The Sukhoi-57 fighter appears in Egypt with new weapons for the first time

The Su-57 was designed to combine lightness, speed and superior maneuverability, and is characterized by the following specifications:

Maximum speed: about 2,600 km/h (Mach 2) at high altitudes.

Combat range: about 1,500 km, and crossing range: 3,500 km (extendable by air refueling).

Engines:

The first stage: Saturn AL-41F1 engines (developed from the Su-35 engines) were used.

Phase 2 (Product 30 - Izdeliye 30): By the middle of the current decade, Russia had begun installing all-new “Product 30” engines, which give the plane “supercruise” capability - that is, flying at supersonic speeds without using afterburners - with less fuel consumption and greater thrust.

Maneuverability: It relies on three-dimensional moving control surfaces and an advanced digital flight control system (Fly-by-wire) that allows it to perform complex acrobatic maneuvers (such as the developed “Pugachev Cobra”).

The Su-57 relies on a “stealth first” philosophy, storing its weapons in internal bays to maintain their stealth properties, in addition to external suspension points for missions that do not require stealth:

Air-to-air missiles: They carry medium-range R-77M missiles and long-range R-37M missiles designed to shoot down early warning and refueling aircraft.

Air-to-surface missiles: It can carry precision-guided Kh-59MK and Kh-38M missiles, and anti-radar missiles such as Kh-58USHK.

Cannon: 9A1-4071 30 mm internal cannon.

Carrying capacity: The combat load reaches about 10,000 kg.

The Su-57 features a unique electronic system that makes it different from its American counterparts (F-22 and F-35):

N036 Byelka Radar: Active array (AESA) radar, providing a wide detection range and high resistance to interference.

Cheek Radars: A unique feature that allows the aircraft to scan its side surroundings, allowing it to launch missiles in different directions without having to point the entire nose of the aircraft towards the target.

"OLS-50M" system: An electro-optical system (IRST) installed in front of the cockpit, allowing the pilot to detect enemy stealth aircraft through their heat without the need to operate the radar (which maintains the aircraft's concealment).

Electronic warfare package: “L150 Himalayas” advanced self-defense and jamming system for enemy missiles.

Russia realized the importance of exporting the aircraft to reduce development costs, so it launched the "Su-57E" version intended for export.

Target markets: Countries such as Egypt, Algeria, and Vietnam have shown early interest, while India is still considering its options (after withdrawing from the joint FGFA program in the past) as it seeks to modernize its air force in the face of regional challenges.

Competition: The Su-57E faces fierce competition in the export market from the Chinese Chengdu J-10C and J-20 fighters, and the American F-35 fighter sold to Washington’s allies.

The Sukhoi Su-57 represents a qualitative leap in the Russian military industry, combining the Russian “super-maneuverability” philosophy with modern fifth-generation technologies.