OREANDA-NEWS. November 21, 2011. The 100th flight took place today during the flight tests of the perspective 5th generation fighter aircraft (PAK FA). Currently two fighters are involved in the test program.

The first flight of the PAK FA was held on January 29, 2010 in Komsomolsk-on-Amur. In early March 2011 the second flight model took off there. At present, work is underway on the full range of ground and flight tests. The first public demonstration of the fighter was held on August 17 this year at the International Aviation and Space Salon MAKS-2011 in Zhukovsky near Moscow.

The PAK-FA program provides for the creation, production organization and adoption by the Russian army of the 5th generation fighter. This will enhance the combat capabilities of the Russian Air Force, will help the aviation and related industries to attain new industrial and technological level, adding new impetus to the development of scientific schools, providing a stable workload for defense industry enterprises involved in its development and production. This top priority program for the Sukhoi Company will contribute to the development and implementation of materials, element base and high technologies of high innovative potential for the aviation industry and the economy of the country as well as for development of other projects of unified aviation complexes of new generations.

Compared with previous generations of fighters, the PAK FA has several unique features, combining the functions of an attack aircraft and fighter. The aircraft is equipped with a fifth-generation avionics with integrated function of “Electronic pilot” and next-generation radar with a phased antenna array. This equipment reduces the pilot’s workload and helps him concentrate on tactical objectives. The on-board equipment of the new aircraft allows the exchange of data in real time with ground control systems and other aircraft. The PAK-FA is made of composite materials with innovative technologies. Its aerodynamic design and measures to reduce the engine’s visibility provide very low level of radar, optical and infrared visibility while significantly improving combat effectiveness on air and ground targets, at any time, in both visible and adverse weather conditions.