New Engine Developed For Russia's PAK FA T-50 5th Gen Fighter Jet

Russia is likely to complete first stage trials of next-generation engine that it has developed for the PAK FA (T-50) fighter jet by 2018.

"Today the next-generation engine has been actually developed and soon trials will begin for it together with the T-50, for which it has been created.” United Aircraft-Building Corporation Chief Designer Sergei Korotkov said at a TASS press conference on Wednesday.

The 5th-generation fighter jet is currently equipped with 117S first-stage engine. The new engine has not yet received its name but is known as the second-stage engine.

The design bureau is carrying out specific work. We are working on these projects together with them," the chief designer said.

The first stage of trials is expected to be completed in 2018.The T-50 with the new engine would perform its first flight in the fourth quarter of 2017.

The T-50 serial production will begin in 2017, after which the fighter jet will enter service with Russia’s Aerospace Force. The fighter jet made its debut flight in 2010.