Posted on 01/08/2010 9:56:49 PM PST by myknowledge
Moscow: Russia has started initial tests of its futuristic fifth generation stealth fighter jet, dubbed the PAK-FA programme, which it is partnering with India. The PAK-FA, or the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) programme, as it is referred to in India, hopes to match, or outperform, the American F-22 Raptor.
The F-22 Raptor, which is an air superiority fighter, is the worlds only existing fifth generation fighter aircraft programme. A related, fifth generation ground attack version, the F-35 Lightning II, is currently under development.
An Interfax report, without specifying details of time, said that the first prototype of the FGFA rolled out on the runway of KNAAPO aircraft plant in Komsomolsk-on-Amur in the country's Far East. The test pilot switched on its engines and made two runs on the airstrip, during which breaks were applied several times.
The PAK-FA will make several more taxi runs before making its first flight in January 2010.
Under an agreement signed in October 2007, India is partnering the Russians on the programme and is developing its own two-seater derivative. The Russian version is a single-seater.
According to sources, at least three prototypes of the PAK-FA aircraft have been constructed at the KNAAPO aircraft plant, and several Indian teams have visited the facility.
Russia's deputy defence minister, Vladimir Popovkin, had announced in mid-September 2009, that the PAK FA, also known as the T-50, was scheduled to enter service with the Russian Air Force from 2015.
The Russian Air Force will commence taking delivery of the PAK-FA only after taking full delivery of 48 4++ generation Su-35 fighters. The first of these long-range strike aircraft will enter service in 2011, with full deliveries completed by 2015.
The Indian Air Force has hopped onto the stealth fighter bandwagon and by later this decade, they would induct the FGFA into operational service, making it one of the few non-U.S. 5th Gen fighters. It is basically a customized two-seater variant of the Sukhoi PAK FA.
Raptor-ski
Ping.
Appears to be
Let me know whenit is spotted....22 days left and counting.
My only quibble is stolen or gifted? There days it’s a very valid question.
Do you have any idea about the number of aircraft that either country plans to build?
Agreed.
It will be interesting to see how this thing turns out. The Russians will have to get way better at their fit and finish. The Mig-29s and Su-27 I’ve gotten close to look like they were slapped together by a high school shop class.
I have do not doubt that the technology was bought or stolen.
Ugh. Brilliant reporting.
Really beautiful concepts!
Sukhoi does a good job on aerodynamics. I can think of a few advantages that the single diamond / elevon planform has over the others, aside from good looks, but then I don't know the whole trade space.
Whether any of it really matters in the Age of the UCAV, I don't know either, but it would be a shame to see such pretty airframe become extinct.
Yep, but unfortunately they don’t have any basis in reality (that I’m aware of) since the Russians have been keeping pretty tight-lipped about the whole thing. I can’t wait to see a real pic. :P
“Raptor-ski”
Raptor bait, more like it.
I know for a fact that the F-22 Raptor won't retain her crown jewel as dominant air superiority fighter forever.
I'd guess by the late 2020s, early 2030s perhaps, the F-22 would be challenged by Russian and Chinese 5th Gen fighters.
The USAF plans to retire the Raptor by the late 2040s. (Just my 2c)
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