To S-70 Okhotnik page
|
ПАК ФА Перспективный Авиационный Комплекс Фронтовой Авиации Сухой Су-57 Update: November 2025 |
|
Su-57 production factory Main constructor, chief of T-50 programme in Sukhoi bureau Sukhoi test pilots
|
Prototypes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Izdyelye (product) | Number | Type | First flight | Camouflage | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
T-50-0 KPO |
none |
airframe for static strength tests Т-50-0 КПО конструктивно-подобный образец |
Assembly begin in November 2006 in Komsomolsk-on-Amur KnAAPO plant (now KnAAZ). Ready June 2009 |
not painted | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
T-50-KNS |
none |
airframe for ground test Т-50-КНС комплексный наземный стенд |
Assembly begin in December 2007 in KnAAPO plant. Ready 24th December 2009
|
overall light bluegrey. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
51 |
1st flyable prototype |
KnAAPO plant Dzemgi airfield 28th January 2010 attempt to first flight was interrupted due to problems with the steering controls and the brake system. |
Disruptive camouflage pattern painted in April 2010. Main feature of this scheme is big white letter M and simplified Russian markings (a star) in low-visibility version.
|
In April or May 2018, before MAKS-2018, disruptive camouflage was replaced on top and bottom by pixel scheme on lightgrey background. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
52 |
2nd flyable prototype |
3rd March 2011 |
Disruptive camouflage pattern almost the same as T-50-1, painted in July or August 2011. |
At the end od 2020 prototype T-50-2 is very fatigue, with parts “borrowed” from other prototypes and traces of reworking. Aircraft perfomed a new test flights, still with only one engine product 30. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
053 |
3rd flyable prototype |
22nd November 2011 |
Disruptive camouflage pattern almost the same as T-50-1 and T-50-2 was painted probably in March 2012. |
In January 2019 repainted in new stunnig scheme with pixelized S-70 "The Hunter" silhouette on top and bottom. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
054 |
4th flyable prototype |
12th December 2012 |
Disruptive camouflage pattern almost the same as T-50-1, T-50-2 and T-50-3 was painted probably in January 2013. It's the last time (fourth) when that kind of camouflage was applied. |
In January 2018 disruptive camouflage was replaced by pixel scheme on top and bottom on lightgrey background. Pixel colour is darker than applied on other aircraft. November 2024 participated in China in Zhuhai Air Show with Bogdan. Demonstration flights. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
055 |
5th flyable prototype |
27th October 2013 |
At the end of 2013 new painting scheme called «Белая акула» (White shark) was applied ONLY ONCE on T-50-5.
|
2015: after repair aircraft T-50-5R was painted with new designed simplified variant of shark with sharp line between two colours.
April 2018: pixel scheme was painted on top and bottom on lightgrey background. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Unfinished because in 2014/2015 airframe was used in the reconstruction of T-50-5. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
2015-2016 |
unfinished additional sixth flyable prototype |
Ready in 2015 or 2016 |
not painted |
Even it was called "The President", because was suppose to be the last prototype of the first stage. Indian-Russian programme failed and even worse - unfinished T-50-6 was used in 2015 to repair T-50-5. As a result, aircraft T-50-6-1 must replace T-50-6 in PAK-FA test schedule... | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
T-50-7 |
2016-2018 |
airframe for static tests KHC комплексный наземный стенд | Ready in April 2016 |
not painted |
... but in fact, problems with weak constructive strength of first prototypes forced Sukhoi to build of further prototypes with a reinforced airframes structure. Somewhere in 2015 and 2016 aircraft T-50-6-1 became a airframe KNS for static ground tests (KHC комплексный наземный стенд = KNS) of airframe of the second stage, and was called T-50-7. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
T-50-7 |
since 2019 |
non-flyable demonstrator |
August 2019 demonstrated for the first time |
In 2019 new scheme of camouflage was prepared: overall grey background, darkgrey pixelized silhouette on top, lightblue-grey pixelized silhouette on bottom. Scheme became standard since 2019.
