The Su-57 is already in serial production, participating in combat operations, and gradually becoming the backbone of Russian fighter aviation. The MiG-41, however, remains the most mysterious project of the domestic aircraft industry: official characteristics of the machine are still unavailable.
Nevertheless, some requirements for the future interceptor are already known. Let's analyze the strengths and weaknesses of these combat aircraft, with the help of Russian folk aphorisms.
Speed: It was smooth on paper, but they forgot about the ravines
The Su-57 can reach speeds of about Mach 2 and climb to an altitude of up to 20 km. It is assumed that the MiG-41 will be the successor to the MiG-31 and will be able to fly at speeds exceeding Mach 4, with an operating altitude approaching 30 km.
But it is the speed of the "MiG" that raises questions, because even the 31st's cockpit canopy deformed at its maximum speed of about Mach 3. The realistic ceiling for the MiG-41, if it ever takes off, seems to be around Mach 3.5, but we still give it the victory in advance.
Armament: A short straw is better than a long hay
The Su-57 already uses R-77M, R-37M, Kh-59MK2 missiles and a wide range of weapons in its internal bays. The main weapon of the MiG-41 should be long-range missiles for destroying AWACS aircraft, satellites in low orbits, and hypersonic targets.
However, today these capabilities exist only at the conceptual level, so here and now – an unconditional victory for the Su-57.
Stealth: If you chase two hares, you will catch neither
The Su-57 was created as a full-fledged fifth-generation fighter with the application of stealth technologies.
For the MiG-41, speed and altitude will likely be the priority, rather than minimal radar cross-section. You cannot simultaneously make an aircraft invisible and make it fly at insane speeds, creating a glowing plasma cloud around its fuselage. The Su-57 wins here.
Tasks on the battlefield: Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's, and unto the locksmith what is the locksmith's
The Su-57 is capable of conducting air combat, striking ground targets, and performing command post functions for drones.
The MiG-41, if it appears, will be a specialized interceptor for the Arctic and the vast expanses of Russia. In fact, these aircraft are not competitors, but machines of different classes; it is impossible to determine a winner – a draw.
Range and patrol time: To have your cake and eat it too
The Su-57 was designed as a multi-role fighter with a combat radius of 1500 km. Its internal fuel capacity allows it to perform a wide range of tasks.
As the successor to the MiG-31, the new MiG-41 interceptor will have to control vast areas of the Arctic and the Far East, where the distance between airfields can be 2000 km.
However, the stated maximum speed is very fuel-hungry, so there can be no talk of "long patrolling."
But at supersonic speeds, the tank will empty in half an hour, and patrolling the Arctic will have to be done "crawling" at subsonic speeds. For the potential volume of the tanks, we give the victory to the MiG-41 – also in advance.
Final score – 2:2: Don't tear your caftan if you have nothing to sew with
The Su-57 exists in metal, is mass-produced, and solves real combat tasks.
The MiG-41 remains an aircraft of the future. If the project ever sees the light of day, Russia could get a unique new-generation supersonic interceptor. But until its first flight, comparing it to the Su-57 can only be done theoretically.