Russian upgraded fifth-generation Su-57 fighter performs maiden flight

 Russia’s upgraded fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet performed its maiden flight on October 21, the press office of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC, part of the Rostec state hi-tech corporation) said.

“The Sukhoi Design Bureau within UAC is carrying out work to improve the Su-57. On October 21, the upgraded fifth-generation Su-57 plane performed its maiden flight at the Gromov Flight Research Institute’s airfield. The aircraft was operated by Sukhoi Design Bureau test pilot, Hero of Russia Sergei Bogdan. The flight lasted 56 minutes and went smoothly,” the press office said.

The Su-57 fighter jet is also testing onboard equipment with extended functionality, crew intellectual support and the possibility of using a broad range of new types of weapons, the press office added.

“It is also possible to install a second-stage engine on the aircraft,” the press office said.

The Su-57 is a fifth-generation Russian-made multifunctional fighter designed to destroy all types of air, ground and surface targets. It has supersonic cruising speed, internal armament, radar-absorbing coating, as well as the latest onboard equipment. The Su-57’s intellectual support system assumes some of the pilot’s functions, including piloting and preparations for the use of weapons.