Sukhoi Su-57

Sukhoi Su-57
Name	Su-57
Type	Stealth multirole fighter
National origin	Russia
Manufacturer	Sukhoi
Designer	Mikhail Pogosyan
First flight	29 January 2010
Introduction	2020
Status	In service
Primary user	Russian Aerospace Forces
Number built	32+ (as of 2024)
Developed from	Sukhoi Su-27

Sukhoi Su-57. The Sukhoi Su-57 is a stealth, single-seat, twin-engine multirole fifth-generation fighter aircraft developed by Sukhoi for the Russian Aerospace Forces. It is designed to destroy all types of air, ground, and naval targets, featuring supermaneuverability, advanced avionics, and integrated sensor systems. The aircraft represents a key component of Russia's efforts to modernize its military aviation and compete with Western counterparts like the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor and Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II.

Development

The program, initially known as the PAK FA, was launched in the early 2000s following the cancellation of the Mikoyan Project 1.44. Sukhoi was selected as the lead developer, with Mikhail Pogosyan overseeing the project. The first prototype, designated T-50, conducted its maiden flight from Komsomolsk-on-Amur in 2010, piloted by Sergey Bogdan. Development faced significant challenges, including delays due to technical complexities and international sanctions following the Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation. A major milestone was reached in 2017 when the aircraft was officially designated Su-57 by the Russian Ministry of Defence. The program also saw brief collaboration with India under the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft project before its dissolution.

Design

The Su-57 employs a stealth design with measures like radar-absorbent coatings, internal weapons bays, and aligned edges to reduce its Radar cross-section. Its airframe leverages experience from the Sukhoi Su-27 family, incorporating Leading-edge extensions and thrust-vectoring Saturn AL-41F1 engines for exceptional agility. The avionics suite is centered on the Sh121 multifunctional integrated radio-electronic system, which includes the N036 Byelka AESA radar and the 101KS Atoll electro-optical system. This network-centric architecture shares data with other platforms like the Sukhoi Su-35 and Beriev A-50 AEW&C aircraft.

Operational history

The first production Su-57 was delivered to the Russian Aerospace Forces in 2020 at the 929th State Flight Test Centre in Akhtubinsk. Initial operational capability was declared in 2021, with the first aircraft assigned to the 3rd Aviation Regiment at Dzyomgi Airport. The type saw its first reported combat use in 2022 during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, where it was employed to launch long-range missiles like the R-77 from within Russian airspace. In 2024, a contract was signed for a new batch of Su-57s, with plans to equip two more aviation regiments. The aircraft has been regularly showcased at international events such as the MAKS Airshow and Army International Military-Technical Forum.

Variants

The primary production model is the Su-57, featuring the Saturn AL-41F1 engine. A significantly upgraded version, sometimes called Su-57M, is under development and will be powered by the new Izdeliye 30 engine, offering greater thrust and improved stealth. A two-seat variant, potentially for training or acting as a command node for unmanned loyal wingmen like the Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik, has been proposed. An export-oriented version was marketed as the FGFA to India and has been offered to nations including Algeria and Vietnam.

Operators

The sole current operator is the Russian Aerospace Forces. As of 2024, over 30 aircraft have been delivered, with units based at Dzyomgi Airport in the Russian Far East and Akhtubinsk for testing. No export sales have been finalized, though historical interest was shown by the Indian Air Force under the now-defunct FGFA program. Future potential operators, as suggested by Russian state media, could include close allies such as Belarus.

Specifications (Su-57)

* Crew: 1 * Length: 20.1 m (65 ft 11 in) * Wingspan: 14.1 m (46 ft 3 in) * Height: 4.74 m (15 ft 7 in) * Empty weight: 18,000 kg (39,683 lb) * Max takeoff weight: 35,000 kg (77,162 lb) * Powerplant: 2 × Saturn AL-41F1 afterburning turbofans * Maximum speed: Mach 2+ * Ferry range: 4,500 km (2,800 mi, 2,400 nmi) * Combat range: 1,500 km (930 mi, 810 nmi) * Service ceiling: 20,000 m (66,000 ft) * Armament: Internal bays for R-77 and R-73 air-to-air missiles, Kh-38 and Kh-59 air-to-surface missiles; external hardpoints for increased payload. * Avionics: N036 Byelka AESA radar, 101KS Atoll IRST system, Himalayas electronic warfare suite.

Category:Stealth aircraft Category:Fifth-generation jet fighters Category:Military aircraft of Russia