DefenseRear weapon compartment of the Su-57 fighter is seen open
A curious image of the Russian Sukhoi Su-57 Felon fighter, recently released on Russian social media channels, shows for the first time details of the internal weapon compartment located in the tail of the aircraft.
The release of the photo, despite its low resolution, suggests a coordinated effort to promote the fifth-generation fighter program to the public and the international community.
The Su-57 was designed with multiple internal compartments to accommodate cruise missiles and air-to-air armament, a feature aimed at preserving its stealth signature during combat operations.
According to available information, the fighter has between eight and ten internal hardpoints, including dedicated space for the Kh-69 cruise missile. Side compartments can accommodate air-to-air missiles, allowing flexibility according to the mission profile.
Despite also having external hardpoints, their use is not common as they reduce the aircraft’s stealth characteristics due to the increased radar signature.
The Su-57 program is in regular production, but still faces technical challenges, such as the absence of a fully developed engine and a fully operational weapon system.
Russian authorities stated that the Su-57 has been employed in operations in Syria and Ukraine, primarily in missile launch missions, indicating that the fighter has not yet achieved full multi-role combat capability.
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