The T-50 technology demonstrator developed by Sukhoi Corporation would be Russia's answer to America's F-22 Raptor and J-35 fighters and is expected to be the next generation fighters for both India and Russia.
Russia's fifth generation all composite stealth fighter aircraft, in which India has a stake, would undergo over 2,000 test flights before its serial production commences, prime minister Vladimir Putin has said.
"Before the jet goes into production, it should complete over 2,000 test flights," Putin was quoted as saying by agencies at a meeting last night with the defence industry officials.
The T-50 technology demonstrator developed by Sukhoi Corporation would be Russia's answer to America's F-22 Raptor and J-35 fighters and is expected to be the next generation fighters for both India and Russia.
The T-50 made its maiden flight on January 29 and the standard flight tests programme of its three prototypes lasting couple of years would begin in April.
The Russians are keeping a veil of secrecy on the new fighter and have said that it would not take part in this year's Faranborough air show in UK. In his upcoming talks in New Delhi on March 12, Putin is expected to give a new fillip to the FGFA programme in which India's Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd and the fighters division of Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) are 50-50 partners.
Although the airframe of the fighter would be of the Russian design it would be further developed with the contribution of Indian experts and engineers, who would provide composite materials for the hull and 'artificial intellect' for the FGFA.
According to sources Russia would begin the induction of single seater fighter beginning from 2015, while the twin seater jet designed exclusively for the IAF is expected to be inducted from 2017 onwards.
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