The first flight of the third PAK FA prototype has been performed today at Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Production Association named after Y.A. Gagarin (KnAAPO), based in Komsomolsk-on-Amur , Sukhoi Company reports. AEX.ru
The jet was piloted by the honored test-pilot of Russian Federation, Hero of Russia, Sergey Bogdan. The fighter’s flight lasted more than one hour and then it has landed at the runway of enterprise’s airfield. The flight has been performed successfully in full accordance with flight assignment. The stability testing has been performed during the flight and the work of powerplant has been evaluated. The jet has performed well on all the stages of flight. The pilot has underlined the reliable work of all the systems and equipment.
The first flight of PAK FA has been performed on January 29th 2010 in Komsomolsk-on-Amur. The second prototype has performed its maiden flight in early March 2011. The work on ground and flight testing is in progress. The first public demonstration of the fighter has taken place in Zhukovsky on August 17th 2011 at MAKS-2011 airshow. More than 100 flights have already been performed in the network of flight test program.
PAK FA program assumes creation, serialization and passing into service the fifth-generation fighter. It will help increase the combat potential of Russian air forces; it will help aircraft industry and other related industries reach a new production and technical level and will give impulse to development of school of sciences, provide a stable workload for enterprises taking part in the development and production of the jet. This top-priority program of Sukhoi will contribute to development and implementation of new materials, element base and hi-end technologies with high innovative potential for aircraft industry and the country’s economy, for development of new projects of consistent next-generation aviation systems.
“As compared to the fighters of previous generations, PAK FA has some unique features combining functions of strike aircraft and fighter. Fifth-generation fighter is equipped with new avionics with an integrated function of “electronic pilot” and advanced radar with phased antenna array. It significantly decreases the load on the pilot allowing him to concentrate on performance of tactical objectives. The airborne equipment of the new aircraft enables real-time data exchange with ground systems and other aircraft. Implementation of composites and innovative technologies, aircraft aerodynamic configuration, visibility mitigation measures for the engine provide the outstanding low level of radar, optical and infra-red visibility. It increases the combat efficiency of the fighter in any weather and lighting conditions”, - the company noted.
