Five T-50 5th generation fighters undergo tests, to enter service in 2017

The T-50 fifth-generation fighter aircraft (Prospective Airborne Complex of Frontline Aviation, or PAK FA) will begin entering service in Russian aviation units in 2017 and is already demonstrating excellent flying and navigational characteristics, Russian Aerospace Forces Commander-in-chief Viktor Bondarev told reporters on May 4.

"There are already five of them at the State Flight Test Center, they are being tested and will begin entering service here starting from 2017. Everything goes to plan, no delays, no changes, we are even slightly ahead of schedule," Bondarev said.

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The Russian Aerospace Forces are rightly proud of this new aircraft, the commander said. "It is indeed a wonderful machine: its piloting, navigational and other characteristics enable it to detect other aircraft within a very long distance, it is unequalled in this. We have something to be proud of, and we are glad that such a machine is coming to us," Bondarev said.

The PAK FA participated in the Aviamix show at the Chauda test and training range. Bad weather forced the fighter to reduce its aerobatic program, which nevertheless including many elements of top-class aerobatics.

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