Russia's New Stealth Bomber: A Costly Venture with Doubtful Promises

Russia is developing its most technically advanced combat aircraft to date, intended to replace the Tu-22M, Tu-95, and Tu-160. Despite grand plans, the project appears to be a costly endeavor with billions potentially being wasted, according to UNIAN.

After a long period of silence, the Russian Federation has once again mentioned its next-generation strategic bomber, known as the Promising Aviation Complex for Long-Range Aviation (PAK DA). This time, there were no grandiose claims or threats to NATO; experts simply summarized the known details about the aircraft.

The anticipated characteristics are as follows: a crew of four, a maximum take-off weight of 145 tons, a payload of 35 tons, a flight range of up to 15,000 km, a high subsonic maximum speed, a cruising speed of 800 km/h, a practical ceiling of 20,000 meters, and powered by two NK32-02 engines. It will be armed with up to 12 X-BD cruise missiles, hypersonic X-95s, and air-to-air missiles.

This aircraft is being developed in response to American strategic bombers like the B-2 Spirit and B-21 Raider. The new bomber will feature stealth technology and a flying wing design, which combines all components, crew, and payload within the wing structure, akin to a stingray. This shape is optimized for reducing radar signatures but makes the aircraft relatively unstable in flight, a challenge solvable with an advanced flight control system.

Russia's approach follows established paths rather than creating a revolutionary weapon, focusing on low visibility or stealth technology. Stealth tech isn't new; the U.S. has operated the F-117 Nighthawk since 1983. However, Russia and its predecessor, the USSR, have struggled to produce a series of stealth aircraft. Russia's only stealth fighter, the...