Russia Prepares to Produce First Prototypes of Su-75 Fighter Jet

Russian state corporation "Rostec" announced the start of preparations for the production of prototypes of the promising Russian fighter jet model "Su-75" ("Checkmate").

The aircraft is expected to make its first test flight in the near future. This was stated by Alexey Bogatirev, head of the "Savir" analytical center, during the "Open Broadcast" program on the Russian television channel "Zvezda," noting that the "Su-75" ("Checkmate") fighter surpasses the American F-35A fighter in terms of technical specifications and cost.

Unlike the American stealth fighter, the Russian aircraft can reach speeds of up to Mach 2 and fly at altitudes of up to 16,500 meters, while the speed of the F-35A does not exceed approximately Mach 1.6, according to data provided by Bogatirev. He added that one of the main advantages of the "Su-75" is its ability to fly continuously without using afterburners, which, according to him, gives it an advantage in close-range aerial combat.

Cost is another advantage highlighted by Bogatirev, estimating the price of "Checkmate" at around $25-30 million, compared to about $82 million for the F-35A fighter. He also predicted that the operating costs of the Russian aircraft would be approximately 6-7 times lower. Conversely, he pointed to the high maintenance costs and complexity of the F-35A, as well as what he described as political restrictions imposed on the export of the American fighter.

It is worth noting that the "Su-75" ("Checkmate") is a Russian project for a light single-engine fifth-generation fighter developed by Sukhoi. It was unveiled for the first time at the MAKS Air and Space Show in Moscow in July 2021.

Design
The "Su-75" was designed as a light multi-role combat platform, primarily targeting the export market, with the possibility of use by the Russian Air Force.

The basic idea behind the fighter is to offer a lighter and less expensive platform than the heavier Russian fighter "Su-57," alongside competing with Western aircraft of the same class.

The design of the "Su-75" relies on a single engine, aiming to reduce production and operating costs compared to twin-engine fighters. The fighter also benefits from technologies developed within the "Su-57" project, including certain systems, engines, flight technologies, and construction materials, according to published data.

Technical Specifications
Some published specifications of the aircraft vary between sources, and among the most circulated data are:

Maximum takeoff weight: approximately 26 tons.
Maximum speed: between Mach 1.8 and 2.0, i.e., about 2,200 km/h.
Maximum range without external fuel tanks: between 2,800 and 3,000 km.
Maximum combat payload: 7,400 kg.
Service ceiling: 16,500 meters.
Armament: 30 mm automatic cannon, air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, and munitions that can be carried inside and outside the aircraft's fuselage.
Estimated price for the export version: between $25 and $35 million (much lower than the F-35A).

Source: Zvezda TV Channel