Thursday, August 28, 2008

PAK FA

Maiden Flight: 2008
IOC: 2018
Total Production: 1,000
Development Cost: USD$20 billion

Unitary Cost: USD$30 million

Also Known As: LFS (Lightweight Frontal Fighter), MFI (Front-Line Multirole Interceptor)

Origin:Russia

Program Status: Under Development

Contractor/s: NAPO, RAC MIG, Sukhoi

Description: The Sukhoi and RAC Mig corporations are developing the Russian fifth generation fighter aircraft concept intended to replace current Su-24, Su-25, Su-27, Su-30, Mig-29, and Mig-31 aircraft. The Su-47, formerly S-37 Berkut, prototype developed by Sukhoi and the Mig 1.42, also referred to as the Mig 1.44, prototype developed by RAC Mig will be be the basis of the new aircraft. According to some reports, the fifth generation could be produced in two variants a single engine and twin-engine long range aircraft.

The MFI (Front-Line Multirole Interceptor) and LFS (Lightweight Frontal Fighter) fifth generation concepts no longer meet the Russian Air Force requirements. Mig 1.44 (or Mig 1.42) and Su-47 (or S-37 Berkut), strongly related to the older MFI concept, are now seen as technological demonstrators. The Future Tactical Aviation Concept (PAK FA) was disclosed by the Russian Air Force in early 2002 as the program aimed at providing the fifth generation fighter.

The PAK FA fighter will have a maximum takeoff weight of 20 tons and a combat radius of 1,200 kilometers. It will be fitted with integrated avionics, state-of-the-art sensors and new weaponry. Dimensions would be between those of current Mig-29 Fulcrum and Su-27 Flanker. The estimated cost of each airplane will not exceed $30 million being affordable for many export customers and the Russian Air Force.

Sukhoi will act as the prime contractor and RAC Mig should be the main sub-contractor. The Russian fifth generation fighter primary role will be air-to-air engagements with secondary ground/surface attack capabilities. Final specifications remain uncertain, but Russians hope to match US F/A-22 Raptor and F-35 capabilities while outperforming Typhoon, Rafale and Gripen multi-role fighters.

The Russian Air Force plans to conduct the maiden flight of the fifth generation fighter in 2006 with an intended entry into service date by 2010. About 1,000 fifth generation fighters would be produced for the Russian Air Force between 2010 and 2020. It is anticipated that the Russian fifth generation fighter available for export will be NATO-interoperable.

It has been reported that the Russian Air Force will operate the PAK FA in conjunction with either Mig-AT or Yak-130 light attack aircraft/trainer and the Su-34 heavyweight, long-range, attack aircraft beyond 2010.

During a press briefing 18 August at MAKS 2005 international exhibition, Sukhoi Company officials stated that PAK FA entered into an advanced stage of development and with the necessary financial support from Russian government the program was going to accomplish the schedule.

In early 2006, The Russian Air Force stated that the PAK FA first prototype, called the I-21, maiden flight was planned for the end of 2006 after surpassing wind tunnel tests. The aircraft's avionics and engines were already on display during Moscow Air Show in 2005. In August 2007, the Russian Ministry of Defense stated that the first pre-production aircraft would be assembled in the near future and would take to the air in 2008. The PAK FA development cost has been estimated at $20 billion.

Specifications
Weights: Max Weight 20,000 kg (44,092 lb)

Performance: Radius of Operation 1,200 km (648 nm)

Related Equipment
Power plant: AL-41

Operators

Russia / 1,000 / Planned

Notes
(*) lead contractor
IOC: Initial Operating Capability
FOC: Full Operating Capability
CEP: Circular Error Probable
Comm: Commissioning Date
Meters (m) Kilometers (km) Nautic Miles (nm) Inch (in) Yard (yd) Foot (ft) Millimeter (mm)
Pound (lb) Kilogram (kg) kN (KiloNewton) Ton (t)
Meters per Second (mps) Kilometers per Hour (kph) Knot (kt) Miles per Hour (mph)
Liter (l) Galon (gl)
Year (yr) Minutes (min) Second (sec)
Shaft-Horse-Power (shp)

Last Updated: Sunday, August 24, 2008

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