First Designs Of Russian Sixth-Gen Fighter Unveiled

Russian Sukhoi design bureau has presented the first blueprints for the sixth-generation fighter jet development.

"I’m referring also to new design concepts briefly presented by the Sukhoi design bureau and by the general designer appointed for all aircraft systems and armaments," Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin was quoted as saying to reporters after a meeting on the military aviation development Wednesday by Tass news agency.

"They have really come up with the designs for the creation of the sixth-generation fighter," Rogozin added.

He also said that as of today the Russian aircraft building industry "is currently engaged in state testing of the fifth-generation fighter." According to Rogozin, in addition, to retain the positions it is necessary to rejuvenate the personnel, consolidate the industry, engage in its technical re-equipment and cooperate with all to the industry advantage. New radio-electronic technology and new armaments are the priorities, Rogozin said.

Commander of the Russian Aerospace Forces Viktor Bondarev told reporters on Wednesday that Russia's sixth-generation fighter is being developed in both manned and unmanned versions. "It (the plane) will be modified in both versions," Bondarev said, answering a TASS question. "If we stop, we will stop forever," the commander added. "Therefore, the work is going on - on the sixth and perhaps the seventh (generation) fighters."

Bondarev declined to specify how long it may take to create the plane’s unmanned version but made it clear that it is a matter of the next few years.

In 2014, Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) said that the first such aircraft would be built in the second half of the 2020s. Now Russia tests the fifth-generation fighter - PAK FA (also known as T-50). It performed its maiden flight in 2010. The plane’s state tests are expected to be completed in 2016, and in 2017 its serial deliveries will begin.