B-2 Spirit will have a Russian rival in 10 years
By 2029, Russia will mass produce the PAK DA - an aircraft that can reshape the world's military doctrines and become a rival to the B-2.
The statement made by Deputy Minister Yuri Borisov shows that the manufacturer has delayed the time when the Russian army can own the new long-range bomber PAK DA.
According to previous information, PAK DA could make its first test flight in 2019-2020 and be ready for service with the Russian Air Force from 2023.
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| Image believed to be PAK DA aircraft. |
The creation of the PAK DA strategic bomber will replace the Tu-95MS and Tu-160 aircraft currently in service with the Russian Air Force, Deputy Minister Yuri Borisov revealed.
According to Russian military sources, PAK DA will be equipped with all types of high-precision weapons currently under development, including hypersonic weapons. This hypersonic missile will officially be mass-produced in 2020.
PAK DA is equipped with 4 RD-36-41 (ΝΚ-101) engines. The aircraft is 42.2m long. Maximum speed: 3,200 km/h and is designed with 2 large weapon bays of about 30,000 - 35,000kg.
The parameters revealed by Russia show that PAK DA has many similarities with the B-2 Spirit aircraft that has served in the US Air Force for decades.
The scary thing about the B-2 here does not come from its ability to carry as many bombs as the B-52, or fly at supersonic speeds like the B-1B, but rather its stealth capabilities. However, Russian military expert Viktor Baranets confidently asserts that the appearance of the PAK DA could reshape the world's military doctrines.
According to him, their tactical and technical characteristics must surpass the current aircraft, which have long been famous brands. The complex is classified, many characteristics are unknown at the moment, but some have already leaked out. The aircraft will be equipped with high-precision weapons, including hypersonic missiles.
If successful, it will be built in the form of a wing — a very impressive modern shape — will be able to stay in the air for more than 30 hours, equipped with very powerful engines, of course stealth technology is applied. As for the radio-electronic equipment, all the achievements of the defense industry will be used.
"The project has a very nice code with the Russian word - Poslanik. Among the bombers in service, there is no type that can carry such a number of weapons.
Russian aircraft designers know how to surprise the world. The appearance of such "birds" in the sky will make the opponent not dare to think about the power of the weapons that Russia possesses," Baranets emphasized.
