Best guess, next to be added, likely this september if it is the Fox 3 Update
US: F-15
GB: SHar FA2
Sweden: Gripen
Probably a USSR
I dont know my other nations too well. But it will be along those lines. I definetly see F-18 not that long after. Im hoping we’ll see an early/prototype Typhoon sooner rather than later. But I dont think we’ll see 4.5/5th gen for a while yet. There are too many holes in most nations to fill first. I could potentially see F-22 around the same time we see comparible late 4th gen and 4.5 gens. But not before.
Every nation needs some competitive to be added. BR and ranks are irrelevant when in my opinion, only nations with F-14,. F-16 or Mig-29 are currently competitive. Sweden, GB, France (maybe, no idea if the Mirage 2000 is actually anygood), need some love next update
Eh… Never gunna fly it anyway, im a Britain main. So long as I get my Sea Harrier FA2 with 9Ms and AMRAAM, then that will keep me happy till the Typhoon. (though wouldnt say no to seeing the Sea Harrier FRS1 and Tornado Gr1 finished, but its been 9 months now, so im kinda loosing hope on that front)
Well that’s true. Although I’ve never heard it from a Russian.
Structural features of it that reflect back radar waves are the flat ducted engine compressor fans (allegedly directly exposed from the front).
otherwise, the structure is according to stealth design philosophy. The IRST rear face being spherical jeopardises it a bit but I cant say how much.
It should also be known that there isn’t a production line for the 57 yet, and if it is put into production, we can expect a the current version 1/block I to have factory applied RAM (Radar Absorbent Material coatings, depending on how good they are, it will be stealth despite anti Russian claims and desires. It would also cover the famous ‘loose and open screws and rivets’ on the fuselage.
If a block II is considered, these issues would be ironed out by designing a Trianguloid IRST rear face and hiding the ducted compressor blades via offsetting the air intake ducts
Imho its the same like the T-14 armata tanks. There are a couple of pre production and early production variants for red square parades…but they’re somehow not really adopted and went into production.
IF this Suchoi would be a working stealth jet, they would have used it by now to suppress air defense systems and to somehow achieve air superiority. But its nowhere to be seen, which is very suspicous. Maybe its just a Potemkin-style village to make everyone believe Rus has a operational 5th generation aircraft.