Invisible, deadly and cheap. Sukhoi presents a light stealth fighter. The jet is primarily intended for export.
The jet is officially presented at the MAKS aviation exhibition near Moscow, but teasers videos and leaked photos of Russia’s new fighter jet had already appeared before, presumably to heat up the mood. Presumably it is not yet an airworthy prototype, but a realistic mockup.
The jet with the nickname “Checkmate” has long been announced, the model shows the number 75 – the series will probably be called Suchoi 75. In short, it can be said that this is the economical budget variant of the Russian SU-57 stealth fighter aircraft. It is believed that the jet was designed for export and that customers and development partners are now being sought. “Military-practical” formulates: “In the theoretical and most fortunate case, the design could be something like the MiG-21 of the 21st century, which has been popular around the world since the 1960s.”
The Russian news agency “TASS” announced a “fundamentally new military aircraft”, the new fighter would have “low radar signatures in different bands, a high thrust-to-weight ratio, a large weapon payload and advanced airborne armament”.
Designed for export
The jet has only one engine and is manned by only one pilot. Like the SU-57, it is a fifth generation jet. Russia offers a light and inexpensive jet with steal properties. Whether the engine is capable of thrust vectoring cannot be seen in the photos. This development is necessary in order to maintain Russia’s export strength in the field of combat aircraft. South Korea, China and Turkey are developing comparable jets. If they come onto the market at attractive prices, the export opportunities for fourth-generation jets are likely to decrease dramatically.
It can be assumed that the SU-75 does not strive for the best possible technical result, but rather a healthy cost-benefit ratio in terms of procurement and operating costs. The jet must therefore be more powerful than the Mig-35, but at the same time significantly cheaper than the Russian SU-57 or the American F-35. In any case, the role of the LFI (Lightweight Fighter) or LMFS (Light Multi-Function Frontal Aircraft) would be more like the F-22 Raptor
Competition of fighter planes
A market for inexpensive, light fifth generation fighters exists. Many countries cannot afford an aircraft like the F-35 and the associated system architecture, others are likely to be displeased by the fact that operations are dependent on the USA, and other countries will simply not receive this fighter jet
The model that appeared shows that the jet has a single angular air inlet. Air expert Tyler Rogoway assumes that a new type of air inlet system will be installed here, as is also being developed for the Mig-41. It works without complex control mechanics and offers a reduced radar cross-section. As with the SU-57, the hood is pushed back. There are two diagonal stabilizers at the rear. The weapons are transported inboard in two shafts.
In any case, all advertising stops are pulled during the presentation. It says “Do you want to see me naked?” On the undercover jet tarpaulin. In the video, pilots all over the world are alerted of the arrival of the miracle bird with the message “It is coming” and then come together on a runway to marvel at the machine.
It could well be another ten years before delivery, but shorter periods are also conceivable if the Su-75 takes over many components from other developments. That would be faster than the European competition: In view of the constant dispute between those involved, delivery of the European Future Combat Air System is likely to be another 20 years in coming.
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