Sukhoi/HAL FGFA

Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA)
Perspective Multirole Fighter (PMF)
A Russian T-50, on which the FGFA is based.
Role Multirole/Stealth air superiority fighter
National origin Russia
India
Manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
Designer Sukhoi/Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
Status In development[1]
Primary user Indian Air Force
Program cost US$30 billion (projected)[2]
Unit cost
US$100 million (est.)[3][4]
Developed from Sukhoi PAK FA

The Sukhoi/HAL Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) or Perspective Multi-role Fighter (PMF) is a fifth-generation fighter being developed by India and Russia. It is a derivative project from the PAK FA (T-50 is the prototype) being developed for the Russian Air Force. FGFA was the earlier designation for the Indian version, while the combined project is now called the Perspective Multi-Role Fighter (PMF).[5]

The completed FGFA will include a total of 43 improvements over the T-50, including stealth, supercruise, advanced sensors, networking and combat avionics.[6][7] Two separate prototypes will be developed, one by Russia and a separate one by India. Russia agreed to the demand of the Indian Air force that it must be a two-seater fighter. The Indian version will be a two-seater for pilot and co-pilot/Weapon Systems Operator (WSO).

Development

Following the success of the BrahMos project, Russia and India agreed in early 2007 to jointly study and develop a Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) programme.[8][9] On 27 October 2007 Sukhoi's director Mikhail Pogosyan stated: "We will share the funding, engineering and intellectual property in a 50–50 proportion", in an interview with Asia Times.[10]

On 11 September 2010, it was reported that India and Russia had agreed on a preliminary design contract, subject to Cabinet approval. The joint development deal would have each country invest $6 billion and take 8–10 years to develop the FGFA fighter.[11] In December 2010, a memorandum of understanding for preliminary design of the Indo-Russian fighter was reportedly signed between Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), and Russian companies Rosoboronexport and Sukhoi.[12][13] The preliminary design will cost $295 million and will be complete within 18 months.[14] On 17 August 2011, media reports stated that the new fighter will cost Russia and India $6 billion to develop, and India will pay about 35% of the cost.[15][16]

The Indian version, according to the deal, will be different from the Russian version and specific to Indian requirements.[17] While the Russian version will be a single-pilot fighter, the Indian variant will be based on its own operational doctrine which calls for greater radius of combat operations. The wings and control surfaces need to be reworked for the FGFA.[18] Although, development work has yet to begin, the Russian side has expressed optimism that a test article will be ready for its maiden flight by 2009, one year after PAK FA scheduled maiden flight and induction into service by 2015.[19] By February 2009, as per Sukhoi General Director Mikhail Pogosyan, India will initially get the same PAK FA fighter of Russia and the only difference will be the software.[20]

In 2010, a total of 500 aircraft were planned with options for further aircraft. Russian Air Force will have 200 single-seat and 50 twin-seat PAK FAs while Indian Air Force will get 166 single seated and 48 twin-seated FGFAs.[21][22] At this stage, the Sukhoi holding is expected to carry out 80% of the work involved. Under the project terms, single-seat fighters will be assembled in Russia, while Hindustan Aeronautics will assemble two-seaters.[23] HAL negotiated a 25 per cent share of design and development work in the FGFA programme. HAL's work share will include critical software including the mission computer, navigation systems, most of the cockpit displays, the counter measure dispensing (CMD) systems and modifying Sukhoi's prototype into fighter as per the requirement of the Indian Air Force (IAF).[24]

Sukhoi director Mikhail Pogosyan projected a market for 1,000 aircraft over the next four decades, 200 each for Russia and India and 600 for other countries in 2010.[25] Russian Trade Minister Viktor Khristenko said that the aircraft are to be jointly developed and produced with India and both countries will "share benefits from selling the plane not only on their domestic markets, but also on the markets of third countries."[26] The Editor-in-chief of Natsionalnaya Oborona, Dr Igor Korotchenko, said in February 2013 that exports of the jointly designed fighter should help Russia increase its share of arms exports to the world.[27]

In 2011, it was reported that IAF would induct 148 single-seat as well as 66 twin-seat variants of the FGFA. IAF plans to induct the first lot of aircraft by 2017.[28] By 2012, this had been changed to 214 single seat aircraft.[29]