|
When static test of T-50-7 KNS was finished, non-flyable airframe was painted and equipped with mockups, including of engines "product 30" and was for the first time displayed in August 2019 at MAKS-2019 ground exhibition for Russian president Putin and Turkish prime-minister Erdoğan, later as Su-57E was offered in November 2019 at Dubai Airshow, but not displayed however. In August 2020 was displayed on static display at Army-2020 exposition. In August 2022 was displayed on static display at Army-2022 exposition. Su-57E is somehow ridiculous, because is not fully equipped and non-flyable. November 2024 participated in China in Zhuhai Air Show. Only static display with new armaments. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
T-50-6-2 |
056 |
6th flyable prototype |
27th April 2016 |
Seriously changed airframe, including new tail. |
Simplified White Shark scheme was for the first time applied in 2015 on T-50-5R when aircraft was repaired after fire, then on T-50-6-2 (2016) and T-50-8 (2017). Silhouettes of shark are slightly different on each aircraft. Background is greenish. After 2016 disappeared from public view. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
058 |
7th flyable prototype |
17th November 2016 |
Simplified White Shark scheme applied at the end of 2016 or begin of the year 2017. T-50-8 was third and last aircraft with that scheme. |
In May 2020 pixelized silhouette was added on bottom (as previously in 2018 on T-50-1, T-50-4 and T-50-5R). Greenish background on top (and bottom of course) almost disappeared because a large part of the coverage was exchanged during installation of enhanced electronic suite and rebuilding aircraft to serial configuration (most visible is new shape of air intake in pylon of the left fin to cooling and air-conditioning of engine). In November 2025 prototype was displayed in Dubai air show with in new livery, same as serial aircraft from the 51st serie. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
509 |
8th flyable prototype |
24th April 2017 |
2017: pixel camouflage it's a third scheme of camouflage of the Su-57, after disruptive (T-50-1, T-50-2, T-50-3 and T-50-4) and shark scheme (T-50-5, T-50-5R, T-50-6-2 and T-50-8). Distinctive unique blueish lightgrey background. In 2018 scheme was applied on older prototypes T-50-1, T-50-2 and T-50-4 but on top and also on bottom, on lightgrey background. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
510
9th flyable prototype
23rd December 2017
Pixel scheme almost the same as T-50-9 but on darker grey background. Each side of fins with different pattern. Nose primarily lightgrey, then changed to grey.
Scheme applied also on T-50-11 (see below).
511
10th flyable prototype
6th August 2017 (Pre)serial aircraft - 51st series 01
1st serial
In fact 1st of two preproduction aircraft
First flight: Crashed Painting of serial Su-57 is based on scheme applied for the first time on T-50-7 (former T-60-6-1) in 2019. Background is grey, pixelized silhouette on top gray and lightblue on bottom.
01 GLIC 2nd serial
In fact second of two preproduction aircraft
First flight: 2021
Five serial Su-57 airplanes produced 2020-2021, delivered 2022.
At least five aircraft were built between 2020 and 2021, with the numbers 52201, 52302, 52303, 52304 and 52405 confirmed by photos. These all are probably from the 52nd series, but three "sub-series" 2nd, 3rd and 4th, numbered successively from 01 to 05:
In February 2022 were known three bort numbers, sadly unrelated with serial numbers. All in serial camouflage. When they were actually handed over to units is not known. Aircraft 52 blue appeared in reports from KNAAZ in January 2022, and two more in February 2022 - 02 (for GLIC) and 52 red. A information in bmpd LiveJournal say that is also airplane 51, what involve long internet discussions on some forums. Not only photos can confirm if that plane even exists. Possibly a fourth (or fifth if rumours about 51 are true) aircraft from 52nd series is 02 RF-81780, first time displayed in August 2023 in Army-23 exhibition. Tactical number 02 is not mistake, it's really second red 02.
Destination: fighter regiment in Dzyomghi near Komsomolsk-on-Amur (Eastern Russia), Akhtubinsk range and test center GLIC (Western Russia) and evaluation center in Lipyetsk (Western Russia).
Dzyomgi (Дзёмги) it's a base of 23-й гвардейский истребительный авиационный Таллинский полк Воздушно-космических сил = 23rd "Tallin" guards fighter air regiment of the Air and Space Forces. In Akhtubinsk in Astrakhan region (Oblast, oбласть) is main Russian military air research centre where are realised a military stage of State Acceptance Trials of each type of a aircraft - 929th State Flight Research Centre named after V. P. Chkalov, GLITs (929-й Государственный Лётно-Испытательный Центр имени В.П.Чкалова, ГЛИЦ). Centre owns a wide air range near Kazakstan border.
Six Su-57 airplanes in 2022
At the end of May 2022 two new aircraft were delivered to European part of Russia, via Tolmachevo (rus. Толмачёво), where they were spotted.
At the end of December 2022 four new aircraft were delivered to European part of Russia. Tactical numbers and RFs unknown, blurred on photos.
