Russian Military Aircraft Development: Past, Present, and Future

Overview of the Mig MFI and the Sukhoi Su-47

Background: Initiated in the early 1980s to counter American advancements, specifically the F-22 Raptor.
Key Requirements: Super maneuverability, multi-role capability, supersonic cruise without afterburners, low radar cross-section.
Development: Mig Bureau and Sukhoi were the main competitors. Mig won, leading to the I90/MFI designation.
Design Features: Delta wing with canards, large variable intake ramps, s-shaped ducts, AL-41F engines with thrust vectoring and ceramic coating.
Capabilities: Could carry 12 missiles internally; capable of backward missile launch for dogfight advantages.
Problems and Demise: Funding issues post-1991 USSR dissolution; scrapped LFI development to focus on MFI but still failed to secure enough support. Sukhoi's self-funded Su-47 led to MFI project's demise. Project officially canceled in 1997, with some work continuing until 2000.

Background: Developed along with the Su-27 KM and aimed to be a naval fighter. Later became a competitor to Mig MFI.
Development: Self-funded by Sukhoi, first flight in 1997. Redesignated from S37 to Su-47 around 2001.
Design Features: Forward-swept wings using composite materials, two D-30F6 engines, thrust vectoring for high maneuverability.
Capabilities: Speed of over Mach 2.2, internal weapons bay with rotating launcher, integrated systems for reduced radar cross-section.
Outcome: Used as a tech demonstrator, contributing to Pak-Fa (Su-57) development. Was not adopted for mass production.

Design and Development: Began in early 2000s as Pak-Fa project post-Mig MFI failure. Revealed in 2010 as T-50 prototype.
Design Features: Similarities to F-22/YF-23. Emphasized high performance first, stealth second. Integrated avionics and radar systems.
Issues: Stealth performance debated; uses AL-41 engines based on older models; future models will have upgraded Izdeliye-30 engines.
Capabilities: Radar cross-section comparatively higher than F-22/F-35, but incorporates L-band radars and new EW systems for advanced combat scenarios.
Operational Use: Around 10+ units in service, used in Syria and potentially in Ukraine. Full production and deployment still slow-moving.

Design: Single-engine, lighter, and cheaper stealth fighter potentially rivaling F-35. Intended for both manned and unmanned roles.
Capabilities: Mac 1.8 without afterburners, AI-assisted operations, versatile weapons bay.
Target Market: Intended for international sales; display and marketing aimed at countries like UAE, India, Vietnam.

Purpose: Next-gen interceptor to replace Mig 31, potentially exceeding SR-71's speed.
Design: High speed (Mac 3.5+), long-range interception, stealth enhancements.
Armament: New long-range missiles, Hypersonic options, and anti-satellite capabilities.
Status: Development ongoing, with many features still speculative.

Purpose: Long-range strategic stealth bomber to replace older Tu-95 and Tu-160 models.
Capabilities: Stealth over speed, subsonic cruising, equipped with modern and potentially Hypersonic missiles.
Status: Development and first flights projected within the next few years; significant time required to confirm capabilities.

Soviet Legacy: Russian aviation has consistently aimed to build on its Cold War legacy, with varied success rates in modern times.
Challenges and Advances: Financial, technological, and strategic challenges exist, but projects like the Su-57, potential of Su-75, and Pak-DA continue to push the envelope.
Ongoing Evolution: Despite setbacks, Russian military aviation continues to innovate, aiming to match or exceed Western advancements.

The fall of the Soviet Union led to significant challenges in funding and development for Russian air forces.
Sukhoi's initiative and self-funding strategy played a critical role in its current dominance in Russian fighter jet development.
Current Russian advancements focus on combining legacy technology with modern capabilities, but financial and political stability remain crucial for future success.