Su-57 vs F-35 Lightning II

Su-57 vs F-35

Which is the Greatest Modern Stealthy Aircraft; The SU-57 or the F-35 Lightning II ?

Our analysis is based on the combined score of:

1. .The Avionics.
2. .The Firepower.
3. .The performance

A.The Avionics:

1- The F-35A has incorporated an array of radar-defeating/absorbing measures that include a specialized mix of construction materials, coatings, angular edges and internally-based antenna probes to minimize profile from any direction.

The F-35A features an Electro-Optical Distributed Aperture System (DAS) that will simultaneously inform the pilot of the battlefield situation from every angle of his aircraft. The aircraft will be able to single out and coordinate enemy aircraft in the sky as well as air-to-air and surface-to-air missile launches directed against the F-35.

Northrop Grumman Space Technology has been producing the modular F-35A avionics suite. Data sharing for the F-35 pilot will allow him to relay information to air- and ground-based allies as needed. The F-35A will be setup with a satellite datalink allowing for Beyond-Line-of-Site (BLOS) communications as well as web-enabled logistical support.

The multi-mission AN/APG-81 series Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar system. The system will reportedly supply the F-35 pilot with an added level of situational awareness never seen in a fighter cockpit before as well as be able to detect, track and engage targets on land or in the air at far-reaching ranges than previously available. The radar can be set to act as a passive radar receiver.

The Distributed Infra-Red System (DIRS) is a collection of six internal sensors mounted about the aircraft airframe. What these infra-red implements do is provide an image of the aircraft's surroundings directly into the highly-advanced helmet donned by the pilot. This technology will allow the pilot to "see through" his aircraft at the world around him in infra-red, providing full 360-degree situational awareness.

2- The Su-57 makes use of radar-absorbing materials to achieve its stealth as well as onboard counter systems and structural design. The engines allow for supercruise travel, achieving supersonic flight without the need for thirsty, radar/missile-attracting afterburner.

The advanced Active Phased Radar Array (APRA) system will offer both forward-looking and side-scanning capabilities - similar in scope to the Irbis radar found on the Sukhoi Su-35BM Flanker. Capabilities will allow for the tracking and engagement of multiple targets simultaneously, be they ground- or air-based.

The onboard computer network will actively work to correct in-flight stability issues and help the pilot by reducing workloads.

The wings have been given leading-edge flaps which handle lift at higher angles of attack while being completely adjustable as the aircraft's speed dictates. Ailerons will support low speed flight and handling while flaperons will assist in low-speed lift on approaches or take-off.

Conclusion:

So in my view the F-35 is very better than Su-57 in Avionics side; The F-35 has a many systems avionics advanced: multi-mission radar AN/APG-81 (AESA), the Distributed Infra-Red System (DIRS), and the Electro-Optical Distributed Aperture System (DAS)

Avionics total: 

-Sukhoi Su-57: 3.5/5

-Lockheed F-35A: 4.5/5

B.The Armament :

Sukhoi Su-57 This fighter has 10 internal and 6 external hardpoints. Two large internal weapon bays are mounted in tandem between the engines. There are also two sidebays for short-range air-to-air missiles. It is believed that this aircraft will carry up to 7 500 kg of ordnance. That's enormous amount of weapons.

Missiles:

R-74M (Archer) Air-to-Air missiles, is a short-range (40 km).

R-77M (Adder) Air-to-Air missile, is a medium-range (193 km). 

Kh-38M Air-to-Surface missiles, (Speed: 2.2 Mach, Range: 70 km).

Kh-31AD Air-to-Surface missiles, (Speed: 2500 km/h, Range: 25 km - 103 km).

Kh-31PD Air-to-Surface missiles, (Speed: 2500 km/h, Range: 110 km).

Kh-35U (AS-20 Kayak) Anti-Ship missiles, (Speed: 1170 km/h, Range: 300 km).

Kh-58UShK Anti-Radiation missiles (Speed: 3.6 Mach, Range: 250 km).

Brahmos cruise missiles (Speed: 4900 km/h, Range: 400 km).

Kh-47M2 Kinzhal, nuclear-capable air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM) (Speed: 16.000 km/h, Range: 3000 km)

Bombs:

KAB-250

KAB-500

KAB-1500 guided bombs.

This fighter is fitted with a single-barrel 30 mm cannon. This weapon has a firing rate of 1 500 rounds per minute.

The F-35A will feature an unrefueled range of 1,200 miles without external fuel tanks. The system will be armed with the standard internal 25mm GAU-22/A cannon. All munitions options will be primarily held in internal weapons bays that can house both air-to-air or air-to-surface ordnance and a mix of both. Air superiority armament will center around a pair of AIM-120C AMRAAM medium-range air-to-air missiles.

