Russia has conducted a flight demonstration with its prototype PAKFA fighter for a delegation of Indian defence ministry and industryofficials.
Indian officials inspected Sukhoi'slone PAK FA following the demonstration, which included low-speedpasses and high angle-of-attack manoeuvres. The aircraft, which will befollowed by two more prototypes before the end of the year, is picturedwith new-look camouflage markings.
The new fighter programme is a topic of discussion by anIndo-Russian commission for military industrial co-operation, alongwith another to produce a multi-role transport aircraft with a 20tpayload capacity.
New Delhi is insisting on executing both programmes as joint ventures, with equal sharing of investment and workshare.
Russia'sair force has a requirement for 250-300 next-generation T-50 fightersto enter use from 2015-16, while India plans to buy between 200 and 250of the joint design. This should use a common airframe and engines, buthave its on-board systems and weapons tailored for their individualneeds.
First flown in January, the PAK FA prototype is intendedto de-risk features such as the use of low-observable materials andthrust-vectoring engines with supercruise performance, plus internallycarried weapons.
Russian sources suggest a pre-production batchof between six and 10 aircraft will be built to support future testingof the type, with the nation's air force expected to launch operationaltrials in Lipetsk around 2012-13.
