MOSCOW, 17 Feb-RIA Novosti. A Russian fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jet has completed test flights with functional mock-ups of a new hypersonic missile, a source in the military-industrial complex told RIA Novosti.
He clarified that the models differ from the standard ammunition in the absence of engines, rocket fuel and warhead, but fully correspond to them in size, shape and weight.
"At the same time, homing heads and electric circuits are installed on the functional analogues to check the coupling of the ammunition electronics with the onboard equipment of the carrier aircraft," the source said.
The source noted that in the near future, the first throw tests of new missiles are planned with the use of the Su-57.
The source did not disclose the characteristics of the ammunition, but noted that they are small-sized. According to the source, these missiles provide maneuverable flight at hypersonic speed for a long time. The new weapons belong to the air-to-surface class, they are designed to defeat such priority targets as enemy air and missile defense facilities, radar stations, cruise and tactical ballistic missile launchers.
The corporation "Tactical Missile Weapons" (KTRV) could not provide RIA Novosti with a comment. The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) also did not respond to the agency's request.
Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on February 9, at an operational mobilization meeting with the leadership of the Armed Forces, said that the basis of the Russian non-nuclear deterrence forces will be hypersonic missile systems of various bases.
The Su-57 (formerly known as the PAK FA) is a fifth-generation fighter designed to destroy all types of air, ground and surface targets. Developed in the Sukhoi Design Bureau (part of the UAC of the Rostec State Corporation), the first flight was made in 2010. The Su-57 has high maneuverability, the latest complex of avionics and low visibility (stealth technology).
The first serial contract for the supply of 76 Su-57 aircraft to the troops was signed within the framework of the Army forum in the summer of 2019. The first vehicle under this agreement was transferred to the Armed Forces in December last year. Additional purchases of the latest fighters are planned.
