So, in the core thinking, what does this mean?

It means the F-22's "unique" capabilities aren't unique anymore, and Russia's previous arms deals are any indication, these capabilities are available to EVERYBODY who's money is green.


Not to mention that while the USAF has been resting on it's laurels (i.e., had it's thumb up it's @$$) with it's 2D Thrust-Vectoring (on the F-22), a prototype of what will eventually be a foreign production aircraft now has 3D Thrust-Vectoring.
Hell, the F-22 can't even pivot it's nozzles independently, let alone to the sides --- or EVER be modified to do otherwise.

Ahh, got it.

A good-looking fighter with much potential ahead. But in my opinion, an I mean no disrespect, it looks like a hybrid of both an F-22 Raptor and F-23...

Not an expert myself, but those similarities could be a result of physics, aerodynamics, and reduced RCS features in the airframe.

Cool video by the way.

The reason certain aircraft look alike is because similar performance requirements spawn similar designs. When you keep this in mind, it's very easy to read an aircraft's performance based primarily on it's appearance.

What I see when I look at the T-50 is;
- Faster than the F-22.
- More agile than the F-22.
- Larger maximum payload than the F-22.
- Longer range than the F-22.
- Lighter than the F-22.
- Larger Fuel Fraction than the F-22.
- etc.

You CAN determine these things about an airframe just be looking at it.

What might be the response if the T-50 program becomes fully operational, and exported to other countries with the green?

Under the current presidential administration, Russia will receive "stern condemnation" (or some other synonym for a slap-on-the-wrist), and the F-35 program would be accelerated (or maybe canceled!).


Under a presidential administration with a SPINE, a lot of USAF brass will suddenly find themselves looking for new jobs, and a lot of F-15Cs and F-15Es would be converted into "Silent Eagles" (see my reply to Falcon01).

I'd like to say that work on a 6th-Generation Air Superiority Fighter could then begin, but I worry that it would turn into a "Science Fair" like the US Army's doomed Future Combat Systems became.
Worse still, I seriously doubt that ANYBODY in a position to develop a new fighter at ANY level of the process would know how to do it. Look at how the ATF, DP-2, JVX, JAST, A-12, NATF, LHX, ARH-70, JSF, KC-X, and CSAR-X turned out --- they just don't know "what right looks like" anymore.

Depressing, but so true.
I've heard they are looking towards UAVs' as the next big thing.

It's very funny. Because the F-22 was conceptualized in a time when it would fly against the SU-27. We could of have something else by now, but we would all now how THAT would end up!

I'll say. If the USAF starts a 6th-gen fighter project today, it might be ready for production by 2050. XD

US Citizens: You spent too much on this god damn 6th generation fighters already! I'm pulling the plug! *receives suite case* whats all this... WHERE IS ALL THE TAX REVENUES

US Government: Oh, that is better than money my good sir... those are I.O.U's. *pulls up napkin with scribbles* see this? this was a program to upgrade and fix all the bugs in our F-22 and F-35 fleet. Only a hundred billion dollars. Of course... we didn't make anymore of those gems, Quality over Quantity! *wiggles napkin and squeals*

Interesting.

Indeed.

It'll be interesting to see where the T-50 program goes from here.

Purty airplane, there!

That it is!

Yeah, it'll be interesting to see where it goes . . .

F-22 + YF-23A + Sukhoi = A true Soviet.

It looks more like a YF-23 than a YF-22 to me.

I.e., less like a certain heavily-subsidized LOSER airframe, than a certain shunned winner...

Mmm, mebbe.

Heh, that birdy looks VERY good. <3

It sure does.

I wonder if the USAF is going to start taking the possibility of starting a 6th-Generation Air Superiority Fighter project seriously now?

Actually it looks a LOT like what a "stealth-A-fied" F15 would look like....which is kinda down right frightening!

The F22 is already obsolete and had been before it's production run started. Sadly the US seems to think the way to go is unmanned airframes. aside from the silly F35, I haven't seen any more manned fighter proposals or even "fantasy" artwork...which is very odd as usually the industrial PTB are usually always showing off their "dream designs"

Indeed, the F-22 truly was the ideal airframe for protecting America's Discos.



Now that you mention it, there IS a "stealth-A-fied" F-15;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kn6nx_GGERQ

The F-15 SE looks good but is still basically a 1970's design, and it reminds me of the big F-4 "makeovers" which fortunately never got off the paper. The F-15 is a damn good aircraft and no other fighter has matched it's accomplishments to date...but the clock is ticking and without a FULL REDESIGN, the airframe will never keep up with the competition. Variable exhaust would help it considerably but I doubt that would happen...cost too much and may not even be feasible. Sad that we put pennies and politics above national defense and security.

a bit late there :P

About time we saw a jet from then thats not a rehash. It still has FAR to go yet, and lets hope it gets the funding, this is almost a Russo-Indian operation, the T50 has heavy indian financial support :P

That gives the T-50 the one thing that all post-Cold War Russian fighters have been lacking so far --- ca$h.