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ПАК ФА Перспективный Авиационный Комплекс Фронтовой Авиации
PAK FA Prospective Frontline Aviation System

Сухой Су-57
Sukhoi Su-57

Update: January 2024



PAK FA Prospective Frontline Aviation System - Sukhoi Su-57

Sukhoi Su-57 constructor Alexander Davidenko
Aleksandr Davidenko and Yuri Vashchuk, and Sergei Bogdan (photos: http://www.arms-expo.ru, www.popmech.ru)

Михаил Юрьевич Стрелец (Mikhail Yurevich Strelets)
Mikhail Yurevich Strelets
(photo: www.biograph.ru, https://topwar.ru)


Su-57 production factory
КнААЗ Комсомольский-на-Амуре авиационный завод имени Ю. А. Гагарина
KnAAZ Komsomolsk-on-Amur Air Plant named after Y. A. Gagarin

Main constructor, chief of T-50 programme in Sukhoi bureau
Александр Николаевич Давыденко (Aleksandr Nikolaievich Davidenko)
Since 2014 Chief Designer and Director of the Sukhoi Design Bureau
Михаил Юрьевич Стрелец (Mikhail Yurevich Strelets)

Sukhoi test pilots
Сергей Леонидович Богдан (Sergei Leonidovich Bogdan)
Юрий Ващук (Yuri Vashchuk)
Тарас Анатольевич Арцебарский (Taras Artsebarskyi)
Роман Валерьевич Кондратьев (Roman Kondratyev)
Сергей Костин (Sergei Kostin)
Сергей Чернышев (Sergei Chernishyev)
Андрей Владимирович Шендрик (Andrei Shendrik)



Prototypes

Izdyelye (product) Number Type First flight Camouflage  

T-50-0 KPO

none

airframe for static strength tests

Т-50-0 КПО конструктивно-подобный образец

Assembly begin in November 2006 in Komsomolsk-on-Amur KnAAPO plant (now KnAAZ).

Ready June 2009

not painted

T-50-KNS

none

airframe for ground test

Т-50-КНС комплексный наземный стенд

Assembly begin in December 2007 in KnAAPO plant.

Ready 24th December 2009
22nd January 2010
Sergei Bogdan
PAK-FA first high-speed taxiing with nosewheel lift off the ground for few seconds while running, parachute was also deployed.

overall light bluegrey.

T-50-1

51
later
051

1st flyable prototype

29th January 2010 11:19 local time
Sergei Bogdan

KnAAPO plant Dzemgi airfield

28th January 2010 attempt to first flight was interrupted due to problems with the steering controls and the brake system.

Disruptive camouflage pattern painted in April 2010. Main feature of this scheme is big white letter M and simplified Russian markings (a star) in low-visibility version.

Spin recovery parachute installed in August 2011. Never used.

In April or May 2018, before MAKS-2018, disruptive camouflage was replaced on top and bottom by pixel scheme on lightgrey background.

T-50-2

52
later
052

2nd flyable prototype

3rd March 2011
Sergei Bogdan

Disruptive camouflage pattern almost the same as T-50-1, painted in July or August 2011.

5th December 2017 prototype called Т-50ЛЛ (T-50LL Flying Laboratory) piloted by Sergei Bogdan had performed first test flight with installed one new-generation engine “product 30”, intended to replace first stage engine изделие 117, АЛ-41Ф1 (product 117, AL-41F1). Engine will be produced by ОДК Объединенная двигателестроительная корпорация (United Engine Building Corporation) which integrated all main Russian engine's producers: Moskov Machine Production Enterprise, Klimov, UMPO, Kuznyetsov, Saturn, Aviadvigatyeli, Star, NPP Motor, Perm Engine Plant, Metallist-Samara.

Sukhoi Su-57 with engine Saturn 30

At the end od 2020 prototype T-50-2 is very fatigue, with parts “borrowed” from other prototypes and traces of reworking. Aircraft perfomed a new test flights, still with only one engine product 30.

T-50-3

053

3rd flyable prototype

22nd November 2011
Sergei Bogdan

Disruptive camouflage pattern almost the same as T-50-1 and T-50-2 was painted probably in March 2012.

In October 2018 rebuilded to heavy unmanned combat aerial vehicle "The Hunter" (С-70 «Охотник») programme.

In January 2019 repainted in new stunnig scheme with pixelized S-70 "The Hunter" silhouette on top and bottom.

