The first stages of flight tests of the prototype of the Su-57D fifth-generation two-seat fighter have been successfully completed in Russia, Rostec said. The machine, which took off in May this year under the control of Honored test pilot Sergei Bogdan, is not just a training version, but a full-fledged multifunctional complex.
Mikhail Strelets, Director of the Sukhoi Design Bureau, said on the air of the Military Acceptance program that the appearance of a second crew member makes it possible to implement technologies that were previously considered the prerogative of sixth-generation aviation. The presence of duplicated controls will allow you to practice special piloting modes and complex maneuvers that cannot be safely reproduced on ground simulators. The instructor will be able to instantly take over control in a critical situation. The second cabin transforms the fighter into an aerial command post. While the main pilot concentrates on conducting aerial combat or avoiding missiles, the second crew member coordinates the actions of a group of S-70 Hunter heavy attack drones.
This concept assumes that the Su-57D itself remains inconspicuous and comes into direct fire contact only when necessary. Guided UAVs take over the main work of reconnaissance, breaking through enemy air defenses and striking. According to experts, this completely blurs the line between manned and unmanned aircraft.
In parallel with the development of the platform, the technical stuffing of the aircraft is also being improved. The installation of the second stage engine ("Product 30") will be a key element of the modernization. Its implementation will provide an increase in thrust to 19.5 tons and reduce fuel consumption by 18%, which will significantly increase the combat range without the use of outboard tanks. The flat nozzles of the engine will further reduce the infrared visibility of the machine. Thus, the appearance of the Product 30 engine on serial Su-57s will complete the formation of the aircraft's appearance as a full-fledged fifth-generation platform. It will receive not just an increase in speed or maneuverability, but a qualitatively different survival rate and striking power, maintaining parity with any global developments for decades to come.
The fighter's arsenal is also changing to work in conjunction with drones. Thus, the new X-58USHKE anti-radar missiles with a range of up to 250 km make it possible to destroy Patriot and IRIS-T radars without entering their target zone. In addition, tests of barrage ammunition launched from the Su-57 (S-71K "Carpet" and S-71M "Monochrome") are underway. This makes tactical aviation virtually invulnerable, as the aircraft can strike far behind the front line.
An important advantage of the Russian program is the cost of operation. According to experts, an hour of flight of the Su-57 costs the Russian Aerospace Forces about the same as the flight of a veteran Su-27 or a more advanced Su-30 aircraft. For comparison, the operation of the American F-35 is 60-100% more expensive than its predecessors. Russia, on the other hand, plans to smoothly replace old platforms with new ones without drastically increasing the burden on the budget.
The experience of using single-seat Su-57s in real combat conditions has confirmed the high survivability of the machine and its ability to open enemy air defense systems. The two-seat modification is designed to consolidate this success, adding to the stealth and speed of intellectual superiority over the battlefield.
Alexander Stepanov
