Su-57D Two-Seat 5G Fighter Makes Debut

Russia’s new two-seat Su-57D prototype has completed its first flight, marking the debut of what is considered the world’s first two-seat fifth-generation fighter aircraft. The flight also marked the start of formal flight testing for the new variant of the Su-57 fighter programme, according to information released by Russia’s state-owned defence companies, Rostec and United Aircraft Corporation.

The test aircraft was flown by Chief Test Pilot Sergei Bogdan, Sukhoi Design Bureau Chief Pilot and Hero of Russia, during what officials described as the opening stage of the aircraft’s test programme. According to statements released by the companies involved, the flight proceeded normally, according to the planned mission profile.

The Su-57 was developed as Russia’s fifth-generation fighter aircraft and was designed as a multi-functional combat platform capable of carrying out a wide range of missions. The introduction of a two-seat configuration represents a change from existing fifth-generation fighter designs, which have so far been built as single-seat aircraft.

While two-seat arrangements are common among fourth-generation fighter aircraft for training and specialised operational roles, the Su-57D introduces that configuration into the fifth-generation category. Russian officials said the additional crew station is intended to expand the aircraft’s operational use beyond standard combat missions.

According to Rostec, the aircraft is expected to serve not only as a combat platform but also as a training aircraft and a command-and-control platform capable of managing coordinated operations involving both crewed and uncrewed systems.

Rostec said in a statement, “The two-seat version of the Su-57 created by Sukhoi Design Bureau specialists can be used not only for pilot training, but also for organizing and managing combat operations of a combined group of manned and unmanned aircraft by forming a single information and control space.”

The statement suggests that the aircraft could potentially operate as part of future combat systems involving coordinated operations between manned aircraft and unmanned aerial platforms.

According to officials, the aircraft was reportedly developed by Russian aircraft manufacturers on their own initiative, without a specific state procurement order.

Denis Manturov, First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, said of the flight, “Flight tests of the prototype of the two-seater fifth-generation fighter Su-57 have begun. This aircraft, proactively developed by our aircraft manufacturers, in addition to unique combat characteristics, will also have the functionality of a combat-training aircraft and the capabilities of a combat control aircraft.”

United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) also indicated that the aircraft may have an export role in the future.

Vadim Badeha, Director General of UAC, said, “We are continuing to work on improving and expanding the functionality of our most advanced fifth-generation aviation complex. I am confident that the two-seat version of the aircraft will significantly contribute to its success in foreign markets.”

According to Rostec and UAC, the fifth generation Su-57 fighter is designed to operate in a variety of weather conditions and electronic warfare environments, and intended to engage aerial, ground and naval targets while incorporating features intended to reduce detectability by air-defence systems.

The two-seat prototype now enters a broader flight test phase as as development of the aircraft continues.