Sukhoi's T-50 PAK FA: The Fifth Generation Fighter Race Begins

The Fifth Generation Fighter race has now picked up considerable speed as Moscow demonstrated two Sukhoi T-50 PAK FA (Perspective Frontline Aviation Complex) stealth fighters at the 10th International Aviation and Space Show, MAKS-2011, in Zhukovsky, near Moscow. MAKS 2011 was held from 15 to 21 August and 800 companies from 40 countries took part in the air show which saw record crowds – reportedly some 600,000 people - watching an intricate programme of highly technical displays.
 

 

Two fighter platforms, the T-50 – 01 and T-50 – 02 from the Sukhoi Design Bureau, made their first public appearance in the air show as they manoeuvred against a backdrop of azure skies, only to return to a remote air base. The stealthy and slightly secretive display took place under the watchful gaze of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and a host of visiting air crew, manufacturers and analysts. There was no static display given that both Sukhoi and Russia’s defence chiefs wish to keep the overall design under wraps.

 

 

The verdict seems to be clear: it was an impressive performance by any standard, even as the finer aspects of manoeuvrability and stealth are being analysed in greater detail. A bulk of the spectators, comprised mostly of aviation experts, were clearly impressed by what they saw.

The Fifth Generation Fighter competition can thus be declared officially open. The competitors: T-50 PAK FA, the American F-22 Raptor and the Chinese J-20, though some critics feel the last may not really be a worthy competitor in this class. There is also the F-35, but this qualifies as a fighter combat system.
 

 

The term ‘fifth generation fighter’ begs a technical definition. The basic characteristics of this platform include the ability to operate undetected when fully armed, as well as being outfitted with a stable air frame, advanced avionics and the ability to network (via data link, for example) with other components in a combat element. Lockheed Martin’s F-22A is the only fighter deployed that currently meets all these parameters while the T-50 and J-20 are attempting to compete via replicated technology at a lower cost – cost being an issue that has plagued Raptor production.

At first glance, the T-50 clearly scores on manoeuvrability, as many on site analysts would have initially agreed. This will place a greater premium on air crew’s ability to work the systems of the 30 tonne machine to a tactical advantage, and stealth capability, specifically, has reportedly been sacrificed to some degree. Increasing and optimising manoeuvrability has its own challenges and can produce exponentially increased G loads on both the air crew and the aircraft. An interview with a senior ranking Russian test pilot has indicated that the T-50 will not be an easy machine to operate for this very reason. Likewise, the ability of the airframe to withstand higher G thresholds is another complicating factor for the designers.

Nevertheless, the manner in which the T-50 increases operational limits will considerably reduce costs and ultimately, it is the probability of executing a successful mission that should dictate fighter design. The near 100% sortie success rate for which perhaps the F-22A is designed is not really cost sustainable. The T-50 may not penetrate well integrated air defences, but it should be able to complete its mission and RTB (return to base) before it is detected and acted upon by a potential adversary. This comes down entirely to its high speed and manoeuvrability. Interestingly, this places a greater premium on combat aviators’ ‘stick’ skills.