Project changes and delays

In May 2012, the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced a two-year delay in the project's development. The then Defence Minister A K Antony had said that the FGFA would join the Indian Air Force by 2017. However, his deputy, M M Pallam Raju, told the Parliament that the fifth generation aircraft is scheduled to be certified by 2019, following which the series production will start.[30] Ashok Nayak, who spoke on the record as HAL's chairman before retiring, explained that the IAF have required 40-45 improvements made from the PAK-FA to meet Indian needs. These changes were then formally agreed upon between India and Russia.[30]

There is apprehension that the FGFA would significantly exceed its current $6 billion budget, because this figure reflects the expenditure on just the basic aircraft. Crucial avionics systems would cost extra. The Russian and Indian air forces each plan to purchase about 250 FGFAs, at an estimated $100 million per fighter for an $25 billion total, in addition to the development costs.[30] By October 2012, India had cut its total purchase size from 200 to 144 aircraft. India's initial investment had grown from $5 billion to $6 billion, and the estimated total programme cost had grown to $30 billion.[2]

In 2013, it was revealed that the Russian and Indian fighters would be using the same avionics.[31] Alexander Fomin said that "Both sides involved in this project are investing a lot into it, and on equal terms."[32] Russia later admitted to huge delays and cost overruns in the project.[33] The first prototype delivery has been delayed by one or two years. The contract has not be finalised, and the IAF has accused HAL of giving away up to half of India's share of the development work.[34][35] India contributes 15 percent of the research and development work, but provides half the cost.[36]

India has "raised questions about maintenance issues, the engine, stealth features, weapon carriage system, safety and reliability".[37] After repeated delays in the fighter's design and workshare arrangements Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said in January 2015, "We have decided to fast-track many of the issues."[38] The HAL is to receive three Russian prototypes, one per year from 2015 to 2017 for evaluation.[39]

On 9 March 2015, media outlets reported that the countries agreed to reduce the aircraft delivery time from 92 months to 36 months with the signing of the final agreement. India is also ready to forego a 50:50 work share to prevent further delays from absorption of a new technology; both countries agreed to manufacture the first batch of aircraft in Russia and for subsequent batches to be manufactured by HAL.[40][41][42]

By 2016, Indian interest in the project was fading after Russia cut back their own purchases.[43] On 25 January 2016, it was reported that Russia and India have agreed to develop FGFA and lower investment cost to $4 billion for each nation. They will invest $1 billion in the first year and another $500 million per year for the following six years.[44]

Design

Radar with APAA for the PAK FA/FGFA is provided by NIIP
APAA in the leading edge slats
Optical detection pod for the PAK FA/FGFA

Although there is no reliable information about the PAK FA and FGFA specifications yet, it is known from interviews with people in the Russian Air Force that it will be stealthy, have the ability to supercruise, be outfitted with the next generation of air-to-air, air-to-surface, and air-to-ship missiles, and incorporate an AESA (active electronically scanned array) radar. The PAK FA/FGFA will use on its first flights 2 Saturn 117 engines (about 147.1 kN thrust each). The 117 is an advanced version of the AL-31F, but built with the experience gained in the AL-41F programme. The AL-41F powered the Mikoyan MFI fighter (Mikoyan Project 1.44). Later versions of the PAK FA will use a completely new engine (107 kN thrust each, 176 kN in full afterburner), developed by NPO Saturn or FGUP MMPP Salyut.

Three Russian companies will compete to provide the engines with the final version to be delivered in 2015–2016.[45]

Russian expertise in titanium structures will be complemented by India's experience in composites like in the fuselage.[21] HAL is to be contributing largely to composites, cockpits and avionics according to company statements made in September 2008. HAL is working to enter into a joint development mechanism with Russia for the evolution of the FGFA engine as an upward derivative of the AL-37. Speaking to Flight International, United Aircraft chief Mikhail Pogosyan said India is giving engineering inputs covering latest airframe design, Hi-Tech software development and other systems.[46]

By August 2014, the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) had completed the front end engineering design for the FGFA for which a contract had been signed with India's HAL in 2010. Preparation of contract for full-scale development is in progress.[47]

Differences for FGFA

The FGFA will be predominantly armed with weapons of Indian origin such as the Astra, a beyond-visual-range missile (BVR) being developed by India. Although in keeping with the Russian BVR doctrine of using a variety of different missiles for versatility and unpredictability to countermeasures, the aircraft is expected to have compatibility with various missile types. The FGFA may include systems developed by third parties.[48]

The completed joint Indian/Russian versions of the operational fighters will differ from the current flying prototypes through the addition of stealth, supercruise, sensors, networking, and combat avionics for a total of 43 improvements.[6]

Russia agreed to the demand of the Indian Air force that it must be a two-seater fighter.[49] The Indian version will be a two-seater that will, "accommodate one pilot and a co-pilot who will function as a Weapon Systems Operator (WSO)."[38]

Specifications (PAK FA and FGFA - projected)

Most of these figures are for the Sukhoi T-50 prototype and not the finished HAL FGFA.

