Su-57 Stealth Fighter: News #8

GarryB wrote:I suspect new information about Russian weapons is only going to get more scarce in the west over time... sadly our politicians have made us the enemy...

I don't think so

Reporting on Russian military-industrial news and innovations is a thriving cottage industry in Russia with hundreds of blogs, dozens of publications, thousands of journalists, multiple YouTube channels, and millions of readers involved. And from there it will inevitably get translated into English as it does on this forum.

But what we will see is more misinformation and nonsense mixed in to confuse NATO analysts.

Interesting wail from a light of 4 SU-57s.

Short-range missiles developed for the Su-57, by Dmitry Zubarev for VZGLYAD. 08.04.2023.

Vympel: New short-range missiles have been created for the Su-57, ahead of Western developments.

For the Russian Su-57 fighters, fifth-generation short-range missiles RVV-MD2 were created, which are five to ten years ahead of similar developments in the United States, representatives of the development company GosMKB Vympel reported in Arsenal of the Fatherland magazine.

As noted in the article, in Russia, the development of fifth-generation air-to-air missiles, which have reached the industrial stage of production, are ahead of American developments by five to ten years, and the stage of putting them into service has already started, RIA Novosti reports .

According to the developers, the RVV-MD2 can be placed in the inner fuselage compartments of the Su-57.

As Viktor Murakhovsky, editor-in-chief of the Arsenal of the Fatherland magazine, clarified, the RVV-MD2 for the first time in short-range missiles uses an inertial control system, which assumes that the ammunition determines its own coordinates in space without external reference points and signals, calculating its position in space based on the previous position.

In addition, Murakhovsky noted, the RVV-MD2 is equipped with a radio correction line, a multi-element dual-band infrared homing head with increased noise immunity and can hit targets at all angles, that is, the RVV-MD2 is launched forward, turns in the air and hits an enemy aircraft located behind the Su- 57.

Earlier, a pilot of the Russian Aerospace Forces, participating in a special operation, told the VZGLYAD newspaper that new long-range air-to-air missiles have recently entered service with Russian fighters, they perform their combat missions according to certain tactics.

https://vz.ru/news/2023/8/4/1224273.html

Su-57 fighter received the latest digital communications system, by Olga Nikitina for VZGLYAD. 08.07.2023.

Roselectronics: Fifth generation Su-57 fighter received the latest digital communications system.

The latest set of on-board digital communications equipment has been introduced to the fifth-generation Su-57 fighter, the press service of the Ruselectronics holding (part of Rostec) reported.

The holding told TASS that the complex was developed by NPP Polet. It is noted that it can be used on any aircraft, including previous generations.

The complex operates in the ranges of high and very high frequencies, has increased noise immunity and intelligence protection. In addition, the range of stable communication has been increased.

Earlier it was reported that fifth-generation short-range missiles RVV-MD2 were created for Russian Su-57 fighters, which are five to ten years ahead of similar developments in the United States.

https://vz.ru/news/2023/8/7/1224634.html

Su-57 Edges Out F-35 to Emerge Sentinel of Skies, 08.09.2023.

Russia's cutting-edge Su-57 fighter has taken the lead in aerospace technology, and is set for accelerated deployment.
This sets the stage for a clash of titans, pitting the Su-57's unparalleled agility against the F-35's capabilities, and highlights the Russian aircraft’s combat prowess during its deployment in the current Ukraine conflict.

Advanced onboard digital communications equipment has been installed on the fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57 multifunctional fighter, contributing to enhanced information transmission quality.

During a recent coordinating council meeting, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin unveiled plans to accelerate the deployment of Su-57 fighters within the military. The move aims to enhance the operational capacity and combat readiness of the Russian Armed Forces. Mishustin emphasized the significance of equipping the military with state-of-the-art technology, thus reinforcing the nation's defense capabilities as a global superpower.

Sputnik dissects the implications of this Russian stealth multirole fighter aircraft and draw parallels with its contemporary peer - the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II.

What is the Purpose of the Su-57?

The Su-57, known by its alternate designation as the PAK-FA (Prospective Aviation Complex of Frontline Aviation) and NATO reporting name "Felon," has emerged as a vanguard fifth-generation fighter jet and is a product of Russia's Sukhoi Design Bureau's ingenuity. It is engineered to symbolize extraordinary maneuverability and cutting-edge stealth characteristics.

This latest class of Sukhoi fighter aircraft is a worthy successor to the Su-27 (NATO reporting name "Flanker") fighter jet within the ranks of the Russian Aerospace Forces. Its purpose is manifold, encompassing the elimination of all airborne adversaries, precision strikes against ground and surface targets at night and in the day, and the art of penetrating fortified air defences.

Beyond these combat functions, the Su-57 is vital to conducting aerial surveillance from a vantage point distant from the adversary's base, exemplifying its role as a sentinel of the skies.

A revolutionary transformation of the fifth-generation Su-57 fighter's capabilities is achieved through advanced avionics technology, representing a fusion of modern electronics and aerospace engineering. The aircraft achieves heightened operational efficiency through advanced radar systems, communication interfaces, and navigation components, enabling the pilot to harness unprecedented control and assertiveness in the heat of combat.

What is the American Equivalent of Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57?

The F-35 is an American family of advanced fighter aircraft designed for air superiority, strike missions, electronic warfare, and intelligence capabilities. The US F-35 fifth-gen fighter plane was designed to replace the aging F-16 Fighting Falcon fleet.

It's a single-seat, single-engine aircraft with stealth features developed by Lockheed Martin, with partnerships from Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems. The F-35 comes in three variants, each designed to fulfill specific combat roles: the conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL), the short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL), and the carrier-based variant (CV/CATOBAR). It is a versatile combat aircraft fitted with modern aviation technology that makes it adaptable for combat assignments.

“An aircraft system of this class is present in two and a half countries - we will count in three. The first is the United States: they made the F-22 'Raptor' fighter, which they are already quietly preparing for decommissioning because it is not very economically feasible for them to operate it. It turned out very expensive. And it was replaced by the F-35 fighter, also a multifunctional aircraft system, as we know, which exists in three variations: A, B, C. Then there’s the Russian Su-57,” says Dmitry Drozdenko, military analyst and chief editor of the Internet portal Arsenal Otechestva.

Key Features of Sukhoi's Su-57

Drozdenko explains that the Russian fifth-generation fighter plane has low radar visibility and is equipped with twin engines, unlike the American single-engine fifth-generation fighter jet. "This means greater survivability in flight." He added that F-35s have often faced challenges primarily related to rotor failure or partial engine issues.

The Su-57's ability to achieve supermaneuverability is its second most significant advantage, setting it apart from its American peer. This remarkable agility is made possible by incorporating all-aspect nozzles and is further enhanced by an intelligent system. This system proves particularly valuable during close-quarters combat, enabling the execution of unparalleled maneuvers.

A notable innovation deserving attention is the incorporation of the revolutionary "smart skin" technology. This advancement empowers the aircraft with an unprecedented ability to observe its surroundings in a full 360-degree spectrum. Currently, the Su-57 aircraft is undergoing trials for the specialized RVV MD-2 short-range air-to-air missile. This missile is uniquely optimized to leverage the capabilities of the "smart skin" system, enabling it to be deployed with remarkable flexibility in various directions, the military analyst noted.

“This is its main difference. In addition, it is a multifunctional complex that can be not only a fighter but also a bomber; it can perform the full range of tasks of modern aviation, up to controlling an unmanned wingman,” Dmitry Drozdenko revealed.

Has the Su-57 Been Used in Combat?

During an August 2022 interview on a Russian TV channel, Russia's Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu, praised the advanced Su-57 fighters for their exceptional combat performance in Ukraine. "We can [… say] we have used and are using the Su-57 aircraft. This aircraft has shown itself brilliantly. The aircraft has a very high degree of protection against various air defense systems, has protection against missiles. There is a lot of stuff there. […] Most importantly, it has very powerful weapons. We also tried and tested these weapons, they work brilliantly, I can't find another word for it," Shoigu remarked.

Sukhoi's Su-57 vs. F-35 - Which is Superior?

According to Drozdenko, the significance of the Su-57's supermaneuverability would come into play during an actual combat scenario, particularly in what's commonly called a "dog fight." The ability of the aircraft to execute rapid and agile maneuvers becomes highly crucial in close-range engagements.

For instance, when an adversary positions itself behind the plane, the Su-57 can promptly counter by swiftly changing direction. Moreover, the aircraft's capability to execute reverse maneuvers in a matter of seconds, around three or four, presents a substantial advantage. On the other hand, the F-35, for instance, takes approximately 20 seconds to complete the same action. This discrepancy can be pivotal in determining the outcome of an engagement. The Su-57's rapid response could potentially evade an incoming enemy missile while executing these agile maneuvers, unlike the F-35, which might remain vulnerable during its longer maneuvering process.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230809/su-57-edges-out-f-35-to-emerge-sentinel-of-skies-1112468913.html

The US is working on the NGAD, which could be a serious competitor to the Su-57. On the other hand, the F-35 is no opponent for the Su-57.