Sukhoi PAK FA

The Sukhoi PAK FA (Russian: Сухой ПАК ФА) is a twin-engine jet fighter being developed by Sukhoi for the Russian Air Force. The Sukhoi T-50 is the prototype for PAK FA. The PAK FA is one of only a handful of stealth jet programs globally.

Although most information about the PAK FA is classified, sources within in the Russian Air Force and Defense Ministry have openly stated that it will feature stealth technology and have the capability to supercruise, and incorporate advanced avionics such as an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and an artificial intelligence system. It is to be outfitted with the next generation of air-to-air, air-to-surface, and air-to-ship missiles.

Composites are used extensively on the T-50 and comprise 25% of its weight and almost 70% of the outer surface.It is estimated that titanium alloy content of the fuselage is 75%. Sukhoi's concern for minimizing radar cross-section (RCS) and drag is also shown by the provision of two tandem main weapons bays in the centre fuselage, between the engine nacelles. Each is estimated to be between 4.9-5.1 m long. The main bays are augmented by bulged, triangular-section bays at the wing root.

The Moskovsky Komsomolets reported that the T-50 has been designed to be more maneuverable than the F-22 Raptor, at the cost of making it less stealthy than the F-22. One of the design elements that have such an effect is the Leading Edge Vortex Controller (LEVCON).

The PAK FA does not have the very low observable stealth of the F-22, but instead uses composite materials, aerodynamic configuration, and engine signature reduction measures to achieve low levels of radar, optic and infrared signatures

General characteristics

• Crew: 1
• Length: 19.8 m (65.9 ft)
• Wingspan: 14 m (46.6 ft)
• Height: 6.05 m (19.8 ft)
• Wing area: 78.8 m² (848.1 ft²)
• 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 × AL-41F1 for prototypes turbofan, 147 kN (33,047 lb) for prototypes; 157+ kN (34,620+ lbf) for definitive engine version each
• Fuel capability: 10,300 kg (22,711 lb)^[103]

Performance

• Maximum speed: Mach 2+, 2,100-2,600 km/h (1,300-1,560 mph) ; at 17,000 m (55774.3 ft) altitude
• Cruise speed: 1,300-1,800 km/h (808-1,118 mph)
• Ferry range: 5,500 km (3,417 mi)
• Service ceiling: 20,000 m (65,000 ft)
• Rate of climb: 350 m/s (68,900 ft/min)
• Wing loading: 330-470 kg/m² (67-96 lb/ft²)
• Thrust/weight: 1.19^]
• Maximum g-load: 9+ g