Sukhoi Su-57
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PAK FA is an in-development Russian fifth-generation fighter jet which is being developed by a consortia of companies, including Mikoyan, Yakovlev and spearheaded by Sukhoi. It stands for Perspektivnyi Aviatsionnyi Kompleks Frontovoi Aviatsyi (Перспективный авиационный комплекс фронтовой авиации in Russian) which means Future Air Complex for Tactical Air Forces. It is intended to replace the MiG-29 and Su-27 in the Russian Air Force. It is scheduled to have its first flight in 2007, and enter service with the Russian Air Force sometime between 2012 and 2015.
History
In the late 1980s, the Soviet Union outlined a need for a next-generation aircraft to replace its MiG-29 and Su-27 in frontline service. Two projects were proposed to meet this need, the Sukhoi Su-47 and the Mikoyan Project 1.44. In 2002, Sukhoi was chosen to lead the design for the new combat aircraft. The PAK-FA will incorporate technology from the Su-47 and the MiG 1.44.
Specifications
Although there is no reliable information about the PAK-FA's specifications yet, it is known from interviews with people in the Russian Air Force that it will be stealthy, have the ability to supercruise, be outfitted with the next generation of air-to-air, air-to-surface, and air-to-ship missiles, and incorporate an AESA radar. It will be powered by the AL-41F engine or an advanced derivative of it. Reports indicate that it will be slightly larger than the MiG-29 but not as large as the Su-27.
The PAK-FA's competitor from United States will be the F-35. It is believed that the PAK-FA will offer similar capabilities, but at less cost.
Stealth
It is uncertain how low the Radar Cross Section of the PAK-FA will be. However, this will be Russia's first attempt at making a "stealth" aircraft. And it is natural to assume, the stealther the aircraft, the higher its development costs and purchase price will be.
It is also unclear whether the PAK-FA will use conventional stealth, which is used by the USA and demonstrated in Mikoyan Project 1.42 / 1.44, or plasma stealth reported by some to have been successfully developed and used.
Units to be produced
The Russian Air Force is speculated to order around 1000 units of this fighter, since that is the approximate number of MiG-29s and Su-27s currently in service.
However it is said that India and China, as well as other countries such as Indonesia, may want to buy this fighter.
Exports
At this time, there are no confirmed orders for the PAK-FA. This is due to the fact the aircraft is still in its early stages of development.
India
Although reported disagreements between countries over whether the PAK-FA will be a twin engine aircraft (as wanted by Russia) or a single engine aircraft (as wanted by India) has stopped their co-operation on this project, it is likely that India will be buying an uncertain amount of units of this aircraft.
China
China is currently working on their own 5th generation fighter. If that project is unsuccessful, or does not live up to the standard set by the Chinese authorities, it is highly possible that they will too order an uncertain amount of units of this aircraft.
Indonesia
In an arms purchase in the year 2005, Indonesia has requested to order an uncertain amount of "Future Sukhoi Aircraft". While it is not certain whether this request was specifically of the PAK-FA, it appears to be very likely.
Other Countries
In 2005, the Russian Federation sold arms to 72 countries[citation needed], and it is likely some European as well as Middle-Eastern countries will want to replace their aging fleets of MiG-29s and other planes with this new fighter.
External links
References
- PAK-FA program @ Globalsecurity.org