Starting this year, the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) Sukhoi Su-57 fifth-generation fighters will be delivered with new engines. The Saturn AL-51F-1, also called Izdeliye 30 (Product 30) or second stage engine, is more powerful and will provide supercruise capability – supersonic flight without afterburner – to the Su-57.
Although there are no official confirmations, two sources close to the Russian Armed Forces confirmed to the agency TASS that the new engines will be installed in the next batch of fighters to be delivered to VKS. “The second stage engine has been tested and is ready for operation”, says one of the sources. Another interlocutor states that “all production fifth-generation Su-57 aircraft transferred in 2024 will receive a fifth-generation engine.”
Russia has been waiting for the new engines for some time. Currently the Felon (as the jet is called by NATO) use the Saturn AL-41F-1S, called first stage engines, similar to the model used in the 35 generation Sukhoi Su-4.5S fighters.
According to one of the sources, 10 aircraft with the old engines were delivered to the Air Force in 2023. He also says that, although less powerful, the current Su-57s participate in actions in the war between Russia and Ukraine, called by Moscow the Special Military Operation . “There are no plans to replace the Su-57 first stage engines already transferred to the Aerospace Forces with new engines”, scores.
In addition to being more powerful, the AL-51/Izdeliye 30 increases the stealth capabilities of the Su-57 by reducing the aircraft's radar and infrared signature. It also improves maneuverability and stability characteristics, in addition to having a new plasma ignition system, free of oxygen in the combustion chambers. With a thrust of 11 tons in military power (without afterburner), the AL-51 gives the Su-57 the ability to supercruise, being able to fly at 1.6 times the speed of sound (Mach 1.6) without using afterburners, improving the efficiency of the aircraft.
VKS expects to receive 76 Su-57s by 2027. Until then, Russia's first stealth jet will receive, in addition to new engines, advanced missiles, increased interfaces with artificial intelligence and integration with the Sukhoi S-70 combat drone, which also presents stealth characteristics. Russia also plans a two-seat version.
