Russian Su-57 stealth fighter causes big surprise at Chinese exhibition because of series of screws

The Russian Su-57 stealth fighter recently landed in China to attend the Zhuhai air show, but a close-up video of the aircraft's fuselage frame with a structure made of screws instead of rivets has caused great surprise to observers.

Russian Su-57 stealth fighter causes big surprise because of the series of screws densely packed on the fuselage

Tuesday, November 12, 2024 21:04 PM (GMT+7)

The Russian Su-57 stealth fighter recently landed in China to attend the Zhuhai air show, but a close-up video of the aircraft's fuselage frame with a structure made of screws instead of rivets has caused great surprise to observers.

Instead of having a smooth exterior - one of the important factors determining stealth features - the Russian Su-57 appears with a fuselage frame connected by rows of screws. According to Bulgarianmilitary.

The use of screws instead of rivets raises serious concerns about the Su-57's stealth capabilities against radar, according to Bulgarianmilitary.

Rivets create a tighter, smoother connection between aircraft skin panels, while screws are concave and convex, increasing radar reflection. According to Bulgarianmilitary.

This distinction is important, as even the smallest surface irregularities can increase the likelihood of being detected by radar. Close-up of the Su-57 wing with a row of screws holding it in place. According to Bulgarianmilitary.

It is clear that the dents caused by screws on the Su-57 have reduced the aircraft's stealth capabilities, making it more susceptible to enemy radar systems. According to Bulgarianmilitary.

This is the exterior of the American F-22 Raptor stealth fighter. According to Bulgarianmilitary.

Unlike screws, which can loosen due to vibrations during flight, riveted joints will help the fighter remain safe and stable even in fierce combat operations. Close-up of the smooth fuselage of the Chinese J-20 stealth fighter. According to Bulgarianmilitary.

The aerodynamic properties of stealth aircraft also benefit from the use of rivets; the smooth surfaces help reduce drag, allowing for more efficient and agile flight. Close-up of the F-22 Raptor's airframe. According to Bulgarianmilitary.

At supersonic speeds, smooth surfaces like the F-22 Raptor would help stealth aircraft accelerate more easily. According to Bulgarianmilitary.

In addition, a smooth surface is necessary for radar-absorbent coatings for stealth fighters. According to Bulgarianmilitary.

Returning to the Su-57, the screw issue first came to light a few years ago, when footage released by the Russian Air Force showed a close-up of the aircraft. According to Bulgarianmilitary.

Video of the Su-57 clearly shows screws on the outer wings and fuselage panels, raising a series of questions about the finishing of this main fighter jet, Russia's national treasure. According to Bulgarianmilitary.

Stealth technology requires seamless surfaces and meticulous attention to detail in every component to minimize radar visibility; hence the choice to use screws instead of rivets, which has been puzzling. According to Bulgarianmilitary.

Experts speculate that the screws may be a temporary fix used during the prototyping phase or for pre-production aircraft to facilitate possible modifications or repairs, according to Bulgarianmilitary.

However, this seems inconsistent with an aircraft that is advertised as being technologically advanced for missions that operate with stealth advantages, according to Bulgarianmilitary.

Another theory is that the screws used to secure panels or components of the Su-57 are for easy replacement, requiring quicker access during maintenance, according to Bulgarianmilitary.

These panels are often located in areas considered less important for radar visibility, according to Bulgarianmilitary.

Such explanations, however, do little to appease skeptics who argue that the screws ruin the plane's sleek aerodynamic shape and compromise the Su-57's radar-absorbing capabilities, which are crucial to maintaining stealth, according to Bulgarianmilitary.

The ongoing saga of the Su-57, especially the visible screws and wide-open weapons bay doors, has highlighted the manufacturing challenges Russia faces in developing its advanced stealth aircraft, according to Bulgarianmilitary.

In addition, another detail showing that the manufacturing quality of Russia's Su-57 is problematic, at least in the series of test prototypes, is the appearance of air bubbles in the pilot's cockpit glass. According to Bulgarianmilitary.

While the Su-57 is intended to compete with other fifth-generation fighters such as the F-22 and F-35, such details raise doubts about the quality of the design's manufacturing standards and durability, according to Bulgarianmilitary.

Comparing the stealth characteristics of the F-22, F-35 and Su-57 not only shows the strategic differences in the approach to stealth as well as the technology between the two superpowers. According to Bulgarianmilitary.

The F-22 Raptor, with its incredible radar cross section (RCS) of just 0.0005 square meters, is the pinnacle of stealth technology. According to Bulgarianmilitary.

The F-35 Lightning II, a stealth multirole fighter, has an RCS of about 0.005 square meters. While Russia's Su-57 is said to have an RSC of about 0.1 - 0.5 square meters. According to Bulgarianmilitary.

Although the F-35's radar coverage is higher than the F-22, the aircraft is still smaller than Russia's Su-57. According to Bulgarianmilitary.

Analysts say the Su-57 still struggles to match the stealth capabilities of its American rivals. With an RCS ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 square meters, the Su-57 can still be detected by radar, raising doubts about the effectiveness of the stealth technologies used in its design. According to Bulgarianmilitary.

While the Su-57 boasts impressive maneuverability and a powerful array of weapons, its suboptimal stealth capabilities underscore the challenges Russia faces in producing modern combat aircraft, according to Bulgarianmilitary.

PV (according to ANTĐ)

Source: https://danviet.vn/tiem-kich-tang-hinh-su-57-nga-gay-ngac-nhien-lon-tai-trien-lam-trung-quoc-vi-loat-oc-vit-20241112130404675.htm