The Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate is a Russian single-engine, fifth-generation stealth fighter jet designed for cost-effective air superiority and multirole missions.
The Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate is a single-engine, fifth-generation stealth fighter jet developed by Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC). Designed for both domestic use and export, the Su-75 aims to provide a cost-effective solution for air superiority and multirole missions. The aircraft features advanced stealth technology, a high thrust-to-weight ratio, and an internal weapons bay capable of carrying up to 7,400 kg (16,314 lbs) of payload. Powered by the NPO Saturn AL-41F1 engine, it is expected to reach speeds up to Mach 1.8 and has an operational range of approximately 2,800 km (1,740 miles). The Su-75 incorporates modern avionics, artificial intelligence integration, and is designed for ease of maintenance, aiming to compete with contemporary fighters like the F-35 in performance while offering a more accessible price point.
History of the Development of the Sukhoi Checkmate (Su-75)
In the early 21st century, the global demand for advanced yet affordable fighter aircraft prompted Russia to explore new designs that could meet both domestic and international needs. The Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate emerged from this context as a response to the growing market for cost-effective, fifth-generation stealth fighters. The project was initiated by the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), with development led by the Sukhoi Design Bureau.
The Checkmate project was officially unveiled at the MAKS 2021 air show near Moscow on July 20, 2021, in the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin. This public debut showcased a full-scale mock-up of the aircraft, highlighting Russia’s commitment to entering the lightweight stealth fighter market. The Su-75 was designed to address the operational requirements of countries seeking advanced capabilities without the financial burden of more expensive platforms like the F-35.
The development objectives for the Su-75 focused on creating a single-engine, multirole fighter with stealth characteristics, advanced avionics, and a reduced operational cost. The aircraft was intended to perform a variety of missions, including air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance. By incorporating an open architecture design, the Su-75 could be easily adapted to the specific needs of various customers, enhancing its appeal in the international market.
The program aimed to produce a prototype capable of its maiden flight by 2023, with serial production initially planned for 2026-2027. However, the project has faced several challenges, including financial constraints and international sanctions, which have led to delays. As of late 2024, reports indicate that the development has reached a sufficient stage of readiness, allowing for optimism about the program’s future prospects. Despite these challenges, the Su-75 continues to attract interest from potential international customers, particularly in the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America.
The aircraft does not have an official NATO reporting name as of now.
Design of the Sukhoi Checkmate (Su-75)
The Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate features a design that emphasizes stealth, agility, and operational versatility. The aircraft measures approximately 17.7 meters (58 feet 1 inch) in length, with a wingspan of 11.8 meters (38 feet 9 inches), and a height of 4.0 meters (13 feet 1 inch). The maximum takeoff weight is projected to be around 26,000 kg (57,320 lbs).
A notable aspect of the Su-75’s design is its single-engine configuration, utilizing the NPO Saturn AL-41F1 afterburning turbofan engine. This engine is expected to provide a thrust of approximately 161.9 kN (36,400 lbf) with afterburner, contributing to the aircraft’s high thrust-to-weight ratio and enabling speeds up to Mach 1.8. The single-engine setup offers advantages in terms of reduced maintenance complexity and operational costs compared to twin-engine designs.
The airframe incorporates a V-shaped tail and a ventral air intake designed to minimize radar cross-section, enhancing the aircraft’s stealth capabilities. The internal weapons bay is capable of carrying up to 7,400 kg (16,314 lbs) of various munitions, allowing the aircraft to maintain a low observable profile while being fully armed. The use of advanced composite materials in the construction of the airframe further reduces weight and enhances stealth characteristics.
The cockpit is designed with a modern glass interface, featuring two large multifunctional LCD screens and a wide-angle head-up display (HUD). This setup provides the pilot with comprehensive situational awareness and simplifies the management of the aircraft’s systems. The avionics suite is built on an open architecture, allowing for easy upgrades and integration of new technologies as they become available.
One of the design objectives was to ensure ease of maintenance and operational readiness. The aircraft’s systems are equipped with advanced diagnostics, enabling predictive maintenance and reducing downtime. The combination of a single-engine layout, modular avionics, and accessible components contributes to lower lifecycle costs, making the Su-75 an attractive option for air forces with budget constraints.
Performance of the Sukhoi Checkmate (Su-75)
Engine and Power
The Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate is powered by a single NPO Saturn AL-41F1 afterburning turbofan engine, the same type used in the Su-57 Felon. The engine produces approximately 88.3 kN (19,842 lbf) of dry thrust and 161.9 kN (36,400 lbf) with afterburner. This thrust level provides a high thrust-to-weight ratio, enabling superior maneuverability and acceleration.
Speed and Range
The maximum speed of the Su-75 is estimated to be Mach 1.8 (2,205 km/h or 1,370 mph). This places it below the Mach 2+ speeds of traditional air superiority fighters such as the Su-35 but aligns it with other single-engine stealth fighters like the F-35. The aircraft has an operational range of 2,800 km (1,740 miles), which can be extended with external fuel tanks or aerial refueling.
