MOSCOW. Nov 19 (Interfax-AVN) - Russia intends to produce export versions of its 5-generation fighter within the first stage of the project, that is up to 2006, a competent source at the Russian Air Force Staff told Interfax-Military News Agency on Monday.
The difference between the fighter for the Russian Air Force and the one produced for sale abroad will amount to approximately 40 %. The bulk of work on producing the aircraft for the Russian Air Force is to be accomplished within the period from 2008 to 2009. The production is to be financed by the means acquired through export operations.
Experts believe the baseline version of the Russian 5-generation fighter is not inferior to the future GSF and F-22 aircraft now being developed in the United States. The principal advantage of the aircraft will consist in its multi-purpose capability, that is the capability to engage both ground and airborne targets, as well as in its super-maneuverability and low signature in optical, infrared and radar spectrums. The aircraft is capable of performing steerable flights at a low speed and at high angles of attack. It can also use strips up to 300 and 400 meters long for landing and take-off.
The final concept of the fighter will be defined in the wake of the on-going tender. Russia's leading aircraft-designing companies, these being the Sukhoi Aircraft-building Enterprise, MIG Enterprise and Yakovlev Design Bureau, have been invited to participate in the tender. Each of the companies has its traditional partners. The consideration of the advanced project is scheduled for the first quarter of 2002. The head contractor is to be determined by the tender commission of the general customer, that is the Russian Air Force headed by the Ministry of Defense.