T-50-4

054

4th flyable prototype

12th December 2012
Sergei Bogdan

Disruptive camouflage pattern almost the same as T-50-1, T-50-2 and T-50-3 was painted probably in January 2013. It's the last time (fourth) when that kind of camouflage was applied

In January 2018 disruptive camouflage was replaced by pixel scheme on top and bottom on lightgrey background. Pixel colour is darker than applied on other aircraft.

T-50-5
T-50-5R

055

5th flyable prototype

27th October 2013
Roman Kondratyev

At the end of 2013 new painting scheme called «Белая акула» (White shark) was applied ONLY ONCE on T-50-5.

Damaged by fire of the right engine in 10th June 2014 in Zhukovsky when landing, pilot Kondratyev left airplane after landing, but plane was damaged beyond repair. Was ressurected using airframe of T-50-6 and fire survived pieces (rudders, fins), renamed to T-50-5R (sufix R means ремонтный = repaired), first flight after repairs on 16th October 2015. Damaged fuselage of T-50-5 remains in Zhukovsky, wings were reused for static tests.

2015: after repair aircraft T-50-5R was painted with new designed simplified variant of shark with sharp line between two colours.

April 2018: pixel scheme was painted on top and bottom on lightgrey background.

T-50-6

Unfinished because in 2014/2015 airframe was used in the reconstruction of T-50-5.

T-50-6-1

2015-2016
none

unfinished additional sixth flyable prototype

Ready in 2015 or 2016

not painted

Aircraft was initially intended as additional sixth flyable aircraft of first stage to be a demonstrator to Indian FGFA programme. That's why gets name T-50-6 with suffix 1.

Even it was called "The President", because was suppose to be the last prototype of the first stage.

Indian-Russian programme failed and even worse - unfinished T-50-6 was used in 2015 to repair T-50-5. As a result, aircraft T-50-6-1 must replace T-50-6 in PAK-FA test schedule...

T-50-7
KNS

2016-2018
none

airframe for static tests

KHC комплексный наземный стенд

Ready in April 2016

not painted

... but in fact, problems with weak constructive strength of first prototypes forced Sukhoi to build of further prototypes with a reinforced airframes structure. Somewhere in 2015 and 2016 aircraft T-50-6-1 became a airframe KNS for static ground tests (KHC комплексный наземный стенд = KNS) of airframe of the second stage, and was called T-50-7.

T-50-7
Su-57E

since 2019
057

non-flyable demonstrator

August 2019
demonstrated for the first time

In 2019 new scheme of camouflage was prepared: overall grey background, darkgrey pixelized silhouette on top, lightblue-grey pixelized silhouette on bottom. Scheme became standard since 2019.

When static test of T-50-7 KNS was finished, non-flyable airframe was painted and equipped with mockups, including of engines "product 30" and was for the first time displayed in August 2019 at MAKS-2019 ground exhibition for Russian president Putin and Turkish prime-minister Erdoğan, later as Su-57E was offered in November 2019 at Dubai Airshow, but not displayed however. In August 2020 was displayed on static display at Army-2020 exposition. In August 2022 was displayed on static display at Army-2022 exposition.

Su-57E is somehow ridiculous, because is not fully equipped and non-flyable.

T-50-6-2

056

6th flyable prototype

27th April 2016
Taras Artzebarsky

First prototype of second stage airframe and equipment (suffix 2), simply called T-50-6. Built simultaneusly with T-50-6-1.

Seriously changed airframe, including new tail.

Simplified White Shark scheme was for the first time applied in 2015 on T-50-5R when aircraft was repaired after fire, then on T-50-6-2 (2016) and T-50-8 (2017). Silhouettes of shark are slightly different on each aircraft. Background is greenish.

After 2016 disappeared from public view.

T-50-8

058

7th flyable prototype

17th November 2016

Simplified White Shark scheme applied at the end of 2016 or begin of the year 2017. T-50-8 was third and last aircraft with that scheme.

2018-19 strongly reworked and almost fully equipped.

On May 2020 pixelized silhouette was added on bottom (as previously in 2018 on T-50-1, T-50-4 and T-50-5R). Greenish background on top (and bottom of course) almost disappeared because a large part of the coverage was exchanged during installation of enhanced electronic suite and rebuilding aircraft to serial configuration (most visible is new shape of air intake in pylon of the left fin to cooling and air-conditioning of engine).

T-50-9

509

8th flyable prototype

24th April 2017

2017: pixel camouflage it's a third scheme of camouflage of the Su-57, after disruptive (T-50-1, T-50-2, T-50-3 and T-50-4) and shark scheme (T-50-5, T-50-5R, T-50-6-2 and T-50-8).

Distinctive unique blueish lightgrey background.

