The Larva-MD hypersonic missile, which is planned to equip fifth-generation Su-57 aircraft, will play a big role in increasing the combat power of the Russian Aerospace Forces, according to Wang Yongqing, chief designer of the Shenyang Institute of Aviation Industry. His article on the advanced armament of the fighter was published by The Paper, the translation of the material leads InoSMI .
The new weapon for the Russian aircraft is still under development, flight tests have not yet been conducted and the characteristics of the "Larva" (this is the name of the experimental design work) have not been disclosed. Nevertheless, two key features of the rocket are known. Firstly, this is the first experience of developing weapons specifically for the Su-57 - the "Larva-MD" will be placed in the internal compartments of the aircraft and, thus, will not affect its low visibility. Secondly, the rocket's new jet engine will allow it to reach a speed of five Mach, which will more than halve the time of striking large surface ships.
The combination of the stealth aircraft with hypersonic missiles will significantly increase the impact power of the Su-57 and allow it to approach the target at a minimum distance.
- Russia pays great attention to reducing the effectiveness of the enemy's combat systems and defeating its key positions. Ultra-long-range air-to-air missiles are being created to destroy flying radars and tanker planes. New large, medium and small-range missiles have been developed for aerial combat. At the same time, air-to-air and air-to-surface ammunition classes are being developed in parallel, without shifting the focus to any of them. And the large combat load of the new aircraft allows them to be equipped with missiles both for fighting in the air and for striking on the surface," Wang Yongqing noted.
Anton Valagin
