Russia's fifth-generation stealth fighter Su-57 completed its maiden flight powered by a new-generation engine.
State-owned aerospace company United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) said flight tests of the Izdeliye 177 engine began as part of the Su-57 aircraft system in cooperation with the United Engine Corporation, a subsidiary of the state-run Rostec group.
"Specialists from the United Aircraft Corporation and the United Engine Corporation have begun flight testing the Izdeliye 177 engine as part of the fifth-generation Su-57 aircraft system," the company said in a release.
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The advanced Izdeliye 177 engine, which is developed specifically for the fifth-generation fighter, is designed to deliver increased thrust and improved flight performance of the Su-57.
Rostec said the Izdeliye 177 engine will enhance the aircraft's flight performance and facilitate further development.
Media reports suggest that the engine offers a maximum afterburner thrust of 16,000 kgf (about 157 kN), with improved fuel efficiency, extended service life, and reduced weight. It enables supercruise capability without afterburner, enhancing the Su-57's range, maneuverability, and stealth performance.
Test pilot Roman Kondratyev flew the jet, which proceeded as planned, and the new engine performed reliably, the UAC statement said.
The Su-57 is designed to carry out a wide range of combat missions, including engagement of air, ground, and maritime targets. It is capable of operating round the clock, in adverse weather and under electronic warfare conditions, while its low observability is intended to reduce vulnerability to modern air defence systems. Russia has claimed the Su-57 to be the only combat-proven fifth-generation fighter, citing its operational use in Syria and Ukraine.
UAC said it is ramping up production of the Su-57 to increase deliveries to the Russian military and for export customers.
Russia has actively pitched the Su-57E fifth-generation stealth fighter to India, offering full technology transfer. The proposal had gained momentum ahead of President Vladimir Putin's visit to New Delhi early this month. However, India has shown a tepid response to the Russian offer so far.