Originally Posted by Perilscope

XabbaRus, I don't think Russia is incapable, I actually admire some of their stuff more than the rest. For example, apart for the Typhoon and Tornado, my favorite military aircrafts are mostly Russian, like the: Su-27, Su-30, Su-34, Su-35 and S-37, I would take them over the F-14 or F/A-18 anytime. And another thing too, I always preferred the Buran over the American space shuttle and admired their crazy idea of flying it from a distance, and I would take the Energiya booster over the USA's boosters anytime. I also always liked the AK's over the M-16 and many others things.

And if we speak outside of the military world, if we all remember, it was Fyodorov that truly brought to light the development of the eye laser surgery, the USA only took interest in the same way of doing ten years later.

And I have Russian blood too, so I have special love for Russia, I am adopted by Italians yes, but my real father is from Russia(moved to Hungary at young age, then Canada at the age of 16, and had me):D

BTW just to let you know that I am not an anti-Russian person, I just think the lack of money and bad ideology made that country sink to low levels...:-? Still I am proud of my heritage. :yep:

Originally Posted by nightdagger

I agree. Russia's problem is that firms like Sukhoi develop kick-ass technology but then 2 seconds later the Russian government turns around and says that they can't pay for it. As for the AK, it is a great weapon, probably one of the most reliable in the world, but guess what it's based on? The M1 Garand...you know, America's primary service rifle in World War II.

Originally Posted by Wim Libaers

Sure about that? Usually it is said to be (loosely) based on the German Sturmgewehr 44 and 45.

Originally Posted by Perilscope

LOL, either way, it was based on spying. :D

Originally Posted by joea

I mean what's new or strange about taking good design elements from other companies, countries etc?

Originally Posted by joea

...(no need to spy for that)...