In 2018 scheme was applied on older prototypes T-50-1, T-50-2 and T-50-4 but on top and also on bottom, on lightgrey background.

T-50-10

510

9th flyable prototype

23rd December 2017

Pixel scheme almost the same as T-50-9 but on darker grey background. Each side of fins with different pattern. Nose primarily lightgrey, then changed to grey.

Scheme applied also on T-50-11 (see below).

T-50-11

511

In March 2018 number 511 temporarily replaced by state registration
RF-81775 for abroad tests in Syria.

10th flyable prototype

6th August 2017
(earlier than T-50-10)


21st October 2022 as prototype of Megapolis second stage.

Called "The President", because it's a last prototype of second stage with strengthened airframe, equipped with avionics, and should be a pattern for serial production.


Painting scheme almost the same as T-50-10, but pattern on all fin's surfaces like T-50-09 prototype.


See also: T-50-11 with lowered LEVCON, external fuel tanks PTB-2000 and open canopy.


In March 2018 prototype T-50-11 was rebuilded (grey nose, new fins, Pitot probe, but still no OLS), gets state registration RF-81775 and “Russian Air Force” (BBC) on tail (it's possible that aircraft gets state registration for flight to Syria to tests). Tails were changed during test flights between 2018 and 2020.


In 2022 aircraft was rebuilded to prototype of so called "second stage".

(Pre)serial aircraft - 51st series

T-50S-1
Factory: 51001

01

1st serial

In fact 1st of two preproduction aircraft

First flight:
December 2019

Crashed
24 December 2019

Painting of serial Su-57 is based on scheme applied for the first time on T-50-7 (former T-60-6-1) in 2019. Background is grey, pixelized silhouette on top gray and lightblue on bottom.

24 December 2019 first serial Su-57 crashed near Komsomolsk-on-Amur plant airfield Dzemghi during test flight before shifted to airforce. Pilot Aleksyey Gorshkov (Алексей Горшков) ejected safely. Aircraft belongs to KnAAZ factory, was worth about 2.000.000.000 ruble (about 32.000.000 USD). It will be replaced by a new one from the company's funds.

T-50S-2
Factory: 51002

01 GLIC
RF-81774

2nd serial

In fact second of two preproduction aircraft

First flight:
31 October 2020
Delivered:
29 January 2021

Serial camouflage with markings of BKC Россий (Воздушно-космические силы, Russian Aerospace Forces) and GLITs in Akhtubinsk (929-й Государственный лётно-испытательный центр Министерства обороны Российской Федерации имени В. П. Чкалова, State Flight Research Center). Third aircraft with that scheme, after T-50-7 and T-50S-1 in 2019. State registration RF-81774 since about May 2021, could be earlier.

Serial aircraft

2021

Five serial Su-57 airplanes produced 2020-2021, delivered 2022.

At least five aircraft were built between 2020 and 2021, with the numbers 52201, 52302, 52303, 52304 and 52405 confirmed by photos. These all are probably from the 52nd series, but three "sub-series" 2nd, 3rd and 4th, numbered successively from 01 to 05:

52201 = 52-2-01
52302 = 52-3-02
52303 = 52-3-03
52304 = 52-3-04
52405 = 52-4-05

In February 2022 were known three bort numbers, sadly unrelated with serial numbers. All in serial camouflage. When they were actually handed over to units is not known. Aircraft 52 blue appeared in reports from KNAAZ in January 2022, and two more in February 2022 - 02 (for GLIC) and 52 red. A information in bmpd LiveJournal say that is also airplane 51, what involve long internet discussions on some forums. Not only photos can confirm if that plane even exists. Possibly a fourth (or fifth if rumours about 51 are true) aircraft from 52nd series is 02 RF-81780, first time displayed in August 2023 in Army-23 exhibition. Tactical number 02 is not mistake, it's really second red 02.

Destination: fighter regiment in Dzyomghi near Komsomolsk-on-Amur (Eastern Russia), Akhtubinsk range and test center GLIC (Western Russia) and evaluation center in Lipyetsk (Western Russia).

Dzyomgi (Дзёмги) it's a base of 23-й гвардейский истребительный авиационный Таллинский полк Воздушно-космических сил = 23rd "Tallin" guards fighter air regiment of the Air and Space Forces. In Akhtubinsk in Astrakhan region (Oblast, oбласть) is main Russian military air research centre where are realised a military stage of State Acceptance Trials of each type of a aircraft - 929th State Flight Research Centre named after V. P. Chkalov, GLITs (929-й Государственный Лётно-Испытательный Центр имени В.П.Чкалова, ГЛИЦ). Centre owns a wide air range near Kazakstan border.

