Russia's First Stealth Jet Takes Off

Russia test launched its first and very own prototype stealth jet Sukhoi T-50 Friday, in an attempt to outlast the modern U.S. F-22 Raptors. However, with its viability as a start to the world's fifth generation of aerial arms questioned, the Sukhoi T-50 faces maiden political, and practicality issues.

The Sukhoi T-50, also known by its Russian alias PAK FA, aims to bring Russian rivalry against U.S. Air Force back into business. Russian T-50 was built in partnership with India, and is seen by many as milestone in the near future. This new jet is specifically designed to be invisible to radar, and to travel sound barrier like the F-22 Raptor. "It was easy and comfortable to fly," said its pilot, Sergie Bogdan after his 47 minute test flight at an airfield, in the far eastern city of Komsomolsk-on-Amur.

In nearly five years, this claimed-to-be fifth generation aircraft, the Sukhoi T-50, should join active military services. Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said that within three years this first release of the Sukhoi T-50 Fighters should undergo air force evaluation before commencing serial production in 2015.

While being proud of this big leap, Prime Minister Putin also admitted to the lack of completion in terms of engine and armor. That, and being seconded by the critics and military analysts, made it questionable whether or not the Sukhoi T-50 Fighter is worthy of being called Fifth Generation.

That the T-50 is just a slight innovation from the old SU-27 Fighter, is what analysts have said in return to the NPO Saturn Company's assertion that, "this jet has an entirely new engine." In another statement by Pavel Felgenhauer, an independent military analyst, he mentioned that "it takes new materials to speak of a fifth-generation fighter," and Russia just doesn't have them.

Project director Mikhail Pogosyan on the contrary was deeply convinced the Sukhoi T-50 Fighter should excel in cost effectiveness against its Western rivals and said, "...it will not only allow strengthening of the defense power of the Russian and Indian air forces, but also gain a significant share of the world market."

But as far as the praises arise, the downside of it being a war market is still faced, and argument presents itself.

Duly stated, the head of the Moscow Institute of Strategic Assessment Alexander Konovalov quoted, "There is no mission and no adversary for such plane." In the end, Konovalov further clears that it would be more expedient to add modern aerial technology to older jets for practicality.

Sources;

Fox News
Newstkr.com