKFA will end up in the MiG project
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the 36 Rafales are coming .
i do not know whether more orders will follow. but the IAF defnitely wants more.
it is romoured that the FGFA deal will be signed in December when the prime minister visits Moscow.
no choice but to wait and watch.
but i will say that
India will have no option but to buy atleast 50 T 50's
perhaps the only thing thing that the Indians will well about the PAK FA is its AESA radar.
because they have worked on it.
at present
its all confusing,
as a friend of mine puts it
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