PAK FA Variants

[sicsok]

The three-view drawings published about the T-50 are not accurate (by far).
Look at the location where the wingroot extension ("shoulders") are (the real plane has it way behind the cockpit, and interestingly those seem to have moveable leading edge slats on them too, besides themselves being moveable!
But the planform analysis indicates that the shape is optimised for top speed higher than that of the Raptor
Preliminary computations:
F-22 M2.098 vs. T-50 M2.28+
On the other hand let's consider the likely operational climates of these and the picture gets more interesting.
If the T-50 operates in Russian (and mostly Siberian) airspace then "cold atmospheric data" will apply:
Sea Level: 2452 km/ó EAS top
5000 ft: 2584 km/ó EAS
FL100: 2584 -"- -"- (same temp.)
FL330 2375
FL450 2330
FL600 2242

For the Raptor (mostly in STD or HOT atmospheres usage (except Alaska):
SL: 2570 km/ó STD 2675 km/ó HOT EAS
5000 ft 2526 2629
FL100 2480 2581
FL330 2260 2357
FL450 2230 2304
FL600 2229 2317

This is only conclusive from the shapes, but I can assume fairly well that engines will match these figures.

[Jenaro117]

Hi all, does anyone have an opinion of which countries beyond Russia & India will buy the t-50? i've seen alot of talk about how it will rule the skies & shoot down any US/Western fighter design with ease, but it seems to me that few countries will buy it. It looks like a good design and if the US/Russia or US/India or Russia/India ever decide to go at it, we can find out if the T-50 or the F-22 is king. However both designs look like they will never leave home unless for an airshow. The only time i think they might face off is if the Indians bring them to Red Flag.

Maybe Venezuela might buy 20 to counter the American threat, maybe Cuba? or North Korea? The last 2 dont really have the $ to spend so i dont know.

Thoughts?

[Carlo]

So far, only two countries will get the PAK FA, Russia and India. The project was offered to Brazil a few years ago, but this country politely declined. It wasn't offered to any other country still, and probably few will buy it, as it will be an expensive fighter (not as expensive as the F-22, but still far from cheap). Also, I don't think Russia and India will be willing to share the technology with many other countries. China is a country with the resources to buy it, but probably nor Russia nor India will allow them to buy it.

[sicsok]

A few other cookies in the oven
Please note the lack of vertical fins becoming popular (on boats with outbord motors one rarely sees rudders...a one-dimensional analogue)...Less sensitivity for crosswinds, besides full turn-control in taxiing speeds with minimum brake-usage. It all adds up to gains, but changes in piloting techniques too. Let alone the weight and drag savings in flight.

[Sumi321]

Many new Pakfa pictures, thanks to Sergey and Paralay.
http://pilot.strizhi.info/2010/06/22/8752#more-8752
http://paralay.com/su50.html