Russian Aerospace Forces Su-57 fighters have been actively discussed online in recent days. These fifth-generation fighters are currently the only ones in the world in their category to have been tested in real combat conditions. By 2024, the Russian state order for them has increased several times — compared to 2022.
European and American publications have repeatedly noted the technological power of the fighter. At the same time, the Su-57 is constantly being modernized. Here's what we know about it.
The Su-57 is a Russian fifth-generation multi-functional fighter from the Sukhoi Design Bureau, part of PJSC «UAC». The machine has a supersonic cruising speed, internal armament, and the latest complex of onboard equipment.
The characteristics of the Su-57 include:
- high intellectualization of the onboard systems, which helps the pilot to work and allows the fighter to adapt to the pilot's level of training;
- pilot life protection: the equipment anticipates and counteracts overloads on the body in advance, and the ejection seat ensures rescue in all modes;
- low visibility in the radio, infrared, optical, and acoustic ranges. The designers used special radio-absorbing, radio-reflecting, shielding materials, special paint, and changed the acoustic characteristics;
- multi-tasking: for example, «tracking» up to 60 targets with simultaneous attack on 16 of them.
Among the weapons with which the Su-57 is equipped, experts particularly note:
- serial R-77M missiles;
- guided hypersonic long-range air-to-air missiles of the R-37M class. They operate at a speed of Mach 6 and are capable of hitting aerodynamic targets flying at supersonic speeds of up to 2500 km/h at a distance of more than 350 km from the fighter;
- up to 8 units of KAB-500 guided gliding bombs, as well as KAB-1500 aerial bombs.
According to some reports, the fighter will soon be retrofitted with mini-drones for various purposes and cruise missiles. Work is also underway on the development of a new engine for it.
Currently, the fighters are equipped with first-stage AL-41F1 engines, but they will be replaced by second-stage engines, also known as Product 30. Testing of Product 30 began at the end of 2023.
Read more on the topic:
The fastest in the world: Military Watch admired the updated Russian Su-57 fighter
The US recognized Russian engines for MiG-31M, MiG 1.42, and Su-57 fighters as the best in the world
