Rostec stated that each Izdliye 177 engine can deliver up to 16,000 kg of thrust (approximately 35,000 pounds) with the afterburner engaged.

Russia has long touted its Sukhoi Su-57 (NATO reporting name “Felon”) fifth-generation stealth fighter, and the aircraft continues to draw attention at international air shows, highlighting its maneuverability.

As Harrison Kass recently wrote for The National Interest, “The focus on maneuverability reflects a distinctive Russian design philosophy: control and lethality in-flight.”

Kass further explained that the Su-57’s two Saturn AL-41F1 engines provide a high thrust-to-weight ratio, even at combat loads. Along with the digital fly-by-wire system and 3D thrust vectoring nozzles, the aircraft can be employed in “post-stall maneuvering, rapid nose-pointing at low speed, and [complete] airshow dramatics like the ‘Pugachev’s Cobra.’”

Yet even as the Su-57 impresses at international air shows, it hasn’t resulted in strong sales, let alone any significant interest. 

To address the aircraft’s shortcomings beyond the air show circuit, the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), a subsidiary of the Rostec military-industrial conglomerate, has been conducting tests of the Su-57 with a new Izdliye 177 engine.

The “Project 177” engine was developed by the United Engine Corporation (UEC), another Rostec subsidiary, specifically for the Felon.

“The start of flight testing is significant because engine development has long been one of the biggest technical hurdles facing the Su-57 program,” Aerotime reported. It further noted that early production Su-57s were outfitted with “interim engines,” and it has been a top priority at UAC and UEC to develop a superior powerplant for the Su-57, one that would deliver higher thrust, improved fuel efficiency, and have a longer service life than the existing Saturn AL-41F1 engines.

Rostec stated that each Izdliye 177 engine can deliver up to 16,000 kg of thrust (approximately 35,000 pounds) with the afterburner engaged. At the same time, it reduced fuel consumption and was stated to be far more durable than the previous power plant.

“Specialists from the United Aircraft Corporation and the United Engine Corporation have begun flight testing the Izdeliye 177 engine as part of the fifth-generation Su-57 aircraft system,” Rostec announced in a statement to the media.

A More Deadly Su-57 Felon?

To date, fewer than three dozen Su-57s have been produced, but Rostec and Rosoboronexport, Russia’s state arms exporter, have continued to seek foreign buyers for the Su-57—hence, its appearance at so many air shows. To date, Algeria is the only confirmed buyer of the fifth-generation stealth fighter, despite Russian President Vladimir Putin’s attempt to close a deal during his visit to India earlier this month.

Perhaps an improved engine could help matters, or it may not. In an era when aerial combat occurs well beyond visual range, few nations have a need for an aircraft that dazzles at air shows yet isn’t suited to modern combat. So far, Russia has failed to prove the latter, even as it excels at the former.

About the Su-57 Felon

• Year Introduced: 2020
• Number Built: ~32
• Length: 20.1 m (65 ft 11 in)
• Height: 4.6 m (15 ft 1 in)
• Wingspan: 14.1 m (46 ft 3 in)
• Weight:
  • Empty – ~18,000 kg (39,683 lb)
  • Maximum takeoff weight – ~35,000 kg
• Engines: Two Saturn AL-41F1 afterburning turbofan engines (The Izdliye 177 is being tested)
• Top Speed: Mach 2.0 (approx. 2,130 km/h)
• Range: 2,175 mi
• Service Ceiling: ~20,000 m (65,617 ft)
• Loadout: internal 30mm GSh-30-1 cannon and various internal and external missiles and guided bombs, including the long-range R-77M and extended-range R-37M air-to-air missiles, short-range R-74M2 missiles, and precision-guided munitions like KH-59MK2 cruise missiles and KAB-500 guided bombs
• Aircrew: One (1)

About the Author: Peter Suciu

Peter Suciu has contributed over 3,200 published pieces to more than four dozen magazines and websites over a 30-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a contributing writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. He is based in Michigan. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: Editor@nationalinterest.org.

Image: Shutterstock.com / aarrows

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