By what I have read
The specification of PAKDA which is going around is not very convincing for a long range Bomber
I mean
Payload - 20000 lb
Range - 6000 NM
Hardpoints - 8 internal + 6 External
Topspeed - 1.6 Mach , 0.95 Mach cruise speed
Max Altitude - 70000 ft
RCS - O.5 sqm with Internal payload
Ability to carry 3 ALCM of 1000 mile range
Infact barring the Range which is Double that of PAKFa , rest of its ability is only about 25% better than PAkfa except that PAkfa will only carry one ALCM internally while PAKDA will carry 3
As far as India is concerned , well My personal opinion is that we should acquire 8 of these to replace our Tu-142 , when they retire in 2026-30
This is becoz despite ordering 12 P8I with plans to order another 12 after the delivery of Initial batch in 2013-15,
Indian Navy is carrying out MLU of Tu-142 so as to enable them to carry Air launched Brahmos , and extend there service life from 2018 to 2026
Hence it proves that Indian Navy greatly values the Tu-142's 12000 KM range and 9000 kg payload carrying ability , and since USA wont allow us to mount Air Launched Brahmos and Nirbhay on the 24 odd P8I though it may agree on less capable Storm shadow Cruise Missiles
so we should accquire 8-12 of them for long range strike and Anti ship operations in South china sea and western Pacific
The specification of PAKDA which is going around is not very convincing for a long range Bomber
I mean
Payload - 20000 lb
Range - 6000 NM
Hardpoints - 8 internal + 6 External
Topspeed - 1.6 Mach , 0.95 Mach cruise speed
Max Altitude - 70000 ft
RCS - O.5 sqm with Internal payload
Ability to carry 3 ALCM of 1000 mile range
Infact barring the Range which is Double that of PAKFa , rest of its ability is only about 25% better than PAkfa except that PAkfa will only carry one ALCM internally while PAKDA will carry 3
As far as India is concerned , well My personal opinion is that we should acquire 8 of these to replace our Tu-142 , when they retire in 2026-30
This is becoz despite ordering 12 P8I with plans to order another 12 after the delivery of Initial batch in 2013-15,
Indian Navy is carrying out MLU of Tu-142 so as to enable them to carry Air launched Brahmos , and extend there service life from 2018 to 2026
Hence it proves that Indian Navy greatly values the Tu-142's 12000 KM range and 9000 kg payload carrying ability , and since USA wont allow us to mount Air Launched Brahmos and Nirbhay on the 24 odd P8I though it may agree on less capable Storm shadow Cruise Missiles
so we should accquire 8-12 of them for long range strike and Anti ship operations in South china sea and western Pacific