The Sukhoi PAK FA (Russian: Perspektivny Aviatsionny Kompleks Frontovoy Aviatsii, literally "Prospective Airborne Complex of Frontline Aviation") is a twin-engine jet fighter being developed by Sukhoi for the Russian Air Force. The Sukhoi T-50 is the prototype for PAK FA. The PAK FA is one of only a handful of stealth jet programs worldwide.

The PAK FA, a fifth generation jet fighter, is intended to be the successor to the MiG-29 and Su-27 in the Russian inventory and serve as the basis of the Sukhoi/HAL FGFA being developed with India. The T-50 prototype performed its first flight on January 29th, 2010.

The Russian Defence Ministry will purchase the first 10 evaluation example aircraft after 2012 and then 60 production standard aircraft after 2016. The first batch of fighters will be delivered with current technology engines. The PAK-FA is expected to have a service life of about 3035 years.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of a Russian Sukhoi PAK FA T-50 stealth fighter in a digitized camouflage scheme. Now in stock!

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 7-3/4-inches
Length: 11-inches

Release Date: November 2023

Historical Account: "Indian Country" - The Sukhoi PAK FA (Prospective Airborne Complex of Frontline Aviation) or the T-50, is a joint project between the Russians and Indians. It has been claimed that the Chinese were also invited, but that they refused, claiming they had a better idea of their own. The reason for the Russians to need partners was the fact that after the fall of the Soviet union the Russian economy suffered a financial crisis in the late 90's, following Gorbachovs economic reforms (one of the reasons) in 1987 and 1988. They therefore needed partners and turned to their allies in the South. The Indians are, by a contract signed in 2001, supposed to pay 25% of the development cost of the fighter, and for this they do not only get PAK FAs, but also their own especially made HAL FGFA, which is an upgraded version of the T-50, featuring more than 43 improvements from the PAK FA, among others better avionics, better stealth, and the capability to mount Indian missiles and rockets on the hardpoints. The T-50 program is expected to cost about $20 billion and the unit cost is predicted to be ~$50 million. The Russians hope to keep the cost down for the PAK FA not only because they want to buy it for their own Air Force, but because it would be a very affordable fighter for export.