On 17/5, "Fighter Bomber", an account linked to a Russian fighter pilot, shared images of a two-seat stealth Su-57 fighter, featuring a Su-30-style cockpit, taxiing on a runway. The account, however, did not disclose the facility's specific location. "It is called the Su-57D", the post noted.

While design graphics of the Su-57D were released by Russian media in 2023, these are the first images of the actual aircraft.

The two-seat Su-57D variant in an image released on 17/5. Photo: Fighter Bomber

The aircraft's side number was blurred. Andreas Rupprecht, a researcher specializing in Russian and Chinese military aviation, suggests this may be the T-50-5R, the 5th prototype manufactured for the Su-57 project.

Parth Satam, an editor at the military aviation news site Aviationist, noted the Su-57D is the world's second 5th-generation fighter to feature a two-seat variant. China's J-20S was the first, with its initial images surfacing in 2021.

Satam observed that the Su-57D's cockpit arrangement offers the rear pilot a broader field of view than the J-20S and other modern two-seat fighters. However, it remains unclear how this design will impact the aircraft's aerodynamics and stealth capabilities. Beyond the cockpit, no other clear distinctions exist between the Su-57D variant and the original Su-57.

The aircraft's tail displays symbols of both the Su-57 and the S-70 Okhotnik stealth unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). It is uncertain if this fighter will function as a command center for combat support UAVs. Satam suggested, "The rear cockpit pilot on the Su-57D is likely a weapons systems officer."

The Su-57, Russia's initial 5th-generation fighter, was developed to rival the US F-22, F-35, and China's J-20. It features a radar-absorbing coating and a design optimized for stealth against electronic reconnaissance systems. Each aircraft carries a total of 6 internal weapons: four in two belly bays and two missiles in two side bays.

Sukhoi Corporation began developing the upgraded Su-57M variant following the Russian Ministry of Defense's contract for 76 Su-57 fighters in October 2018. The T-50M prototype conducted test flights in mid-2022, but the commencement of mass production remains unconfirmed.

Algeria became the first international customer to order the Su-57, acquiring a fleet of 12 aircraft. At least two of these fighters have since been delivered and undergone test flights.

Nguyen Tien (According to Aviationist, AFP, AP)