Time Period: Post-WW2
Country of Origin: Russia & USSR
Type: Stealth Attack Aircraft, Multirole Fighter
Manufacturer: Sukhoi
Sukhoi Su-57 Felon Aircraft Overview
The Sukhoi Su-57 Felon is Russia’s premier fifth-generation stealth fighter, developed by Sukhoi for the Russian Air Force. Designed as a versatile and highly maneuverable multirole fighter, the Su-57 combines stealth features with cutting-edge avionics, advanced weapons systems, and supercruise capabilities.
Its primary mission is to gain air superiority, but it is equally adept at striking ground and naval targets. The Su-57 represents a leap forward in Russian aerospace engineering and is seen as a competitor to U.S. aircraft like the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II.
While the Su-57 has faced development delays and production challenges, the first operational units were delivered to the Russian Air Force in 2020. Despite its limited numbers, it remains a key element of Russia’s future air combat strategy. Some reports suggest ongoing efforts to integrate more advanced engines, weapons, and avionics, further enhancing its capabilities.
The Su-57 Felon represents a blend of stealth, speed, and firepower, making it a formidable asset in modern air combat scenarios.
Stealth and Design
The Su-57 features stealth characteristics, including radar-absorbent materials and a design that reduces its radar cross-section. Its internal weapons bays further enhance its stealth profile.
Its blended wing body and flat fuselage improve aerodynamics and contribute to its low observable profile.
Sukhoi Su-57 Specifications
- Crew: 1
- Dimensions: Length 20.1 m (66 ft), Wingspan 14.1 m (46 ft), Height 4.6 m (15 ft)
- Wing Area: 78.8 m² (849 sq ft)
- Weights:
- Empty: 18,500 kg (40,786 lb)
- Normal Takeoff: 26,700–29,770 kg (58,863–65,630 lb)
- Max Takeoff: 35,000 kg (77,162 lb)
- Fuel Capacity: 10,300 kg (22,700 lb)
- Engines: 2 × Saturn AL-41F1 turbofans, producing 88.3 kN (19,900 lbf) dry thrust, 142.2 kN (32,000 lbf) with afterburners
Sukhoi Su-57 Performance
- Max Speed: Mach 2 (2,135 km/h or 1,327 mph) at high altitude
- Supercruise: Mach 1.3 (1,400 km/h or 870 mph)
- Range:
- 3,500 km (2,200 mi) subsonic
- 1,500 km (932 mi) supersonic
- Combat Range: 1,250 km (780 mi)
- Service Ceiling: 20,000 m (66,000 ft)
- Thrust-to-Weight Ratio: 1.09 (normal takeoff weight)
Sukhoi Su-57 Armament
- Cannon: 1 × 30 mm GSh-30-1 autocannon
- Hardpoints: 12 total (6 internal, 6 external), with up to 7,500 kg (16,500 lb) payload
- Weapons:
- Air-to-Air Missiles: R-77M, R-74M2, R-37
- Air-to-Surface Missiles: Kh-38M, Kh-59MK2, Kh-69
- Anti-Ship Missiles: Kh-35U, Kh-31
- Bombs: KAB-250, KAB-500, cluster bombs
Sukhoi Su-57 Avionics
- Radar: Sh-121 MIRES with AESA frontal and cheek radars
- Electronic Warfare: L402 Himalayas suite
- Sensors:
- Electro-optical targeting system (101KS Atoll)
- Infrared search and track
- Missile approach and night targeting systems
