Indo Russian 5th generation fighter aircraft flight tested

Finally the much awaited Indo Russian 5th generation fighter aircraft, PAKFA was flight tested for the first time yesterday. Here goes the picture of this beauty:-

This aircraft is being touted as the challenger of USA's F 22, which is the only operational 5th generation fighter aircraft at this moment.

The video of the flight test can be viewed here:-


The first look of this bird suggests that it will be an extremely manoeuvrable aircraft with a greater range and a larger weapon load than F22. However its RCS is expected to be higher (less stealth) than that of F 22. It would be interesting to see the serviceability and ease of maintenance of this aircraft. F 22 is an Elephant to maintain. Owing to its high maintenance and low serviceability, F 22 is often dubbed as the 'Hanger Queen' by its critics. Cost wise, PAKFA is expected to be much cheaper than F 22.

It will be produced in two versions. The Indian version christened 'FGFA' will be slightly different than the Russian one. It will be a twin seater (unlike the Russian version which will be a single seater). It is likely to have more composites and it will also have different avionics. India will induct 250 of these state of the art birds in its Air Force.

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