Russia is developing the sixth-generation MiG-41 interceptor fighter. National Interest expert Brandon Weichert said that this is too ambitious a project. In his opinion, the future MiG-41 is a"starfighter," comparing it to a ship from the Star Wars franchise.
The MiG-41 should replace the MiG-31. On paper, the fighter's characteristics look impressive, but many consider them unrealistic.
The author believes that Russia should use its resources to develop stealth bomber-missile carriers PAK DA (Prospective Aviation Complex for Long-Range Aviation).
Russia wants the MiG-41 to shoot down enemy missiles with a laser. It doesn't matter that Russia doesn't have pulsed electromagnetic weapons.
Weichert added that such an aircraft is pure fantasy of engineers from the Mikoyan Design Bureau.
About the development of electromagnetic guns in Russia
Tests of prototypes of electromagnetic weapons in Russia have been ongoing since 2015, two sources in the military-industrial complex said. The firing range from EMP guns (electromagnetic radiation) at aerial targets is up to 10 km.
A shot from an EMP gun lasts milliseconds. Electromagnetic radiation burns out the electronic components of the aircraft's onboard equipment. The main problem with EMP weapons is the need for a large amount of electricity. Developers are trying to find a way to create a mobile EMP strike complex.
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