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| Concept of PAK DA long-range bomber aircraft (via Twitter) |
Washington - Russia is believed to intend or is developing a bomber that looks similar to the United States B-2 Spirit stealth bomber.
The information was obtained from a leaked data document in the form of a patent image filed by Tupolev earlier this year. Tupolev is known as a Russian bomber manufacturer, the most famous of which are the Tu-95 and Tu-160.
The patent concerns a change to the suction valve. In this case the intake valve is displayed in the fuselage. The entrance is shown from the front, top and side. Another interesting fact is the similarity of the Russian bomber with the US B-2 Spirit, in the shape of the sharp beak, the more advanced cockpit, the engine openings are in the same place as the B-2 Spirit, on the upper surface of the fuselage on the wings.
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| PAK DA long-range bomber concept spread on twitter |
There is no official evidence that this is the concept of the Russian PAK DA bomber that has long been developed. But from official and unofficial information gathered over the years, the blueprint fits the alleged Russian concept that has been developing the PAK DA since 2007.
However, there are also differences between this Russian bomber and the American B-2 Spirit. Russian bombers have prominent curved wings, while the B-2 has serrated wingtips. The trailing edge on the Russian bomber is also different and more similar to the trailing edge of the Russian S-70 Okhotnik attack drone.
Most likely, concept and pi both follow the same line of development. American analysts note the difference in the concept of the drive. The Russian bomber will most likely have two engines, which will expel exhaust gases through the trailing edge.
It's not as stealthy as the B-2, which doesn't just hide its four turbofans well. However, the B-2's design allows it to be shrouded, which is good for reducing radar cross-section. Experts say that low visibility is most difficult to achieve precision in engine structure design not only on this bomber but in general.
At the moment, it is impossible to say how low the radar visibility of these Russian bombers is. Images do not show coatings, aperture designs, or structural design solutions that would suppress radar. Experts say that Russian engineers will most likely try to strike a balance between technology, performance and cost per unit.
There is a budget option to reduce the design, and for now we assume that the bomber will be equipped with stealth capabilities. However, it is not known whether this belongs to the low observable [LO] and not very low observable [VLO] classes.
About the characteristics of the Russian bomber provided only limited by the company. At first glance, the bomber would fly at a distance of 15,000 kilometers without refueling. It weighs 160 tons and carries 33-35 tons of weapons.
Most likely the PAK DA will be equipped with the latest Russian missiles, next generation missiles, long range missiles such as the Kh-101/102. These include conventional weapons such as the Kh-101 (known to NATO as the AS-23A Kodiak), the Kh-102 type nuclear missile.