The Sukhoi T-50 (PAK FA), Russia's stealthy fifth-generation fighter, has been named as one of the best warplanes the world has ever seen in a list of "the most game-changing" aircraft compiled by Business Insider.
"Though still in prototype, Moscow thinks the Su-50 will ultimately be able to outperform the F-35 on key metrics including speed and maneuverability. The stealth capabilities of the Su-50, however, are believed to be below those of the F-22 and the F-35," the media outlet observed.
Earlier this year, defense analyst Dave Majumdar expressed the same idea when he compared the T-50 and the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, the first fifth-generation jet in Washington's arsenal. Both planes have a lot in common and could come out victorious in an aerial battle. The F-22 is indeed superior when it comes to stealth.
The T-50, Russia's response to America's most advanced aircraft Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, is a single-seat, twin-engine multirole fighter designed for air superiority and attack roles. The aircraft is expected to replace the aging Mikoyan MiG-29 and Sukhoi Su-27.
Reports suggest that the T-50 will enter service in late 2016 or early 2017.
"Once the plane is combat-ready, it will serve as a base model for the construction of further variants intended for export. India is already co-designing a Su-50 variant with Russia, and Iran and South Korea are possible candidates to buy future models of the plane," the media outlet noted.
The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II and the F-22 top the Business Insider's list. The F-35 was meant to be the best aircraft ever built but things have not gone exactly as planned.
"Problems with everything from the plane's software system to its engines has both delayed its deployment and contributed to its astronomical price tag. And it isn't nearly as effective in some of its roles as existing aircraft," the media outlet noted.
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