Russia is in the final stage of development of the fifth-generation PAK-DA bomber, also known as the Izdelie 80.
The Izdelie 80: Last steps of its design
British authorities have disclosed substantial progress in the design of the Russian Izdelie 80 bomber. According to the words of James Heappey, British Armaments Secretary, this prototype would be close to completion.
Russia currently maintains a fleet of strategic bombers, such as the Tu-95, Tu-22, and Tu-160, supplemented by missile carriers. The Izdelie 80 marks a significant evolution as a new-generation stealth bomber for the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS).
According to Russian media sources, the first glimpse of the PAK-DA could come in the next few years, possibly towards the end of 2025. The Tupolev company is developing this promising aircraft and is intended to replace the current Tu-160 and Tu-22M3.
Izdelie 80: A significant breakthrough for Russia
The most anticipated advance of the Izdelie 80 is the implementation of stealth technology since the Russian strategic aviation fleet is currently easily detectable by radar. US bombers, such as the B-2, use stealth technology for their part.
The future Izdelie 80 will have subsonic speed, two engines and a range of up to 15,000 km. There are claims in Russian media highlighting the advantages the Russian stealth bomber will have over its American counterpart, especially in terms of weaponry.
It is speculated that the Izdelie 80 will feature hypersonic weapons, while the United States is still developing them.
Weapons and capabilities of the PAK-DA
The PAK-DA bomber will be required to carry several weapon systems, including conventional and nuclear weapons. The exact capabilities of these systems are still unknown as the development of the PAK-DA continues.
The PAK-DA is expected to have a low radar cross-section that will make it difficult to detect by enemy radar systems, allowing it to penetrate adversary territory and deliver its payload with minimal risk of detection or interception.
In addition to its stealthy features, the PAK-DA’s weapon systems are expected to be advanced in their guidance and aiming capabilities, allowing it to deliver its weapons to designated targets accurately.
PAK-DA equipment and performance
With its stealthy design, the PAK-DA is expected to perform outstandingly in modern aerial combat. Its technical characteristics are mostly classified, but there are some specifications that are known or have been leaked through various sources.
The PAK-DA will use advanced cloaking technology to minimize its detectability by enemy radar, allowing it to penetrate enemy airspace with a reduced risk of detection. Additionally, the PAK-DA will be equipped with advanced electronic warfare technology to interfere with enemy communications and air defense systems.
The PAK-DA is expected to have subsonic speed but has an intercontinental range, with the ability to fly up to 12,000 km without refueling. This extensive range makes it capable of global strike missions.
As for weapons, the PAK-DA will need to be able to carry a variety of conventional and nuclear weapons. It is likely that the PAK-DA could carry cruise missiles, precision-guided bombs, and possibly even hypersonic weapons in the future.
The PAK-DA will also need to have the ability to operate in high-intensity warfare environments, with a suite of advanced electronic countermeasures to protect against enemy air defense systems.
Next Steps for PAK-DA
Although the completion of the PAK-DA seems to be getting closer, there are still many testing and evaluation stages. Following the completion of the construction of the first prototype, rigorous flight tests will be carried out to ensure that the aircraft meets all performance specifications and can operate safely and effectively in combat environments.
The development of the PAK-DA represents a major milestone for the Russian Aerospace Forces and a potential game changer in the balance of strategic power on a global level. However, until the PAK-DA is fully operational and deployed, we can only speculate on its ultimate impact on global military aviation.
The Izdelie 80, also known as the PAK-DA, is an advanced fifth-generation bomber being developed by Russia. This project is in charge of the Tupolev company, one of the main aircraft manufacturers in Russia. The goal is to replace the current Tu-160 and Tu-22M3 bombers in the Russian fleet.
The exact date of completion of the Izdelie 80 or PAK-DA has not yet been confirmed. However, the first glimpse of this aircraft is expected to arrive in the next few years, possibly towards the end of 2025, according to Russian media sources.
The Izdelie 80 incorporates important technological advances, one of the most prominent being the implementation of stealth technology. This technology, present in American bombers such as the B-2, will allow the new Russian aircraft to avoid detection by radar. Furthermore, the Izdelie 80 is expected to have a subsonic speed, two engines and a range of up to 15,000 km.
Although the exact capabilities of the PAK-DA are still unknown, this bomber is expected to carry a variety of weapons, both conventional and nuclear. Among the possibilities are cruise missiles, precision-guided bombs, and potentially even hypersonic weapons in the future.
Following the completion of the construction of the first prototype of the PAK-DA, rigorous flight tests will be carried out to ensure that the aircraft meets all performance specifications and can operate safely and effectively in combat environments. Despite the fact that the completion of the PAK-DA seems to be getting closer, there are still many stages of testing and evaluation before it is fully operational and deployed.
