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| Su-57 Felon |
When comparing Russia's Su-57 Felon with America's F-35 Lightning II, we're looking at two very different philosophies of air combat. While the F-35 has grabbed most of the headlines with its stealth technology and widespread use, the Su-57 brings its own impressive advantages to the table. Let's explore where Russia's fighter jet actually outperforms its American rival.
Speed and Raw Power
The Su-57 is significantly faster than the F-35. It can fly at speeds exceeding Mach 2, while the F-35 tops out at around Mach 1.6. This speed advantage isn't just about going fast—it means the Su-57 can engage enemies and quickly escape before slower aircraft can respond. The Russian fighter also has two powerful engines compared to the F-35's single engine, giving it better acceleration, higher climb rates, and more energy during combat. With newer engines currently being tested, this power advantage will become even greater.
Incredible Maneuverability
Perhaps the Su-57's most impressive feature is how well it can move through the air. The aircraft uses advanced thrust vectoring technology, which basically means it can redirect engine thrust to perform incredible aerial maneuvers that the F-35 simply cannot do. This includes dramatic moves like the Pugachev's Cobra, where the plane essentially stands on its tail mid-flight. While some experts argue that old-fashioned dogfighting isn't as important anymore, this agility is still crucial for dodging missiles and surviving in dangerous airspace where electronic systems might not work properly.
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| F-35 |
Weapons Capacity and Versatility
The Su-57 can carry more weapons than the F-35. Its internal weapons bays are larger, allowing it to pack more firepower while still maintaining a lower radar profile. The Russian jet can also fire a diverse range of missiles, including hypersonic weapons with impressive ranges of up to 250 miles. While the F-35 can carry heavy loads by attaching weapons externally, doing so defeats its main advantage of being stealthy. The Su-57 strikes a better balance between carrying lots of weapons and staying hard to detect.
Much More Affordable
Here's where the Su-57 really stands out—it costs dramatically less than the F-35. The Russian fighter costs somewhere between 35 and 50 million dollars, while the American jet runs anywhere from 80 to 115 million dollars depending on which version you choose. This means a country could buy two or even three Su-57s for the price of one F-35. That's a huge difference that can completely change how many aircraft a nation can afford and how effectively they can defend their airspace.
Beyond just the purchase price, the Su-57 is also cheaper to maintain and operate. Super-stealthy fighters like the F-35 require constant maintenance of their special radar-absorbing coatings, which takes time and money. The Su-57's more practical approach to stealth means it can be turned around faster between missions, flying more sorties and getting more value for every dollar spent.
Extended Range
The Su-57 can fly much farther than the F-35. With a combat radius of over 3,000 miles compared to the F-35's roughly 1,400 miles, the Russian jet can cover larger territories, stay in the air longer, and reach distant targets without needing to refuel mid-flight. For countries with vast territories to protect or those needing long-range strike capabilities, this advantage is enormous. Less need for aerial refueling means simpler logistics and more effective missions.
Flexibility and Independence
Unlike the F-35 program, which comes with strict rules about modifications and no technology sharing, Russia has historically been more willing to work with other countries on technology transfer and local production. This matters a lot to nations that want to develop their own aerospace industries or maintain independence in their defense capabilities. The Su-57 also offers countries an alternative to depending entirely on Western suppliers, who often attach political conditions to their weapons sales.
Different Design Philosophy
While the F-35 was built primarily as an offensive weapon to penetrate deep into enemy territory and conduct strikes, the Su-57 was optimized for defending airspace and intercepting enemy aircraft. For countries more concerned with protecting their borders than projecting power overseas, this defensive design makes more sense. The Su-57 excels at operating within friendly territory, working alongside ground-based air defense systems to create a layered defense.
Advanced Detection Systems
The Su-57 features innovative sensor technology, including radar arrays distributed throughout the aircraft's body rather than just in the nose. This provides better detection angles than traditional radar systems. It also has an advanced infrared tracking system that can detect other aircraft—even stealthy ones—by their heat signatures without emitting any radar signals that might give away its position. This passive detection capability is particularly valuable when facing adversaries trying to locate aircraft by their radar emissions.
The Bottom Line
The Su-57's advantages over the F-35 are real and significant, especially when it comes to speed, maneuverability, cost, range, and operational flexibility. However, it's important to understand that these aircraft were designed for fundamentally different purposes. The F-35 prioritizes extreme stealth and networked warfare within coalition operations, while the Su-57 emphasizes performance, affordability, and independence.
Neither aircraft is objectively better—each excels at what it was designed to do. For many countries, particularly those with limited budgets, vast territories to defend, or a desire for strategic independence, the Su-57's advantages may make it the more suitable choice. The emergence of the Su-57 ensures that nations have genuine options in the fifth-generation fighter market rather than being forced into a single solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Su-57 better than the F-35?
Neither is universally "better." The Su-57 excels in speed, maneuverability, range, and cost, while the F-35 has superior stealth and sensor technology. The best choice depends on a country's specific needs and budget.
Why is the Su-57 so much cheaper?
The Su-57 costs less because it doesn't pursue extreme stealth like the F-35. It balances stealth with performance and affordability, avoiding the expensive materials and complex manufacturing that drive up the F-35's price.
How much faster is the Su-57?
The Su-57 exceeds Mach 2 (over 1,500 mph) compared to the F-35's Mach 1.6 (around 1,200 mph). It can also supercruise at Mach 1.3 without afterburners.
Can the Su-57 outmaneuver the F-35?
Yes, significantly. The Su-57's thrust vectoring allows extreme maneuvers the F-35 cannot perform. The F-35 lacks thrust vectoring and prioritizes other capabilities over dogfighting agility.
Is the Su-57 stealthier than the F-35?
No, the F-35 has superior stealth. The Su-57 incorporates stealth features but doesn't achieve the same radar invisibility, though it's still stealthier than older generation fighters.
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