The Russian fifth-generation multirole fighter Su-57 potentially has an advantage over the American F-35 Lightning II due to its powerful engines and nozzles with thrust vectoring. This gives the aircraft exceptional post-stall maneuverability (a sharp drop in lift due to disruption of normal airflow over the wing). This opinion was expressed by military expert Harrison Kass in an article for The National Interest.
The Su-57 is called a competitor to the American F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II. When comparing these aircraft, a fundamental difference in design and component base can be noticed. On paper, the Su-57 looks excellent.
In theory, the Su-57 combines stealth (stealth technology), like the F-22, and flexibility, like the F-35, while retaining the aerobatic capabilities of the Su-27/Su-35, noted Kass. But upon detailed examination, it turns out that the Russian aircraft has vulnerabilities.
The design of the Su-57 is less refined than that of its American counterparts. Engineers reduced the frontal area of the aircraft, but gaps between panels, external sensors, and engine nozzles increase its visibility. The Russians sought to compensate for this shortcoming through maneuverability and advanced electronic warfare systems.
Kass suggested that in a beyond-visual-range air combat, the Su-57 would be detected earlier than the pilot of the Russian aircraft could detect the enemy.
Additionally, the Su-57 pilot is less aware of what is happening in the air than the pilots of the F-22 and F-35. This is explained by the fact that Russian avionics are inferior to Western ones.
The Russian aviation industry does not possess the same software and networking technologies as, for example, in the USA.
Kass recalled that Russia has not yet been able to establish mass production of the Su-57. The fighters are being supplied to the Russian Aerospace Forces in small quantities.
Given sanctions, supply chain problems, and lack of resources, it is unlikely that the Russians will increase Su-57 production in the near future. At the same time, the USA has over 1000 F-35s in service.
According to information from open sources, Russia has produced approximately 30 serial Su-57s. Additionally, an experimental batch of 10 aircraft was released.
If we disregard the quantitative advantage of the F-35, the Su-57 is an ambitious project that could potentially serve as a basis for developing new highly effective aircraft, summarized Kass.
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