| 29.01.2010 | Sukhoi Company launches flight tests of PAK FA advanced tactical frontline fighter |
| Moscow, January 29, 2010 – Today Komsomolsk-on-Amur witnessed the debut flight of a prototype of advanced fighter of the 5thgeneration. The aircraft piloted by Sukhoi test-pilot Sergey Bogdanspent 47 minutes in the air and successfully landed on the factoryrunway. The flight went successfully meeting all task assigned. “In thecourse of the flight we’ve conducted initial evaluation of the aircraftcontrollability, engine performance and primary systems operation, theaircraft had retracted and extracted the landing gear. The aircraftperformed excellently at all flight-test points scheduled for today. Itis easy and comfortable to pilot”, - said Sergey Bogdan. Compared to the previous generation fighters PAK FA possesses anumber of unique features combining the functionality of both attackaircraft and fighter plane. The 5th generation fighter is equipped with brand-newavionics suite integrating “electronic pilot” functionality, as well asadvanced phased-array antenna radar. This significantly decreases pilotload and allows him to focus upon completion of tactical missions. Newaircraft on-board equipment allows real-time data exchange not onlywith ground based control systems, but also within the flight group. Composites application and innovative technologies, aerodynamics ofthe aircraft, measures applied to decrease the engine signature providefor the unprecedented small radar cross section in radar, optical andinfrared range. This significantly improves combat effectivenessagainst air and ground targets at any time of the day in both visibleand instrument meteorological conditions. “Today we’ve embarked on an extensive flight test programme of the 5thgeneration fighter. This is a great success of both Russian science anddesign school. This achievement rests upon a cooperation team comprisedof more than a hundred of our suppliers and strategic partners. PAK FAprogramme advances Russian aeronautics together with allied industriesto an entirely new technological level. These aircraft, together withupgraded 4th generation fighters will define Russian AirForce potential for the next decades. Sukhoi plans to further elaborateon the PAK FA programme which will involve our Indian partners. I amstrongly convinced that our joint project will excel its Western rivalsin cost-effectiveness and will not only allow strengthening the defensepower of Russian and Indian Air Forces, but also gain a significantshare of the world market”, - said Mikhail Pogosyan, Sukhoi CompanyDirector General commenting on the launch of the flight test programme. |