While United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) focuses on ramping up Su-57 production for the Russian Aerospace Forces, efforts to refine Russia’s most advanced fighter jet continue with the integration of new improvements and capabilities. Recently, images circulating on social media revealed that one of the program’s prototypes is undergoing ground and potentially flight tests equipped with a new stealthy flat nozzle with 2D thrust vectoring.
So far, updates regarding improvements to the Su-57 have been sparse. The last recorded advancements occurred in 2022 when a stealth aircraft conducted test flights equipped with a series of upgrades. According to UAC, these enhancements included “onboard subsystems with improved functionality, intelligent crew support, and the ability to use a wide range of new armaments.”
A key highlight of that announcement was the mention that the modified aircraft “was also equipped with a second-stage engine,” though no model was specified. It was speculated to be the new Izdeliye 30 engine, intended to replace the NPO Lyulka-Saturn AL-41F1.
In this context, newly surfaced images offer additional insight into the Su-57’s development. Specifically, they show the installation of a new stealthy flat nozzle with 2D thrust vectoring on one of the program’s prototype aircraft, identified as T-50-2 “052 Blue,” previously used for testing the AL-41F1 engine. These developments have sparked speculation among open-source intelligence analysts and the military aviation community.
The exact duration of these tests with the new 2D thrust vectoring nozzle remains unclear, as the photographs depict the aircraft apparently undergoing ground tests. The precise timeline of when the images were captured also remains unknown.
Emerging details highlight some characteristics of the nozzle, which bears certain similarities to those on the F119 engines powering the U.S. Air Force’s F-22 Raptor. Video footage shows the nozzle’s diagonal movement, contrasting with the vertical movement seen on the American fifth-generation fighter jet.
Additionally, according to a presentation shared by United Engine Corporation, a significant portion of the nozzle (up to 90%) was manufactured using additive manufacturing, commonly referred to as 3D printing.
Speculations regarding the performance impacts of the new nozzle are also circulating. Compared to the standard circular nozzles with serrated edges used on the AL-41F1 engine, the flat design may reduce engine power by 6–8%, but it could significantly lower radar and infrared signatures—critical attributes for a stealth aircraft.
Finally, questions persist about whether the nozzle is intended for the Su-57’s new engine or represents part of a broader project to develop next-generation propulsion systems for future Russian Aerospace Forces projects, as indicated by United Engine Corporation.
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