Su-57's Secret Weapon Bay Revealed: New Photo Offers First Clear Look at Stealth Fighter's Design

A recently surfaced photograph has provided the first clear look at the Su-57's side weapon bay, a previously shrouded feature of Russia's advanced fifth-generation fighter jet. This revelation offers valuable insights into the aircraft's stealth capabilities and combat doctrine.

The Su-57, Russia's answer to the American F-22 and F-35, is designed for both air superiority and multirole missions. Its emphasis on agility, advanced avionics, and stealth technology places it among the most formidable fighter aircraft in the world.

The side weapon bay, located near the fuselage, is crucial for maintaining the Su-57's low radar cross-section (RCS). By storing weapons internally, the aircraft minimizes its radar signature, making it more difficult for adversaries to detect.

Analysis of the photograph suggests that the side bay is optimized for short-range air-to-air missiles, likely the highly agile R-73 or the newer K-74M2. This configuration aligns with the Su-57's focus on within-visual-range (WVR) combat, where its maneuverability and advanced avionics give it a significant edge.

Key Takeaways from the Photo​

• Potential for Advanced Sensors: The bay may house advanced targeting sensors, enhancing the Su-57's lock-on-after-launch (LOAL) capabilities and enabling it to engage multiple targets effectively.
• Compact Missile Configuration: The bay's design suggests it is tailored for compact, short-range missiles, ideal for close-range dogfights.
• Enhanced Maneuverability: The side bay's location allows for rapid missile deployment, crucial in dynamic WVR combat.
• Stealth Optimization: Internal weapon storage significantly reduces the Su-57's RCS, enhancing its survivability.

While other fifth-generation fighters, like the F-22 and F-35, also utilize internal weapon bays, the Su-57's side bay represents a distinct approach. This design choice underscores Russia's emphasis on close-range combat and maneuverability, reflecting their combat doctrine.

This new information adds another layer to our understanding of the Su-57's capabilities and provides valuable insights into Russia's evolving military aviation technology.

 

[sanket]

Su-57 with side weapon bay will add more stealtinss than main open bay which is biigger in size rather than side weapon bay , in dog Fight it will b very use ful with side weapon bay smaller in size will do the Job in stealth mode, Su-57 also have 360 degree Radar coverage too

 

[PKPRS]

The model Russians displayed in China is the fist sU-57 test copy made in 2012, it had grown up a lot since then, now the M variant is much more advanced.

 

[Ray]

The model Russians displayed in China is the fist sU-57 test copy made in 2012, it had grown up a lot since then, now the M variant is much more advanced.

Yes, it's.
And serial produced aircraft have much better finishing. And it's high chances that serial produced aircrafts would have less rcs than the numbers bouncing on internet. Russia lack money otherwise su-57 will be in same league of f-35 or may be much better because of some extra features that f-35 lack ( one is 3d thrust vectoring).
But with time su-57 will get more mature.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

India should evaluate this. Consider asking for improvements and if improvements are done then buy 2-3 squadrons. Also, consider joint development of izdeilye engine which can be used in AMCA as well.

 

[Kira]

Yes, it's.
And serial produced aircraft have much better finishing. And it's high chances that serial produced aircrafts would have less rcs than the numbers bouncing on internet. Russia lack money otherwise su-57 will be in same league of f-35 or may be much better because of some extra features that f-35 lack ( one is 3d thrust vectoring).
But with time su-57 will get more mature.

I believe that the Russians lack advanced avionics and reliable and efficient engines,and they matter far more in this day and age rather than the airframe and it's design itself.

 

[PKPRS]

Yes, it's.
And serial produced aircraft have much better finishing. And it's high chances that serial produced aircrafts would have less rcs than the numbers bouncing on internet. Russia lack money otherwise su-57 will be in same league of f-35 or may be much better because of some extra features that f-35 lack ( one is 3d thrust vectoring).
But with time su-57 will get more mature.

it is still in the development process, Russians improve their products in small batches gradually in their entire life cycle.

 

[PKPRS]

I believe that the Russians lack advanced avionics and reliable and efficient engines,and they matter far more in this day and age rather than the airframe and it's design itself.

No AL-51 is state of the art stealth engine, they also have some of the World’s powerful jet engines, Avionics is something they are little backwards compared to the West.

 

[INDIAN]

everyone was appalled by the construction quality on seeing the aircraft during recent display in china. They are far behind the race.

 

[kurtwallis wallis]

Su-57 with side weapon bay will add more stealtinss than main open bay which is biigger in size rather than side weapon bay , in dog Fight it will b very use ful with side weapon bay smaller in size will do the Job in stealth mode, Su-57 also have 360 degree Radar coverage too

GOOD now to buy 56 nos. of SU57 jets asap soon! Trump POTUS will lift all sanctions on Russia CCP and India soon next month only!

 

[PKPRS]

India should evaluate this. Consider asking for improvements and if improvements are done then buy 2-3 squadrons. Also, consider joint development of izdeilye engine which can be used in AMCA as well.

We should make our own improvements.

 

[Kira]

No AL-51 is state of the art stealth engine, they also have some of the World’s powerful jet engines, Avionics is something they are little backwards compared to the West.

If that were, then the Russian company would be in negotiations with Indian officials for the future 110Kn engine, rather the fact that all 3 firms are Western and Russia is not considered in the first place does speaks volumes about the state and capacity of Russian jet engine tech to deliver advanced engines in future.

 

[PKPRS]

If that were, then the Russian company would be in negotiations with Indian officials for the future 110Kn engine, rather the fact that all 3 firms are Western and Russia is not considered in the first place does speaks volumes about the state and capacity of Russian jet engine tech to deliver advanced engines in future.

we are was already in talks to make a derivative of that engine that produces 130KN output, AL-51 produce 167KN thrust.