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The Sukhoi PAK FA (Russian ; Perspektivnyi Aviatsionnyi Kompleks Frontovoi Aviatsy), or (Advanced Frontline Aviation Aircraft System) is a 5th generation fighter aircraft which is being developed by Sukhoi OKB for the Russian Air Force.
It is designed to compete with the American Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning Joint Strike Aircraft and the Lockheed Martin F22 Raptor. It is said to be stealthy, have the ability to supercruise, be outfitted with the next generation of air-to-air, air-to-surface, and air-to-ship missiles, and incorporate a fix-mounted AESA radar with a 1,500-element array.
The PAK FA will use on its first flights 2 Saturn 117S engines (about 14.5 ton thrust each). The 117S is an advanced version of the AL-31F, but built with the experience gained in the AL-41F program.
It is designed to compete with the American Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning Joint Strike Aircraft and the Lockheed Martin F22 Raptor. It is said to be stealthy, have the ability to supercruise, be outfitted with the next generation of air-to-air, air-to-surface, and air-to-ship missiles, and incorporate a fix-mounted AESA radar with a 1,500-element array.
The PAK FA will use on its first flights 2 Saturn 117S engines (about 14.5 ton thrust each). The 117S is an advanced version of the AL-31F, but built with the experience gained in the AL-41F program.
On 28 of February 2009 Mikhail Pogosyan announced that the airframe for the aircraft was almost finished and that the first prototype should be ready by August 2009.
On 20 August 2009, Sukhoi General Director Mikhail Pogosyan said that the first flight would be by year end. Konstantin Makiyenko, deputy head of the Moscow-based Centre for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies said that even with delays, the plane would likely make its first flight by January or February, adding that there could be at least 10 years between the first flight and commercial production.
On 20 August 2009, Sukhoi General Director Mikhail Pogosyan said that the first flight would be by year end. Konstantin Makiyenko, deputy head of the Moscow-based Centre for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies said that even with delays, the plane would likely make its first flight by January or February, adding that there could be at least 10 years between the first flight and commercial production.
Sukhoi will complete five prototypes for initial testing, including two to be dedicated for ground test activities. Initial trials are scheduled for completion in 2011-12, with the company expecting to produce an initial batch of aircraft for operational trials by 2015.
According to Russian Airforce Commander, three prototype are on assembly and three technical mockups are completed and are about to undergo ground testing.
In additional, the Commander also mention, "The new fighter is expected to have a traditional wing form, though Russian experts say that the experience gathered as a result of Berkut's test flights will be taken in consideration when designing the fighter."
In additional, the Commander also mention, "The new fighter is expected to have a traditional wing form, though Russian experts say that the experience gathered as a result of Berkut's test flights will be taken in consideration when designing the fighter."
It's interesting to be noted that,the T-50 PAK FA is not a direct copy from F-22 Raptor program as the development of this project has been started since 1980s. The reason it 'show up' much later from the F-22 is because the project has been delayed due to the dissolution of the USSR in 1990.
According to Wikipedia, "In the late 1980s, the Soviet Union outlined a need for a next-generation aircraft to replace its MiG-29 and Su-27 in frontline service. Two projects were proposed to meet this need, the Sukhoi Su-47 and the Mikoyan Project 1.44. In 2002, Sukhoi was chosen to lead the design for the new combat aircraft. The PAK FA will incorporate technology from both the Su-47 and the MiG 1.44."
The final shape and design of Sukhoi's 5th generation fighter aircraft remains uncertain.However there is many artist impression on the design of the aircraft.
According to Wikipedia, "In the late 1980s, the Soviet Union outlined a need for a next-generation aircraft to replace its MiG-29 and Su-27 in frontline service. Two projects were proposed to meet this need, the Sukhoi Su-47 and the Mikoyan Project 1.44. In 2002, Sukhoi was chosen to lead the design for the new combat aircraft. The PAK FA will incorporate technology from both the Su-47 and the MiG 1.44."
The final shape and design of Sukhoi's 5th generation fighter aircraft remains uncertain.However there is many artist impression on the design of the aircraft.
