India’s Stealthy Two-Seaters

Russia agreed to a preliminary design for an export version of its stealthy fifth generation T-50 PAK-FA fighter in cooperation with India, reported the state-run RIA Novosti. “As of now, we and our Indian colleagues have completed the creation of the export version of the PAK-FA, known in India as [Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft],” Andrey Marshankin, Russia’s representative to the bi-national design commission, in the Jan. 10 report. Unlike the Russian T-50, the Indian variant will likely be a two-seat version to meet Indian Air Force preferences for a two-man crew, according to the press. “We already have documents and understanding of the scope of the next phase of design, the scale of future production” with India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, he added. India plans to purchase between 250 and 300 of the fighters as part of an $11 billion joint development program with Russia. The first aircraft are slated for delivery in 2017.