A report from Russian news agency TASS states, Moscow has begun developing an upgraded version of the Su-57, as part of the Megapolis project the Russian government has signed with the Sukhoi corporation in 2018.
The report cites a source as saying Moscow intends to conduct mandatory tests on the upgraded Su-57 and begin mass production in 2025.
Incidentally, the Megapolis project is the second stage in the development of the Su-57 and is designed to provide the Russian Airforce with a new fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft. According to the source, the cockpit of the Su-57 Megapolis will feature modern avionics, an improved fire control system, as well as a new engine.
It is expected that the Su-57 Megapolis will feature a new engine of which little information has emerged and is said to being currently tested.
According to Izvestia, another Russian media outlet, the Izdelie 30 is expected to be integrated into some Su-57 fighters as early as this year. Currently, the fighter is powered by an AL-41F1 engine. The Izdelie 30 expects to give the Su-57 a better thrust-to-weight ratio. According to aviation experts, this will guarantee the Russians to develop supersonic speed, without including additional combustion. Incidentally Moscow has signed a contract with Sukhoi for the purchase of 76 Su-57 fighters.
The Su-57 will be Russia’s first fifth-generation stealth fighter, although some military experts opine that it will be a 4++ generation. It can fly at supersonic speeds and will have radio-absorbing elements, and will have the capability to hits air, land, and water targets. Russian sources claim that the Su-57 Megapolis will have unmanned control. By 2024 Sukhoi is scheduled to delivery at least 25 units to the military and by the end of 2028, it should deliver the last of the ordered 76 units.
