By IDI

Russia makes second foray in the stealth aircraft domain. After the stealth fighter Su-57, Russia has begun making prototype of strategic stealth bomber, informed Russian media.

According Russian news agency TASS, Tupolev Design Bureau of Russia, under Perspective Aviation Complex for Long-Range Aviation (PAK DA) program, is developing a subsonic strategic stealth bomber capable of carrying variety of ordnance including hypersonic missiles.

Quoting a source, TASS reports, "The production of airframe elements will be handled by one of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC)’s plants; development of working design documentation is complete, material shipping has commenced."

Approval for the program also known as ‘Product 80’ and ‘Courier’ was given last year.

The cockpit of the aircraft is being manufactured simultaneously. The aircraft is expected to be ready next year.

The aircraft – designed as per flying wing concept- is expected to replace Russian strategic bombers like Tu-160 and Tu-95.

The aircraft will undergo development trials at Flight Test and Development Centre at Zhukovsky, near Moscow.

The aircraft development is expected to take five to seven years. The aircraft is expected to enter serial production around 2029. Besides strategic bomber, the aircraft will also function as reconnaissance and command centre.