State Trials Of Russian T-50 Fighter Aircraft To Begin In 2014

Russia will begin state-run flight tests of its fifth T-50 fighter aircraft next year, according to United Aircraft Corporation's President Mikhail Pogosyan.

“In 2013 we are expected to wrap up its preliminary tests and start operational testing. In 2014, we are planning to start official state tests,” Pogosyan said, adding that "the first stage of the state trials should be complete by 2015."

The test program involves six prototype airframes, including four flying, one static and one systems test airframe. Another flying prototype will join the tests this year, Pogosyan said. "Flight testing this year will go ahead with five aircraft," he said.

Also known as PAK-FA (future tactical fighter aircraft), the T-50 is a fifth-generation multirole fighter aircraft featuring elements of "stealth" technology," super-maneuverability, super-cruise capability (supersonic flight without use of afterburner), and an advanced avionics suite including an X-band active phased-array radar.

India will also buy a fighter aircraft based on the T-50, known as the FGFA (fifth-generation fighter aircraft).