Article Posted on : - Aug 09, 2012

The T-50 fifth generation fighter aircraft. A Sukhoi photo

MOSCOW (BNS): Russian aerospace major Sukhoi has begun flight testing the fifth generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) with an advanced on-board radar system.

The third prototype of the new-generation supersonic stealth fighter, designated T-50-3, has been test flown equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, Sukhoi announced on Wednesday.

The ground and flight tests of the warplane, fitted with the new radar system, yielded "significant and lasting results", the company said.

The AESA radar, developed by Russia's Tikhomirov Scientific Research Institute of Instrument Design, would allow the fighter to increase its range of target detection by working in parallel in both "air-to-air" and "air-surface" modes, recognising and classifying group and single objects, and simultaneously attacking multiple targets with precision weapons.

It would also ensure communication and electronic countermeasures, Sukhoi said.

Russia began flight testing the advanced stealth fighter in January 2010. Three prototypes of the new warplane are presently undergoing flight tests.

The Russian Air Force expects to induct the futuristic fighters from 2015.

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