Tupolev PAK DA

History of Tupolev PAK DA

Russia is advancing the design stage of a new subsonic stealth strategic bomber designed to replace the outdated Cold War-era line of long-range conventional Tu-95 Bears and T-160 Blackjack bombers - which will Modernization is seen as a transitional measure. The new bomber is managed by the long-established Tupolev Company (United Aircraft Corporation (UAC)), which designed, developed and built the aforementioned bombers and has a proven pedigree for long-range heavy aircraft. At the time of writing (2014), the new bomber - project name "PAK DA" ("Perspective Aviation Complex - Long-Range Aviation") - will be a true flying wing, without tail surfaces and operating as a subsonic aircraft , modern stealth methods are used to reduce radar signatures (perhaps somewhat similar to Northrop Grumman's B-2 "Spirit" stealth bomber).

The program is supported by the state UAC.

In March 2013, the Russian Air Force approved the Tupolev design template, with preliminary plans for quantitative mass production in 2020. It is believed that the data/technology has flowed into the (ongoing) development and the Sukhoi T-50 "PAK"-FA" 5th generation fighter will also be introduced into the PAK DA design.

In September 2014, it was reported that a PAK DA prototype had been approved for construction in 2013 and launched in 2014. A maiden flight is now planned for sometime in 2019, followed by government acceptance tests in 2023 and service with the Russian Air Force. The aircraft will be built at UAC's Kazan plant. It is believed that the engine selected will be a Kuznetsov design based on the NK-32 turbofan engine, of which the PAK DA will use up to four of these units.

This engine already powers the Tu-160.

The origin of the PAK DA was a requirement of the Russian Air Force in 2008 that evolved into the subsonic flying wing product known today. The four-engine configuration helps the aircraft achieve the required range and performance specifications.

Avionics may include some equipment developed for the T-50 fighter jet. Munitions support is expected to include cruise missiles, nuclear weapons and precision-guided bombs, as well as support for conventional dump bombs.

At this stage of development, there is very little official information about PAK DA, although the plan was approved by Russian leaders Vladimir Putin and Dmitry Medvedev. The details of the plane will change as the procedure picks up speed.

Meanwhile, the Russian Air Force will continue to use the Tu-160 and Tu-95 platforms - albeit in modernized form, into the 2020s.

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