The arrival in China last Sunday of a Su-57 stealth fighter from the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) continues to draw the attention of Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) specialists. Additionally, another Su-57 has joined it, having arrived in the Asian Giant inside the cargo hold of a transport aircraft, possibly for static display at the Zhuhai Airshow, scheduled to take place from November 12 to 17.
Firstly, the initial Su-57 Felon that touched down in China last Sunday was identified as one of the prototypes from the development program undertaken by Sukhoi. Specifically, it is the fourth prototype in the program, identified as T-50-4 “054 Blue,” which arrived in Zhuhai after making a prior stop at Taiyuan Wusu International Airport.
The presence of this aircraft at the airport, and later in Zhuhai, captured the attention of various enthusiasts and ground personnel, who shared hundreds of photos and videos of the aircraft on display. Maintenance and preparation work could also be observed as it prepared to resume flight during its stopover at Taiyuan Wusu.
Detailed images revealed various aspects of the fifth-generation Russian fighter, from its wings and internal bays to its finishes, which can be described as “rustic,” as they display a low manufacturing quality on flat surfaces, with screws, gaps, and rivets visible. These details cast doubt on the aircraft’s stealth capabilities compared to its American counterparts, the F-22 and F-35, and Chinese counterparts, the J-20 and the latest J-35.
On the other hand, some sources claim that the prototype status of both aircraft is the reason for these details on the Su-57s currently in China, arguing that production models have refined these finishes. However, due to the lack of high-quality, detailed photos of the serial production models, this can be considered a provisional assumption.
As for the second aircraft, which arrived in China transported by an Antonov An-124, it was identified as the seventh prototype in the Su-57 program (originally named “T-50 PAK-FA”) and bears the number “057 Blue.” Its transportation required the disassembly of several parts of the aircraft.
Once on the ground, as with 054 Blue, various details of interest to the specialist community were visible, with a particular focus on the radar radome located in the front fuselage of the plane. With its radome removed, the hexagonal shape of the N036 Byelka AESA radar, which operates in the X-band and is considered the “eyes” of the Su-57, was visible. In addition to the absence of the radome, the internal side bays could also be seen.
Lastly, other details of interest notably missing are the N101KS electro-optical systems, which equip other prototypes observed in previous years as well as pre-production models in service with the VKS, located on the dorsal section of the fuselage behind the cockpit.
Photos: Credit to whom it may concern.
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