http://en.rian.ru/russia/20080707/113422740.html
Russian Air Force may receive fifth-generation fighter in 2013
ZHUKOVSKY (Moscow Region), July 7 (RIA Novosti) - Russia is expecting a new
fifth-generation fighter to enter service in 2013, the Air Force commander said
on Monday.
"We will begin test flights [of the new fighter] in 2009, and hope to receive
the aircraft in 2013," Col. Gen. Alexander Zelin said.
The new fighter aircraft, tentatively designated as the Sukhoi PAK FA or T-50,
will be built at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur aircraft manufacturing plant in
Russia's Far East.
The T-50 fighter, equipped with two powerful engines with thrust vectoring,
will feature high maneuverability and stealth to ensure air superiority and
precision in destroying ground and sea targets.
Some experts believe the PAK FA fighter has been designed to be comparable to
both the American F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II.
It will eventually replace the MiG-29 Fulcrum and Su-27 Flanker fighters in the
Russian Air Force and will be exported to other countries.
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