"After ten years, MiG-LMFS will be left without clients": the West evaluated the progress of work on the new fighter
Over the past two decades, the Russian manufacturer of MiG fighters has entered a "steep dive" due to the commercial success of the Sukhoi aircraft, caused by the wide distribution of the Flanker family and the emergence of the fifth generation Su-57 aircraft and strike aircraft. drone S-70 "Hunter".
View from the West at the MiG-LMFS
This opinion is expressed by the Italian edition of Defense Analysis, which tried to assess the prospects for the development of light MiG fighters. Apparently, under the auspices of Rostec, the corresponding work is being carried out. At the same time, a promising combat platform will be suitable for transformation into a drone.
According to the publication, the purpose of these works, which started in 2015, is to create a lighter type of fighter with one engine and low costs for its purchase and maintenance. In this case, the cost will be very different from the "Flankers", which will be beneficial to a wide range of foreign countries. The new aircraft received the designation LMFS (light multifunctional front-line aircraft).
A number of analysts believe that its creation is being carried out with an eye on the previously canceled MiG-1.44 project. fifth generation. In particular, Mikoyan's bureau sought to achieve "absorption" of radar waves thanks to an innovative experimental electromagnetic plasma that would be generated all around the fuselage.
The MiG-LMFS has a layout that is clearly borrowed from the MiG-1.44. With a takeoff weight of about 15 tons and dimensions almost similar to the MiG-35 (length 15,5 meters and a wingspan of about 11,5 meters), the MiG-LMFS will be able to carry up to 5 tons of combat load, including the promising medium-range X- 77M, which will be housed in one or two internal bays for increased stealth.
The installation of a 30-mm GSh-301 cannon is also expected, and as for the power plant, an 11-ton traction unit based on the RD-33MK-35 engine is being discussed. The MiG-LMFS will be able to cover up to 4000 km with a maximum speed of 2500 km / h.
Deadlines can't stand
- noted in the publication, which believes that after the abandonment of single-engine aircraft, Russia "has nothing more to offer those countries that have long been asking for light fighters equipped with one engine." In particular, recently the Vietnamese military leadership announced the search for a modern replacement for the MiG-21.
- concludes the edition.
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