The Sukhoi Design Bureau will continue to test the new fifth-generation Su-57 aircraft until the end of its service life. Test pilot Sergei Bogdan explained the principle of this approach.
According to him, as soon as a new aerial bomb or missile is developed for the fighter, a new stage of test flights will begin immediately. In general, the Su-57 can be operated for 20-30 years, but it will still be under testing.
We fly for maneuverability, stability, and strength. With symmetrical and asymmetrical suspension, we evaluate how the weapon captures the target and behaves in the presence of interference. Until the aircraft is written off from service, it will be under testing. All improvements and innovations are tested by us before being put into series production.
The pilots of the Sukhoi Design Bureau, Bogdan explained, perform a utilitarian task — they evaluate only the modes prescribed in the program.
All the routine work on making changes falls on the Su-57 program directorate and the design bureau.
The Su-57 can even be made two-seater to meet the requirements of foreign buyers. Prior to this, First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov stated that artificial intelligence technologies will be introduced into the fighter.