More than ten Su-57 in 2023
At the end of September 2023 four new aircraft were delivered. Tactical numbers and RFs unknown except 11 (only that one airplane appears on photos).
Probably 25 December 2023, unknown number of aircraft. Russian TASS news agency says that "more than 10 were delivered in 2023", so we can suppose at least seven aircraft in December, maybe even more. In a few photos of one aircraft the numbers are blurred out, but one short video shows that the tactical number is red. Only one airplane appears on photos and video).
2024 deliveries
12 September 2024 few new aircraft were delivered by United Aircraft Corporation (first batch in 2024, combined delivery of Su-35S and Su-57). Tactical numbers and RF registation unknown. Two for sure, probably three aircraft.
11 November 2024 few new aircraft were delivered by United Aircraft Corporation (second batch in 2024, together with Su-35S). Red tactical numbers and RF registation unknown, except 21.
2025 deliveries
Unknown number of aircraft, including 25 (RF-81796) and 26 (RF-81797) in April 2025.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
БРЭО бортовое радиоэлектронное оборудование |
17th February 2021: not all antennas I can identify, so You must expected corrections. There is very little information, but some indicates that the antennas are multifunctional and are used by different systems simultaneously. Even may they have the ability to focus on a selected direction. Probably system Н036Ш Покосник (N036Sh Pokosnik = Reaper) use some of these antennas and interrogators and transmitters), just like use N036L antennas. Obviously, ther is only a few antennas (or rather antenna's covers) on airplane, so we must suppose that antennas are multifunctional or integrated. Even Flight Control System airprobes are reduced to minimum - we don't see old-style probes of angle-of-attack, pressure etc. |
Some technical features | |||||||||||
| два двигателя АЛ-41Ф-1 | two engines AL-41F-1 | A total of 38 AL-41F-1 engines were manufactured and used in PAK-FA/Su-57 programme until 2018 (engine was invented in 2004): 2 for T-50-KNS, 3 for static endurance testing, 2 for static special testing, 30 for 10 flying prototypes and 1 for state static tests in 2017 (official ending act was signed 17th April 2018). Since March 2018 all engines have worked a total of 18,000 hours. | |||||||||
| ВСУ вспомогательная силовая установка cистема запуска двигателя АЛ-41Ф-1 | APU auxiliary power unit for ingnition system of AL-41F-1 engines | It's not a well-known ГТДЭ Газотурбинный двигатель-энергоузел - gas turbine GTDE-117-1 produced by Санкт-Петербургское OAO «Красный Октябрь» [“Red October”, Petersburg], but new more powerful modular unit with 120 kW power. It's a single* unit located in right engine compartement, to simplified construction and maintenance of aircraft, mounted on ВКА Выносная коробка приводов самолетных агрегатов [VKA external accessory gearbox]. On the ground APU supply compressed air (0,55 kg/sec) and up to 30 kVA energy to plane systems. In flight mode ЭНЕРГОУЗЕЛ [energy knot] produce electricity (16 kVA) to air-conditioning systems of cabin and produce 115/200 V AC to onboard networks. Important is that one APU can start both engines. * According to 2018 Lyulka OKB booklet. | |||||||||
| Головка приемника топлива серии ГПТ-2Э | nozzle assembly of the GPT-2E | Universal refueling nozzle conform both to the RF and NATO standards. Maximum refueling rate is up to 2500 l/min. Produced by Научно-производственное предприятие «Звезда» [Scientific-Production Enterprise “Zvezda”, Tomilino]. | |||||||||
| ШКАИ широкоугольный коллиматорный авиационный индикатор (ИЛС индикатор на лобовом стекле) | ShKAI wide-angle collimator head-up display (HUD) | Developed by Санкт-Петербургское опытно-конструкторское бюро «Электроавтоматика» имени П.А. Ефимова [Sankt-Petersburg Experimental Design Bureau “Electroautomatica” named after P. A. Yefimov]. | |||||||||
| Остекление кабины (Фонарь) - Передний козырек (ПЧФ передняя часть фонаря) и ОЧФ откидная часть фонаря | PChF windshield and OChF canopy | In serial aircraft are made from silicone and hydrocarbonate respectively. Manufactured by ОНПП Обнинское научно-производственное предприятие «Технология» им. А. Г. Ромашина [Obninsk Research and Production Enterprise “Technology” named after A.G. Romashin]. In 2020 T-50-8 performed successful flight tests without the canopy. | |||||||||
| катапультное кресло К-36Д-5 | ejection seat K-36D-5 | Developed in 2011 by Научно-производственное предприятие «Звезда» [Scientific-Production Enterprise “Zvezda”, Tomilino]. | |||||||||
