Su-57 Felon: Unveiling Russia's Cutting-Edge 5th Generation Stealth Fighter Jet

- August 03, 2023

SU-57 Felon is the most modern and advanced Russian jet to ever exist. But don't get confused by its beautiful design as this beast is a 5th Gen Stealth Fighter jet.

Developed by Sukhoi, part of UAC (United Aircraft). It is a stealth multirole fighter jet in the Russian Air Force and Navy. Currently, Russia has 21 of these out of which 11 can be officially used. The remaining 10 are for testing.

History and Orders:

Development of the SU-57 plane started in the 1980s when there was a need for a new multirole fighter jet to replace the MIG-29 and SU-27. However, the development stopped with the fall of the Soviet Union.

However, in the early 2000s, the need for a new jet was higher than ever. Sukhoi started building its new jet the SU-57. The goal was to be the most capable aircraft which would take on the American F22 Raptor and now F35 Lighting.

The first flight was taken on 29 Jan 2010. It was then tested for 10 years. Serial Production began in 2019. It was introduced to the public in 2020. 21 units have been made so far.

The Russian Air Force is expected to receive 22 Su-57 fighter jets by 2024. Which is expected to increase to 76 by 2028.

The history of fighter planes is about making them better and better. Going from 4th to 5th generation fighter planes is a big change. Before, planes were all about being fast, moving well, and having big guns.

Now, 5th generation planes care more about hiding from radars. Having good computer systems, using sensors well, and fighting together as a team.

"Russia confirms delivery of 4 SU-57 jets in 2021"

Design:

The Su-57 airframe uses composite materials such as Polymer, Fiberglass, and Aluminum load-bearing honeycomb fillers.

The materials enable low radar, infrared signatures, and fuel efficiency for continued supersonic cruise flight.

The fuselage is covered with a special radio-absorbing coating.

The main colour of this jet is grey. It is painted with blue camo which makes it look cool. It also allows it to blend in with the clouds.

Capabilities:

The fighter jet is equipped with a completely new set of integrated avionics.

It is installed with the most advanced radio-electronic equipment, including the electronic second pilot. Which is a powerful onboard computer.

The Avionics system includes active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and ELINT system.

The aircraft also features a communications suite modernised by Polyot Research. A Production Enterprise within Ruselectronics Group, which is a part of Rostec.

It uses Izdeliye 117 or AL-41F1 turbofans.

This jet can fly at a speed of Mach 2 without afterburners. It can reach up to 3,500km or 2174.80 Miles at subsonic speeds.