Moscow, February 21. Today the flight model of the prospective 5th — generation fighter aircraft (PAK-FA, T-50) arrived to the 929th Chkalov State Flight Test Centre’s airfield in Akhtubinsk for State Joint Tests. The aircraft was piloted by the test pilot of the 1st Class Sergey Chernyshev.
Currently there are four 5th — generation T-50 fighter aircraft undergoing flight tests in Zhukovsky. Two more planes are involved in ground tests — one as a complex ground stand and the other undergoes static tests.
The PAK FA tests program included aero-dynamic features evaluation, tests of stability and controllability and of dynamic strength, function check of on-board equipment and aircraft systems. Optical locator system as well as active electronically scanned array radar was tested on the aircraft with positive results obtained. Air refueling mode was tested. Supermaneuverability tests of the aircraft are under way. Aircraft systems are being tested on the test stands, ground experimental works continue.
The first flight of the PAK FA took place on January 29, 2010 in Komsomolsk-on-Amur.
Compared to the previous generation fighters, the PAK FA combines the functions of a strike aircraft and a fighter, thus offering a number of unique capabilities. The use of composite materials and innovative technologies plus the aerodynamic layout of the aircraft, special airframe coating and measures to reduce the power plant, antenna and cockpit signature assure unprecedentedly low radar, optical and infrared observability. This considerably improves the operational effectiveness against air and ground targets at all times and in all weathers.
Russian aerospace magazine The Take Off accessed the progress in the PAK FA program as one of the most important events of the year 2013 for the Russian aviation industry.
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