Russian Air Force may receive fifth-generation fighter in 2013

Russian Air Force may receive fifth-generation fighter in 2013
ZHUKOVSKY (Moscow Region), July 7 (RIA Novosti) - Russia is expecting
a new fifth-generation fighter to enter service in 2013, the Air Force
commander said on Monday.

"We will begin test flights [of the new fighter] in 2009, and hope to
receive the aircraft in 2013," Col. Gen. Alexander Zelin said.

The new fighter aircraft, tentatively designated as the Sukhoi PAK FA
or T-50, will be built at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur aircraft
manufacturing plant in Russia's Far East.

The T-50 fighter, equipped with two powerful engines with thrust
vectoring, will feature high maneuverability and stealth to ensure air
superiority and precision in destroying ground and sea targets.

Some experts believe the PAK FA fighter has been designed to be
comparable to both the American F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II.

It will eventually replace the MiG-29 Fulcrum and Su-27 Flanker
fighters in the Russian Air Force and will be exported to other
countries.