The Sukhoi Su-57 is a fifth generation fighter which is in service with the Russian Air Force since 2020. Designed and developed by the Sukhoi company, this versatile combat aircraft can perform several types of role, which include fighter, interceptor, and ground-attack missions. According to some military analysts, about 70 Su-57s have already been delivered to the Russian Air Force so far, as its manufacturing has been accelerated due to the war in Ukraine. It is known as 'Felon' by NATO and the US military. It was built with advanced stealth materials and technology.
Technical Characteristics
The Su-57 is a one-seat, supersonic, jet aircraft. It features trapezoidal wings, which are fully integrated to the fuselage into one homogeneous whole structure. Its wings are fitted with leading edge flaps. These features and its advanced KSU-50 flight control system make of the Su-57 a very maneuverable aircraft, which can perform extreme high angles of attacks maneuvers. The fuselage of the aircraft is made of alloy materials, which include titanium, aluminum, and steel. It has a coating of a classified material, which, along with its unique design shape, renders it surreptitious to enemy radars.
Below, the Su-57 'Felon' flying over Russian territory
The Su-57 features a glass cockpit, with the primary controls being the joystick and two throttles. Flight and combat information is shown to the pilot on two LCD displays. The aircraft is equipped with advanced multifunctional integrated radio-electronic system, which is known as the Sh-121. This system is composed of the L402 Himalayas electronic countermeasures system and the N036B 1-01 x-band Byelka radar. Meanwhile, the S-57 is powered by two Saturn AL-41F1 afterburning turbofan engines, with its air intakes being located under the aircraft fuselage.
Weapons
For the interceptor and fighter role, this Russian aircraft is armed with hypersonic Vympel R-37 and the R-77 air-to-air missiles. When performing ground-attack missions, the Su-57 is fitted with four Kh-38M and two supersonic Kh-31 air-to-surface missiles. It can also be armed with four Kh-58 anti-radiation missiles. In the bomber role, it can carry up to 7,000 kg of bombs in its internal weapon bays and on twelve hardpoints.
Specifications
Length: 20.1 m
Wingspan: 14.1 m
Wing Area: 78.8 m²
Height: 4.6 m
Weight: 18 tons
Maximum Speed: Mach 2 (at high altitude); Mach 1.4 at low levels.
Range: 3,500 km at supercruise speed; 4,600 km at subsonic speeds.
Below, the belly of the Su-57 fighter aircraft, which is performing a flight maneuver.
