Russian T-50 Fighter Demonstrated Climb To Mount Everest Altitude In 23 Seconds

Russia’s T-50 or PAK-FA fifth generation fighter aircraft achieved a climbing rate of 384 meters per second, a speed at which it could reach the altitude of Mount Everest (8848m) in 23 seconds.

This feat was demonstrated during testing recently, according to Russian newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta. Such a climbing speed would have allowed the stealth aircraft to reach an altitude equal to the peak of Mount Everest, the highest mountain on Earth, in a mere 23 seconds.

Rossiyskaya Gazeta quoted Russian Aerospace Forces Commander Col. Gen. Viktor Bondarev as saying that the final test including the deployment of live weapons will be completed this year.

The warplane will be outfitted with advanced  weapons such as X-74M2 cruise missile, X-58USHK anti-radar missile and tactical X-35UE anti-ship missile. The aircraft is also equipped with advanced avionics and a phased array radar system.

The T-50 is a single-seat, twin-engine jet fighter, and the first operational aircraft in Russian service to use stealth technology. The warplane is due to enter service by the end of 2016.

India is expected to be the first launch customer of the export version of PAK FA. Recently, India and Russia agreed on the price of the fighter to be bought by the Indian Air Force.