![\"T50q\"](\"https:\/\/hcsblogdotorg.files.wordpress.com\/2016\/06\/t50q.jpeg?w=620\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
United Aircraft Corporation is gearing up to start serial production of theSukhoi T-50 PAK-FA <\/a>fifth-generation stealth fighter, according to Russian media reports. The eighth prototype T-50\u200a\u2014\u200awhich is nearly compliant with Moscow\u2019s requirements for a next-generation fighter\u200a\u2014\u200ais set to make its first flight on June 20.<\/p>\n \u201cUnlike the previous aircraft, the eighth airframe is fully equipped with the equipment and systems prescribed in the specifications to create a prospective frontline aviation system,\u201d a defense industry source told the Russian-language daily Izvestia<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cWith the advent of the new fighter, it can be said that the T-50 has reached a stage where it\u2019s combat capable and ready for mass production and for use by the Russian Aerospace Forces.\u201d<\/p>\n Four additional T-50 aircraft are in various stages of final assembly at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Production Association plant in the Russian Far East. A ninth aircraft is set to joint the T-50 flight test program<\/a> in September.<\/p>\n But while flight-testing is not yet complete, UAC expects to sign a contract with the Russian Aerospace Forces to begin serial production of the T-50 in the fall of this year, according to Izvestia<\/em>\u2019s source. Deliveries of the new stealth fighter are set to begin in 2017.<\/p>\n