The aircraft spent in the air a little more than an
hour and landed on the factory airfield runway. The flight was successful,
in full accordance with the flight plan. Stability of the aircraft test
was conducted during the flight as well as evaluation of the power plant
systems’ performance. The aircraft proved itself well in all phases
of the planned flight program. The pilot confirmed reliable operation
of all systems and components.
The first flight
of the PAK
FA was held on January 29, 2010 in Komsomolsk-on-Amur.
In early March 2011 the second flight model took off there. At present,
work is underway on the full range of ground and flight tests. The first
public demonstration of the fighter was held on August 17 this year
at the International Aviation and Space Salon MAKS-2011 in Zhukovsky
near Moscow. At the present time more than 100 flights have been made
on the flight test program.
The PAK-FA
program provides for the creation, production organization and adoption
by the Russian army of the 5th generation fighter. This will enhance
the combat capabilities of the Russian Air Force, will help the aviation
and related industries to attain new industrial and technological level,
adding new impetus to the development of scientific schools, providing
a stable workload for defense industry enterprises involved in its development
and production. This top priority program for the Sukhoi Company will
contribute to the development and implementation of materials, element
base and high technologies of high innovative potential for the aviation
industry and the economy of the country as well as for development of
other projects of unified aviation complexes of new generations.
Compared with previous
generations of fighters, the PAK
FA has several unique features, combining the functions
of an attack aircraft and fighter. The aircraft is equipped with a fifth-generation
avionics with integrated function of “Electronic pilot”
and next-generation radar with a phased antenna array. This equipment
reduces the pilot’s workload and helps him concentrate on tactical
objectives. The on-board equipment of the new aircraft allows the exchange
of data in real time with ground control systems and other aircraft.
The PAK-FA is made of composite materials with innovative technologies.
Its aerodynamic design and measures to reduce the engine’s visibility
provide very low level of radar, optical and infrared visibility while
significantly improving combat effectiveness on air and ground targets,
at any time, in both visible and adverse weather conditions.
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