Russia carried out on Friday the first flight...
Russia has been developing its newest fighter since the 1990s. The current prototype was designed by the Sukhoi design bureau to compete with the U.S. F-22 Raptor, so far the world"s only fifth-generation fighter, and the F-35 Lightning II.
"We started flight tests of the fifth-generation aircraft today. These planes, together with the modernized fourth generation aircraft will constitute the backbone of the Russian Air Force for the next few decades," said Mikhail Pogosyan, the head of the Sukhoi aircraft maker.
According to Sukhoi designers, the new fighter will feature advanced avionics, powerful vectored thrust engines, high-precision weaponry and stealth technology.
"The use of composite materials and advanced technologies, improved aerodynamics, and reduced engine heat signature minimizes its radio-frequency, optical and infrared visibility. All these features significantly boost the combat effectiveness of the plane," the Sukhoi maker said in a statement.