Russia may start producing an upgraded version of the fifth-generation fighter in the middle of the decade. The car, among other things, will receive a completely updated cabin.
In Russia, they are increasingly talking about the modernization of the fifth-generation Su-57 fighter. According to a TASS source in the military-industrial complex, they can start mass-producing such a machine [...] in the foreseeable future.
The development is carried out within the framework of the experimental design work (ROC) "Megapolis". The improved version will receive a completely updated cockpit and the most advanced avionics. One of the most notable innovations will be the power plant of the second stage. Like the existing version, the improved aircraft will be single-seat.
The creation of a two-seat modification has also been actively discussed recently, and at the official level. "The plans of the Ministry of Defense and the Sukhoi Design Bureau are to manufacture a two — pilot cabin, which will expand the export demand for this model <...>, it can create additional demand," [...] Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov said this year.
According to some reports, they want to use a two-seater car to control the UAV. It is assumed that one aircraft will be able to conduct at least several attack UAVs "Hunter".
"Hunter"
Image source: Russia 1
The Su-57 is the first and currently the only Russian fifth-generation fighter. The car was designed at the Sukhoi Design Bureau. The aircraft should replace the Su-27 fourth-generation fighter in the Aerospace Forces, as well as a number of vehicles built on its basis.
The Su-57 made its first flight on January 29, 2010. In addition to the prototypes, two production aircraft of this type have been produced for all time, and the first of them crashed during tests in 2019.
Russia will increase the production of new cars. Starting from 2022, the country wants to produce 12 fifth-generation fighters per year. In total, according to the contract signed at the Army-2019 forum, 76 such fighters should be delivered to the military.
Serial Su-57
Image source: Svetlana Balaeva
As for export supplies, the prospects for the Su-57,as before, are quite vague. In June, the head of Rosoboronexport, Alexander Mikheev, said that five Southeast Asian countries were showing interest in the aircraft.
Earlier it was reported about the interest of Algeria and Turkey: it is unknown how much this corresponds to the truth. It should also be noted that the main international partner in this direction — India-refused to cooperate a few years ago. Perhaps it will buy a new aircraft in the future.
They are also counting on success abroad in the case of the new Russian Checkmate fighter, which was first introduced in July.