· AIM-120B/C AMRAAM medium-range, air-to-air missiles (Speed: 4900 km/h, Range: 75 km - 105 km)

Ground attack support will be made up of a pair of 2,000lb GBU-31 JDAM guided bombs with support for the carrying of up to 8 x GBU-38 bombs as well as current generation TV/laser-guided air-to-surface missiles, guided bombs and munitions dispensing bombs. External weapons pylons will be optional and fitted for sorties where stealth is not a mission requirement. Overall munitions-carrying capability will be limited to 18,000lb of ordnance.

Other:

MXU-648/CNU-88 Baggage Pod.

BDU-57/58/60 laser-guided training round.

MK-76/MK-58/BDU-48.

Conclusion:

So in my view the Su-57 is better than F-35A in Firepower side; the Su-57 can carry up to 7 500 kg of ordnance. That's enormous amount of weapons. This fighter has 10 internal and 6 external hardpoints, a lot of the Air-to-Air missiles, Air-to-Surface missiles, Anti-Ship missiles, and the Anti-Radiation missiles.

The Su-57 can carry nuclear-capable air-launched ballistic missile: Kh-47M2 Kinzhal and the Brahmos Cruise missiles.

Armament total:

-Sukhoi Su-57: 4.5/5

-Lockheed F-35A: 3.5/5

C. Performance:

1- The Su-57 is a multi-role aircraft, the Su-57 will be charged with both air superiority and ground attack roles as well as aerial reconnaissance by way of specialized onboard equipment. Her design will provide excellent performance within her altitude limitations and make possible operations in both day/night as well as adverse weather conditions.

Thrust-vectoring will be standard and allow for the required agility. Authorities cite a maximum speed of approximately : 2 Mach (1,330mph), while cruising will be at 1,120mph. Listed ferry range is 3,400 miles, with an operational service ceiling of 65,000 feet. The airframe will support forces of up to 9g.

Crew: 1

Length: 22 m

Width: 14.2 m

Height: 6.05 m

Weight (Empty):18,500 kg

Weight (MTOW):37,000 kg

Power for the T-50 is being supplied by 2 x NPO Saturn AL-41F (Type 30) turbofan engines offering 40,000lb of thrust each.

Speed: 1,616 mph (2,600 kph)

Ceiling: 65,617 feet (20,000 m)

Range: 3,107 miles (5,000 km)

Rate-of-Climb: 1,184 ft/min (361 m/min)

2- The F-35A fifth-generation will center more on the infiltration role and in dealing with accurate ground strikes through use of guided munitions and drop bombs, advanced airborne real-time reconnaissance, and in radar-suppression sorties charged with the destruction of enemy "eyes-to-the-skies". All this while retaining potent air-to-air capabilities.

Primary propulsion for the F-35A is supplied by the Pratt & Whitney F135 turbofan series. The F135 is an afterburning turbofan system delivering 25,000lb on dry thrust with up to 42,000lbf on full afterburner. The engine resides within the middle and rear portion of the fuselage. Performance results have netted the F-35 a top speed of 1.67 Mach, and a ceiling of up to 60,000 feet. The F-35A will feature an unrefueled range of 1,200 miles without external fuel tanks.

Year: 2016
Manufacturer(s): Lockheed Martin / Northrop Grumman / BAe Systems - USA

Crew: 1
Length: 50.43 ft (15.37 m)
Width: 34.94 ft (10.65 m)
Height: 17.32 ft (5.28 m)
Weight (Empty): 29,002 lb (13,155 kg)
Weight (MTOW): 70,107 lb (31,800 kg)

Speed: 1,199 mph (1,930 kph)
Ceiling: 50,000 feet (15,240 m)
Range: 1,379 miles (2,220 km)

Conclusion:

So in my view the Su-57 is better than F-35A in performance side; the speed (Su-57: 2600 km/h and F-35: 1900 km/h), the range (2200 km for F-35 and 5000 km for Su-57), the ceiling, and the Rate-of-Climb.

The Su-57 is a multi-role aircraft will be charged with both air superiority and ground attack roles as well as aerial reconnaissance by way of specialized onboard equipment.

Performance total:

-Sukhoi Su-57: 4.5/5

-Lockheed F-35A: 4/5

Total: 

-Sukhoi Su-57: 12.5/15

-Lockheed F-35A: 12/15

So in my view the Sukhoi Su-57 is better than Lockheed F-35A.