51 not confirmed
52 without RF - Dzyomghi?
02 without RF - GLIC in Akhtubinsk
52 RF-81775 - Lipyetsk?
02 RF-81780 - Lipyetsk?

Six Su-57 airplanes in 2022

At the end of May 2022 two new aircraft were delivered to European part of Russia, via Tolmachevo (rus. Толмачёво), where they were spotted.
53 RF-81777 - Lipyetsk?
54 RF-81778 - Lipyetsk?

At the end of December 2022 four new aircraft were delivered to European part of Russia. Tactical numbers and RFs unknown, blurred on photos.
NN RF-????? - Lipyetsk?
NN RF-????? - Lipyetsk?
NN RF-????? - Lipyetsk?
NN RF-????? - Lipyetsk?

More than ten Su-57 in 2023

At the end of September 2023 four new aircraft were delivered. Tactical numbers and RFs unknown except 11 (only that one airplane appears on photos).
11 - RF-????? - Dzyomghi?
?? - RF-????? - Dzyomghi?
?? - RF-????? - Dzyomghi?
?? - RF-????? - Dzyomghi?

Probably 25 December 2023, unknown number of aircraft. Russian TASS news agency says that "more than 10 were delivered in 2023", so we can suppose at least seven aircraft in December, maybe even more. In a few photos of one aircraft the numbers are blurred out, but one short video shows that the tactical number is red. Only one airplane appears on photos and video).
?? - RF-????? - Dzyomghi?
?? - RF-????? - Dzyomghi?
?? - RF-????? - Dzyomghi?
?? - RF-????? - Dzyomghi?
?? - RF-????? - Dzyomghi?
?? - RF-????? - Dzyomghi?
?? - RF-????? - Dzyomghi?



Events

11 August 2017

official name of the aircraft is Сухой Су-57 (Sukhoi Su-57)

21-23 February 2018

two prototypes deployed to Syria for quick two-days tests in real combat environment. Next unspecified tests in real combat environment in December 2018.

August 2018

contract for 12 Su-57 (so called pre-production series) to prepare service routines in center of combat application in Lipetsk. In fact it's a payment to Sukhoi for 10 flyable prototypes (except first KNS and second KNS/Su-57E) and two preproduction aricraft.

June 2019

contract for 76 aircraft signed during International Military and Technical Forum "Army-2019" (Международный военно-технический форум «АРМИЯ-2019»). Aircraft for three regiments (24+24+24) and four in Lipyetsk center.

27th September 2019

first flight of Su-57 (T-50-5) and UAV S-70 "The Hunter".

November 2019

first serial Su-57 (T-50S-1, factory number 51001) assembled in KNAZ factory (one of two preproduction aircraft). Second aircraft expected in 2020, and next 74 until 2027.

4 December 2019

first serial Su-57 crashed near Komsomolsk-on-Amur factory airfield Dzemghi during test flight before shifted to airforce.

December 2020

serial Su-57 (T-50S-2, factory number 51002) was delivered to Russian Aerospace Forces and will begin service with one of the aviation unit of the Southern Military District. In 2021 it will undergo a series of military tests on the firing range in Akhtubinsk in 929th State Flight Research Center named after V. Chkalov (GLITs). New engines "product 30" are expected only in 2022...

December 2020 / January 2021

S-70 undergoing tests on Ashuluk fire range.

End of 2020

in KnAAZ factory augmented reality is using to assist with the assembly of the aircraft.

29th January 2021

first serial Su-57 (T-50S-2) officially (?) handed to Russian Aerospace Forces (GLITs).

Since end of 2022

Modernised Su-57 is tested with new avionics, weapons and fitted to new engines - prototype 511 (maiden flight 21st October 2022) and later also 058 join the programme. It's a second stage of development called Megapolis.

21 October 2022 first flight of the upgraded Su-57 aircraft took place at the Gromov LII airfield. The aircraft was piloted by Sukhoi Design Bureau's test pilot, Hero of the Russian Federation, Sergey Bogdan. The aircraft (well known prototype T10-11 with number 511) is being tested with a set of onboard equipment with enhanced functionality, intelligent crew support and the ability to use a wide range of new types of weapons. The aircraft is also capable of installing a second-stage engine (the engines of the second stage "product 30" have not yet been installed). On photos are visible new larger window of 101KS Atoll optronic system (on left sie of the fuselage, on roght side not installed at all and the window is blinded). Also visible are night navigation lights.

