The first prototype of the single-engine light fifth-generation fighter Su-75 Checkmate was captured at one of the airbases of the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS). Military expert Evgeny Damantsev spoke about the main advantages of the new combat vehicle.
He noted that, based on a visual comparison with photographs taken in November 2021, it can be concluded that this is the same instance – the camouflage elements match.
The photos show the characteristic contours of the fuselage and the configuration of the air intakes, reminiscent of early demonstration versions of the project.
Operates autonomously
The specialist recalled that in the "5++" generation version, the machine should be able to operate autonomously – using its own inertial navigation system and on-board central computer.
The fighter received complex source code algorithms for conducting air combat, overcoming air defense systems (air defense) and striking surface targets – in fact, with elements of artificial intelligence.
At the same time, there is the possibility of network operation: the Su-75 in the role of an unmanned slave will be connected to the Su-57 multi-functional fighters via a secure channel of a two-way asynchronous data exchange line, where the terminal on the Su-57 will act as a combat control point.
Only one engine – less visibility
Options for one engine are being considered as a power plant: "Product 117C" (AL-41F1S) with an afterburner thrust of 14,500 kgf, AL-41F1 – 15,000 kgf, or "Product 30" with a thrust of up to 18 kg.
Power plants will provide a calculated thrust-to-weight ratio in the range of approximately 0.9–1.25 kgf/kg, depending on the combat load and fuel mass, as well as low visibility to radars.
The aircraft's electronics will receive promising interference-protected active phased array radars of the Zhuk-MAE type or their versions with transceiver modules on heat-resistant LTCC substrates made using low-temperature co-fired ceramics technology.
Will accelerate to 1.6 M
For radar stations (radars) on the Su-75, the target detection range with an RCS of 1 m² is indicated at the level of 180–200 km. Standard multi-spectral optoelectronic sighting systems of the OLS-50M line will allow detecting any heat-contrast and optical-contrast targets.
The estimated practical ceiling of the Su-75 is estimated in the range of 16,500–17,500 m. Cruising supersonic speed is 1.6 M, maximum is up to 2.1–2.2 M.
Earlier www1.ru reported that Russian Buk-M2E anti-aircraft air defense systems were deployed in Venezuela.