Russia's only operational fifth-generation fighter-jet, the Sukhoi Su-57 Felon. This aircraft can fly supersonic, without using afterburners, thanks to its advanced aerodynamics. It also features canted thrust vectoring jets which increase the range of its missiles. Additionally, its single-barrel 30 mm cannon has a firing rate of 1500 rounds per minute. A virtual co-pilot is also available on the Su-57’s flight deck. It can collect vital information via the aircraft sensors.
The Su-57 Russian plane is the first one to be made from scratch. The aircraft's design is based mainly on titanium alloys, and proprietary Russian metals. Multiple versions of the aircraft were developed. Some versions are planned to be mass-produced while others will be sold to other countries as potential exports.
The Su-57 was originally designed to be the first Russian stealth plane. But, the lack of funding as well as technical issues hampered development. While a few prototypes were produced, the project's progress has been challenging. Various setbacks have been experienced in the program, including the first-stage prototypes' engines cracking during a public showcase and a test flight that crashed. In a recent interview with the Eastern Military District newspaper Suvorovsky Natisk, Deputy Regiment Commander Lt. Col. Ilya Sizov said that there is no official confirmation of a third batch of Su-57s, though two have been spotted in an airbase near Novosibirsk.
Lack of funding is one major obstacle facing the Su-57. Since 2007, when the Su-57 was developed, the Kremlin didn't always follow through with its orders. Russian defense has faced budgetary woes due to sanctions from the world. Earlier this year, India withdrew from the program, which has cut the Su-57's developmental budget by as much as $7 billion. Russia is continuing to look for partners in the project, despite the loss. South Korea and Turkey have expressed interest.
In 2022, the Su-57 was originally expected to be delivered to the Russian Air Force. The United Aircraft Corporation, however, has announced expansion plans that will accelerate the production of this fighter. These plans include the creation of additional production lines as well as a motor-test station to help with the Su-57 order. Today, there are four manufactured aircraft.
Despite the numerous setbacks and challenges involved in the program, the Su-57 is still a promising fifth-generation fighter. It can do flat rotations with minimal altitude loss. Its artificial intelligence system is expected to be a key component in future "sixth-generation aircraft." A unique feature of the Su-57 aircraft is its onboard cluster computer, which turns it into a data center in space. Artificial intelligence can also collect data from the aircraft's sensors, thereby providing essential information to the human operator.
The next phase of Su-57 production will feature the upgrade of the aircraft's engines. The new "izdeliye 30" engines will provide thrust of around 16 tonnes. They are expected to be operational by 2023.