Military Watch Magazine

Designers of Russia’s Most Advanced Fighter Faced Conflicting Requirements: Why the Su-57 Was a Challenge to Develop

Engineers developing Russia’s Su-57 fifth generation fighter faced significant challenges balancing stealth, aerodynamic performance and structural strength, according to Mikhail Strelets, director of the Sukhoi Design Bureau. In an interview published by the United Aircraft Corporation, part of the state-owned Rostec conglomerate, Strelets described the competing requirements as central challenges in the aircraft’s development. He said the design team had to find solutions that would preserve the fighter’s flight performance while reducing its radar visibility and maintaining the structural strength required for demanding manoeuvres. “To achieve the Su-57’s high performance characteristics, we had to solve a number of complex design and organisational challenges,” Strelets said. “We ensured the aircraft’s high performance while balancing the conflicting requirements of stealth, aerodynamics, and structural strength by seeking optimal design solutions.”