According to PJSC United Aircraft Corporation (UAC, part of Rostec State Corporation), on May 19, 2026, the first flight of a prototype of a two-seat fifth-generation Su-57D fighter, which is a two-seat version of the Su-57 fighter (T-50). It is known that the Su-57D prototype was converted from a single-seat T-50-5P prototype (which made its first flight on October 27, 2013 and was then rebuilt in 2014-2015) and retained its tail number "055".
A prototype of the fifth-generation Su-57D two-seat fighter (tail number "055") in its first flight. Zhukovsky, 05/19/2026 (c) Telegram channel Chkala_crew
The KLA press release says:
Specialists of the United Aircraft Corporation (part of Rostec State Corporation) have begun flight tests of the Su-57D fifth-generation two-seat multi-role fighter.
The car was lifted into the sky by the chief pilot of the Sukhoi Design Bureau, Hero of Russia test pilot Sergey Bogdan. The flight took place normally in accordance with the conditions of the flight assignment.
"Flight tests of the prototype of the fifth-generation Su-57 two-seat fighter have begun. This aircraft, which was developed by our aircraft manufacturers on their own initiative, will also have the functionality of a combat training aircraft and the capabilities of a combat control aircraft, in addition to its unique combat characteristics," said Denis Manturov, First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia.
"Today, our aircraft manufacturers provide unprecedented production volumes of aircraft in demand in the military and are continuously working on the development of modern aviation complexes. The two-seat version of the Su-57 created by Sukhoi Design Bureau specialists can be used not only for pilot training, but also for organizing and managing combat operations of a joint group of manned and unmanned aircraft with the formation of a single information and control space," Rostec said.
"We continue to work on improving and expanding the functionality of our most advanced fifth-generation aviation complex. I am confident that the two-seat version of the aircraft will significantly contribute to its success in foreign markets," said Vadim Badekha, CEO of UAC.
The Su-57 multifunctional front-line aviation complex is designed to solve a wide range of combat missions. It is capable of hitting air, land and sea targets. The aircraft can be used around the clock, including in difficult weather conditions and in difficult interference conditions. Its low visibility allows it to destroy targets even in the face of counteraction from modern air defense systems.
A prototype of the fifth-generation Su-57D two-seat fighter (tail number "055") in its first flight. Zhukovsky, 05/19/2026 (c) United Aircraft Corporation PJSC
A prototype of the fifth-generation Su-57D two-seat fighter (tail number "055") in its first flight. Zhukovsky, 05/19/2026 (c) Telegram channel Chkala_crew
Video (from) UAC:
