Russia will start state flight tests of its fifth-generation T-50 fighter jet in 2014, according to the United Aircraft Corporation’s President Mikhail Pogosyan. “In 2013 we are expected to wrap up its preliminary tests and start operational testing. In 2014, we are planning to start official state tests. The first stage of the state trials should be complete by 2015.”

The test programme involves six prototype airframes, including four flying, one static and one systems test airframe. Another flying prototype will join the tests this year, Pogosyan said. “Flight testing this year will go ahead with five aircraft,” he said.

The T-50, which will be the core of Russia’s future fighter fleet, is a fifth-generation multi-role fighter aircraft featuring elements of stealth technology, super-manoeuvrability, supercruise capability (supersonic flight without use of afterburner), and an advanced avionics suite including an X-band active phased-array radar.

India will also buy a fighter aircraft based on the T-50, known as the fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA).