Sukhoi Su-57

The Sukhoi Su-57, also known as “Felon” by NATO, is a fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter developed by Sukhoi for the Russian Air Force. First flown in 2010 and introduced in 2020, the Su-57 is designed for air superiority and strike missions. It combines stealth, supermaneuverability, advanced avionics, and high-speed capabilities, making it Russia’s most advanced fighter aircraft.

Fact Sheet

Specifications

Avionics & Armament

Notable Features

• Stealth design for reduced radar cross-section.
• Supermaneuverability with thrust vectoring engines.
• Advanced avionics for superior situational awareness.
• Multirole capability for air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
• Represents a significant advancement in Russian military aviation.

The Sukhoi Su-57 (NATO: Felon) is Russia’s first operational fifth-generation multirole stealth fighter, designed for both air superiority and strike missions. It is developed by Sukhoi, part of United Aircraft Corporation, and incorporates advanced avionics, stealth shaping, supermaneuverability, and high speed.

Key features and specifications:

• Engines: Twin Saturn AL-41F1 afterburning turbofans on current production models, producing 88.3 kN dry and 142 kN with afterburner each. Future models will transition to the more powerful Izdeliye 30 engines for improved thrust, efficiency, and supercruise.
• Stealth and Airframe: Stealth shaping is combined with superior aerodynamics. About 25% of the structure uses composite materials to reduce weight and radar reflectivity. However, its radar cross-section (~0.3 m²) is larger than Western rivals like the F-22.
• Avionics: Features an advanced N036 ‘Byelka’ AESA radar suite with nose- and side-mounted X-band arrays and L-band arrays in the wings for increased situational awareness and electronic warfare. Equipped with EO/IR targeting systems and electronic countermeasures.
• Weapons:
  • Internal bays: Two main bays for large air-to-air or air-to-surface ordnance, plus smaller side bays for air-to-air missiles1.
  • Maximum payload: 10,000 kg; can carry long-range R-77M, R-74, and the new K-77M air-to-air missiles, as well as precision-guided bombs and land-attack missiles.
• Maneuverability:
  • Defines supermaneuverability in the fifth-gen class, with 3D thrust vectoring nozzles, advanced flight controls, and high instability for extreme agility—capable of maneuvers like Pugachev’s Cobra and flat spins with minimal altitude loss.
  • Can sustain high angles of attack (>60°) and 9 G turns.
• Speed and Range:
  • Top speed: Mach 2 (about 2,470 km/h).
  • Supercruise: Mach 1.3 (about 1,400 km/h) without afterburner.
  • Combat radius: About 1,250–1,500 km1.
  • Ferry range: Up to 4,500–5,500 km with drop tanks.
  • Service ceiling: 18,000–20,000 meters.
• Dimensions:
  • Length: ~20.1–22 m
  • Wingspan: ~14.0–14.2 m
  • Height: ~4.6–6.05 m
  • Max takeoff weight: 45,480 kg
• Operational status: Entered limited service in the Russian Air Force; production is ramping up with continued upgrades and new engine integration expected in late 2020s5.

Distinguishing characteristics:

• Emphasis on a blend of stealth and agility—twin engines with thrust vectoring, forward-swept LEFs, and faceted fuselage lines.
• Internal carriage of major munitions for reduced radar signature.
• Rugged landing gear for operation from unprepared runways.
• Capable of both air combat and precision strike, positioning it as a challenger to Western fifth-generation fighters.