Su-57's Build Quality at Zhuhai Air Show Sparks Debate

Concerns Raised Over Su-57’s Construction at Zhuhai Air Show

In an unexpected turn of events, the recent display of the Sukhoi Su-57 at the forthcoming Zhuhai air show has raised eyebrows over its perceived subpar construction quality. A close examination of a widely circulated video raises questions about the overall build of Russia's prospective stealth fighter.

Insight into the Su-57 at Zhuhai

The aircraft set to grace the air show—the model 054 prototype—has been showcased at various air shows, particularly in its Russian homeland. According to the 2024 World Air Forces directory by FlightGlobal, the Russian Air Force includes 14 such aircraft in its fleet and has placed orders for another 62.

The video that brought this issue to light, predominantly shared via Chinese social media, examines the front left part of the aircraft, including the fuselage joint and the leading edge of the left wing. It abruptly comes to an end as a result of intervention by security personnel.

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Noteworthy Observations and Public Reactions

Some noticeable irregularities include seemingly rough fuselage joints and uneven rivets uncharacteristic of modern stealth fighters, and panels that do not align seamlessly forming prominent gaps. Similar flaws can be traced back to former Russian aircraft designs. Also discernible were the aircraft’s infrared search and track sensor and two pitot tubes located just beneath the forward canopy.

The Su-57's leading edge extension (LEE) and leading edge have visibly poorly fitted joints. The LEE's position, bent sharply downward, exposes large holes, necessary for attaching the actuator. Additionally, the wing's underside panels are not flush.

These apparent flaws in stealth features have subjected the Su-57 to mockery on Chinese social media platforms, with an unfavorable comparison being drawn to the Chengdu J-20.

Questionable Security Measures and Combat Effectiveness

Alarmingly, the security measures surrounding the aircraft, touted as a cutting-edge, fifth-generation stealth fighter, were glaringly inadequate. Photographers managed to get exceptionally close to the jet, noting that the intakes – vital for creating a truly low visibility aircraft – were unshielded. The Lockheed Martin F-35's security, in contrast, is notably stringent at air shows and press interactions, with photo opportunities restricted to a safe distance and the fighter's intakes and thrust nozzles fitted with covers.

Despite its status as Russia's most advanced fighter, the Su-57’s contributions to Russia's Ukraine incursion have been minimal. The UK Defence Intelligence revealed in January 2023 that, despite being deployed against Ukraine, the Su-57 has only struck from stand-off ranges, suggesting Moscow's anxiety over the potential downing of the aircraft over Ukrainian territory. Further adding to its dilemmas, a Su-57 was reportedly damaged by a Ukrainian drone strike at a distant airbase this year.

The Zhuhai Air Show Roster and Media Exclusion

The 2024 Zhuhai air show, scheduled from November 12th to 17th, will also feature China's new Shenyang J-35, capable of landing on an aircraft carrier, and the J-20. However, there is speculation that a myriad of unmanned systems won't be on display. Notably, this year's show is not welcoming international media—a stark difference from previous years, when the event attracted global media—since both mainstream and trade outlet reporters have been denied invitations.