This vehicle is the first aircraft in Russian military service to use stealth technology. Its creation serves a purpose for air superiority and attack operations. Hence, this article will discuss important information you need to know about Russia’s fifth-generation multirole jet fighter, the Sukhoi Su-57. Check the details below.
1. AIRCRAFT ORIGIN
The development of this particular aircraft started back in 2002. However, we can trace back its origins to 1989 when the Soviet Union decided to combine technology used on current fighter jet aircraft with the latest advances in supercruise and stealth engineering. Initially, the Sukhoi Su-57 was co-developed with India, but after a disagreement with Russia regarding its expenses, India announced in 2018 that it would no longer participate in this joint project.
After many delays due to financial constraints and engine development lapses, the first Sukhoi Su-57 prototype did not fly until the 29th of January in 2010. Following its initial flight test, the manufacturers developed an additional nine prototypes for the Russian Air Force. A year later, this fighter jet made its first public appearance at the MAKS 2011 Air Show. As of 2019, this fighter jet stands at 42 million USD, which is much cheaper than its American counterparts.
2. AIRCRAFT SPECIFICATIONS
This aircraft is one of the few combat planes globally with stealth fighter abilities. The Sukhoi Su-57 is 20.1 meters long, standing at the height of 5.45 meters, and has a wingspan of 14.1 meters. This unique fighter jet is a combination of speed, stealth, and super maneuverability. These are all possible with the components Russia had developed over the years. The Sukhoi Su-57’s twin turbofan engines can perform at a maximum speed of Mach 2.0.
According to airplaneupdate.com, this particular aircraft has a one-seat cockpit equipped with electronic systems. That includes an automatic flight control system (AFCS) and other additional equipment. These are all responsible for the operator’s safety and smooth experience when flying the plane during a mission. Furthermore, the Sukhoi Su-57’s armament can carry various missile types such as air-to-air, air-to-surface, anti-ship, and anti-radiation missiles. Its weapon load makes the jet a threat not just in the air but also on land and sea.
3. AIRCRAFT COMPARISON
Russia has been continuously trying to keep up with the United States in the arms race for quite some time now. Another country that finds itself in the same position as the Russians is the Republic of China. Hence, it is appropriate that we weigh up Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet against China’s Chengdu J-20, which is also a fifth-generation combat plane.
According to an article written by Dave Majumdar for The National Interest, he noted that while the Su-57 has an excellent aerodynamic design, the Russian jet is far less stealthy than the Chinese Chengdu J-20 because of Chinese incorporated advanced stealth features. Even with the Su-57’s anti-radiation missiles, the Chinese aircraft places more emphasis on radar cross-section reduction measures than the Russian jet.
However, what this Russian fighter lacks in stealth, it makes up for in performance. The Chinese aircraft likely falls well behind the Su-57 in terms of raw kinematic performance. The Su-57 is likely to have an impressive low-speed high angle of attack maneuverability than the J-20. Hence, both of these domestically made fighter jets are deadly and impressive in their ways.
4. RECORDED ACCIDENTS
On June 10, 2014, an engine fire caused the fifth prototype of the Su-57 to be severely damaged. Fortunately, the pilot managed to escape unharmed. Sukhoi then released a statement that they will repair the aircraft and that the fire will not affect the test program’s timing.
Another accident occurred on Christmas eve of 2019 when a malfunctioning control system caused a Su-57 crash near the Dzyomgi Airport. Reports say that the flight took place at an altitude of 8,000 meters when the malfunction happened, causing the airplane to enter a rapid spiral descent. Luckily, the pilot managed to eject and was picked up by a helicopter.
5. NEW FIGHTER JETS
According to 19fortyfive.com, the Russian Aerospace Force will be getting some new aircraft in the coming years. A total of 76 Su-57 fighters will be supplied by 2028, with 22 of the planes arriving in late 2024. The Russian Armed Forces will also receive 94 aircraft and helicopters before 2025 and ahead of schedule. These plans make the Sukhoi Su-57 a severe threat in the coming years.
THESE ARE THE TOP 5 FACTS ABOUT THE SUKHOI SU-57. DO YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? IF SO, VISIT OUR CHANNEL EVERLAST VALUE – BUILDERS TO WATCH MORE CONTENT LIKE THIS!
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