Russia has long touted its Sukhoi Su-57 (NATO reporting name “Felon”) fifth-generation stealth fighter, and the aircraft continues to draw attention at international air shows, highlighting its maneuverability.

As Harrison Kass recently wrote for The National Interest, “The focus on maneuverability reflects a distinctive Russian design philosophy: control and lethality in-flight.”

Kass further explained that the Su-57’s two Saturn AL-41F1 engines provide a high thrust-to-weight ratio, even at combat loads. Along with the digital fly-by-wire system and 3D thrust vectoring nozzles, the aircraft can be employed in “post-stall maneuvering, rapid nose-pointing at low speed, and [complete] airshow dramatics like the ‘Pugachev’s Cobra.’”

Yet even as the Su-57 impresses at international air shows, it hasn’t resulted in strong sales, let alone any significant interest. 

To address the aircraft’s shortcomings beyond the air........

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