Altitude and Climb Rate
The aircraft is expected to have a service ceiling of approximately 16,500 meters (54,134 feet). This allows it to operate at high altitudes, enhancing its ability to engage threats from a superior position. The rate of climb is estimated at 305 m/s (1,000 feet per second), which is competitive within its category.
Comparison with Other Fighters
The Su-75 competes with the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II and China’s Shenyang FC-31, both of which are single-engine, fifth-generation stealth fighters. Compared to the F-35A, which has a top speed of Mach 1.6 and a range of 2,200 km (1,367 miles), the Su-75 offers slightly better speed and range. However, the F-35 boasts a superior sensor suite and advanced data fusion, areas where the Su-75 is still being developed. Against the Chinese FC-31, which has a similar speed but lower range, the Su-75 provides a cost-effective alternative for nations looking to acquire fifth-generation capabilities without the high expense of U.S. aircraft.
Stealth and Radar Signature
The Su-75 features an advanced radar cross-section reduction design, incorporating stealth coatings, internal weapons storage, and an optimized airframe to minimize detectability. The radar signature is expected to be comparable to or lower than that of the Su-57 Felon, though likely higher than the F-35, which has extensive stealth optimization.
Variants of the Sukhoi Checkmate (Su-75)
As of early 2025, the Su-75 Checkmate remains in its prototype phase, and official variants have not been finalized. However, Sukhoi has outlined several planned versions:
- Standard Su-75
- Single-seat variant for air superiority, strike, and multirole operations.
- Equipped with internal weapon bays and the AL-41F1 engine.
- Su-75 Unmanned Variant
- Proposed unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) version, designed for autonomous operations and AI-assisted missions.
- Expected to feature an AI-controlled flight system with human supervision.
- Two-Seat Trainer and Strike Variant
- A conceptual two-seat version, allowing for a training platform or additional weapons systems officer (WSO) capability.
- Could serve as an advanced electronic warfare and deep-strike aircraft.
- Naval Variant
- A carrier-capable version has been suggested, though no formal plans have been confirmed.
- Would require reinforced landing gear, an arrestor hook, and possible structural modifications.
Military Missions of the Sukhoi Checkmate (Su-75)
Armament
The Su-75 is designed with a stealth-oriented internal weapons bay capable of carrying up to 7,400 kg (16,314 lbs) of payload. It will likely support a variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions, including:
- R-77M air-to-air missiles (beyond-visual-range engagements)
- R-74M short-range infrared-guided missiles
- Kh-59MK2 air-to-ground missiles (precision strikes)
- Kh-38M air-to-surface missiles
- KAB-500 and KAB-250 guided bombs
- GSh-30-1 30mm autocannon for close-range combat
Operational Roles
The Su-75 is expected to conduct a variety of missions, including:
- Air Superiority
- Designed to engage enemy aircraft in both beyond-visual-range and dogfight scenarios.
- Stealth capabilities and advanced radar allow it to detect and engage targets before being detected.
- Strike and Ground Attack
- Capable of engaging ground-based targets with precision-guided munitions.
- Potentially able to integrate anti-ship missiles, expanding its role into maritime strike operations.
- Electronic Warfare and Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD)
- Designed to neutralize enemy radar and defense systems using electronic warfare pods and anti-radiation missiles.
- Expected to feature advanced countermeasures for survival in contested environments.
- Reconnaissance and Intelligence Gathering
- The aircraft will likely be equipped with advanced synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and infrared sensors for battlefield surveillance.
- Potential for AI-driven data fusion, similar to the F-35’s sensor suite.
Export and Potential Operators
The Su-75 has been marketed to several countries, particularly those seeking advanced capabilities at a lower cost. Possible buyers include:
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- India (considering an alternative to the Rafale and Tejas)
- Vietnam (looking to modernize its air force)
- Argentina (considering Russian alternatives due to restrictions on Western aircraft)
Competing Aircraft
The primary competitors of the Su-75 include:
- Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II (superior avionics, established production, higher cost)
- Shenyang FC-31 Gyrfalcon (similar stealth capabilities, Chinese-built alternative)
- Dassault Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon (fourth-generation fighters with proven combat capabilities)
As of early 2025, the Su-75 has not yet entered operational service. Production is anticipated to begin by 2027, pending further developments and funding availability.
The Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate is designed to be an affordable, stealth-capable, fifth-generation fighter, targeting both the Russian military and export markets. It integrates a high-thrust single-engine, stealth geometry, and advanced avionics, offering a competitive alternative to Western fighters. While it faces challenges in development and production, the Su-75 presents a promising option for countries seeking a cost-effective multirole aircraft with stealth and advanced combat capabilities.
The main strengths of the Su-75 include its low radar signature, powerful engine, and modular avionics. However, the aircraft still requires further testing and refinement before full-scale production. Its ability to compete with established fifth-generation fighters like the F-35 will depend on the final avionics suite, weapons integration, and production scalability.
While still in its prototype stage, the Su-75 has the potential to be a strategic asset for nations requiring modern air power without excessive financial investment.
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