Data from Aviation News,[50] Aviation Week,[51] Air International[52]

General characteristics

Performance

Armament

Avionics

See also

Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
Related lists

References

    1. ↑ Vladimir Radyuhin. "Fifth generation fighter crosses milestone". The Hindu. Retrieved 6 April 2015.
    2. 1 2 Luthra, Gulshan. "IAF decides on 144 Fifth Generation Fighters." India Strategic, October 2012.
    3. ↑ "India to jointly develop 250 fifth generation fighters". Sify. 2010-10-04. Retrieved 2010-12-16.
    4. ↑ Ajai Shukla (15 May 2012). "Delays and challenges for Indo-Russian fighter". business-standard.com. Retrieved 6 April 2015.
    5. ↑ Menon, Jay. "India And Russia To Ink R&D Phase Of T-50 Program." Aerospace Daily & Defense Report, 21 August 2012.
    6. 1 2 Mathews, Neelam. "India's Version of Sukhoi T-50 Delayed by Two Years." AIN, 25 May 2012.
    7. ↑ "Sukhoi/HAL FGFA an Indian Stealth Fighter". Defence Aviation. 2008-10-27. Retrieved 2008-10-28.
    8. ↑ Kappan, Rasheed (2007-02-08). "Indo-Russian agreement soon on PAK-FA". Chennai, India: The Hindu. Retrieved 2007-10-20.
    9. ↑ "India, Russia to make 5th generation fighter jets". Times of India. 2007-01-24. Retrieved 2007-10-20.
    10. ↑ "India, Russia still brothers in arms". Asia Times. 27 October 2007. Retrieved 2010-12-16.
    11. ↑ "India, Russia to Ink gen-5 fighter pact." Business standard. Retrieved: 19 November 2012.
    12. ↑ "Medvedev Flair Firms Up Indo-Russian Relations". Observer Research Foundation. 2010-12-29. Retrieved 2012-05-18.
    13. ↑ "Russia, India to begin design of 5G-fighter in December." RIA Novosti, 27 October 2010. Retrieved: 19 November 2012.
    14. ↑ "Russia and India fix T-50 fighter design contract cost at $295 mln." RIA Novosti, 16 December 2010.
    15. ↑ "New stealth fighter jet 'principal' for Russia, India". RIA Novosti, 16 August 2011.
    16. ↑ "New fighter jet to bolster Russian air force." CNN news blog. Retrieved: 19 November 2012.
    17. ↑ "Indo-Russian 5th generation fighter to take-off by 2012". The Times of India. 30 Oct 2007. Retrieved 2010-12-16.
    18. ↑ Unnithan, Sandeep (2008-09-29). "India, Russia to have different versions of same fighter plane". Indiatoday.digitaltoday.in. Retrieved 2010-12-16.
    19. ↑ PTI, Oct 30, 2007 (2007-10-30). "5Th Generation Fighter Project (based on PAK-FA)". The Times of India. Retrieved 2010-12-16.
    20. ↑ Sweetman, Bill (13 February 2009). "PAK-FA - Full Speed Ahead". aviationweek.com. Penton. Retrieved 13 November 2013.
    21. 1 2 "India to develop 25% of fifth generation fighter". Business-standard.com. 2010-01-06. Retrieved 2010-12-16.
    22. ↑ "India, Russia close to PACT on next generation fighter". Business-standard.com. Retrieved 2010-12-16.
    23. ↑ "Prime Minister Putin's greatest deals". indrus.in. 2011-11-11. Retrieved 2011-11-11.
    24. ↑ "India to develop 25% of fifth generation fighter". Business-standard.com. 2010-01-06. Retrieved 2012-05-18.
    25. ↑ Bryanski, Gleb (2010-03-12). "Russia to make 1,000 stealth jets, eyes India deal". In.reuters.com. Retrieved 2010-12-16.
    26. ↑ "Russia, India to sign contract for sketching 5th generation jet soon". Itar-tass.com. Retrieved 2010-12-16.
    27. ↑ "Russian aircraft builders successful arms traders". RUVR (RU). 2013-02-18.
    28. ↑ "IAF to induct 214 variants of fighter aircraft". The Times of India. Retrieved 6 April 2015.
    29. ↑ Mathews, Neelam. "Indian Air Force Chief Outlines Fighter Jet Plans." AIN Online, 21 September 2012.
