The Su-57 is a Masterpiece!

Summary

The video discusses the Su-57, Russia's fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, covering its production, upgrades, and service status. Despite international sanctions and engine development delays, the aircraft has seen active use in Ukraine. The video addresses misconceptions, highlights the Su-57's unique features like the product 30 engine and its advanced sensor suite, and explores potential future variants and associated drone technology.

Takeaways

• 🔧 The Su-57 is a Russian fifth-generation fighter jet with a focus on speed, maneuverability, and long range.
• ✈️ As of September 2024, between 24 to 25 Su-57 aircraft are in service, with one potentially damaged in Ukraine.
• 🚀 The production of Su-57 is slow due to the wait for the final engine, the Saturn izdeliye 30, which is not yet ready for operational use.
• 🛠️ The current engine, the AL-41F1, is capable but not ideal for the Su-57, lacking the supercruise ability that the new engine is expected to provide.
• 🔄 The Su-57 has seen active combat use in Ukraine, primarily for launching long-range attacks.
• 🔄 The narrative that Su-35s escort Su-57s has been questioned, suggesting potential misinterpretation of Russian press releases.
• 🔄 The Su-57 project is not abandoned and is not just experimental; it is in service and has seen practical deployment.
• 🔄 The Su-57M variant is in development, with the main feature being the new engine, expected to be ready by 2025.
• 🔄 The Su-57 is capable of controlling drones, with a patent filed for a dual-seater variant to manage drone operations.
• 🔄 New weapons systems like the K-69 missile and the S-71 drone are being developed for use with the Su-57.

Q & A

How many Su-57s are in service as of September 2024?

As of September 2024, there are either 24 or 25 Su-57 aircraft in service.

What is the current status of the Su-57's engine?

The final engine for the Su-57, the Saturn izdeliye 30, is not ready yet. The current aircraft fly with the AL-41F1 engine, and the production of the Su-57 is held back waiting for the more advanced AL-51 engine.

What is the issue with the current AL-41F1 engine on the Su-57?

The AL-41F1 engine is capable but not ideal for the Su-57, especially for achieving supercruise speeds. The upcoming AL-51 engine is designed to be more powerful and efficient.

What is the significance of the Su-57's N036 Byelka radar?

The N036 Byelka radar system on the Su-57 is unique with no direct equivalent in terms of antennas and versatility. It includes multiple X-band and L-band arrays, providing 360° radar coverage.

Is the Su-57 being used in Ukraine?

Yes, the Su-57 has been used in Ukraine, with reports emerging since March 2022. It has been involved in launching cruise missiles and possibly air-to-air engagements.

What are the improvements planned for the Su-57M variant?

The Su-57M variant is planned to have a new engine, improved radar, and enhanced electronic warfare systems. It may also feature two-dimensional nozzles.

What is the role of the S-71 Kilim drone in relation to the Su-57?

The S-71 Kilim drone is a new type of stealthy weapon system that could be controlled by the Su-57. It is designed to loiter over the battlefield and can be used for long-range attacks.

What is the purpose of the K-69 missile designed for the Su-57?

The K-69 missile is a long-range weapon designed to fit inside the Su-57's bay, with a range of at least 400 km and a heavy warhead for attacking protected targets.

Why is the Su-57 considered to have shown 'out-of-the-box' thinking in its design?

The Su-57 is considered innovative due to its aerodynamic design, featuring the lcons which are a significant aerodynamic innovation in combat aircraft of the last 30 years.

What is the narrative around the Su-57 being escorted by Su-35s during missions?

Reports suggest that Su-35s escort the Su-57 during missions, but this narrative is questioned in the script. It may have been a misinterpretation of a press release stating that the Su-57 operates alongside other Russian aircraft like the Su-35.