Su-57

Su-57. The Sukhoi Su-57 is a fifth-generation, single-seat, twin-engine stealth aircraft designed by Sukhoi for air superiority and attack aircraft missions. Developed under the PAK FA program to replace the Mikoyan MiG-29 and Sukhoi Su-27 in Russian Aerospace Forces service, it incorporates advanced avionics, supermaneuverability, and internal weapons bays to reduce its radar cross-section. The aircraft's development has been closely followed by international observers as a key component of Russia's modern military aviation capabilities.

Development and design

The program originated from the early 2000s PAK FA initiative, a response to Western projects like the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor and Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. Led by Sukhoi under general director Mikhail Pogosyan, the design bureau leveraged experience from previous projects like the Sukhoi Su-47 and Sukhoi S-37. A key partnership was formed with India under the FGFA program, though Hindustan Aeronautics Limited ultimately withdrew from the venture. The airframe extensively uses composite materials and features planform alignment and serpentine intakes to enhance stealth, while its N036 Byelka radar system, developed by Tikhomirov NIIP, includes unique L-band radar arrays in the leading-edge extensions. The Lyulka-designed Saturn AL-41F1 engines provided initial power, with the more advanced Izdeliye 30 engine intended for full-rate production aircraft to enable supercruise.

Operational history

The prototype, designated T-50, first flew on 29 January 2010 from Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Plant, piloted by Sergey Bogdan. The aircraft underwent extensive state testing, including evaluations at the Akhtubinsk range, but faced delays due to technical challenges and funding constraints. An initial operational capability was declared in 2020, with the first serial aircraft delivered to the Russian Aerospace Forces and based at the 929th State Flight Test Centre. The Su-57 saw its first confirmed combat deployment during the Russian military intervention in the Syrian Civil War, where it reportedly launched Kh-59MK2 cruise missiles. Following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, the fighter has been used to launch long-range air-to-surface missiles like the Kh-69, with at least one aircraft reportedly lost to a mishap in 2023. Its deployment has been cautious, with missions often flown from bases within Russia like Akhtubinsk and Lipetsk Air Base.

Technical specifications

The Su-57 is a heavy fighter with a length of 19.8 meters, a wingspan of 14 meters, and a height of 4.74 meters. Its empty weight is approximately 18,000 kg, with a maximum takeoff weight of 35,000 kg. Power is provided by two Saturn AL-41F1 afterburning turbofans, each producing 107 kN of thrust, with future plans for the 110 kN Izdeliye 30. Performance includes a maximum speed of Mach 2 at altitude, a service ceiling of 20,000 meters, and a ferry range of 5,500 km with external fuel tanks. The avionics suite is centered on the N036 Byelka active electronically scanned array radar system, integrated with a 101KS Atoll electro-optical targeting system and Himalayas electronic warfare suite. Armament is carried in two main internal weapons bays and wing root bays, with stations for weapons like the R-77 and R-73 air-to-air missiles, the Kh-38 air-to-surface missile, and the 9A1-4071K 30mm cannon.

Variants

The primary development model was the T-50, encompassing several prototypes used for flight testing. The initial production standard for the Russian Aerospace Forces is the Su-57, sometimes referred to as Su-57S. A two-seat variant, potentially for training or wild weasel missions, has been speculated as the Su-57UB. The proposed navalized version for the Russian Navy was designated Su-57K, intended for aircraft carriers like Admiral Kuznetsov. The export-oriented model was marketed as the Su-57E, with demonstrations held at air shows like MAKS (air show). A dedicated ground-attack variant, possibly called Su-57IB, has been discussed in Russian media, drawing conceptual lineage from the Sukhoi Su-34.

Operators

The sole current operator is the Russian Aerospace Forces. Deliveries have been made to the 929th State Flight Test Centre at Akhtubinsk and the first operational unit, believed to be stationed at Lipetsk Air Base. A contract for 76 aircraft was announced by the Ministry of Defence (Russia), with plans for three aviation regiments. While no export customers have been confirmed, discussions have historically involved Algeria, Vietnam, and Turkey, following presentations to officials like Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The earlier collaboration with India under the FGFA program did not result in an operational purchase by the Indian Air Force.

Category:Stealth aircraft Category:Sukhoi aircraft Category:Fifth-generation jet fighters