GETRUNTAH

January 29th this year, the PAK FA, developed by the Russian aircraft manufacturer, made its first flight. This plane is a fifth generation fighter that is said to be able to rival the much coveted F-22 and F-35. Like its Western counterparts, the PAK FA, or T-50, has stealth capabilities, the ability to supercruise (which is sustained supersonic flight), and even have an "artificial intelect".

The PAK FA will replace the MiG-29 and Su-27 in the current Russian inventory. It will be equipped with next generation of missiles, incorporate a fix-mounted AESA radar, and use a pair of Saturn 117S engines generate 142 kN (32 000 lb!!!!!) of thrust in afterburner and 86.3 kN (19 400 lb) dry.

The PAK FA has since had two more successful flights this year and, according to Konstantin Makiyenko, deputy head of the Moscow-based Centre for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies, will take 5 to 10 years for commercial production.

Crew: 1
Length: 22 m (72 ft)
Wingspan: 14.2 m (46.5 ft)
Height: 6.05 m (19.8 ft)
Wing area: 78.8 m2 (848.1 ft)
Empty weight: 18,500 kg (40,785 lb)
Loaded weight: 26,000 kg (57,320 lb)
Useful load: 7,500 kg (combat load) (16,534 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 37,000 kg (81,570 lb)
Powerplant: 2× New unnamed engine by NPO Saturn and FNPTS MMPP Salyut of 175 kN each
Maximum Fuel weight: 10,300 kg (22,711 lb)

Performance

Maximum speed: 2,600 km/h (Mach 2.45) (at 17,000 m altitude) (1,615 mph (at 45,000 ft altitude))
Cruise speed: 1,300 - 1,800 km/h (808 - 1,118 mph)
Range: 4,000-5,500 km (2,500-3,100 miles)
Service ceiling: 20,000 m (65,616 ft)
Rate of climb: 350 m/sec (1184 ft/sec)
Wing loading: 330(normal) - 470(maximum) kg/m2 (67(normal) - 96(maximum) lb/ft2)
Thrust/weight: 1.4
Maximum g-load: +10.0/+11.0 g

Guns: 1×30mm GSh-30-1
Hardpoints: 10 internal, 6 external for R-74M Archer and R-77M Adder missiles
AvionicsN050(?)BRLS AFAR/AESA