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SOURCE: AFI

In a documentary celebrating the 85th anniversaries of the Sukhoi Design Bureau and MiG Design Bureau, Russia’s state media outlet, Russia 1, unveiled cutting-edge technologies being incorporated into the Su-57, Russia’s fifth-generation stealth fighter. These advancements reflect significant strides in propulsion, avionics, and manned-unmanned teaming (MUMT) capabilities, signaling the aircraft’s transition into a more advanced iteration.

The Su-57 is undergoing testing with a new generation engine featuring a two-dimensional (2D) nozzle design. This development is aimed at enhancing the fighter’s stealth, agility, and thrust-vectoring capabilities. Unlike traditional circular nozzles, the 2D nozzle reduces radar signature as it now comes with a Radar blocker as seen in the above images that aligns with global trends seen in platforms like the F-22 Raptor’s Pratt & Whitney F119 engines.

Additionally, the new nozzle retains the angle between the pitch axis of each engine, enabling asymmetrical thrust via differential vector control. This feature enhances the aircraft’s maneuverability in combat and contributes to its aerodynamic efficiency.

A Helmet-Mounted Display (HMD) is being integrated into the Su-57’s cockpit systems. This advanced interface will provide pilots with critical flight and combat data directly in their line of sight, enabling quicker decision-making and improved situational awareness. The HMD will also enhance targeting capabilities for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, offering a decisive advantage in dynamic combat scenarios.

The documentary revealed significant progress in the integration of drones with the Su-57 for Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUMT). This capability will allow the Su-57 to control and coordinate with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in real-time, leveraging their surveillance, electronic warfare, and strike capabilities. This marks a strategic push by the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) to enhance the Su-57’s battlefield role as both a command-and-control platform and a strike asset.

The VKS (Russian Aerospace Forces) is reportedly favoring angular, non-axisymmetric nozzles for future Su-57s. The angular design, similar to the F-22’s, enhances radar stealth by reducing the thermal and radar signature of the exhaust plume. This aligns with Russia’s focus on upgrading the Su-57’s survivability against modern air defense systems.

The patented design maintains the differential thrust vector capability while improving stealth. Retaining the angled installation between the engines’ pitch axes, the new nozzles allow for precise asymmetrical thrust control, enhancing combat maneuverability.

These upgrades signify Russia’s commitment to advancing the Su-57 to keep pace with global fifth- and sixth-generation fighter developments. The incorporation of stealth-enhancing 2D nozzles and HMD, along with MUMT capabilities, positions the Su-57 as a versatile platform for modern aerial warfare.

As the Su-57 evolves, its combination of advanced propulsion, avionics, and networking capabilities could challenge Western counterparts like the F-35 and F-22 in future combat scenarios. The upgrades showcased in the documentary reinforce Sukhoi’s legacy of innovation and its role in shaping Russia’s aerial dominance for decades to come.






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