Russia’s Sukhoi began work on the creation of a tactical single-engine, fifth-gen fighter jet which will be built using stealth technologies and Su-57 platform, a key source in the aircraft construction industry told Sputnik.
To date, all fighters made in Russia, including the state-of-the-art Su-57, are equipped with double engines.
“Sukhoi design bureau, on its own initiative, is conducting research work to create a light multipurpose single-engine fighter jet of the 5th generation,” the source said.
“During the development of the aircraft, it is planned to widely use the groundwork developed in the framework of the creation of the Su-57, including the state-of-the-art product 30 engine, radio-absorbing coatings, on-board radio-electronic equipment, a weapon system,” the source said.
Currently, single-engine fighters are widely used in the world. The most famous and most demanded of them on the world arms market are the American F-16 and F-35 fighters, the Swedish JAS-39 GRIPEN and China’s J-10.
The presence of only one engine significantly reduces the cost and labor intensity of aircraft production and also simplifies and reduces the cost of its operation and maintenance.
Su-57 Stealth Jet
The Su-57 is the first aircraft in the Russian Air Force to use stealth technology. Its maiden flight took place on 29 January 2010 and it entered service on 25 December 2020. It is the world’s fourth operational fifth-gen stealth fighter aircraft after the F-22, F-35, and J-20.
The Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet has drawn substantial interest in international exhibitions earlier this year with India, Turkey, Algeria emerging as potential buyers, according to various media reports and speculations.
The Su-57 is Russia’s answer to the US stealth brothers — F-22 Raptors and F-35 Lightning. The fifth-gen jets are outfitted with advanced stealth technology, which has a low level of radar and infrared signature.
The twin-engine fighter jet can take out any target and develop supersonic cruising speed. While the combat aircraft took to the skies a decade ago, it entered service only late last year.
Although India was earlier hesitant about purchasing the Su-57 and dropped out from co-development of fifth-gen aircraft, it is believed that New Delhi could be interested in exploring the export variant of the fighter aircraft – Su-57E.
