Russia’s superfighter breaks cover at MAKS 2011

After years of waiting for its existence to be declassified visitors at MAKS 2011 will finally get a chance to see the Sukhoi T-50 fifth-generation fighter. Developed under the PAK FA program it is the top priority for the Russian aircraft industry today. The T-50 made its first flight in January 2010 and the second prototype took in the air in March 2011. Both aircraft are now engaged in flight testing at Zhukovsky. According to Sukhoi the two aircraft had completed about 70 flights by the end of June. Sukhoi also has another pair of T-50 airframes devoted to ground testing.

The third T-50 prototype is expected to join the flight trials later this year. The first two aircraft have been used to expand the flight envelope by investigating aerodynamic performance and handling qualities. The next aircraft will perform mission systems testing. T-50s Nos 3 and 4 will be equipped with key avionics including the new AESA radar developed by Tikhomirov NIIP.

The PAK FA is intended to replace the Russian Air Force’s Su-27 fighters. Last year Russian military officials said that series production of the new aircraft will start in 2016. The initial order from the Air Force is expected to be for more than 50 aircraft.