Russia's fifth generation T-50 fighter jet is a multi-role plane capable of resolving an array of special tactical tasks, according to Givi Dzhandzhgava, Head of the Ramenskoye Instrument Design Bureau.

In an interview with the Russian network Zvezda, Dzhandzhgava touted the Russian fifth generation T-50 fighter jet, also known as the PAK FA, as a sophisticated plane capable of solving a whole array of special tasks.

“PAK FA is a multi-purpose aircraft which, in addition to winning air superiority, can solve a spate of tactical tasks. Thanks to its stealth characteristics, the T-50 will be able to penetrate deep into the enemy territory and conduct pinpoint strikes,” Dzhandzhgava said.

Asked about feasibility of the PAK FA being armed with cruise missiles, he said that “sometimes it is necessary to destroy a target during subsequent strikes rather than the first one, something that you will be unable to fulfill with help of a cruise missile.”

In February, Zvezda reported that the T-50 is due to enter service with the Russian Armed Forces later this year, and that the plane is expected to be equipped with highly advanced X-74M2 cruise missiles.

The T-50 is a single-seat, twin-engine jet fighter, and the first operational aircraft in Russian service to use stealth technology. It was designed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau.

Besides its ability to fly at speeds well above Mach 2, the T-50 boasts other, even more important, features such as invisibility to radar and powerful weapons. It is equipped with advanced avionics and a cutting-edge phased array radar system.

Meanwhile, several foreign powers have already expressed an interest in the new warplane, and the serial manufacturing of an export version of the PAK FA is scheduled to begin in 2020.

Photo: A T-50 fighter performs demonstration flight during the International Aerospace Salon (MAKS 2015) in Zhukovsky near Moscow (© Sputnik/Maksim Blinov)