Su-57 Showcases 10-Second Takeoff using 0.8km Runway at Aero India 2025, Highlighting Russia's AL-41 Engine Powers

Aero India 2025 witnessed a stunning display of Russian aerospace engineering prowess as the Su-57, a fifth-generation fighter jet, executed a breathtaking takeoff in a mere 10 seconds using only 0.8 kilometers of runway. This impressive feat underscores the exceptional capabilities of the aircraft's AL-41 engine.

This achievement marks a significant leap forward in military aviation technology, demonstrating that short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities can be integrated into fifth-generation fighter jets without relying on extensive and costly infrastructure.

At the heart of the Su-57's remarkable performance lies the AL-41F1 engine, a testament to Russia's advanced aerospace engineering. This afterburning turbofan engine boasts an exceptional thrust-to-weight ratio and high performance, enabling the Su-57 to achieve rapid takeoffs and unparalleled maneuverability in the air.

The AL-41 engine's thrust vectoring nozzles, coupled with cutting-edge engine technology, deliver unmatched power and efficiency. This allows the Su-57 to operate from shorter runways compared to conventional fighter jets, providing enhanced operational flexibility and adaptability for a wide array of missions.

The ability to take off from short runways is a crucial advantage for modern fighter jets, particularly in regions with limited airstrip infrastructure. The Su-57, powered by the AL-41 engine, offers a compelling solution to this challenge, making it an ideal platform for operations in diverse environments, from forward-deployed bases to rugged terrain where long runways may not be feasible.

The demonstration at Aero India 2025 not only showcased the raw power of the AL-41 engine but also highlighted the potential of fifth-generation fighters to operate flexibly and efficiently across various combat scenarios. These capabilities could revolutionize the way air forces plan and execute missions, especially in areas with limited infrastructure or under high-threat conditions.

Furthermore, the Su-57's ability to take off from short runways underscores its cost-effectiveness. Unlike traditional fighter jets with STOL capabilities that often require specialized and expensive infrastructure, the Su-57 achieves this feat without significant additional investment in airfield infrastructure.

This breakthrough technology opens up new possibilities for air power projection and enhances the operational capabilities of air forces worldwide. The Su-57's performance at Aero India 2025 has firmly established it as a game-changer in modern military aviation.

 

[emaineiated]

That very soon is years away.

Nopes, months, maybe weeks even, depending how high you can count to.

 

[Raja Raja Cholan]

Chinese buggers are nosing around the air show to take closer look at this new engine AL 41 on Su 57 and will buy a few Su 57 and quickly carry out reverse engineering and come up with their own version of new engines to power their fighters.

 

[Pad UwU]

It's good. But the engine is not enough. As of now, the Su-57 is an untested and unproven aircraft. The PW NEO is also a great engine, excellent efficiency and cost, but started to fail in numbers because of inadequate testing. Go Air had to fold. Indigo and others, so many aircraft u/s for engines.

You forget Tejas mk1a is untested in a real war too... Unlike the SU-57 that already destroyed an enemy aircraft in Ukraine while just watching it inside Russian airspace.

 

[Pad UwU]

They've been saying soon for a long time now. I have yet to see one piece of evidence of it ever flying with two AL-51s rather than with one AL-41 as a failsafe indicating it's still in testing.

A Russian demo aircraft will never be integrated with the AL-51F1 engine because it's an older model. They will never send the latest version of its Su-57M with an AL-41F1 engine because of the high risk of espionage from any foreign country. If the Indian government wants to try it, we should send delegates to Russia and ask the Sukhoi Design Bureau to get clearance for trying it in person.

 

[Karan Gogoi]

5% thrust loss and having slightly less impressive maneuvers in pony shows is well worth it for far better rear aspect stealth than any fourth gen has ever had.

It's not pony shows in a real-world scenario. 5% is actually significant, and loss of maneuverability carries a lot of weight as well when dodging and getting out of tight situations. 5% loss cascades into loss of thrust, loss of operational range, loss of speed, requirement of excess fuel, requirement of bigger internal fuel capacity leading to loss of space for armament, and so on.

I can't argue on stealth because it is vital, but serrated edges on nozzle blades and better covers also solve some radar return in round nozzles.

 

[Karan Gogoi]

It had one AL51 with flat nozzles and a radar blocker, and one old AL41 without even the sawtooth ends of the earlier AL51.

NO, AL-41 does not have square nozzles, and late 2024 tests were with square nozzle engines, which are AL-51F1. It might have been the case for AL-51 and AL-41 earlier, but not for current tests being carried out for Su-57M (designation for AL-51F1).

Also, both engines (AL-41 and AL-51F1) are not drop-in compatible like that. No manufacturer will have two separate non-compatible engines of varying dimensions in a single airframe without a customized rear section, intake valves, etc., which will overly complicate manufacturing and mess up the aerodynamics.

Russia's Defence Ministry itself has said it, and multiple sources/outlets have also confirmed it. Like I said, images already exist with both engines with square nozzles and engine radar blockers.

 

[Karan Gogoi]

...Of course they don't? But if it was ready for us to buy we'd probably have been seeing evidence of it flying with two AL51s by now is my point. Don't be weird.

There are videos of the square nozzle AL51F1 prototype flying published by Sukhoi and Russian defence. It's just not been flown outside Russia as of yet.