Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on May 15, 2019 that Sukhoi (part of the United Aircraft Corporation, UAC) had begun series production of the fifth-generation Su-57 (T-50) stealth fighter aircraft. 76 Su-57s in three regiments are planned for the Russian Air Force, with the first deliveries scheduled to begin this year.
The contract with Sukhoi is part of a procurement program announced by President Putin for the years 2018 to 2028. The Su-57 will not only strengthen the Russian air force (there is talk of a total requirement of 200 aircraft), it is also expected to become an important export product for the Russian aviation industry.
Sukhoi built eleven prototypes (ten of which were airworthy), the first flight took place on January 29, 2010, and the last prototype flew on December 23, 2017. The Su-57 (T-50) is intended to be a fifth-generation multi-role fighter aircraft that has a large operational radius and flies in the supersonic range. The single-seater has a low radar cross-section and STOL capabilities. Payloads can be carried internally. Take-offs and landings are also possible from poorly prepared runways. The avionics equipment and armament options are versatile and future-proof. It is powered by two Saturn AL-41F-1 engines, for which a more powerful replacement (Izdelije 30) is currently being developed.
Peter Preylowski
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