The development of a modernised version of the Su-57 Second Stage is a part of the Megapolis development work (ОКР, опытно-конструкторская работя «Мегаполис»). The state contract was signed by the Russian Ministry of Defence and Sukhoi Company PJSC on 29 October 2018.

2023

It's possible that Su-57 is used in combat in Ukraine.

14 March 2023

Александр Николаевич Давиденко (Alexander Nikolayevitch Davidenko) passed away 14th March 2023.

26 December 2023

"The state defence order (Государственный оборонный заказ, ГОЗ) for the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter in 2023 has doubled, and the order for 2024 is even larger". This was announced by the head of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC, part of Rostec; Объединенная авиастроительная корпорация, ОАК, Ростех) Yury Slyusar (Юрий Слюсарь) in an interview with Rossiya-24 TV channel. "We have fulfilled the state defence order. Everything that was stipulated by the signed contracts and schedules has been delivered on time, sometimes even ahead of schedule for some plants. (...) Our orders have increased at all plants, some of them quite significantly. As for new aircraft: the order for the Su-57 aircraft has literally doubled" he said when asked about the corporation's results within the framework of fulfilment of the State-Owned Aircraft Order of the previous year. Slyusar noted that the Su-57 fighter is a difficult machine to manufacture, but UAC handled its delivery to the customer with honour. "For 2024, the order is even bigger, there is even more work" he added.

Slyusar did not say exactly how many of the newest fighters the Russian army has received.



December 2023



If is true that deliveries of Su-57 were doubled in 2023 (more than 10, even up to 14), is possible that in service is enough aircraft to form first fully equipped squadron (12 aircraft).



December 2023

The Isdyelie 30 engine has passed all tests. All aircraft that will be delivered in 2024 will be equipped with new engines, which will reportedly be designated AL-51. Those delivered between 2020 and 2023 will not receive new engines.



