Aerodynamic and Systems Level Analysis of a 5th Generation Fighter Using Classical Methods and Open-Source Data

Abstract

The Sukhoi Su-57 (Felon) is Russia's first operational fifth-generation multirole fighter, which entered limited service in 2020. This paper presents an aerodynamic and systems-level analysis derived entirely from open-source data using the USAF Digital DATCOM methodology applied to publicly available geometric data. The analysis derives stability derivatives and estimates lift, drag, turn performance, and rate of climb. Key results include: lift-curve slope C_{L_alpha} = 2.728 rad^{-1}, clean-configuration subsonic drag D = 55.96 kN, instantaneous turn rate psi_dot = 24.4 deg/s, sustained turn rate psi_dot = 23.7 deg/s with LEVCON and thrust-vectoring augmentation, and rate of climb ROC = 180.5 m/s. The leading-edge vortex controller (LEVCON) system analysis indicates lift increments of 8.5-19.4% at high angles of attack. The derived sustained turn rate falls at the lower end of the open-literature range
(25-30 deg/s), while a substantially larger discrepancy is identified for rate of climb, with widely cited figures shown to be inconsistent with published engine specifications. The paper additionally reviews the Sh121 radar complex, L402 electronic-warfare suite, internal weapons architecture, and operational characteristics relative to Western fifth-generation fighters.