Russia's T-50 Jet To Carry Out First Flight With New Engine In 4Q This Year

Russia's Sukhoi T-50 (PAK FA) fifth-generation fighter aircraft after being fitted with new engine is expected to carry out its first flight in the fourth quarter of 2017.

The new engines is called the second-stage engine, TASS reported today. The second-stage, more powerful engines designated as "Izdeliye 30," are slated for production this year, ahead of the aircraft’s planned mass production and delivery in 2018.

"The first flight of the aircraft with the new engine is expected to take place in the fourth quarter of 2017," a spokesperson for the United Engine Corporation said.

The development of the new engine for the advanced fighter jet was proceeding "within the framework of the designated time limits."

The T-50 prototype aircraft is designed by the Russian aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi as part of the PAK FA, a fifth-generation fighter program of the Russian Aerospace Forces.

The aircraft is a single-seat, twin-engine multi-role fighter jet designed for air superiority and attack roles and equipped with an advanced avionics system and active phased array airborne radar. The first flight of the aircraft took place in 2010.

Current T-50 prototypes are equipped with first-stage AL-41F1 turbofan engines manufactured by the aircraft engine maker Saturn.