The Sukhoi Su-57 has had an inauspicious start to its Zhuhai air show appearance, with a close-up video revealing questionable build quality.
The aircraft at the show, which starts next week, is the prototype bearing the number 054. It has performed at air shows before, mainly in Russia.
FlightGlobal’s 2024 World Air Forces directory indicates that the Russian air force has 14 examples in use, with orders for 62.
The video, which has spread on Chinese social media, focuses on the forward left fuselage, the forward left fuselage join, and the left-wing leading edge. The recording appears to have been stopped abruptly by security personnel.
The video suggests ragged fuselage joins and rivets that are inconsistent with a modern stealth fighter. The fit of panels also suggests distinct gaps, like previous Russian designs.
Noticeable protuberances include the fighter’s infrared search and track sensor, as well as a pair of pitot tubes just under the forward canopy.
The leading edge extension (LEE) and leading edge show poorly fitted joins. The position of the LEE, which is in a sharp down position, reveals large holes that are necessary for the actuator attachment. Panels on the underside of the wing also do not appear to lie flush.
The aircraft’s apparent lack of stealth qualities has invited much ridicule on Chinese social media, with netizens comparing it unfavourably to the Chengdu J-20.
Moreover, the security around an aircraft billed as a fifth-generation stealth fighter is surprising lax. Photographers were able to get very close to the jet, and the intakes – a crucial element in the design of a true low visibility aircraft – are not sealed.
By comparison, there is great sensitivity around the Lockheed Martin F-35 at air shows and in media interactions. Security personnel ensure that photos cannot be taken within a certain distance. During such engagements the fighter’s intakes and thrust nozzles are invariably fitted with covers.
Lots of screws: Closer look at Russia's 5th generation Su-57 fighter jet at China's Zhuhai Airshow. pic.twitter.com/jDJdyafbAD
— Clash Report (@clashreport) November 4, 2024
Despite being Russia’s most advanced fighter, the Su-57 has done little to support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In January 2023 UK Defence Intelligence said that while the Su-57 has operated against Ukraine, it has only struck from standoff ranges. It contended that Moscow may be concerned about the type getting shot down over Ukrainian territory.
Earlier this year a Ukrainian drone strike also damaged an Su-57 at an air base far from the frontlines.
This year’s Zhuhai air show is taking place from 12-17 November. In addition to the Su-57, the show is also expected to feature the debut China’s new aircraft carrier-capable fighter, the Shenyang J-35. The J-20 is also set to make an appearance, and a plethora of unmanned systems are unlikely to be displayed.
Whereas global media flocked to Zhuhai in the 2000s and 2010s, this year’s show is off limits to international media. Journalists from both mainstream and trade publications were denied invitations.
