Su-57 - Russia's 5th Gen Fighter

Video Description

In this video, we examine the Su-57 Felon, Russia’s first fifth-generation stealth fighter and its answer to the American F-22 and F-35. With origins dating back to Soviet-era ambitions in the 1980s, the Felon emerged from the PAK FA program after the fall of the USSR, with Sukhoi ultimately winning the design bid over MiG. Despite financial hardship and international sanctions, the project endured and saw its first production model enter service in late 2020. We explore the design philosophy behind the Su-57 and how it compares to both Western and Chinese fifth-generation fighters. While the aircraft follows the low-observable design language shared by its contemporaries, internal debate within Russia questioned whether abandoning the highly agile Flanker airframe was wise. The Felon appears to strike a compromise, incorporating stealth without wholly sacrificing maneuverability. We also break down the aircraft’s performance: • Capable of supercruising at Mach 1.3 and reaching a top speed of Mach 2.0. • Combat radius of up to 3,500 km internally, extended with external tanks. • Service ceiling around 66,000 feet. • Equipped with six internal and six external hardpoints, advanced IRST, ultraviolet warning systems, and the Byelka AESA radar. • Features include cheek-mounted radars, LEVCON control surfaces, and DIRCM countermeasures. Despite these impressive traits, questions remain about its stealth effectiveness, production rate, and current operational role. Fewer than 40 Su-57s have been built so far, far below original estimates. Still, the Felon has reportedly been used in Ukraine in a limited fashion, and Russian sources claim successful beyond-visual-range engagements using the R-37 missile. We close by examining the Su-57's uncertain future. While the J-20 is rapidly expanding in China, and the F-35 continues large-scale adoption, the Su-57 remains a rare but potentially potent platform. It could represent Russia’s best effort to match Western air superiority—but whether it will ever be produced in meaningful numbers remains to be seen. Please consider supporting this channel by subscribing at our Members & Merch shop at https://peacemaker.fashion _____________ Disclaimer _____________ Original footage and recreated scenes may not be 100% accurate to the event being described but has been used for dramatic effect. This is because there may not have been original footage of a particular event available, or copyright prevents us from showing it. Our aim is to be as historically true as we can be given the materials available. Copyright disclaimer under fair dealing sections ss 40/103C, ss 41/103A,ss 42/103B of the Copyright Act which includes research, study, criticism, review, and reporting of news. Copyright remains with the respective owners. These videos are made for educational purposes only. The Australian Military Aviation History Association is a not-for-profit association with the intent of recording, preserving and promoting Australian military aviation history.