Russia has made a new modification to the design of the Su-75 Checkmate fighter, a light stealth fighter aircraft that will be the country's future defense vector.
According to a Denis Manturov, Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, the first flight of the Su-75 will now be in 2024. Previously, the designers hoped to make the first aircraft available for such tests in 2023.
Manturov also pointed out that UAC is producing components for the first prototypes right now. Final assembly will start in 2023, with a focus on conducting the first flight tests from 2024.
Even with the change in the schedule, Russia continues with the plan to certify the combat aircraft by 2027, the deadline stipulated at the beginning of the project. The delay in the first flight is probably due to the sanctions imposed on the country, which are affecting the local industry to some extent.
The jet will be a lighter counterpart to the Sukhoi Su-57 Felon, Russia's first stealth fighter, whose first production unit was delivered to the country's air force on December 25, 2020. The new fighter would be conceptually similar to the F-35 Lightning II of the USA and the Chinese FC-31, also equipped with only one engine, the same Izdelie 30 of the Su-57.
The fighter will be able to reach Mach 1.8, have a payload of 7,4 tons and a range of 2900 kilometers. According to the UAC website, the Su-75 will also be able to carry cannons in its internal compartments, for use against ground targets.
The aircraft is aimed at export and countries such as Argentina, India and the United Arab Emirates have already been identified as potential customers. According to the Russian government, the fighter must compete in the market with the F-35, Dassault Rafale and Saab Gripen E.
“Since the project was presented at MAKS-2021, has been received from potential customers. Work was also carried out to optimize costs and analyze technical solutions, which enabled a significant increase in competitiveness. The commercial appeal reduces the technical risks of developing domestic single-engine aircraft”, said Denis Manturov.
