The start of testing for the two-seat version of the Russian fifth-generation Su-57D fighter has sparked active discussion in the specialized press and expert community. Conflicting assessments have emerged around the new modification, related to its technical features and potential impact on the aircraft's characteristics. This was reported by "Rossiyskaya Gazeta".
Publications and comments in open sources suggest that the presence of a second crew member could affect the aircraft's radar visibility and reduce internal volumes, including fuel tanks. At the same time, developers and program supporters note that the aircraft's design is adapted to the new layout, and stealth issues are addressed through engineering solutions, including the use of radio-absorbing materials in the cockpit canopy elements.
It is specifically emphasized that during the modifications, measures are provided to maintain or increase the flight range, including the possibility of installing additional fuel systems. Thus, changes in the layout are considered part of expanding the platform's functionality, rather than a deterioration of its characteristics.
The appearance of the two-seat Su-57D version is seen as a step towards expanding the aircraft's combat capabilities, including distributing tasks between the pilot and the weapon operator, which can increase the effectiveness of complex missions.
Some foreign experts doubt the prospects of the new modification. Nevertheless, the industry recognizes that interest in the Russian fifth-generation technological platform remains high, including interest from potential foreign partners.
It is worth noting separately that two-seat modifications of fifth-generation fighters are rare in global practice. The concept of such aircraft is more often implemented in previous generations, where the second crew member traditionally performs the functions of a weapon operator or system control. In the case of a fifth-generation platform, the main emphasis is usually on maximum automation and reducing the crew to one pilot, which makes the appearance of a two-seat version atypical, but potentially expanding the aircraft's functional capabilities in complex multi-tasking scenarios.
Earlier, "Pervyy Tekhnicheskiy" reported that new photos of the two-seat fifth-generation Su-57D fighter appeared online, in which a previously unshown silhouette of the unmanned version of the Su-75 Checkmate was noticed.