Airforces Monthly - February 2017

ADVERTORIAL
Fifth Generation
Fighter Programme
SUKHOI’S PROGRAMME to create the 5th
generation fighter (called the PAK FA)
encompasses the design, series production
and introduction to service with the Russian
Air Force. This new aircraft will strengthen
Russia's fighting capability, radically update
the aerospace and associated industries, give
impetus to scientific research, and provide
steady work for defence companies involved
in designing and manufacturing weapons. As
a top priority for Sukhoi, a subsidiary of the
United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), PAK FA will
promote the development and introduction of
new materials, components, and science-based
technologies ensuring innovative potential for
the country's aviation industry and economy. In
addition, the programme will help to enhance
other new generation aircraft projects.
The first flight of the PAK FA occurred on 29
January 2010 in Komsomolsk-on-Amur. On 8
April that year, the first flying prototype, and a
complex ground test stand used for optimizing
flight control systems, were delivered to Sukhoi’s
Zhukovsky flight test and optimization centre
near Moscow. Once these systems, including
the static and flying prototypes, had
completed the required number of
ground-based tests including a strength
trial, test flights began on 29 April 2010 as
part of the preliminary trials of the aircraft.
On 3 March 2011, the second flying prototype
took to the air from Komsomolsk-on-Amur.
Following the initial factory trials it was then
added to the preliminary test programme.
The third flying prototype made its flight
debut on 22 November 2011. After a series of
ground-based preparations and the addition
of expanded onboard controls, it also joined
the preliminary test programme. On 17
January and 20 November 2013 the fourth
and fifth flying prototypes respectively were
flown from the Far East to Zhukovsky.
The sixth and the eighth PAK FA flying
prototypes arrived at Zhukovsky on 30
May and 28 November 2016 respectively.
Currently, there are seven flying prototypes
undergoing flight tests and the on-land
static tests are coming to an end.
All testing has proved solid stability and
controllability regarding flight characteristics at
subsonic and supersonic speeds, at low and high
altitudes, and at supercritical angles of attack.
The onboard equipment is also being tested and
in-flight refuelling was carried out successfully.
In addition, the fighter has been successfully
tested in a variety of configurations.
The main objectives of the current flight
tests are to confirm the combat modes of the
aircraft systems, plus integration with, and
use of, weapon systems. Compared with
previous generation fighters, the PAK FA
combines the functions of a strike aircraft and
a fighter, thus offering a number of unique
capabilities. As a 5th generation platform, PAK
FA has a new, thoroughly integrated, avionics
package, providing superior automatic control
and intellectual support for the pilot. This
considerably reduces the workload, enabling
him to better concentrate on the tactical
mission. The on-board equipment of the
new aircraft makes it possible to exchange
information, in a real time, with landbased
control systems and airborne teams,
in addition to operating independently.
In association with India, Russian specialists
are developing the 5th generation fighter
aircraft – the prospective multi-role
fighter (FGFA). The Russian and Indian
governments have agreed on the workshare
for each party. The parties have approved
the FGFA specifications, defined their
contributions, and singled out the systems
and subsystems to be developed by India.
At present the first stage of the FGFA project
– a preliminary design of the new aircraft - has
been successfully completed. The Russian party
has trained the Indian specialists, supplying
them with the basic data and software to
create a single working environment.
Both parties have agreed upon the amount
and division of work during the second -
research and development (R&D) - stage of
the project. A contract for the R&D phase has
been initiated and is to be signed this year.
The FGFA fighter will have some differences
from the Russian PAK FA prototype due to the
specific requirements of the Indian Air Force.
www.airforcesmonthly.com
#347 FEBRUARY 2017
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