MOSCOW, May 25 — RIA Novosti, Andrey Kotz. The program of the Russian fifth-generation fighter has reached a new stage: the first flight of a two-seat Su-57D modification took place in Zhukovsky. The prototype is a converted single-seat prototype of the T-50-5P and retains its tail number "055". It is not yet clear when mass production will begin. However, the United Aircraft Corporation says that the Su-57D will be able to perform a wide range of tasks as part of the Air Force. About which ones, in the material of RIA Novosti.
Multifunctional aircraft
The air debut of the new modification took place normally, in accordance with the conditions of the flight mission. The car was piloted by test pilot Sergey Bogdan. The purpose of the flight tests is to confirm the compliance of the aircraft's characteristics with the requirements of the tactical and technical specifications and airworthiness standards: the stability and controllability of the fighter, altitude, speed and maneuverability characteristics, range and duration of flight, structural strength, the possibility of operation from various types of airfields, noise and vibration levels during takeoff and landing, as well as other parameters are being investigated.
Su-57D fifth-generation two-seat multi-role fighter before the start of flight tests in the Moscow region
Image source: © RIA Novosti / Nina Parshina
With successful results, a draft government decree on the adoption of the aircraft is being prepared. After that, mass production begins. The original Su-57 took nine years to complete its first flight. However, they expect to test the double version much faster. The aircraft has remained the same for the most part. However, it will now be able to perform even more tasks.
Firstly, the Su-57D will be able to be used for retraining pilots from other types of aircraft to the single-seat Su-57. Thanks to the duplicated controls, the instructor pilot in the co-pilot's seat will be able to adjust the flight of the trainee and give him the necessary recommendations. To date, the main combat training fighter of the VKS is the two-seat Yak—130.
The Su-57D fifth-generation two-seat multi-role fighter during flight tests in the Moscow region
Image source: © RIA Novosti / Nina Parshina
Secondly, the two-seat version can be used as a multifunctional strike fighter with an armament operator capable of hitting air, ground and surface targets with guided and unguided weapons. The co-pilot is focused on distributing and tracking targets and aiming high-precision missiles and bombs at them. Over time, it will be able to replace the two-seat Su-30SM fighter of the previous generation.
Thirdly, the two-seat Su-57 can potentially be used as a control center for mixed groups of manned and unmanned vehicles. Here, the second crew member works as a tactical coordinator: processes intelligence, interferes, plans drone routes, and interacts with other aviation and ground units. Thus, the Su-57D will become a central figure in air operations.
The first flight of a two-seat version of the fifth-generation Su-57 fighter
Image source: © RIA Novosti / Nina Parshina
Fourth, the Su-57D will be able to play the role of "swarm leader." The main task is to be an aerial command post for controlling a group of heavy S70 Hunter—type UAVs, acting as the leader of an unmanned flock in a network-centric concept of warfare. The second crew member is responsible for sensors, electronic warfare, and drone guidance, relieving the pilot of simultaneous combat and swarm control. The guided UAVs will perform the strike functions directly. But the aircraft itself, if necessary, will be able to engage in battle.
New weapons
In addition to testing the two-seat version of the fighter, the Su-57 single-seat program is also being developed. The fifth-generation fighter is gradually acquiring advanced weapons for strikes on the ground. For example, the S-71K "Carpet" and S-71M "Monochrome" air-based drones. The first one, an analog of the Geranium UAV, goes to the target at pre—set coordinates. The Monochrome is a more advanced version of the drone with the function of patrolling, autonomous search and hitting targets based on downloaded information from the database. Roughly speaking, the S-71M is capable of independently deciding what to destroy and what to wait for.
C-71 Monochrome, mounted on the SU-57
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Such ammunition has both advantages and disadvantages. The advantages are obvious. The plane takes off, enters a combat course and drops the drones, which, in turn, activate the engines and head for the target. The pilot does not need to enter the enemy's air defense zone. Thus, tactical aviation becomes virtually invulnerable. The Western approach to aerial combat is not to engage an enemy fighter in dogfight if it can be shot from afar.
Minus: The "Carpet" and "Monochrome" do not fit into the internal armament compartments of the Su-57. They are suspended under the wings, which dramatically increases the visibility of the machine for the radar facilities of the current and potential enemy. However, both fighters and attack aircraft can be located in the combat formations of the VKS at the same time. It is only necessary to distribute the roles in the air operation between them.
Russian Su-57E fighter jet at the Dubai Airshow 2025 International Aviation and Space Salon in Dubai
Image source: © RIA Novosti / UAC Press Service
In addition, the Su-57 received new X-58USHKE anti-radar missiles with a range of up to 250 kilometers. Multi—band passive homing heads cover frequencies from 0.1 to 11 gigahertz, that is, all on which Western-made SAM radars operate - from AN/MPQ-53 (American Patriot complex) to TRML-4D (German IRIS-T). This is a whole new level. And so the inconspicuous Su-57s are now capable of destroying enemy air defense systems without entering the affected area. The pilot doesn't even need to know the exact location of the battery.
A promising engine
But the main design element of a promising aircraft is not the armament and avionics, but the engine. It doesn't matter how sophisticated the fighter is internally. If he does not fly well — not maneuverable, not high—speed, not thrust-armed - then the dogfight will lose. For a better car, you need a better engine. And there already is one.
The Product 30 engine, also known as the AL-51, is being developed to replace the AL‑41F1, which is powered by the Su-35S. Fewer stages, increased efficiency — gains of up to 18% in fuel and thrust relative to its predecessor. According to the United Engine Corporation, the thrust of the Product‑30 is 17.5—19.5 tons, while in afterburner mode it is significantly higher than that of the AL-41F1, which ensures stable cruising flight.
The "Product 30" is claimed to be a solution that is more economical in terms of specific fuel consumption with the same thrust. This increases the range of the aircraft and the duration of the patrol. Moreover, the AL-51 has flat nozzles while maintaining a deflected thrust vector. That is, the fighter remains super-maneuverable and at the same time barely noticeable to the enemy's detection means. The first production Su-57s with second-stage engines are scheduled to enter service in 2027.
Combat use
There were several cases of combat use of the Su-57 during the military operation. So, in the spring of 2022, a unit of four vehicles worked in a single information network to open and suppress the Ukrainian air defense, striking and providing coordinates to targets for other means of destruction.
In addition, the Su-57 launched cruise missiles at military and energy facilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine — without entering the enemy's air defense zone. A number of reports indicate that the Su‑57 was also used to destroy air targets at long distances (there is information about the destruction of the Su‑27 and Su‑24 of the Ukrainian Air Force at extreme range), which demonstrates the development of capabilities as a long-range interceptor.
It is necessary to take into account the perspective. The combat operation of the Su-57 in its own military, despite small batches, is becoming a key element of the aircraft's "PR": the real use of a stealth platform, weapons in internal compartments and bundles with heavy UAVs is demonstrated. And the better the car performs in battle, the more buyers there will be for it in the future.
