Gomig-21 Wed Aug 18, 2021 3:26 pm
GarryB wrote:The more I see the aircraft the more I like it.
I have to say I liked it from the beginning, even when it was under the covers. We could tell a lot of the overall shape and the only thing I got fooled with was how far high the intakes came up the sides. I thought for some reason (I think it was the way the tarp was creased at that point of the intake and the LERX) that fooled me.
I'm very interested in how they determined that they didn't need H-stabs. Was it super computer information and algorithmic calculations that determined that possibility or was it window tunnel sample testing that was performed on miniature models and then finally on this full scale prototype?
I think the surprise factor for some others whom are skeptical (there will always be those lurking all the time) that it's essentially ready for ground testing and then taken to the air is fantastic. I hope that happens sooner rather than later.
Some mentioned the V-stabs and the wings are essentially the same as the Su-57 amongst some other items. I think that is such a great strategy to reduce the workload and assembly line production to a minimum for those rather large and complex items. However, I'm not sure about the wings as I look at them side by side as best as possible. They might be identical overall, like 95% but other changes can be seen in the shape, especially at the very far end outside tips.
The cost is also going to be debated till the cows come home. $25-$30 million just seems way too low but hey, we'll have to wait and see. The big pressure on Sukhoi/Rostec and co. is the speed at which they turn it into a flying prototype and then a platform ready for assembly. Get through all that including the testing and that will be the final judging parameter by the super hardened critics IMO.
Otherwise, I think it's just downright awesome and can't wait to see it take to the skies and tens of countries line up to purchase it!