Last week, the first successful supersonic flight of the prototype of the newest Russian fifth-generation fighter T-50 (PAK FA) took place. The sound barrier was broken during flight tests at supersonic speeds, which are now being tested by both prototypes of the fighter.
The first prototype of the promising fighter began test flights back in January 2010, at the beginning of March 2011 the second prototype of the T-50 joined it. At the moment, about 40 flights have been completed. The tests will last throughout 2011 and 2012. In 2013, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation will receive the first batch of ten prototypes, which will be tested for combat use. The new aircraft will go to the center for combat use and retraining of flight personnel in Lipetsk. Serial purchase of the T-50 will begin in 2015.
Apart from this experimental batch, the Defense Ministry plans to purchase another 60 promising fighters. The purchase of aircraft will be carried out within the framework of the state armaments program for 2011-2020, for the financing of which 19 trillion rubles have been allocated. In general, the Russian Air Force's need for the T-50 is estimated at 150 units, although the exact data on the purchase volumes are still unknown.
The technical characteristics of the T-50 are classified. According to official sources, it is only known that the new aircraft will be able to carry out combat missions in any weather and time of day, will be distinguished by high intellectualization of the board and will be able to take off and land on runways with a length of 300-400 meters. In addition, the T-50 will be capable of cruising flights at supersonic speed and will be a super-maneuverable vehicle.