    30. 1 2 3 "Delays and challenges for Indo-Russian fighter". Business-standard.com. 2012-05-15. Retrieved 2012-05-18.
    31. ↑ Sputnik (6 February 2013). "India to Use Russian Avionics For Future Fighter - UAC Boss". ria.ru. Retrieved 6 April 2015.
    32. ↑ "Russia Still Has High Hopes for Defense Sales to India". Aviation International News. Retrieved 6 April 2015.
    33. ↑ "5th-generation fighter plan hits hurdle as Russia hikes cost". The Times of India. Retrieved 6 April 2015.
    34. ↑ J. Michael Cole. "Russia Delays India’s 5th-Gen. Fighter Program". The Diplomat. Retrieved 6 April 2015.
    35. ↑ "IAF-HAL tiff threatens to shatter indigenization quest". The Times of India.
    36. ↑ Menon, Jay (21 October 2013). "India Concerned About Fifth-Gen Fighter Work Share With Russia". aviationweek.com. Aerospace Daily & Defense Report. Retrieved 23 October 2013.
    37. ↑ Datt, Gautam (30 August 2014). "India-Russia jet deal hits turbulence over 'technical worries'". dailymail.co.uk (Associated Newspapers Ltd). Retrieved 30 August 2014.
    38. 1 2 3 "India Fast Tracks 5th Generation Fighter Jet Project With Russia". NDTV. 22 January 2015. Retrieved 23 January 2015.
    39. ↑ Praveen Bose (26 February 2015). "Delay on Rafale deal to give FGFA shot in the arm". business-standard.com. Retrieved 6 April 2015.
    40. ↑ "Rafale deadlock gives thrust to Russian 5th-gen jet project". The Times of India. Retrieved 6 April 2015.
    41. ↑ "India Eyes Russian FGFA As MMRCA Deal Delays". defenseworld.net. Retrieved 6 April 2015.
    42. ↑ "TASS: Russia - India to invest $25 billion in fifth-generation fighter joint project with Russia — media". TASS. Retrieved 6 April 2015.
    43. ↑ Gady, Franz-Stefan (6 January 2016). "India and Russia Fail to Resolve Dispute Over Fifth Generation Fighter Jet". thediplomat.com (The Diplomat). Retrieved 6 January 2016.
    44. ↑ "Moscow and Delhi to invest $8 billion in 5th generation fighters". RT. 25 January 2016. Retrieved 30 January 2016.
    45. ↑ "Russian firms competing for FGFA engine development contract". Brahmand.com. 2010-04-27. Retrieved 2010-12-16.
    46. ↑ "PARIS: Russia's PAK-FA fighter shows promise". Flightglobal.com. 2011-06-20. Retrieved 2013-04-11.
    47. ↑ "Indian News - India Newspaper - India Latest News - News From India - India News Daily - Current India News". samachar.com. Retrieved 6 April 2015.
    48. ↑ "Russia, India to develop joint 5G-fighter by 2016". RIA Novosti. 2010-03-02. Retrieved 2010-12-16.
    49. ↑ "Indo-Russian Jet Program Finally Moves Forward". Defense News. 15 September 2014. Retrieved 23 January 2015.
    50. ↑ Butowski 2012, p. 48-52.
    51. ↑ "Sukhoi T-50 Shows Flight-Control Innovations". aviationweek.com. Retrieved 6 April 2015.
    52. ↑ Butowski, Piotr. "Raptorski's Maiden Flight". Air International, Vol. 78, No 3, March 2010, pp. 30–37. Stamford, UK: Key Publishing.
    53. 1 2 Butowski 2013, p. 81.
    54. ↑ &linkid=2280&catid=255 "PAK-FA Sukhoi T-50." warfare.ru. Retrieved: 26 January 2011.
    55. ↑ "T-50 / Project 701 / PAK FA specifications." GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved: 18 January 2013.
    56. ↑ "The pilots of T-50 fighters received new anti-G equipment - News - Russian Aviation". Ruaviation.com. Retrieved 2013-11-16.
    57. ↑ Butowski, Piotr. "T-50 Turning and Burning over Moscow". Air International, Vol. 85, No 4, October 2013, pp. 80. Stamford, UK: Key Publishing.
    58. ↑ Butowski 2012, p. 50.

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