What I seriously postulate is that the opportunity for limited conflict exists. Do you seriously believe there is zero chance of this happening? Because completely discounting the possibility would be sheer folly.
I would add that it also stems from necessity. You mentioned the troubled global economy. Hmmm, the possibility of conflict, what could possibly make the illogical just a hair more logical? What was that thing that got the US economy back into some kind of order after this 'Great Depression' I keep hearing of in the news again? Do you see my thought process here?
Oh come on.
The R&D in all the millitary aircraft industries are leading much of the very best development these days.. avionics, Engine and weapons.
Sure the Cold war are long gone, but if you think there's no more agents spying on each other.
And there have never been the same level of press covering of any stuff in the Russian millitary, oh same thing goes for China.
I guess the Russian like keep us on our toes as much as possible
I suspect that the production lines won't be available for export for 2-3 years after serial production starts, at least. The production slots will be bought up by the MoD. This is what happened to the S-400 production line. This is why Russia is still export S-300PMU2, which come out of armed forces inventory (the long term storage part) and are then modernized.
Yes. But speculation based on similar precedent and official statements. It also makes quite a bit of sense, as it would give time to work out all the bugs and any issues with the aircraft. It would also give Russia more time to find buyers. In any event, unless you have conclusive evidence that Russia does not intend to buy the Su-35 we are still left with the same set up. We have a statement of intent, and major development efforts to produce the Su-35BM. No information on a contract (or absence of one).
Sukhoi have stated that there will be only one more prototype before series prod begin.
Sukhoi have stated that there will be only one more prototype before series prod begin.
And that there will be conducted some total 150-160 test flight on all 3 prototype.
What happens when all those test flight are completed?
Perhaps the "901" will be use as a demonstrator, and will show up in some airshows in 2009 and 1010..
And after a quick shakedown the "902" and "903" will be reinserted as the two first series production of Su-35..
After all they have a full mission complement acording to KNAAPO sources.
Of course only speculation...
I think it is highly unlikely.
I do indeed. Consider when 5th generation threats appear near Russia. The earliest ones will be the F-35. When does it enter squadron service en-masse across Europe? 5-10 year timeframe. It's not coincidental that Russia plans to enter the PAK-FA into service around the same time.
Then we shall have to agree to disagree.
In any event, like I said the F-35 will only enter large scale service in Europe in a 5-10 year timeframe.
Take a peek at Airliners.net i believe u'll find several new hi-res pic's of the Su-35 bort 901, 902.