Moscow: T-50 stealth fighter jointly
developed by Russia and India will make its first
international public appearance at the MAKS air show which went
underway here, where Moscow unveiled its newest space shuttle,
armed drones and a new range of upgraded weapons.
Two prototypes of the single seater jet, estimated to
cost USD 6 billion, are expected to fly over Zhukovsky air
field on the outskirts of Moscow.
"The co-development projects of the two countries will
remain centerpiece of the Russian aviation industry", declared
Mikhail Pogosyan, President of the United Aircraft
Corporation, makers of the aircraft.
Sukhoi`s T-50 made its maiden flight in January 2010 and
is expected to enter service by 2015. "The stealth fighter is
progressing as planned and the new engine for the plane will
be ready in time", Pogosyan said.
The fifth generation Sukhoi T-50, also called the PAK FA
for its Russian abbreviations for a perspective frontline
aviation complex, is meant to be a rival to the US joint
strike fighter F-22 Raptor.
Pogosyan had earlier said that Russia planned to develop
upto 1,000 stealth fighters over the coming decade as aviation
experts say that the Russian military orders will account for
more than 50 per cent of the combat planes` produce.
He said that the Russian Air Force is expected to buy 20
new fighters annually in the coming years.
Top Russian aircraft makers including Sukhoi and Mig have
survived thanks to orders from India and China, but steady
increase in government defence spending over the past few
years have given new incentives to the nation`s aircraft
industries.
The Indian projects jointly developed by the two
countries will remain the centrepiece of the Russian aviation
industry, according to a top official.
Speaking with the reporters after the inauguration of
the 10th International Aviation and Space Saloon (MAKS-2011),
here President of the United Aircraft Corporation Mikhail
Pogosyan told that the fifth generation fighter Russia`s new
stealth fighter jet, which is expected to make its first
public appearance during the air show Another static T-50 is
expected to be demonstrated to a `select` group`.
"The T-50 will be the newest main plane both for the
Russian and Indian Air Force," Pogosyan said.
The fifth generation Sukhoi T-50, also called the PAK
FA for its Russian abbreviations for a perspective frontline
aviation complex, is meant to be a rival to the US joint
strike fighter F-22 Raptor.
According to the local media reports the Indian version
of the FGFA will be a lighter derivative of the PAK FA.
The projects for the joint development of Multimode
Transport Aircraft (MTA) and deeper modernisation of Sukhoi
Su-30 MKI fighters under the `Super-30" project are among the
key joint Indo-Russian projects.
India has a larger footprint at MAKS-2011, the air show
which is held at alternate years, with an expanded presence.
Unlike in the past when BrahMos JV used to display its
deadly missiles under the roof of its Russian partner, India
has its exclusive stall displaying the models of its cruise
missiles, including an outdoor life-size mock-up of BrahMos
cruise missile for the Sukhoi fighters.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited also has a bigger display
exhibiting models of the helicopters and planes produced by
it.
This year`s new entrant is Bharat Electronics, with a
whole range of its avionics and force multipliers.
A huge IL-76 Flying Laboratory of Gromov Flight Research
Institute with a Kaveri engine fitted on its test bed is also
indicative of the scope of bilateral cooperation in cutting
edge technologies.
The plane also bears the Seal of India`s DRDO, showing an
enduring interaction between the two organisations.
In all over 800 Russian and foreign firms, including
Boeing and Airbus are taking part in MAKS airshow.
PTI