БРЭО бортовое радиоэлектронное оборудование
On-board radio-electronic equipment

  • Ш121 (Sh121) МИРЭС многофункциональный интегрированный радиоэлектронный систем [MIRES multifunctional integrated radio-electronic system] for weapons targeting
    • Н036 (N036) «Белка» (Byelka = squirrel) two-band radar system (X- and L-band). Consist of 12 antennas. Developed by НИИП Научно-исследовательский институт приборостроения им. В.В. Тихомирова (NIIP Scientific-Research Institute of Instrument Design named after Tikhomirov), Zhukovsky.
      • four X-band radars АФАР Активная фазированная антенная решётка X-диапазона (AFAR = AESA active electronically scanned array):
        • Н036 (N036) - one forward-looking radar with 1526 T/R modules. Mounted in the nose cone.
        • Н036Б (N036B) - two side-looking (боковой = side) radars with 358 T/R modules. Embedded in the cheeks of the forward fuselage, for wider angular coverage, especially ground observation (they are angled at a downward 15 degrees).
        • Н036Х (N036Kh) - one rear-looking (хвостовой = tail) radar with 358 T/R modules. Mounted in the dorsal sting between the engines. Developed by KNIRTI (Kaluzhskyi Scientific Research Radio-Technical Institute) in Kaluga, manufactured by the «Сигнал» (Radioplant Signal) in Stavropol - subsidiaries of КРЭТ Концерн Радиоэлектронные технологии (KRET Concern Radio-Electronic Technologies). This module is not confirmed yet.
      • eigth Н036Л (N036L) L-band (L-диапазона) radars:
        • two in wing's leading edge slats. Secondary function is friend-or-foe indentification by system Н036Ш Покосник (N036Sh Pokosnik = Reaper), also can be used for jamming of sattelite communication links. Three antennas of the N036Sh system are located on top of canopy ahead windshield. Probably these antennas have some jamming capabilities. Mayby a little bigger antenna is used for electronic warfare, as two unidentified similar antennas on upper and bottom side of the tail, behind parachute bay cover.
        • two in large movable leading edges of influx of the fuselage (LEVCON Leading Edge Vortex Controllers).
        • four in tips of the wings.
    • Комплекс РЭБ радиоэлектронной борьбы Л402 «Гималаи» (L402 Himalayas) - EW electronic warfare countermeasure suite which uses all the N036 Byelka radar arrays (X- and L-band), to detecting and jamming radiofrequency-bases systems. Developed by KNIRTI (Kaluzhskyi Scientific Research Radio-Technical Institute) in Kaluga, manufactured by the Ставропольский радиозавод «Сигнал» (Radioplant Signal) in Stavropol - subsidiaries of КРЭТ Концерн Радиоэлектронные технологии (KRET Concern Radio-Electronic Technologies).
  • 101KS (КС Комплекс Самозащиты = KS Selfdefence Suite) ОЭИС - оптико-электронная интегрированная система «Атолл», изделие 101КС (product 101KS) (OEIS optical-electronic integrated system Atoll) with N036EVS computer and processor. Manufactured by the УОМЗ Производственное объединение «Уральский оптико-механический завод» (UOMZ Urals Optical and Mechanical Plant).
    1. 101KS-V (воздух = Air): ОЛС-50M оптическая локационная система (OLS optical location station) = IRST Infra-Red Search and Tracking system to detect, identify and track multiple airborne targets simultaneously. A modul has three channels: infra-red, TV and laser (for range measurement to target and for target highlighting). Located ahead of windshield on the starboard. The turret can be rotated backwards into a cruise position, exposing its rear hemisphere, which is covered with a radar-absorbing coating. Developed by NIIP.
    2. 101KS-O (оборонa = Defence): laser-based DIRCM Direcional Infra-Red Counter Measures system - one turret with laser jammer is mounted on top the fuselage behind of the cockpit, second under fuselage. It's a some kind of guns with laser beam for jamming and blinding incomping missiles and airplanes.
    3. 101KS-U (ультрафиолет = Utraviolet): ultraviolet MAWS missile approach warning system against infra-red and radar homing missiles. Systems 101KS-U and 101KS-O can detect and jamming approaching aircraft and missiles. It's a four modules: two side-looking near cockpit (one sensor in each), one under fuselage and one on top of fuselage betwen tails (two sensor in each pyramid-shape module).
    4. 101KS-N (наземная = Ground) подвесной контейнер обзорной прицельно-поисковой системы 101КС-Н (observation searching and targeting pod) = IRST optical Infra-Red Search and Tracking system to identifying and tracking ground targets, in external pod with rotary head.
    5. 101KS-P (пилотаж, посадка = Pilotage, Landing): wide-angle instrumental flight augmentors (small infrared and ultra-violet sensors) to help pilot in landing and low-altitude manouevers and flight. Installed in forward section of the canoe-shaped missile bays under left wing.
  • Навигационная система и система связи - navigation system and communication system
    • БИНС-СП-2M Бесплатформенная инерциальная навигационная система = BINS-SP2M strapdown inertial navigation system. Based on three laser gyroscopes and three quartz accelerometers. Can determines position and motion parameters in the absence of satellite navigation, when GLONASS (Russia’s space-based satellite navigation system) SATNAV link is disrupted. Error in computing position is 1.85 km/hour of flight in autonomic mode, and 30 meters in satellite correction mode (flight length does no matter). Probably doubled BINS modules are installed, without antennas. Developed in 2014 by ОАО «Московский институт электромеханики и автоматики» (Moscov Institute of Electromechanics and Automatics), produced by KRET.
    • РСБН/РСДН радионавигационная система ближней/дальней навигации = RSBN/RSDN short- and long-range navigation system.
    • МСП Микроволновая система посадки - MLS microwave landing system.
    • Радиовысотомер = radar altimeter with two circle antennas (transmitter and receiver) on the underside of the front of the fuselage.
    • датчики системы управления полётом = FCB flight control system probes: two near canopy on left side and one on right side of plane (incl. temperature probe), four small AoA angle of atack probes on bottom side of aircraft below windshield (early prototypes have also classic Pitot, ДУA AoA angle-of-attack and ДУC SS slideslip probes with vanes).
    • КСС Комплекс Средств Связи С-111H «Полёт» = communication suite S-111N Flight with АИСТ-50 = AIST-50 antenna system. Since about 2017 imroved S-112 system is developed.
    • Системы связи и передачи данных ОСНОД Oбъединенная система связи, обмена данными, навигации и опознавания = OSNOD integrated encrypted communication systems and data exchange between up to 16 aircraft or UAV, navigation and recognition. Produced by НПП Научно-производственное предприятие «Полёт» (Scientific Research Institute "Flight"), Nizhnyi Novgorod.
    • VHF/UHF = radio antennas on top of the fins.
    • ГЛОНАСС Глобальная навигационная спутниковая систeма = GLONASS satellite receiver.
    • CPC спутниковая радиосвязь = satellite radio link and CMB радиолиния = satellite radio-line. Transmitters are located probably in top of the fins.

17th February 2021: not all antennas I can identify, so You must expected corrections. There is very little information, but some indicates that the antennas are multifunctional and are used by different systems simultaneously. Even may they have the ability to focus on a selected direction. Probably system Н036Ш Покосник (N036Sh Pokosnik = Reaper) use some of these antennas and interrogators and transmitters), just like use N036L antennas. Obviously, ther is only a few antennas (or rather antenna's covers) on airplane, so we must suppose that antennas are multifunctional or integrated. Even Flight Control System airprobes are reduced to minimum - we don't see old-style probes of angle-of-attack, pressure etc.

