Question of the Week: Russia unveiled <a href="http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/sukhoi_pakfa_t50_raptor_f22_first_flight_public_205237-1.html">its answer to the F-22</a> this week (while the F-22 is <a href="http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/toxic_raptor_f22_grounded_pilot_currency_205216-1.html">grounded for safety issues</a>), and the Chinese are <a href="http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/ChinasStealthFighterFlies_203930-1.html">busily testing a similar platform</a>. Are they flashes in the pan, or is the U.S. falling off the cutting edge of military design?

Question of the Week

Russia unveiled its answer to the F-22 this week (while the F-22 is grounded for safety issues), and the Chinese are busily testing a similar platform. Are they flashes in the pan, or is the U.S. falling off the cutting edge of military design?

Is the U.S. losing its air superiority?

NO. The Chinese and the Russians make the sheet metal look great, but it's what's underneath that counts, and that's not very good.

NO. We can't get complacent, but both countries are still behind in technological development. Worth keeping an eye on, though.

MAYBE. The new aircraft look pretty competent, and we'll see just how good they are.

YES. The U.S. is losing ground rapidly and needs to get back on track.

OTHER (My opinion doesn't appear as a choice — but maybe I'll send you an e-mail.)