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Russian Fifth Generation Fighter Breaks Cover at MAKS 2011
Moscow, August 17: Watched by Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, the Russian fifth generation fighter aircraft, designated PAK-FA, also called the Sukhoi T-50 broke cover over Moscow’s skies at the MAKS 2011 show today. India is partnering the Russian company United Aircraft Corp., in co-developing an export version of which the Indian Air Force will be the first customer.
Two prototypes of the aircraft put an impressive flying display showing off its unique design, intended to be less visible to radar. The aircraft were only shown flying, that too at a height which was greater than other aircraft performing at the show.
The PAK-FA is supposed to be Russia’s answer to the Lockheed Martin Raptor fifth generation fighter. The basic design difference between the two fighters is that while the Raptor houses all its weapons inwards so as not to offer any “hard edges” which could be detected by radar, the PAK-FA shown today had a number of hard edges and no internal weapons bay. While the prototype did not carry any weapons, it was apparent to any observer the weapons could only be carried externally.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will be the production partner in India. HAL Chairman, Ashok Naik told Defenseworld.net that the HAL’s participation in the project is well in track with a preliminary design contract having been signed between India and Russia at a cost of US$295 million which could take about 18 months.
Following the preliminary design, detailed design work would follow during which the full scope of the project would be defined. The basic requirement for the Indian fighter would be twin-seater configuration,he added.
The PAK-FA is scheduled for service induction during 2016-17 and both the Indian and Russian Air Forces have a requirement of an estimated 250 fighters each. The total cost could exceed US$20 billion.
Russian Fifth Generation Fighter Breaks Cover at MAKS 2011 : Defense news
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