|
Could they probably tool up to produce one definately, Do they have the engineers and basic know how most likely, Would it take 3 or 4 years under wartime footing and limited testing yes, (and far longer in a non-war situtation). At this point russia has not yet produced a known stealth plane.
No one is going to finance russia building one untill one of the two following things occour.
1. Late 4th gen planes fall out of the sky from wear and tear and metal fatigue.
2. The US raptors get into a war with a proffesional (somewhat subjective) air-force with fairly modern fighters and anniliate them. At that point every country that won't deal with the US and can afford it will go clamouring to the russians at which point they will build something.
By the time either of these happen India may well have their aircraft development up to replacing the russians (alot of their joint ventures seem headed in that direction). Saab may or may not also be willing/able to do it (they keep getting declared dead/impracticle then building a good airplane with some exports). I'm not sure how turkey will do at aircraft development and how closely they will continue to try to stay with their Nato/US alignment. If they won't deal with the US they very very likely won't deal with the euro consortium. I don't see china developing a 5th generation plane in the next 10 years at which point they'll be able to buy one and copy it.(I have no idea why I am so down on china's aircraft industry but I just don't trust their competance save for coping and moding other people's planes..)
|