Article Posted on : - Feb 25, 2014

The Sukhoi PAK FA fighter. A file photo

MOSCOW (BNS): A prototype of Russia's prospective fifth generation fighter aircraft has been delivered to the Air Force for flight testing, a media report said.

The T-50 also known as PAK-FA fighter, arrived on Friday at the 929th Chkalov State Flight Test Centre's airfield in Akhtubinsk for State Joint tests, its manufacturer Sukhoi said in a statement.

A RIA Novosti report quoting Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force, Lt. Gen. Viktor Bondarev, said in December that combat squadrons could expect deliveries of the production version in 2016 at the latest.

The PAK-FA - future tactical fighter aircraft - will replace the country's aging fleet of Soviet-era fighter jets, it said.

The first flight of the PAK FA took place on 29 January 2010 in Komsomolsk-on-Amur.

Currently four PAK-FA fighters are undergoing flight tests in the city of Zhukovsky. Ground tests of two more planes are being carried out, Sukhoi said.

The PAK FA tests programme included aero-dynamic features evaluation, tests of stability and controllability and of dynamic strength, function check of on-board equipment and aircraft systems.

The new aircraft features a number of unique capabilities, including the functions of a strike aircraft and fighter. It is fitted with essentially new avionics integrating the function of "an electronic pilot" and with advanced phased antenna array radar.

The use of composite materials and innovative technologies, and the aerodynamic streamlining ensure unprecedented radar, optic and infrared stealthiness. This significantly enhances the operational capability against aerial and ground targets in all weathers, day and night, according to Sukhoi.

India is partnering with Russia in developing the advanced warplanes for its air force.