Sukhoi Su-57 Felon: Russia's $50 Million Fifth-Generation Stealth Fighter with 400 km Radar Range
The Sukhoi Su-57 Felon is not merely a fifth-generation fighter—it is Russia's $50 million answer to the F-22 and F-35, combining supermaneuverability with stealth and a 400 km radar range in a single, long-range combat platform. Developed by Sukhoi for the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS), the Su-57 is designed for air superiority, precision strike, SEAD/DEAD, and reconnaissance missions. It features the N036 Byelka AESA radar with five dedicated arrays for 360-degree situational awareness, integrated with an IRST system, RWR, and MAWS. Powered by two Saturn AL-41F1 engines with 3D thrust-vectoring, the Su-57 delivers exceptional agility and post-stall maneuverability, with future Izdeliye 30 engines expected to provide supercruise capability. The Su-57 carries most of its weapons internally to preserve stealth, with a payload of up to 10,000 kg. This is the story of Russia's most ambitious—and controversial—fighter program.
1. What Is the Sukhoi Su-57 Felon? Russia's Stealth Flagship
- Name: Sukhoi Su-57 Felon (NATO reporting name)
- Manufacturer: Sukhoi (United Aircraft Corporation)
- Role: Fifth-generation multirole stealth fighter
- First Flight: January 29, 2010 (T-50 prototype)
- Service Entry: 2020 (delayed from 2016)
- Status: In service with Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS)
- Crew: 1 pilot
- Key Feature: Stealth, supermaneuverability, AESA radar, internal weapons bays, supercruise (planned)
The Su-57 is Russia's first fifth-generation stealth fighter, designed to counter the U.S. F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II. The program has been plagued by delays and production issues, with only a handful of aircraft delivered to frontline units. The Su-57 represents Russia's attempt to maintain parity with the U.S. and China in the fifth-generation fighter race, combining advanced technologies with Sukhoi's legendary Flanker-based aerodynamics.
2. 5 Fast Facts About the Sukhoi Su-57 Felon
- 1. 400 km Radar Range: The N036 Byelka AESA radar can detect fighter-sized targets at up to 400 km, surpassing the F-22's APG-77 (200 km) and F-35's APG-81 (150 km).
- 2. 3D Thrust-Vectoring: The AL-41F1 engines feature 3D thrust-vectoring nozzles, enabling post-stall maneuvers like the Pugachev's Cobra and Herbst—a capability that gives the Su-57 a significant edge in close-range dogfights.
- 3. 10,000 kg Payload: The Su-57 can carry up to 10,000 kg (22,000 lb) of ordnance in its internal weapons bays and on external hardpoints, making it a formidable strike platform.
- 4. Five AESA Radar Arrays: The N036 radar system includes five separate arrays—one main X-band array and four smaller side-looking arrays—providing near-360-degree radar coverage.
- 5. Izdeliye 30 Upgrade: Future Su-57 variants will be powered by the Izdeliye 30 engines, offering 15-20% more thrust, improved fuel efficiency, and supercruise capability (sustained supersonic flight without afterburner).
3. Sukhoi Su-57 Felon Performance Metrics
- Role: Fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter
- Manufacturer: Sukhoi (UAC)
- Crew: 1 pilot
- Length: 20.1 m (65.9 ft)
- Wingspan: 14.1 m (46.3 ft)
- Height: 4.6 m (15.1 ft)
- Empty Weight: ~18,500 kg (40,800 lb)
- Max Takeoff Weight: 35,000 kg (77,200 lb)
- Engines: 2 × Saturn AL-41F1 (Izdeliye 117)
- Thrust (dry): 88.3 kN (19,850 lbf) each
- Thrust (with afterburner): 147.2 kN (33,100 lbf) each
- Thrust-Vectoring: 3D nozzles (±20° deflection)
- Maximum Speed: Mach 2.0 (2,450 km/h / 1,520 mph)
- Supercruise: Planned (with Izdeliye 30)
- Combat Radius: ~1,500 km (930 miles)
- Range: ~3,500 km (2,175 miles)
- Service Ceiling: 20,000 m (65,600 ft)
- G-Limits: +9g
- Internal Payload: ~8,000-10,000 kg (17,600-22,000 lb)
- Hardpoints: 6 internal + 6 external
- Radar: N036 Byelka AESA (5 arrays)
- Detection Range: 400 km (fighter-sized target)
- IRST: OLS-50M integrated electro-optical system
- ECM: L402 electronic warfare suite
Analysis: The Su-57's 400 km radar range is a significant advantage over the F-22 and F-35, allowing it to detect and engage targets at extreme ranges. The 3D thrust-vectoring gives it superior maneuverability, particularly in close-range dogfights. However, its stealth is considered less mature than U.S. equivalents, and the production program has been plagued by delays and cost overruns. The Izdeliye 30 engines will be a game-changer if they enter production, providing supercruise capability and improved performance.
