The first two prototypes have problems, in Aug, 2011, cracks were reportedly discovered in the load-bearing structure of the first prototype, T-50-1. The aircraft was being prepared for high angle-of-attack test flights and was fitted with a spin recovery parachute in the aft fuselage. Although not officially confirmed, T-50-1 has not been seen since last Aug. and flight testing with the aircraft is believed to have ceased.
The second prototype T-50-2, is currently flying with what appear to be vertical fins(marked with the number 051) previously fitted to T-50-1. Structural problems encountered so early in the trials, and before the aircraft has achieved high g-loads, show a requirement to improve the T-50’s construction.
Mikhail Pogosyan recently said:” the fourth aircraft will fly in 2012”, but was less specific as to when. He is now sounding much more cautious about the fourth aircraft maiden flight compared with last year when he announced it would take place before the end of 2012.
But Pogosyan’s apparent caution may prove to be supposition because major structural changes are being implemented in the fourth aircraft after the discovery of the problems in T-50-1. It is also of note that various various strengthening overlays appeared on the tail planes of T-50-1 and T-50-2 and now also T-50-3.
The Commander-in-chief of the Russia-Air-Force, Alexander Zelin, remains optimistic. In a statement made to the Russia RIA Novosti news agency in mid-Feb., he said that fourteen T-50 aircraft will be complete by 2015. The three existing prototypes would be joined by a further three, and a batch of pre-production aircraft would be made during 2016-2020.
