Russia's promising light tactical fifth-generation fighter, the Su-75 Checkmate, being developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau as part of the United Aircraft Corporation, may receive a two-seat modification.
At present, the only serial family of stealth fighters with a two-seat modification remains the Chinese Chengdu J-20. The presence of a second pilot in fifth-generation aircraft is driven by the growing complexity of combat missions, in particular the need to coordinate actions with groups of unmanned aerial vehicles for various purposes.
The Russian development may follow similar logic: the second crew member in the Su-75 could perform the functions of a weapons systems operator and coordinator of interaction with UAVs created on a unified platform.
In addition, the two-seat version of the Su-75 could become an effective combat trainer platform for preparing pilots to operate fifth-generation equipment, which would accelerate the mastering of new technologies by personnel without reducing the operational readiness of air units.
The Su-75 Checkmate fighter is being designed as a light single-engine fifth-generation platform with an emphasis on low radar visibility and modular architecture.
The emergence of a two-seat modification of the Su-75 could strengthen the position of the Russian aviation industry in international markets. The platform's open architecture makes it possible to adapt systems to the requirements of specific customers, while reducing life-cycle costs through unification with the Su-57 makes the project attractive for countries seeking to modernize their air forces without excessive budget burdens.
Su-75 Checkmate is a Russian low-observable multirole single-engine fifth-generation fighter project. The project is in the development and testing stage.
Technical characteristics of the aircraft:
- Crew: 1 pilot (a two-seat version is possible).
- Length: about 17 meters.
- Wingspan: about 10 meters.
- Height: about 4.5 meters.
- Maximum takeoff weight: about 18 tons.
- Powerplant: 1 turbojet engine (presumably a modification of the Saturn AL-31F engine or the newer AL-41F1S).
- Maximum speed: about Mach 1.8 (1,900 km/h) at altitude.
- Practical flight range: about 3,000 km (with additional tanks).
- Combat radius: about 1,000 km.
- Service ceiling: about 17,000 meters.
- Maximum overload: 8-9 g.
Read more materials on the topic:
- "It will overturn the board": in the West they admired the capabilities of the Su-75 Checkmate
- A major general of aviation stated the superiority of the Su-75 over an American fighter
- The "izdeliye 177" engine with 16,000 kgf of thrust will be suitable for the Su-75 Checkmate fighter