Sukhoi Su-57 avionics suite



Some technical features

два двигателя АЛ-41Ф-1 two engines AL-41F-1 A total of 38 AL-41F-1 engines were manufactured and used in PAK-FA/Su-57 programme until 2018 (engine was invented in 2004): 2 for T-50-KNS, 3 for static endurance testing, 2 for static special testing, 30 for 10 flying prototypes and 1 for state static tests in 2017 (official ending act was signed 17th April 2018). Since March 2018 all engines have worked a total of 18,000 hours.
ВСУ вспомогательная силовая установка cистема запуска двигателя АЛ-41Ф-1 APU auxiliary power unit for ingnition system of AL-41F-1 engines It's not a well-known ГТДЭ Газотурбинный двигатель-энергоузел - gas turbine GTDE-117-1 produced by Санкт-Петербургское OAO «Красный Октябрь» [“Red October”, Petersburg], but new more powerful modular unit with 120 kW power. It's a single* unit located in right engine compartement, to simplified construction and maintenance of aircraft, mounted on ВКА Выносная коробка приводов самолетных агрегатов [VKA external accessory gearbox]. On the ground APU supply compressed air (0,55 kg/sec) and up to 30 kVA energy to plane systems. In flight mode ЭНЕРГОУЗЕЛ [energy knot] produce electricity (16 kVA) to air-conditioning systems of cabin and produce 115/200 V AC to onboard networks. Important is that one APU can start both engines.
* According to 2018 Lyulka OKB booklet.
Головка приемника топлива серии ГПТ-2Э nozzle assembly of the GPT-2E Universal refueling nozzle conform both to the RF and NATO standards. Maximum refueling rate is up to 2500 l/min. Produced by Научно-производственное предприятие «Звезда» [Scientific-Production Enterprise “Zvezda”, Tomilino].
ШКАИ широкоугольный коллиматорный авиационный индикатор
(ИЛС индикатор на лобовом стекле)
ShKAI wide-angle collimator head-up display (HUD) Developed by Санкт-Петербургское опытно-конструкторское бюро «Электроавтоматика» имени П.А. Ефимова [Sankt-Petersburg Experimental Design Bureau “Electroautomatica” named after P. A. Yefimov].
Остекление кабины (Фонарь) - Передний козырек (ПЧФ передняя часть фонаря) и ОЧФ откидная часть фонаря PChF windshield and OChF canopy In serial aircraft are made from silicone and hydrocarbonate respectively. Manufactured by ОНПП Обнинское научно-производственное предприятие «Технология» им. А. Г. Ромашина [Obninsk Research and Production Enterprise “Technology” named after A.G. Romashin]. In 2020 T-50-8 performed successful flight tests without the canopy.
катапультное кресло К-36Д-5 ejection seat K-36D-5 Developed in 2011 by Научно-производственное предприятие «Звезда» [Scientific-Production Enterprise “Zvezda”, Tomilino].
унифицированный защитный шлем ЗШ-10 unified protective helmet ZSh-10 Developed in 2011 by Zvezda. In 2018 were developed improved versions.
противоперегрузочный костюм ППК-7 anti-G pilot's suit PPK-7 Full-body costume tested by Sukhoi since 2018, developed by Zvezda.
Кислородная система КС-50 oxygen system KS-50 Developed by Zvezda. Supply oxygen at the attidude up to 23.5 km. The oxygen source is the BKDU-50 onboard oxygen-generating system producing oxygen from the compressed air tapped from the aircraft gas turbine compressor.
ПТК-50 тормозная посадочная парашютная система PTK-50 brake landing parachute system Developed by Научно-исследовательский институт парашютостроения [Scientific Research Institute of Parachute Contruction, Moskva].
устройствa выброса ловушек и помех ЛТЦ (Ложные тепловые цели) CFD chaff and LTC flare dispensers Located in tail - two on top, one in bottom.
ННПУ-50 пушечная установкa NNPU-50 gun installation With built-in 9-A1-4071K gun, developed from Gryazev-Shipunov ГШ-301 GSh-301). One-barrel cannon 30mm calibre with 150 projectiles and independent water-evaporating cooling system of the barrel. Developed in 2014 by КБП «Конструкторское бюро приборостроения им. академика А. Г. Шипунова» [KBP Instrument Design Bureau named after Academician Arkady Georgevich Shipunov, Tula city].
АКУ-170E, АКУ-620E Авиационное катапультное устройство
УВКУ-50У, УВКУ-50Л Универсальная внутрифюзеляжная Катапультная установка
APU air catapult device
UVKU universal in-fuselage catapult installation (launcher)
Six external hard points under air intakes fuselage and wings, two internal weapon bays between engine nacelles and two below LERX. Missile launchers are of the catapult (something lika pantograph or scissors) type, allowing the missile to be lowered slightly before firing. Designed by АО ГосМКБ (Государственное машиностроительное конструкторское бюро) «Вымпел» им. И.И.Торопова [GosMKB State Machine Building Design Bureau "Vympel" named after I.I. Toropov, Moskva], produced by Корпорация «Тактическое ракетное вооружение», Королёв [Tactical Missiles Corporation, Korolev city, Moskow region].
Пиксельная окраска Pixel camouflage “Gives the effect of a blurred outline, which distorts the clear boundaries of the aircraft” says Mikhail Strelets, chief designer of the Su-57 and general director of Sukhoi Design Bureau.

