PAK-DA: RUSSIA'S FUTURE HYPERSONIC STRATIGIC BOMBER Introduction: The PAK DA (or PAK-DA), is a proposed Russian next-generation strategic bomber design, being developed by the Tupolev Design Bureau. The PAK DA was planned to be a new stealthy strategic bomber and is expected to enter service in 2025–30. Range ,payload, avionics & engines: — Speculation about the design include a combat radius of around 10,000 kilometers with full payload — Loaded weight of 100 to 120 tonnes & 40 tonnes of weapon carrying capacity — Avionics from the Sukhoi PAK FA project such as avionics — 4 engines and the use of sand engines. It will us modernized versions of the Tupolev Tu-160 Blackjack supersonic strategic bombers’ Kuznetsov NK-32 engines to power the new aircraft. Speed & Stealth : — The Russian bomber will be faster than Mach 5 , making it a hypersonic bomber — Will have the ability to fly at stratospheric altitudes — PAK-DA is likely going to be a very low observable aircraft, like other new Russian combat aircraft such as the PAK-FA fighter — But the new bomber does not entirely rely solely on its stealth for survivability,aircraft is also being developed with advanced electronic warfare systems , like radar jamming systems. Weapons: — Source revealed that the PAK DA will be equipped with advanced types of precision guided weapons, including hypersonic weapons. — The bomber is expected to be equipped with BRAHMOS 2, hypersonic cruise missile & laser guided bombs. — The will be also be able to carry tactical as well as strategic nuclear weapons. Conclusion: — PAK DA concept looks a formidable one. The cost of developing this aircraft will be very high and the affordability factor will be a major hinderance. — Provided with funds , the Russian aviation industry is technically capable of developing advanced aircrafts like this. — If the PAK-DA does eventually come to fruition, it will undoubtedly pose a serious threat—especially if it is built in numbers
