Su-57’s Vector Nozzles Steal the Show at Zhuhai,Putting Pressure on J-20?
Zhuhai, China – TheSukhoi Su-57, piloted by legendary Russian aviator Sergey Bogdan, took to the skies above Zhuhai on November 7th, delivering a captivating performance that showcasedthe fighter’s impressive maneuverability. This marked the Su-57’s first appearance at the Zhuhai Airshow, and the Russians, clearly aiming toimpress, unleashed a full 8-minute display of the aircraft’s capabilities. This performance has undoubtedly raised eyebrows and put pressure on China’s own fifth-generation fighter, the J-20, to respond with a similarly impressive display.
The modern combat arena is vast, encompassing a wide range of altitudes, speeds, and mission profiles. This complexity necessitates trade-offs in aircraft design, as even the most advanced technologies have limitations. For example, the F-35was designed with a focus on low-altitude, high-subsonic operations for air-to-ground and air-to-sea missions, sacrificing the supersonic cruise capability prioritized in the F-22A. Similarly, the J-35, designed to counter the F-35, prioritizes transonicand 1.5 Mach performance.
However, both the F-35 and J-35 prioritize stealth over maneuverability, placing these two characteristics on equal or even higher footing. The Su-57, while designed as a typical air superiority heavy fighter, prioritizes maneuverability over stealth, resulting in a lowerlevel of stealth compared to the four stealth fighters developed by the US and China. This has led to a perception that the Su-57 is less capable than its counterparts.
The Su-57’s performance at Zhuhai, however, has challenged this perception. While the aircraft may not be as stealthy, its impressive maneuverability demonstrated at the airshow suggests that it still holds its own in the fifth-generation fighter arena.
The development of military aircraft is influenced by three key factors: military requirements, government intervention, and industrial capabilities. The F-111, developed by the US in the early years, aimed tosatisfy diverse altitude and speed requirements using variable sweep wings, catering to both the Navy and Air Force. However, this project was ultimately plagued by congressional interference, leading to a disastrous outcome. The F-35 program, unfortunately, appears to be repeating this pattern, highlighting a persistent congressional obsession with multi-purpose equipmentfor cost savings.
The Su-57’s de-emphasis on stealth is also puzzling, but it’s not a result of political interference. Instead, it’s driven by the other two factors. The Russian Aerospace Forces’ current structure is the result of 30 years of adjustments, but itstill retains the core principles of the Soviet air defense forces, where the focus was on air defense missiles for defense and fighter jets for offensive operations. This approach, similar to China’s emphasis on active defense a decade ago, prioritizes defense over offense.
Faced with limited resources and hampered by the limitationsof Soviet-era stealth technology, the Russian aviation industry struggled to develop a truly stealthy fighter. The resulting Su-57, therefore, remains reliant on Russia’s air defense system and its Russian-style stealth approach, which prioritizes active defense.
The Su-57’s performance at Zhuhai has undoubtedly raised questions about its capabilities and the future of Russian fighter development. While its stealth may be lacking, its impressive maneuverability demonstrates that it is still a formidable aircraft. The pressure is now on the J-20 to respond with a similarly impressive display, showcasing its own strengths and capabilities. This competition between thetwo fifth-generation fighters is sure to continue, offering a fascinating glimpse into the future of aerial warfare.
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