The first prototype of the American target aircraft of the fifth generation 5GAT, which was nicknamed the simulator of the Russian Su-57 fighter, crashed during tests. This is reported by the portal Janes with reference to the report of the Director of the Pentagon on operational tests and assessments.
In the publication of January 20, it is indicated that 5GAT is created in order to take part in the testing of air — to — air and ground-to-air combat systems»,
In addition, this model is intended to be used in the training of pilots and the development of ways to combat subtle air threats.
The 5GAT is equipped with a pair of General Electric J85 engines that were decommissioned from former T-38 training aircraft.
5GAT length is 12.2 m and a wing span of 7.3 m. the Device has a maximum takeoff weight of 4.4 t. the Plane can fly at altitudes up to 13.7 km, duration 1.5 h, the publication of Aviation Explorer.
In January 2020, Rossiyskaya Gazeta, citing the FlightGlobal publication, reported that the 5GAT is designed as a one-time stealth aircraft for training air combat and is a sparring partner that helps combat pilots learn how to shoot down stealth aircraft, such as the Russian Sukhoi Su-57 or the Chinese Chengdu J-20.
In the same month, it became known that a new reusable US drone with X-61A Gremlin turbojet engines was successfully launched from a military transport aircraft, but after 1.5 hours of flight, it crashed.