Sukhoi Pushes Ahead With Revamped Flanker(subscription required)
Aviation Week & Space Technology
06/25/2007, page 43
Douglas Barrie
Le Bourget
Sukhoi plans aggressive flight test and weapons integration schedule for latest Flanker version
Printed headline: Family Affair
Fighter manufacturer Sukhoi is trying to persuade the Russian government to contribute development funds for its latest version of the Su-27 Flanker family, the Su-35, with indications that the air force has already decided to acquire the aircraft.
Three Su-35 prototypes are initially being manufactured, with a first flight planned by the end of September, according to a senior Sukhoi executive involved in the program. "Currently, there's no government funding," he says. "The program so far is being funded by industry participants."
The first aircraft, No. 901, is now complete and undergoing ground tests. It's slated to be at the Moscow air show in August, before beginning flight trials. The company has an ambitious flight test and initial weapons integration plan that it aims to finish by 2010, followed by the first aircraft being handed over to the air force.
The first prototype of Sukhoi's Su-35 is due to appear at the Moscow air show on the flight line, rather than only as a display model.Credit: DOUGLAS BARRIE/AW&ST
....
The Su-27 derivative will certainly include systems also destined for the T-50. It will also provide the air force with an interim fighter should--a distinct possibility--the time scale for introducing the PAK FA into service be extended. First flight of the T-50 is penciled in for 2009.
...
It's not clear in the picture, but there appears to be a fairing on the aft end of the large missile hanging on the right hand (left of picture) pylon. This might be an air intake.
Given the Russian experience with solid fuel ramjets, the SA-6 had one in the early 1970s, the range of this AIM-54 sized Phoenix sized missile could be rather long.
0 comments :
Post a Comment