| унифицированный защитный шлем ЗШ-10 | unified protective helmet ZSh-10 | Developed in 2011 by Zvezda. In 2018 were developed improved versions. | |||||||||
| противоперегрузочный костюм ППК-7 | anti-G pilot's suit PPK-7 | Full-body costume tested by Sukhoi since 2018, developed by Zvezda. | |||||||||
| Кислородная система КС-50 | oxygen system KS-50 | Developed by Zvezda. Supply oxygen at the attidude up to 23.5 km. The oxygen source is the BKDU-50 onboard oxygen-generating system producing oxygen from the compressed air tapped from the aircraft gas turbine compressor. | |||||||||
| ПТК-50 тормозная посадочная парашютная система | PTK-50 brake landing parachute system | Developed by Научно-исследовательский институт парашютостроения [Scientific Research Institute of Parachute Contruction, Moskva]. | |||||||||
| устройствa выброса ловушек и помех ЛТЦ (Ложные тепловые цели) | CFD chaff and LTC flare dispensers | Located in tail - two on top, one in bottom. | |||||||||
| ННПУ-50 пушечная установкa | NNPU-50 gun installation | With built-in 9-A1-4071K gun, developed from Gryazev-Shipunov ГШ-301 GSh-301). One-barrel cannon 30mm calibre with 150 projectiles and independent water-evaporating cooling system of the barrel. Developed in 2014 by КБП «Конструкторское бюро приборостроения им. академика А. Г. Шипунова» [KBP Instrument Design Bureau named after Academician Arkady Georgevich Shipunov, Tula city].
| АКУ-170E, АКУ-620E Авиационное катапультное устройство
| УВКУ-50У, УВКУ-50Л Универсальная внутрифюзеляжная Катапультная установка APU air catapult device
| UVKU universal in-fuselage catapult installation (launcher) Six external hard points under air intakes fuselage and wings, two internal weapon bays between engine nacelles and two below LERX. Missile launchers are of the catapult (something lika pantograph or scissors) type, allowing the missile to be lowered slightly before firing. Designed by АО ГосМКБ (Государственное машиностроительное конструкторское бюро) «Вымпел» им. И.И.Торопова [GosMKB State Machine Building Design Bureau "Vympel" named after I.I. Toropov, Moskva], produced by Корпорация «Тактическое ракетное вооружение», Королёв [Tactical Missiles Corporation, Korolev city, Moskow region].
| Пиксельная окраска
| Pixel camouflage
| “Gives the effect of a blurred outline, which distorts the clear boundaries of the aircraft” says Mikhail Strelets, chief designer of the Su-57 and general director of Sukhoi Design Bureau.
|
| 17th February 2021: purpose of some details is hipothetical or unknown. Well, still classified... | ||
Air intake |
|
The supersonic air intake has an adjustable cross section - this is done by two movable plates (ramps, panels - whatever you want to call it) on the top wall, that can be lowered synchronously. When the aircraft is flying at supersonic speed, they cause the air in the back of the diffuser to still have subsonic speed. To ensure that the air entering the engine has a linear flow and not turbulent, the boundary layer is extracted through several perforations on inner walls of the air intake. Then is collected and discharged outside the aircraft through perforations or holes covered with mesh on outer walls. At the bottom of the air intake there is a additive air intake (on firsts prototypes it was a couple of blinds). |
|
ECS Environmental control system provides among others: air supply, thermal control of the cabin and equipment bays, avionics cooling, smoke detection, fire suppression. It's a pretty sophisticated system which include primary and secondary heat exchangers, valves, cooling air cycle machine, compressor and other components. Air inlets are located in pylons of the vertical stabilisers. In the right for secondary heat exchanger, almost certainly air-to-air radiator (ВВР Воздухо-воздушный радиатор), in left maybe for primery heat-exchanger (maybe ТВР топливно-воздушный радиатор fuel-air radiator). Components of ACS air conditioning system (СКВ Система кондиционирования воздуха) are located in two compartments on top of fuselage. Only left has a rhombic-shaped hole for air exchange, covered with mesh. When aircraft is on the ground, probably hot air for conditioning system is taken from compressor of the auxiliary power unit (very hot bleed air). 14th March 2021: some details are hipothetical, based on Sukhoi Company patents, but explained on real aircraft photos... |
Sukhoi patents |
|
© 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 Mariusz Wojciechowski, Słupsk (Poland)