Su-57 Felon fighters pose a huge problem for F-16s and defense systems delivered to Ukraine. That is why the Ukrainians recently decided to use their long-range kamikaze drones to attack the Akhtubinsk airport, which is located 600 kilometers from the border with Ukraine. Two of the newest and most advanced Su-57 multi-role fighters were stationed there. After the attack, at least one machine was seriously damaged.
The Kremlin itself advertises the Su-57 as “the best combat aircraft in the history of the Russian army.” It turns out that the numbers can stun even enthusiasts of Vladimir Putin’s policy and the Russian army itself. Well, analysts from Defense Express admitted that there are most likely only 11 machines, of which the Air Force can use only three machines. For comparison, The United States has as many as 540 fighters at its disposal multi-role fifth generation F-35 and approximately 200 F-22 air superiority units.
Currently The Russians have about 10 of these machines at their disposal. Most of them are test prototypes, but a few are even intended to take an active part in attacking Ukrainian targets. Su-57 Felon are very important to the Kremlin because can face the F-16 fighters delivered to Ukraine. They are also carriers of powerful Kh-69 missiles. Currently, they are very difficult to shoot down by the air defense systems available in Ukraine.
The Su-57 was built in developed stealth design with extensive use of composite materials such as polymer, fiberglass and aluminum fillers. This provides a lower level of radar radiation and infrared signature compared to older Russian fighters. However, compared to the American F-35 multi-role fighter, the Su-57 lags behind in terms of stealth properties.
An interesting fact is that despite the quite enigmatic nature behind the fighter it’s a failure of sorts. The first production Su-57, built in 2019, was crashed before it even entered service. In 2018, India, which cooperated in the development of the Su-57 design, abandoned the project, concluding that it would not meet the requirements for radar and stealth technology on time.
Source: geekweek.interia.pl
