Russia to test fifth-generation fighter in 2009

[SUBMAN1]

Might I point out, that this is a damn good and entertaining thread? Shows we have some sharp minds at Subsim.

-S

[Hakahura]

Alway's hard to predict tomorrow's wars.

But unless Western society's values change drastically, in all but full scale war I think BVR combat has had it's day. No western politician is likely to allow it's forces to engage the enemy without positive identification. Whilst BVR combat is a useful and potentially engagement winning tool, it's not much use if the politicians tie your hands.

[SUBMAN1]

Originally Posted by Hakahura

Alway's hard to predict tomorrow's wars.

But unless Western society's values change drastically, in all but full scale war I think BVR combat has had it's day. No western politician is likely to allow it's forces to engage the enemy without positive identification. Whilst BVR combat is a useful and potentially engagement winning tool, it's not much use if the politicians tie your hands.

Hardly. Positive identification includes radar identification. Even a simple F-16 now days can count the compressor blades on an engine, telling you what aircraft you are looking at. And failing that due to a side shot, AWACS knows! All doctrine avoids a close end engagement too - You are never to put yourself in one.

-S

[geetrue]

Originally Posted by Kazuaki Shimazaki II

Wishes them luck. America needs a competitor.

Frankly, sometimes I wonder whether Europe's best chance for actually having European equipment is to work with Russia. That way, they'd at least have one partner with the will to actually make an effort... and Russia gets access to more modern electronics - benefits for all.

How can you trust someone who has never kept a treaty? They would love to be someone's partner that's for sure. A European co-op jet fighter made in Russia does not interest anyone ... who are they going to fight? Each other?

Paint one red and one blue ... sorry for the irony.

They might even be able to put secret microchips in the airframe to bring it down in a time of war ...

[CCIP]

Originally Posted by geetrue

How can you trust someone who has never kept a treaty?

You mean the Americans?

(bad joke, but I find your statement to be no less provocative and unfair, not to mention unsubstantiated)

[geetrue]

Originally Posted by CCIP

You mean the Americans?

(bad joke, but I find your statement to be no less provocative and unfair, not to mention unsubstantiated)

Only because you are Russian my friend ... when your in a cold war both sides see it different ... wait a minute that goes for a hot war too, uh ...

Merry Christmas