Program Status: Under Development
IOC: 2015
First Flight: 29 January 2010
Total Production: 550
Development Cost: USD$20 billion
Unitary Cost: USD$30 million
Also Known As: LFS (Lightweight Frontal Fighter), MFI (Front-Line Multirole Interceptor) and T-50
Origin: Russia
Contractor/s: NAPO, Sukhoi and UAC*
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 or Prospective/Promising Aircraft System of the Frontline Aviation) 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.
In a statement released on September 29, 2008, in New Delhi both India and Russia agreed on the development of two versions of the fifth-generation fighter. The Russian version will be a single-seat fighter while Indian version will be a two-seat aircraft featuring a different wing, radar and avionics to meet the Indian Air Force air superiority doctrine requirements. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will be responsible for the development of the Indian version while Sukhoi/UAC will take responsibility for the Russian fighter. The first prototype took to the skies on January 29, 2010. Initial operational capability is planned for 2013 with the Russian Air Force with mass production beginning in 2015 or 2017.
According to Sukhoi the fifth-generation fighter will feature high maneuverability, stealth and supersonic cruise speed with the ability to use guided-precision air-to-surface weapons to destroy ground- and sea-based targets. The assembly line will be located at Komsomolsk-on-Amur aircraft-manufacturing plant in Russia's Far East. Its advanced radar system derived from the Irbis AESA radar will have a maximum detenction range of 400 kilometers.
IOC: 2013
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:: Reviews ::
:: Specifications ::
Crew: 1
Internal Stations: 10
Number of Engines: 2
AreaWing Area: 79 square meter (848 square foot)
DimensionsHeight: 5.45 meter
Length: 22 meter (72 foot)
Main Gun Caliber: 30 millimeter
Wingspan: 14.8 meter (49 foot)
PerformanceCeiling: 20,000 meter (65,617 foot)
Ferry Range: 5,500 kilometer (2,970 nautical mile)
Max Range: 5,500 kilometer (2,970 nautical mile)
Radius of Operation: 1,200 kilometer (648 nautical mile)
Take Off Run Distance: 300 meter
SpeedCruise Speed: 1.80 mach (598 mps)
Top Speed at High Altitude: 2,600 kph (2.17 mach)
TimeFlight Endurance: 3.30 hour
WeightMax Takeoff Weight: 35,480 kilogram (78,219 pound)
Payload: 10,000 kilogram (22,046 pound)
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fully confirmed 
operational 
retired 
cancelled 
destroyed 
