Third PAK-FA prototype joins flight test programme

Two PAK-FA prototypes had already been flown - photo Sukhoi

Nov 24, 2011 By Stephen Trimble – Flight Global

Washington DC - Sukhoi's third prototype for the fifth-generation aviation complex (PAK-FA)/T-50 programme made a more than 1h debut flight from Komsomolsk-on-Amur in eastern Russia on 22 November.

"The aircraft proved itself well in all phases of the planned flight programme," Sukhoi said, with chief test pilot Sergey Bogdan confirming "reliable operation of all systems and components".

Aircraft T-50-3 is reportedly the first PAK-FA prototype to carry a phased-array radar antenna. It joins the mission avionics-equipped T-50-2 and flight sciences T-50-1 in a programme totalling more than 100 sorties.

The Russian air force plans to introduce the next-generation type to squadron service from 2015, while India is also looking to field a two-seat development under a joint programme involving Sukhoi and Hindustan Aeronautics.