Russia's Future PAK-DA Stealth Bomber: A 30-Ton Arsenal of Nuclear and Hypersonic Missiles
In the realm of strategic military aviation, Russia's newest venture, the PAK-DA "Poslannik," stands out as a groundbreaking development. Emerging detailed information on July 31, 2024, sheds light on this next-generation stealth bomber, designed to redefine the landscape of long-range, high-capacity aerial warfare. Despite facing significant hurdles and skepticism during its development, recent updates offer a comprehensive view of the PAK-DA's technological prowess and strategic significance.
The PAK-DA Poslannik is crafted as a long-range, stealth strategic bomber with an impressive projected range of 12,000 kilometers (7,500 miles). With a payload capacity of 30 tons—potentially reaching 35 tons according to some sources—it can carry an arsenal of both conventional and nuclear weapons, as well as advanced hypersonic missiles. This formidable payload and range are indicative of its role in bolstering Russia's strategic deterrence capabilities.
The aircraft's journey has been marked by both progress and delays. During a meeting with students at KNITU-KAI named after A.N. Tupolev on June 20, 2024, Konstantin Timofeev, the Managing Director of JSC Tupolev, confirmed ongoing progress, albeit at a slower pace. Initially projected for its maiden flight in 2024, the PAK-DA's first flight has now been postponed to 2025, with serial production anticipated to commence in 2027.
The PAK-DA, standing for "Promising Aviation Complex for Long-Range Aviation" in Russian (Perspektivnyi aviatsionnyi kompleks dal'ney aviatsii), is described as a sixth-generation bomber. This classification encompasses advanced technologies such as stealth, internal weapon bays, and supersonic flight capabilities without afterburners. While laser weapons for air combat remain underdeveloped, the aircraft boasts network-centric warfare capabilities and potential for unmanned operations, reflecting advancements in automation and control systems.
Developed by Tupolev for the Long-Range Aviation branch of the Russian Aerospace Forces, the PAK-DA project involves several key manufacturers, including the Kazan Aircraft Production Association, Novosibirsk Aircraft Production Association Plant, and Beriev. This new bomber is set to complement and eventually replace the aging Tupolev Tu-95 Bear and Tu-160. Its codename, "Poslannik" or "Envoy," signifies its role in Russia's strategic air command.
The origins of the PAK-DA project date back to the late 1990s, with formal requirements issued by the Russian Air Force in December 2007. Financing for the program began in 2008, leading to the selection of a subsonic flying wing design emphasizing stealth technology by 2013. This design phase concluded in April 2014, paving the way for prototype construction at the KAPO plant in Kazan. The advanced stage of the project is evidenced by the initiation of a specialized development and testing facility at the Kazan plant in 2023.
However, the development of the PAK-DA has not been without challenges. Engine issues and resource diversion to the Ukraine conflict have caused significant delays. Initially set for demonstration in 2023, the bomber's readiness has now been pushed to 2027. These delays pose a strategic risk for Russia as other superpowers, such as China with its H-20 and the US with its B-21 Raider, advance their own stealth bomber programs.
Despite these setbacks, the PAK-DA is on a trajectory toward operational readiness. Russian sources report that several prototypes are in production, with the first flight expected between late 2024 and early 2025. In the interim, Russia has upgraded its Tu-160 "White Swan" bombers to fulfill mission-critical roles, although these do not match the capabilities of fifth-generation aircraft.
The PAK-DA's technical specifications are impressive: a maximum take-off weight of 145 tons, a cruising speed of 800 kilometers per hour, and an operational ceiling of up to 20,000 meters. The bomber is manned by a crew of four and features advanced armament capabilities, including up to 12 Kh-BD cruise missiles with a range of 6,500 kilometers, Kh-555, Kh-101/102, and potentially the Kh-47 Kinzhal and future Kh-95 hypersonic missiles with a range exceeding 5,000 kilometers. Notably, the PAK-DA will include air-to-air missiles, enhancing its survivability and operational flexibility by allowing it to operate independently without the need for fighter escorts.
Engine development for the PAK-DA initially considered an analogue of the Kuznetsov NK-65 turbofan engine but has settled on the NK32-02, an afterburner engine with a thrust of 24 tons, already in use on the Tu-160M2. This decision underscores a pragmatic approach to enable 30-hour nonstop flights while carrying a nuclear payload, withstanding temperatures ranging from minus 60°C to plus 50°C, and ensuring a service life between 12 and 21 years.
The design of the PAK-DA draws inspiration from the B-2 Spirit, the United States' strategic bomber known for its stealth features rather than high speed. Critics argue that Russia is emulating the B-2's "flying wing" configuration, which eschews traditional aircraft structures in favor of complex flight control computers and low Radar Cross Section (RCS) design. This stealth-focused approach, coupled with radar-absorbing materials, allows the PAK-DA to infiltrate airspace undetected by radar, deliver its payload, and return to base.
As the PAK-DA project progresses, it symbolizes Russia's commitment to maintaining a robust strategic air command. Despite the challenges and delays, the PAK-DA "Poslannik" is poised to become a cornerstone of Russia's aerial deterrence strategy, equipped with the latest in stealth technology and advanced weaponry.
