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Russian fifth-generation fighter demonstrates complex aerobatics at MAKS-2015 air show

The aircraft is a stealthy, single-seat, twin-engine jet fighter, and will be the first operational aircraft in Russian service to use stealth technology
Russia’s fifth-generation fighter PAK FA ITAR-TASS/Sergei Bobylev
Russia’s fifth-generation fighter PAK FA
© ITAR-TASS/Sergei Bobylev

ZHUKOVSKY (Moscow region), August 25. /TASS/. Russia’s fifth-generation fighter PAK FA has for the first time demonstrated several most difficult aerobatic maneuvers at the MAKS-2015 International Aviation and Space Salon that opened in the town of Zhukovsky outside Moscow on Tuesday.

The fighter displayed its capabilities during demonstration flights, watched by Russian President Vladimir Putin. In particular, the plane performed the "Pugachev’s Cobra," flat spin, tailslide and the "Frolov chakra" (Kulbit) aerobatic maneuvers.

The MAKS-2015 air show is held in Zhukovsky near Moscow from August 25 to 30. According to previous reports, it is attended by more than 600 Russian organizations and more than 150 foreign companies.

The Sukhoi PAK FA (Prospective Airborne Complex of Frontline Aviation) is a fifth-generation fighter program of the Russian Air Force. The T-50 is the name of the prototype aircraft designed by Sukhoi for the PAK FA program. The aircraft is a stealthy, single-seat, twin-engine jet fighter, and will be the first operational aircraft in Russian service to use stealth technology. It is a multipurpose fighter designed for the air superiority and attack roles. The fighter is planned to have super-cruise, stealth, super-maneuverability and advanced avionics to overcome the prior generation of fighter aircraft as well as ground and maritime defences.

The PAK FA is intended to be the successor to the MiG-29 and Su-27 in the Russian Air Force and serve as the basis for the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft being co-developed by Sukhoi and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force.

PAK FA fighter first flew in 2010. The aircraft is expected to enter service in 2016, and serial deliveries will begin in 2017.