Three More Prototypes of Sukhoi T-50 Fighter to Start Flight Tests in 2015
19:34 15.06.2015(updated 20:09 15.06.2015)
Three additional prototypes of Russia's Sukhoi T-50 fifth-generation fighter will begin flight tests in 2015, head of the United Aircraft Corporation, Yuri Slyusar said Monday.
LE BOURGET (Sputnik) – United Aircraft Corporation said last year that production of the Russia's Sukhoi T-50 fifth-generation fighter (also known as PAK FA) would begin in 2016, following the completion of the testing phase.
Currently, at least five prototypes are being used for flight testing, according to Sukhoi.
T-50 will become the first operational stealth aircraft for the Russian Air Force and will incorporate advanced avionics and all-digital flight systems.
Head of the United Aircraft Corporation, Yuri Slyusar, added that the first batch of the stealth multirole fighters will enter into service with the Russian Air Force following official tests by the end of 2016 or early 2017.
'The program is developing as scheduled. The three additional models joining flight tests will significantly expand the test program currently underway,' the UAC head said.
Speaking to reporters at the 51st Paris Air Show at Le Bourget Airport, Slyusar ruled out 'any obstacles that would halt the program or push it back a few steps.'
The PAK FA stealth multirole fighter is set to rival the US Air Force's F-22 Raptor, the only fifth-generation fighter currently in service, and F-35 Lightning II, which is in testing.
© Sputnik
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