TSAMTO, June 15. The fifth-generation Checkmate single-engine light tactical fighter being developed in Russia will receive an all-angle nozzle, according to a patent published by Sukhoi.
"The rotary jet nozzle of the aircraft engine is located along the axis of symmetry of the fuselage and is used for control and balancing in flight, can be performed as deflected only up and down in the vertical plane, and all–angle," the document states.
Previously, serial single-engine aircraft with an all-angle engine nozzle were not produced in the world.
As explained to RIA Novosti in Rostec, the installation of such an element will not only improve the take-off and landing characteristics, but also provide the aircraft with super maneuverability.
"Previously, it was supposed to equip the aircraft with an engine with a controlled thrust vector (UVT) only in the vertical plane. First of all, it is necessary for a shortened take–off distance - this is one of the requirements for full-fledged fifth-generation aircraft. Today we decided to add an option to install an engine with an all-round UVT at the request of the customer. An aircraft with such a nozzle will receive maneuverability significantly exceeding the capabilities of "classic" single–engine machines," the corporation told RIA Novosti.
Rostec added that the availability of an option with an all-angle nozzle will increase the adaptability of the aviation platform and allow configuring the aircraft in accordance with the customer's wishes.
According to the agency, Russia is the only country in the world that produces serial engines with nozzles with all–angle thrust vector control. They are put on such aircraft as the MiG-29OVT, Su-30SM, Su-35, Su-57.
Checkmate is Russia's first fifth–generation single-engine aircraft. The prototype of the aircraft was first presented in July 2021 at the MAKS Aerospace Salon. The key features of the aircraft are low visibility, low cost of flight hours and open architecture.