4. The Su-57 vs. The Competition
- vs F-22 Raptor: The Su-57 is cheaper ($50 million vs $150 million) and has better radar range (400 km vs 200 km) and 3D thrust-vectoring. The F-22 has superior stealth, sensor fusion, and a more mature production program.
- vs F-35A Lightning II: The Su-57 is cheaper and has two engines, better radar range, and superior maneuverability. The F-35 has advanced sensor fusion, networked warfare capabilities, and more mature stealth technology.
- vs Chengdu J-20: The J-20 is larger, faster (Mach 2.0+), and has a longer range (1,500+ km). The Su-57 has better maneuverability (thrust-vectoring) and radar range (400 km vs 200+ km). Both are in limited production.
The Su-57's primary advantages are its radar range, maneuverability, and price. It undercuts the F-22 and F-35 significantly, while offering comparable performance in key areas. However, the F-22 and F-35 have superior stealth, sensor fusion, and network-enabled warfare capabilities.
5. Why This Matters for Global Air Power
The Sukhoi Su-57 matters for three reasons. First, it challenges U.S. air superiority. Despite its production issues, the Su-57 represents Russia's commitment to developing a fifth-generation fighter that can compete with the best in the world, potentially shifting the balance of power in contested airspace.
Second, the Su-57 is a significant export opportunity. Countries like India, Algeria, and Vietnam have shown interest in acquiring the Su-57, which would expand Russia's influence and challenge U.S. allies operating F-35s.
Third, the Su-57's carrier-capable variant (Su-57K) is being developed for Russia's future aircraft carriers, signaling Moscow's ambition to project naval power beyond its shores.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Sukhoi Su-57 Felon?
The Su-57 is Russia's fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter, developed by Sukhoi for the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS).
How does the Su-57 compare to the F-22?
The Su-57 is cheaper and has better radar range (400 km vs 200 km) and 3D thrust-vectoring. The F-22 has superior stealth, sensor fusion, and a more mature production program.
Does the Su-57 have supercruise?
Not yet. Supercruise is planned for future variants equipped with the Izdeliye 30 engines.
Is the Su-57 a stealth fighter?
Yes. The Su-57 features a stealth-optimized airframe, internal weapons bays, and radar-absorbent materials (RAM), though its stealth is considered less advanced than U.S. equivalents.
What weapons can the Su-57 carry?
The Su-57 can carry air-to-air missiles (R-77, R-73, R-37M), air-to-surface missiles (Kh-31, Kh-59), and precision-guided bombs in its internal bays and on external hardpoints.
What is the Su-57's radar range?
The N036 Byelka AESA radar can detect fighter-sized targets at up to 400 km.
Is the Su-57 carrier-capable?
A carrier-capable variant (Su-57K) is being developed for Russia's future aircraft carriers.
What engines power the Su-57?
The Su-57 is powered by two Saturn AL-41F1 (Izdeliye 117) engines, with future variants using the more advanced Izdeliye 30 engines.
How many Su-57s have been built?
As of 2026, fewer than 30 Su-57s have been delivered to the Russian Aerospace Forces, far below the initial production targets.
What is the Su-57's top speed?
The Su-57 has a top speed of Mach 2.0 (2,450 km/h / 1,520 mph).
7. The Future of the Su-57
The Sukhoi Su-57 is Russia's most ambitious fighter program since the fall of the Soviet Union. Despite production delays and technical challenges, the Su-57 represents a significant step forward for Russian aerospace, demonstrating the country's ability to develop a fifth-generation fighter that can compete with the best in the world. With the Izdeliye 30 engines and future upgrades, the Su-57 has the potential to become a formidable opponent in the 21st-century battlespace. However, its success will depend on Russia's ability to ramp up production, resolve technical issues, and compete with the U.S., China, and other powers in the global fighter market.
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© 2026 SPEEDO SCIENCE | ENGINEERED FOR VELOCITY | Aerospace, Su-57, Felon, Russian Air Force, Stealth
Sources: Sukhoi, UAC, TASS, GlobalSecurity.org, FlightGlobal, Janes, The National Interest, 19FortyFive, Speedo Science Database
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