The new fifth-generation Su-57 fighter has come a long way from the fourth-generation Su-27 combat aircraft. The difference between these two aircraft was explained by the chief pilot of the Sukhoi Design Bureau, Hero of Russia Sergey Bogdan.
According to him, in comparing the Su-57 and Su-27, there are many factors – weapons and avionics, but the key one is low radar visibility.
For example, two aircraft are flying towards each other: a fifth-generation and a previous-generation one. The first will be visible from a distance of tens of kilometers, and the second – several hundred kilometers. This gives an advantage in a dogfight situation.
Bogdan added that in such "encounters," everything is literally decided in a matter of minutes. Moreover, modern fighter radars are capable of "seeing" another aircraft even at 500 km.
From every point of view, the Su-57 is a different aircraft. It's like cars: what they were 40 years ago and now – the difference is huge.
Earlier, foreign sources also estimated the number of Su-34 and Su-57 in service with the Russian Aerospace Forces.