Russian Sukhoi T-50 Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft Ready For Serial Production

United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) is ready for serial production of the latest fighter of the fifth generation T-50 for Russian Aerospace Defence Forces.

On June 20 in Komsomolsk-on-Amur in the air flew the eight machines of the series, which fully meets the requirements on military capabilities, Wings Journal reported Monday.

Unlike the previous ones, the eighth aircraft is fully assembled with equipment and systems that are specified in the terms of reference for the creation of a promising complex for the frontal aviation.

“It is safe to say that with this eight plane already produced, the T-50 can now be seen as a combat unit and that it is ready for mass production in the interests of the Russian Aerospace Forces,” said a source close to UAC.

According to the source now in the workshops of the aviation factory in Komsomolsk-on-Amur in different readiness is four more T-50. Machine 9 will begin flight tests in September. The subsequent 10 and 11 are on the conveyor and will begin flight tests until the end of the year.

In the fall UAC will be ready to sign a contract with the Ministry of Defense of Russia for the first batch of fighters and the deliveries, according to Viktor Bondarev, current Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Air Force, will begin in 2017.