Article Posted on : - Apr 27, 2009

Su-35 multi role fighter jet. A File Photo

KHABAROVSK (BNS): An advanced Russian Su-35 Flanker multi-role fighter plane caught fire during take–off procedures at a testing ground in Russia’s Far East, according to Ria Novosti news.

"The accident occurred at 09:55 Moscow time (0555 GMT) on Sunday at the Dzemgi airfield during the Su-35 prototype's take-off," Vitaly Tyulkin, a spokesman for the Komsomolsk-on-Amur aircraft plant, was quoted as saying.

“Further details of the accident will be announced later,” he said. A faulty fuel pump may have caused accident, according to Ria Novosti.
The aircraft was one of the three prototypes to test the new fighter, which has been billed as "4++ generation using fifth-generation technology."

The fighter has ability to engage several air targets simultaneously using both guided and unguided missiles and weapon systems.

The aircraft also features the new Irbis-E radar which allows pilot to track up to 30 air targets while engaging up to eight targets at the same time.

Sukhoi plans to export at least 160 Su-35 fighters to several countries including India, Malaysia and Algeria.