The observer of the Telegram channel "Informant" drew attention to a key point: the latest batch of Su-57 fighters, recently handed over to the troops, is still equipped with first-stage AL-41F1 engines. The revolutionary second-stage AL-51F1 engines with a flat nozzle and all-aspect thrust vectoring remain awaiting serial implementation.
As a reminder, the Russian Ministry of Defense recently received a new batch of fifth-generation Su-57 multirole fighters. Before being sent, the aircraft passed all the necessary factory and acceptance tests, including flights in various modes. The official documents note that the onboard systems and weapons have been modernized, which has significantly increased the combat power of these machines.
A key feature of the delivered Su-57s is the retention of AL-41F1 ("product 117") engines. Power plants, proven in operation, provide good performance, but do not allow to fully realize the potential of the fifth generation. The transition to promising AL-51F1s (formerly known as "product 30") with a flat nozzle, increased thrust, better efficiency and reduced IR signature is still being postponed.
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