Article Posted on : - Nov 22, 2010

The first FGFA prototype, designated T-50, takes off during flight trials. A file photo

MOSCOW (BNS): The second prototype fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) of Russia is gearing up to enter flight trials by the end of this year, a top official of the Sukhoi Company has said.

The first prototype fighter, which entered flight trials in January this year, has so far undergone a total of 40 test-flights, Sukhoi CEO Mikhail Pogosyan said.

“The flight trial programme is moving ahead faster than we expected,” Pogosyan was quoted as saying by RIA Novosti on Monday.

Sukhoi had earlier said that it had completed preliminary on-land and in-flight activities for three FGFA aircraft prototypes built at Russia’s KNAAPO aircraft plant in Komsomolsk-on-Amur.

The new warplanes, expected to be inducted in the Russian Air Force by 2016, are pegged to compete with the US’s F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightening II aircraft – the only fifth-generation fighters in the world so far.

Sukhoi has also entered into an agreement with India’s state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) to jointly develop the aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Pogosyan said talks with HAL on the joint development of the aircraft were due to conclude before the end of this year. The talks will involve finalising the preliminary design of the stealth fighter for the IAF.