New SU-57 Variant

[ORAC]

https://x.com/guyplopsky/status/1726898766605938748?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A


Russian press reports that UAC patented a "multifunctional two-seat low-observable tactical aircraft." Izvestia sources confirm that it's a two-seat variant of the Su-57. Reportedly, the aircraft will have larger fuel tanks for greater range & endurance.

This Izvestia infographic, and the patent drawings below, provide a basic idea of the planned aircraft's likely external appearance.

TASS was the first to report about the patent, quoting it as stating that the aircraft is "intended for detecting and engaging air, surface and ground targets at supersonic and subsonic speeds at a wide range of altitudes."

Additionally, per the patent, the planned two-seat variant of the Su-57 is intended for "acting as an airborne command post for network-oriented operations of mixed groups of aircraft."

On a related note, recall that in mid-2021 there were reports about plans for a two-seat variant of the Su-57 that, among other things, will be used to control S-70 UCAVs (Okhotnik program).

Lastly, the planned aircraft is seemingly also intended for use as a trainer. Recall that in mid-2021 UAC's parent Rostec State Corp confirmed that there are plans to produce a two-seat Su-57 export variant that "may be in demand for pilot training."​​​​​​​



https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1006x683/image_4410d0b68bcd69f65ba2dc5434ffed38eb700a1a.png

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/794x1123/image_0a222586407f6ac230d0498fd5f0ca56aec36ad1.png

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/794x1123/image_062e8c6b6b08bd1e6a8c142e122bc4d191709692.png

[Lonewolf_50]

Nice looking bird, wonder what the export market for it will be.

[SimonPaddo]

Interesting that you would patent your military technology, doesn't that put it in the public domain and I wonder if that patent were infringed whether anyone would find out very easily, given the application in this case.

[57mm]

Looks awfully similar to a YF-23

[Thorley1969]

Not sure how accurate those drawings are or even on the aircraft currently flying but isn't having the engine's compressor face visible a bit of a stealth no no?

[Mogwi]

Looks about as stealthy as a fart in the bath.

Mog

[melmothtw]

Plus ca change, the Indians wanted a two seat PAK-FA as their Prospective Multirole Fighter, but the Russians insisted on a single-seat and they parted ways (for that and other reasons).

[rattman]

Not sure how accurate those drawings are or even on the aircraft currently flying but isn't having the engine's compressor face visible a bit of a stealth no no?


Yes but designing S Ducts that work both to as air intakes for the engine and stop to radar is allegedly one of the most difficult tasks for building a stealth aircraft

[Video Mixdown]

Nice looking bird, wonder what the export market for it will be.
Hard to see what assumptions can be made about the value of gen 5+ designs based on external appearance. All the capability that makes them work as a combat aircraft is in their computers.

[NutLoose]

Nice looking bird, wonder what the export market for it will be.


Possibly Zero..

US arms makers dominated last week's Dubai Airshow, as Russia failed to report a single sale, with one executive claiming the country had been sidelined from the exhibition's main pavilion.

The biennial air show, which is the largest aerospace exhibition in the Middle East, was held between November 13 and 17, and gathered the leading manufacturers of civil and military aircraft. Russian firms including Rostec, United Aircraft Corp and Almaz-Anty, participated.


https://www.newsweek.com/us-arms-makers-dubai-airshow-russia-sanctions-1845564