17th February 2021: purpose of some details is hipothetical or unknown. Well, still classified...

Sukhoi Su-57 some technical details



Air intake

The supersonic air intake has an adjustable cross section - this is done by two movable plates (ramps, panels - whatever you want to call it) on the top wall, that can be lowered synchronously. When the aircraft is flying at supersonic speed, they cause the air in the back of the diffuser to still have subsonic speed.

To ensure that the air entering the engine has a linear flow and not turbulent, the boundary layer is extracted through several perforations on inner walls of the air intake. Then is collected and discharged outside the aircraft through perforations or holes covered with mesh on outer walls. At the bottom of the air intake there is a additive air intake (on firsts prototypes it was a couple of blinds).

Air conditioning system

ECS Environmental control system provides among others: air supply, thermal control of the cabin and equipment bays, avionics cooling, smoke detection, fire suppression. It's a pretty sophisticated system which include primary and secondary heat exchangers, valves, cooling air cycle machine, compressor and other components. Air inlets are located in pylons of the vertical stabilisers. In the right for secondary heat exchanger, almost certainly air-to-air radiator (ВВР Воздухо-воздушный радиатор), in left maybe for primery heat-exchanger (maybe ТВР топливно-воздушный радиатор fuel-air radiator). Components of ACS air conditioning system (СКВ Система кондиционирования воздуха) are located in two compartments on top of fuselage. Only left has a rhombic-shaped hole for air exchange, covered with mesh. When aircraft is on the ground, probably hot air for conditioning system is taken from compressor of the auxiliary power unit (very hot bleed air).

14th March 2021: some details are hipothetical, based on Sukhoi Company patents, but explained on real aircraft photos...

Sukhoi Su-57 technical details - air intake and AL-41F-1 engine
Sukhoi Su-57 technical details - air intake



Sukhoi patents

Федеральный институт промышленной собственности (Federal Institute of Industrial Property, searching also in English)

  • 2400402, 9 IX 2009
    Многорежимный высокоманевренный самолет интегральной аэродинамической компоновки
    Multimode high maneuverability aircraft of integral aerodynamic configuration
    DOWNLOAD PDF
  • 2440916, 28 VII 2010
    Самолет интегральной аэродинамической компоновки
    Aircraft in integral aerodynamic configuration
    DOWNLOAD PDF
  • 2462395, 9 XII 2010
    Планер многорежимного высокоманевренного самолета
    Airframe of multimode high maneuverability aircraft
    DOWNLOAD PDF
  • 2460892, 29 IV 2011
    Способ регулирования сверхзвукового воздухозаборника
    Method od adjusting supersonic air intake
    DOWNLOAD PDF
  • 2472956, 29 IV 2011
    Сверхзвуковой регулируемый воздухозаборник
    Supersonic controlled air intake
    DOWNLOAD PDF
  • 2502643, 30 XII 2011
    Многофункциональный самолет с пониженной радиолокационной заметностью
    Multifunctional aircraft with decreased radar visibility
    DOWNLOAD PDF
  • 2583824, 1 VIII 2014
    Сверхзвуковой самолет с внутрифюзеляжными грузовыми отсеками
    Supersonic aircraft with in-fuselage cargo compartments
    DOWNLOAD PDF
  • 2614871, 24 VI 2015
    Грузовой отсек самолета
    Aircraft cargo compartment
    DOWNLOAD PDF
  • 2623031, 30 VI 2016
    Воздухозаборник самолета
    Aircraft air intake
    DOWNLOAD PDF


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