![]() In the early part of 2002, Sukhoi was selected to head up the design of Russia's new Fifth Generation Fighter. ![]() Both were powered by a dual engine layout and much information garnered from the proceeding in-flight tests have played a role in the development of the Su-57. Only a single known example of the Su-47 was ever built while two examples of the MiG 1.44 (the other being the similar MiG 1.42/42) was known to exist. The Su-47 achieved first flight on September 25th, 1997 and was formally unveiled in January of 2000. Most notable of the type was its forward-swept wing arrangement (ala the Grumman X-29 concept) and decidedly large Sukhoi-brand dimensions. The Sukhoi Su-47 Berkut was the other technology demonstrator though it had the greater possibility of seeing full-scale production. The MiG 1.44 sported forward canards with an underfuselage split air intake similar to the Eurofighter 2000. She was intended to compete directly with the American Lockheed F-22 Raptor in the air superiority role. The MiG 1.44 became a highly-secretive technology demonstrator and achieved first flight on February 29th, 2000. Several projects were enacted to find solutions for a next generation craft and two such programs produced the Mikoyan MiG "1.44" and the Sukhoi Su-47 "Berkut" (the latter formerly known as the S-32 as well as S-37). Dimensionally, the Su-57 will reflect the size of the other proven Sukhoi flagship product, the Su-27 Flanker.īy the end of the Cold War, the need to replace Russia's high-performance "do-everything" fighters became more apparent to authorities. Sukhoi intends on making her an equally-lethal performer in all of her defined roles. Her design will provide excellent performance within her altitude limitations and make possible operations in both day/night as well as adverse weather conditions. As a multi-role aircraft, the Su-57 will be charged with both air superiority and ground attack roles as well as aerial reconnaissance by way of specialized onboard equipment. The PAK FA prototypes are designated as "T-50". This aircraft and will be based highly on the developmental findings of the Russian PAK FA/T-50/Su-57 program with India intending to purchasing some 250 FGFA fighters at project's end. ![]() The Su-57 will also move along the joint Russian-Indian FGFA (Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft) program for the near future - an agreement reached between the two nations in 2001 - with results expected to be introduced sometime in 2015. Both of these lines have gone on to see much use in the global market resulting in a myriad of variants and configurations. In the Russian inventory, the Su-57 will move in to take over the roles held by the large Sukhoi Su-27/Su-37 "Flanker" family as well as the lightweight Mikoyan MiG-29 "Fulcrum" (all 4th Generation Fighters). Four prototypes has been completed to date (2013) with a fifth under construction. Serial production for the T-50 is slated for 2015 and the first public unveiling of the prototype was shown during the MAKS 2011 Air Show just outside of Moscow in August of 2011. The Indian intent is to benefit from the program by procuring their own PAK FA-based 5th gen fighter in the coming decade. The Su-57 has been developed somewhat jointly through a partnership between Russia and India to which India has contributed as much as 35% to date. In the Russian, "PAK FA" translates to "Future Air Complex - Tactical Air Forces". The arrival of the T-50 introduces a second player to the once exclusive "Fifth Generation Club", owned wholly by the United States, while China continues development of their own indigenous 5th gen fighter across the Pacific. As a Fifth Generation fighter, the Su-57 is challenging the realm currently dominated by the American Lockheed F-22 "Raptor" air superiority fighter - the world's first 5th gen fighter aircraft. The Su-57 is categorized as a "Fifth Generation Fighter" recognizing that it will make use of the latest aviation technology, radar-absorbing materials and weaponry to provide for excellent performance, agility and response for the unseen conflicts ahead. The Su-57 (formerly "PAK FA" and "T-50") is currently in development with the storied Sukhoi OKB, a Russian aircraft firm granted origins in the dark days of World War 2 (1939-1945) and having since contributed many designs to the Soviet Air Force and Army in the Cold War years following.
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