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World Defense & Security News - Russia
 
 
Tupolev Makes Full-Size Mockup of Russia's Next-Gen Strategic Bomber PAK DA
 
Russian airframer Tupolev has made the first full-scale mockup of its future PAK DA strategic bomber being developed for the Russian Air Force, a source in the defense industry told TASS.
     
KRET to develop new-onboard equipment for Russia s PAK DA strategic bomber project 640 001Proposed design for RuAF's future strategic bomber - PAK DA
(Credit: KRET)
     
"Several PAK DA mockups have been made of composites and a full-scale one of wood. The mockups are of flying wing design," the source said.

According to him, the advanced bomber will maximize radar stealth technologies, in particular radar-absorbent materials, and its weapons will be carried internally.

"The PAK DA also is to be equipped with the latest electronic warfare gear unrivalled worldwide in terms of effectiveness," the source stressed.

Another TASS source said: "The first prototype of the bomber is expected to fly on the verge of 2025." The aircraft will be subsonic, he added.

TASS has no official confirmation of the reports.
Previously, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov had said the PAK DA could be unveiled to the public as soon as 2018. The aircraft is supposed to be far superior of the current bombers. Initially, it was supposed to start fielding in 2023-2025, with the launch of its flight tests slated for 2019-2020. Then, the development slowed down due to the resumption of the Tu-160’s (NATO reporting name: Blackjack) production.
     
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