This Was Russia's First Attempt to Build Their Very Own 'F-35'

Wikipedia

National Interest: Train Wreck: This Was Russia's First Attempt to Build Their Very Own 'F-35'

Meet the MiG 1.44 stealth fighter.

Key point: Expensive R&D can go nowhere in the development of new hardware.

Over the prior decade, Russia’s foray into fifth-generation jet fighter development has become synonymous with the upcoming Su-57. But the Su-57 was only Russia’s second attempt at developing a fifth-generation aircraft, preceded by several decades with an altogether different project.

This is the story of the ill-fated MiG 1.44.

In 1979, Soviet high command determined that a new generation of fighter aircraft was needed to ensure the competitiveness of the Soviet Air Force (VVS) into the 1990’s and beyond. The timing could not have been more apt; it was only several years later that the US air force began researching and developing what would become the highly capable F-22 fighter.

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WNU Editor: The concept and development of this fighter was being done during the time when the Soviet Union was imploding. IT never had a chance to get off the ground.