Russian fifth-generation fighter jet takes to the air

The maiden flight of the first Russian fifth-generation fighter jet was completed successfully on Friday morning.

The press service of the Sukhoi aircraft producer reported that the 45-minute-long test flight ended successfully. “All tasks set before the pilot were successfully undertaken,” said Olga Kayukova, a spokeswoman for the company.

Little is known about the fifth-generation fighter aircraft, and even its appearance is still classified information. But to fit into fifth-generation requirements, the plane must have high maneuverability, supersonic cruise speed, high weapons payload and elements of stealth technology. The PAK FA producers say their plane is on a par with its rival – the US-made F-22 Raptor.

Ruslan Pukhov, an expert of the Centre for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies, told RT that he expected the Russian aircraft to be very competitive on international markets because its price will be significantly lower than that of the American fighter jet. “I think by definition this aircraft will be able to occupy up to one third of the market,” the analyst said.

PAK FA production is scheduled to start between 2015 and 2017.