Russia Shows-off its First Stealth Fighter

For many years, the Russia’s economic system has been based on energy, which accounts for half of its country income. However, the Russian government wants to diversify and is planning on developing and branching out their technological division by expanding their aerospace and auto sectors.

Moscow’s International Aviation and Space Show

This year, the Russians showed-off their first state-of-the-art stealth jet fighter during Moscow’s International Aviation and Space Show. Russia finally launched their Sukhoi T-50 by performing a six-minute aerobatic, flight demonstration in front of an international audience, as well as Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. Similar to the American F-22, the T-50 is constructed of composite materials, and it is designed to absorb radar, instead of reflecting it. Also, T-50 is barely detectable through most high-tech sensors.

 T-50 stealth fighter vs The American F-22

What’s more, T-50 stealth fighter is more cost-effective at a mere $50 million, which is only one-third of the budget of American F-22. By contrast, the cost of a single F-22 is about $137 million. During the event, Vladimir Putin promised that their government will invest more money in aerospace. The prime minister announced that aerospace is a strategic priority for Russia, and that their country has and will continue to support Russia’s aerospace industry.

Collaboration with India

The Sukhoi T-50 was a joint group collaboration with India, and the purpose for developing T-50 was to compete directly with the newest U.S. aerospace design. As a result, India has signed contracts to purchase two hundred T-50s, and the Russian Air Force is also hoping to acquire hundreds of stealth jet fighters, as well. However, full manufacturing production is not scheduled until 2015. During Moscow’s aviation show, Boeing, Airbus, and international aircraft manufacturers also launched their newest aviation products.