Russian KONSTRUKTORSKOE Bureau "Dry" under cover project of creating a short-haul single-aisle passenger aircraft Sukhoi SuperJet 100 was engaged in "large-scale program of industrial espionage", which allowed to develop a light tactical aircraft (LTS), known as Checkmate ("checkmate") and su-75, said Defense Express the former President and former chief designer of Antonov state company Alexander Moose.
"It was SuperJet that allowed Russians to integrate into the Western, primarily European, aircraft manufacturing community for a while. And to borrow from it, first of all, approaches to the design and assembly of aircraft, "the former president of Antonov believes.
In his opinion, Russia has mastered a closed cycle of production of radio-absorbing materials, and Sukhoi has an engine and all the components of on-board radio-electronic equipment (avionics) necessary for LTS. "But, fortunately, there are still huge gaps with electronics, which the Russians are now buying in China," the former chief designer is sure.
Los believes that in fact Checkmate is "a MiG-21 with low visibility, electronic systems and high-precision weapons." According to him, "the Su-75 is a smaller copy of the Su — 57." "Conceptually, this is a competent decision, "the former president of Antonov admitted.
In July, Los said that the American F-15EX Eagle II is best suited for Ukraine to replace the aging Soviet MiG-29 and Su-27 fighters, and not the American F-35 Lightning II, which is "seen" by Russian radar stations (radars).
In July, Rostec presented the LTS at the International Aviation and Space Salon 2021 (MAKS-21). According to the head of the state corporation Sergey Chemezov, a single-engine tactical fighter, the model of which was presented at MAKS-2021, will cost from 25 to 30 million dollars. According to the head of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), Yuri Slyusar, the aircraft shown at the salon is a sample that will fly in 2023.
Ivan Potapov
