Su-57 fighter jet performs maiden flight with new engine
Russia’s first fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet, known during its development as PAK FA and T-50, has performed its maiden flight with a new engine, designed specifically for the cutting-edge military plane.
The test flight was successfully performed on Tuesday and lasted some 17 minutes, according to the Russian Industry and Trade Ministry’s press service. A Su-57 aircraft, fitted with new engines known as ‘Product 30,’ was piloted by a chief pilot of the Sukhoi company, Sergey Bogdan.
A Russian T-50 multipurpose fighter jet of the fifth generation © Evgeny BiyatovSu-57: Russian Air Force chief confirms 5th-gen fighter jet name
The successful test flight of the plane with the new engines proved that Russian aircraft builders are capable of creating cutting-edge advanced systems, the press service said, citing Minister Denis Manturov. While little is known about the specifications of the new ‘Product 30,’ the engine-building company that designed it said earlier this year that it is an entirely new device, fully suitable for the fifth-generation planes.
The Su-57, known then as the T-50, stole the limelight at the MAKS2017 airshow in July, when a pair of aircraft performed amazing, physics-defying stunts.
The Su-57 plane was built to replace the Sukhoi Su-27 in frontline tactical aviation, making its maiden flight in 2010. The aircraft features a new planer, built largely from composite materials, modern radar and avionics. The estimated price tag for the cutting-edge multirole fighter is about $50 million each.
