Russian fifth-generation fighter jet takes to the air
Published: 29 January, 2010, 09:30
Edited: 12 May, 2010, 13:00
TAGS: Arms, Military, Russia, SciTech, Vehicles
The maiden flight of the first Russian fifth-generation fighter jet was completed successfully on Friday morning.
The test flight of the jet, so far known under the name PAK FA (a Russian abbreviation for the Perspective Aircraft Complex of the Frontline Aviation), was conducted near the far-eastern city of Komsomolsk-on-Amur, home of a major Russian aircraft production facility.
The press service of the Sukhoi aircraft producer reported that the 45-minute-long test flight ended successfully. “All tasks set before the pilot were successfully undertaken,” said Olga Kayukova, a spokeswoman for the company.
Little is known about the fifth-generation fighter aircraft, and even its appearance is still classified information. But to fit into fifth-generation requirements, the plane must have high maneuverability, supersonic cruise speed, high weapons payload and elements of stealth technology. The PAK FA producers say their plane is on a par with its rival – the US-made F-22 Raptor.
Ruslan Pukhov, an expert of the Centre for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies, told RT that he expected the Russian aircraft to be very competitive on international markets because its price will be significantly lower than that of the American fighter jet. “I think by definition this aircraft will be able to occupy up to one third of the market,” the analyst said.
PAK FA production is scheduled to start between 2015 and 2017.
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A beautiful fighter that's for sure, Russian aviation has long been the best, but I keep wondering if the engines have enough thrust for it, or maybe the avionics are not quite right. I was very impressed with the almost vertical takeoff and the aerobatics of Su-47 Berkut and this is not as impressive.
Whatever it's called "ski" or not,costly than F-22 or not,gen 4 or 5, Russian is too soon to unveil this fighter, it still didn't have proper radar or engine for described as stealth fighter how it can counter fighter like F-22.Russia just countered problem with brand new Bulava missile complex for sub, canceling T-95 just before it get publicized, BPMT IFV too.Russian looks not serious managing this kind of business, a lot delayed and what? cancel it? T-50 seem not entirely stealth,Russia made MFI, Berkut and later they only become technology demonstrator, what a waste of money.Also they abandoned LFI program in favor of T-50, although it said Russia now have poured more and more money to defend their pride in military build-up,they still don't have enough money to do it.I wonder why Sukhoi alone build such so important project like this, without participation of MiG (they experienced in handling design all of soviet era fighter), Yakovlev (JSF born from one of their brainchild),engine maker like Saturn-Lyulka, radar designer like Thikomirov,material maker, production plant all in handling T-50 project,much coordinated, more efficient and effective, no need delay anything if they solid,organized in managing they duty.










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