Russian Fifth Generation Fighter Takes to the Sky

The Jamestown Foundation ^ | 2/1/2010 | Roger McDermott

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

On January 29, the prototype Russian fifth generation Prospective Aircraft Complex of Frontline Aviation (PAK FA) “T-50” finally completed a successful 45 minute test flight in Komsomolsk-na-Amurye. The stealth multirole fighter was developed by OKB Sukhoi (experimental design bureau) to replace MiG-29 and Su-27’s and is reportedly analogous to the US F-22 (Raptor). Mikhail Pogosyan, Sukhoi’s Director-General, praised the aircraft’s maiden flight, saying that it marked a breakthrough for the Russian aviation industry (Rossiya 24, January 29).

Indeed, the reported technical specifications of the aircraft are impressive. It has a maximum supersonic cruising speed of 2,100 kilometers (km) per hour, and a flight range of 5,500 km. It employs stealth technologies to significantly reduce its signature in all fields, uses modern smart avionics, flies in all-weather conditions day and night, and is highly maneuverable even with heavy loads. The fighter can conduct simultaneous attacks on air targets and ground facilities with precision weapons. The PAK FA can take off and land using short runways, only 300 to 400 meters in length, while its powerful onboard computing system, when completed, will maximize automation and provide the pilot with several options in performing his combat mission. The most sensitive issue relates to its ordinance, which has been rumored to include using missiles stored within its hull (similar to the Tu-160 strategic bomber) in order to maximize its stealth capabilities (www.gazeta.ru, December 11, 2009; Nezavisimoye Voyennoye Obozreniye, www.deyta.ru, January 29).

[beethovenfan]

Meanwhile, the Usurper cancels the F22.

[Cacique]

We have no need of weapons. Obama will bore our enemies to death with his speeches.

[Army Air Corps]

Ping.

[Tonytitan]

"...the test flight was essentially a publicity stunt to display progress on the frame of the aircraft..."

Just like the multiple-fail Bulava missile and the Nerpa attack sub accident that killed 20 people the reliability and effectiveness of Russian gear has a spotty record given that the best engineers fled the country after Communism collapsed.

[Thommas]

while its powerful onboard computing system, when completed,

That powerful computing system will only be completed if Clinton or Obama can get the necessary plans, parts and programs in the hands of the Russians via some proxy "trade" agreement.

[17th Miss Regt]

I am also very skeptical of the ability to take off and land at 300-400 m airstrips.

[dusttoyou]

Didn’t someone post this yesterday?
Someone own stock in SU?

[Jet Jaguar]

Bump

[GBA]

Some believe the T-50 is a copy of one or more of our 5th generation fighters and prototypes. I see similarities, but it is unique. See what you think.

A comparison with the F-22:

Here is a comparison with the F-35:

Here is a comparison with the YF-23 Black Widow II (which lost the ATF competition to the F-22)

The Russians and the Indians have produced an interesting design, likely formidable and most likely is or will be significantly beyond the performance of our F-15s. F-16s and F-18s. And, it's very likely the Russians and Indians will build a bunch of them. Good thing we have the F-22...oh wait...why did we stop building the F-22?