The SU-57 Felon
The Sukhoi Su-57 is Russia’s top stealth multirole fighter, designed for air combat, ground attack, and maritime strikes. As of 2024, 14 Su-57s are in service, with a total of 32 aircraft built, including 10 prototypes. Russia developed its first operational jet with advanced features.
Advanced Maneuverability and Combat Capabilities
The Su-57 excels in aerial combat and precision strikes, with supermaneuverability for advanced maneuvers beyond traditional limits. This agility gives it a clear advantage in dogfights and evasive actions. The aircraft features supercruise, enabling speeds up to Mach 2 without afterburners, improving fuel efficiency and reducing radar signature. The internal weapons bay carries up to 10,000 kg (22,000 lbs) of munitions, maintaining stealth with versatile payload options.
Stealth and Detection
As Russia’s first stealth aircraft, the Su-57 minimizes its radar cross-section (RCS) and infrared emissions by design. Its airframe features radar-absorbing materials and angular lines, while the internal weapons bay eliminates external hardpoints, further reducing radar detectability. The aircraft’s advanced sensors and avionics enhance its ability to detect and engage threats while staying undetected, making it highly effective in modern aerial warfare.
Power and Performance
The Su-57 is powered by two PO Lyulka-Saturn Izdeliye 117 engines (AL-41F1), providing thrust, efficiency, and advanced technology. These engines exceed Mach 2, enabling supercruise for sustained supersonic flight without afterburners, enhancing range and reducing infrared signature. The AL-41F1 features a 3D thrust vectoring system, allowing the pilot to adjust the exhaust nozzles for exceptional agility and maneuverability in air combat. These engines are vital to the Su-57’s performance, offering both power and stealth in equal measure.
Power and Stealth in Close Combat
The Su-57 carries a single-barrel, gas-operated GSh-30-1 30mm autocannon, designed for close-range air and ground combat in dogfights. It successfully is very light-weight and compact. The GSh-30-1 can shoot 1,500 rounds per minute and only weighs around 50 kg (110 lbs). To maintain stealth, the Su-57 houses the cannon in its fuselage, aiming it along the centerline in an internal bay. This ensures that the fire is effective even during high-speed maneuvers. Although the gun is very light weight and can shoot extremely fast, it can only hold up to approximately 150-180 rounds.
Development of the Su-57
The Sukhoi Su-57’s development started in the late 1990s as Russia aimed to create a next-gen fighter to rival the F-22 and F-35. Initially called PAK FA, the project launched in 2002 under Sukhoi, building on expertise from the Su-27 and Su-30. The goal was to create a stealthy, multi-role fighter excelling in both dogfights and ground attacks. However, the project faced challenges, including integrating advanced avionics, sensors, and engines. The Su-57 was initially intended to be equipped with the advanced Izdeliye 30 engines, but delays led to early prototypes using the older AL-41F1 engines, which limited its performance.
Despite minor issues, the Sukhoi Su-57 delivers exceptional speed and stealth capabilities, making it one of Russia’s best jets for air combat and ground attacks.