New Su‑57 jets delivered to Russia: Reality behind the rust

The Russian aviation industry recently flaunted the delivery of a batch of Su-57 aircraft, which they regard as fifth-generation machines. Here are the behind-the-scenes details of the two rusty and dusty units that were showcased.

The Russian United Aviation Corporation (UAC) in KnAAZ announced the delivery of another batch of Su-57 aircraft, also known as Felon according to NATO code. Estimates suggest that the Russians possess around 20 units, including prototypes.

The aircraft is also sporadically used to attack targets in Ukraine. Below, you can view a video and photos of the two units most likely being handed over. Notably, these do not appear to be new production units but rather factory leftovers that the Russians finally managed to assemble with missing parts.

This is indicated by the matte or dust-covered canopy, which significantly differs from what was seen earlier, such as during the presentation of the Su-57 to Kim Jong Un. Additionally, the engine nozzles have a characteristic rusty coating, which should not be present on new machines.

The Su-57 is the newest and most technologically advanced aircraft in Russia’s history, distinct from another evolution of the post-Soviet Su-27. The prototype flew in 2010, and since then, 10 test units and a similar number of production units have been built.

From the beginning, the Russians promoted the Su-57 as a fifth-generation multirole aircraft, intended as a response to the renowned F-22 Raptor and F-35. This implied that the Russian machine, to meet the criteria of the fifth generation, would need to be characterized by: low observability, the ability to fly at supersonic speeds without afterburners (so-called supercruise), and advanced avionics and sensors.

Especially the criterion of low observability was heavily questioned by specialists from the RAND think tank and interestingly by the Indians, who were Russia's partners in the program for 11 years, expecting a fifth-generation aircraft. However, seeing the minimal progress made by the Russians, and additionally being denied access to technological details, India decided in 2018 to withdraw from the joint venture and allocate funds to, among other things, the purchase of French Rafale aircraft.

The Su-57 is a large aircraft with an empty weight of approximately 40,000 lbs and a wingspan of just over 46 feet. Its maximum takeoff weight is about 66,000 lbs, and its armament is carried in internal bays that accommodate six pylons. The aircraft also has six additional pylons on the wings, but using them would increase its radar signature even further.

According to the Russians, the Su-57 is also equipped with a powerful radar with active electronically scanned array (AESA) and a passive IRST system, although the performance of both systems is likely to be worse than Western solutions. It is also possible that new units may even be equipped with older systems due to Russia being cut off from modern electronics, which it cannot produce itself due to its technological lag.

The Su-57, one of the few Russian machines, can carry powerful long-range R-37 air-to-air missiles known from the modernized MiG-31BM aircraft. These missiles can destroy targets at distances of up to 186 miles (for larger targets like transport planes or AWACS; for fighter jets, the range is lower but still higher than that of the AIM-120 AMRAAM).