The prospective long-range aviation complex, also known as PAK DA, is being developed in Russia to replace the Tu-95MS, Tu-160, and Tu-22M3 bombers. The strategic bomber is being built using stealth technologies and will be able to carry Kh-BD, Kh-101, Kh-55 cruise missiles, the prospective Kh-95, and the Kh-47 Kinzhal.
However, there is no precise information on when exactly this should happen, so military expert Sergei Marzhetsky voiced an alternative option.
If we transfer these developments to our harsh conditions, then the wide-body Il-96 airliner would be almost ideal as an aircraft carrier. If the Ministry of Defense were interested in such a project, then one Il-96 could carry 100-120 cruise missiles, corresponding to the American Ticonderoga-class cruiser.
According to him, a firm military order for 10-15 Il-96 airliners as arsenal aircraft could solve the problem in the event of a shortage of "strategists."
About Il-96
The wide-body Il-96 aircraft is designed for medium and long-range flights. The passenger capacity of the aircraft, depending on the cabin layout, varies from 235 to 300 people. It has three cargo compartments and a maximum commercial load of 40 tons.
Earlier, www1.ru reported that BRK "Bal" with subsonic missiles received the latest navigation system.
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