The Russian light tactical aircraft (LTS), known as Checkmate ("Checkmate") and the Su-75, is not similar to the American fifth-generation fighter F-35 Lightning II, writes The National Interest magazine.
According to the American publication, the LTS exists only in the form of a "mock-up", therefore it cannot be considered a real fighter. The magazine claims that if Checkmate resembled the F-35 Lightning II, it would have to use " weapon interfaces that are largely dependent on software."
In the publication, the Su-75 is called an aircraft that "has a long way to go before it can operate in war conditions."
The National Interest asks about composite materials that are used as part of the LTS, and is also interested in the conditions under which not only serial assembly, but also systematic maintenance of the Su-75 is possible. "Is there any infrastructure to perform these critical functions?" the publication asks.
The magazine believes that the biggest problem of Sukhoi, which is the developer of the LTS, is the uncertainty associated with the characteristics and scale of production of this fighter.
In July, Rostec presented the LTS at the International Aviation and Space Salon 2021 (MAKS-21). According to the head of the state corporation Sergey Chemezov, a single-engine tactical fighter, the model of which was presented at MAKS-2021, will cost from 25 to 30 million dollars. According to the head of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), Yuri Slyusar, the aircraft shown at the salon is a sample that will fly in 2023.
Ivan Potapov
