With superior aerospace technology, Russia seems unpredictable, can the development of the Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate stealth fighter jet continue on schedule? Or even forced to stop due to international pressure and the protracted war with Ukraine.
In a statement to Interfax, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Denis Manturov, said in August 2022 that JSC Sukhoi Company, part of the Russian defense and technology giant United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), is in preparation for building a prototype. It's even called a stealth fighter jet prototype that rivals the F-35, which will fly for the first time in early 2024.
Regardless of whether or not the Su-75's first flight will be in 2024, there is news that Russia has filed a design patent for an upgraded variant of the Su-75 Checkmate, namely in the form of a double seat variant (tandem seat) and an unmanned variant.
Quoted from eurasiantimes (18/7/2023), UAC recently filed a series of new patents with the Russian Federal Intellectual Property Service, which reveal interesting modifications to the original design of the Su-75 Checkmate. The patent attaches to UAC's plans to develop a two-seat tandem version and an unmanned aircraft variant.
Prior to this, on December 28, 2022, the UAC design office filed a patent application for a stealth aircraft with one engine, one seat. This application incorporates important modifications to the original design of the Su-75 Checkmate aircraft. The modification involved widening and angling the trailing edge of the wing, resulting in an increase in wing area and potentially a slight reduction in the radar signature aft of the aircraft.
Apart from that, there appears to be little progress in the installation of the machine. The airframe also underwent modifications, apparently increasing the aircraft's internal capacity. These changes suggest the possibility of an enlarged side armament bay to accommodate short-range air-to-air missiles or increased internal fuel capacity, or possibly both modifications having been implemented on the Su-75.
UAC also introduced a tandem seat variant. Similar to other two-seater Sukhoi models, the modification incorporates a tandem cockpit configuration, with the rear seats being raised to provide better forward vision. These design modifications ensure increased visibility for rear seat passengers and contribute to the overall sleekness of the aircraft.
Apart from its role in training future Su-75 crews, the tandem seat variant could potentially serve as a “command center” for drones and unmanned fighter aircraft of the Loyal Wingman type. This configuration will enable the aircraft to effectively coordinate and manage operations involving multiple unmanned assets, demonstrating versatility and adaptability in modern warfare scenarios.
While the unmanned variant was developed for sixth-generation air dominance systems, it is often described as "optionally manned" in various reports. Nonetheless, including an unmanned variant highlights the future direction of air combat systems, highlighting the growing role of unmanned technology in achieving air superiority.
Although, with substantial progress still to be made to realize this design as an operational fighter, there remain valid doubts regarding Russia's ability to fully advance this project, given its current focus on the conflict in Ukraine.
The first prototype of the Su-75 Checkmate was first shown at the MAKS-2021 International Aviation and Space Exhibition in Russia, the Russian defense industry has positioned a light and advanced tactical stealt fighter with futuristic capabilities.
Reports from state media regularly indicate that Russia is committed to timely development of the aircraft. Additionally, there is an important emphasis on the country's intention to position the Su-75 Checkmate as an attractive option for international customers.
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