A recent video from the upcoming Aero India 2025 international exhibition, commencing tomorrow, highlights the Su-57’s capability to take off from a short runway. A detailed timing analysis indicates that the Su-57 achieved takeoff from a “short position” in approximately 11-12 seconds. This represents a notable enhancement in the Su-57’s performance, particularly with the AL-41F1 engine featured in the aircraft shown in the footage.
Typically, modern fighter jets, including the Su-57, require between 15 and 25 seconds to accelerate along the runway before takeoff, influenced by factors such as payload, engine thrust, and runway length.
Achieving such a brief takeoff time—merely 12 seconds—implies that the aircraft must reach takeoff speed of approximately 250-280 km/h (155-175 mph) very rapidly. This could indicate the use of afterburners for maximum thrust or that the aircraft was operating with a minimal load, which is indeed the case here.
However, this capability of the Su-57 may be limited to specific flight scenarios, such as showcasing its abilities at military exhibitions or transitioning from the manufacturing facility’s runway to its final deployment within the Russian Air Force. In actual combat situations, such a rapid takeoff would not be feasible.
The primary reasons for this limitation are the absence of armament and a reduced fuel load. When fully equipped, the Su-57 can carry up to 10 tons of combat payload, including various air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles. This significantly increases the aircraft’s overall weight, necessitating a longer runway for takeoff.
The Su-57, when operating with minimal load—specifically without weapons and with reduced fuel—has a weight ranging from approximately 18 to 20 tons. However, in a fully armed combat configuration, its weight can surpass 35 tons, effectively doubling the energy required for acceleration.
While the Su-57 is engineered to carry its munitions internally to minimize drag, it is capable of utilizing external hardpoints in certain scenarios. This adaptation further adds to the aircraft’s weight and necessitates increased engine thrust for acceleration.
Aerodynamic drag significantly influences the Su-57’s takeoff duration. A video showcasing its swift takeoff illustrates the aircraft in an ideal aerodynamic condition—devoid of external weapons and with a minimal load, which greatly lessens air resistance.
Parasitic drag, also known as frontal drag, refers to the resistance encountered by the aircraft as it advances. The Su-57 features sleek, stealth-optimized shapes designed to reduce this drag. However, when equipped with missiles or bombs on external hardpoints, the frontal drag increases, complicating acceleration. In the video, the Su-57 appears unarmed, enabling it to achieve takeoff speed more rapidly.
Induced drag is another vital consideration, as it is associated with the lift produced by the wings. A heavier aircraft demands more lift, which in turn elevates drag. The lighter configuration of the Su-57 in the video results in reduced induced drag, facilitating a quicker and more efficient takeoff.
The aircraft possesses several notable advantages that effectively mitigate aerodynamic drag. Its internal weapon bays significantly decrease frontal drag when compared to fighters such as the Su-35 or F-15, which depend on external weapon mounts. Furthermore, its sophisticated control surfaces and robust engines enhance airflow efficiency, while the utilization of afterburners during takeoff provides an extra thrust boost, facilitating quicker acceleration.
The AL-41F1 engines, along with the forthcoming “Izdeliye 30,” generate substantial thrust, allowing the Su-57 to attain impressive acceleration. If the aircraft is lightly loaded and employs afterburners, this could account for its ability to leave the runway in a mere 11-12 seconds—an impressive yet entirely rational outcome.
Armament plays a crucial role in determining the takeoff time of any fighter jet. A lighter configuration allows for swift takeoff, whereas a fully loaded Su-57 would necessitate a significantly longer distance to become airborne. This video highlights the exceptional capabilities of the Russian fighter while also serving as a reminder that combat scenarios can greatly influence its performance metrics.
Certainly, the Su-57’s accomplishment can be viewed in the context of other fighters’ capabilities. While such comparisons may lose relevance during actual combat operations, it is still worthwhile to examine the performance of other aircraft.
Under ideal circumstances—characterized by the absence of weapons, a minimal payload, an empty fuel tank, and the use of afterburners—the takeoff durations for various contemporary fighter jets will differ, yet all will demonstrate remarkable capabilities.
For instance, the F-35 is expected to achieve takeoff in approximately 20-25 seconds under these parameters. Although it is powered by a robust engine, its thrust-to-weight ratio is not as favorable when compared to lighter or more powerful aircraft, which influences its acceleration.
The F-22 Raptor, benefiting from its dual-engine configuration and stealthy design, can take off in roughly 15-20 seconds, highlighting its exceptional performance.
The Chinese J-20, despite its greater size and weight, would require about 20-25 seconds for takeoff with a minimal load. Its advanced engines and aerodynamic design allow for rapid acceleration, but its larger dimensions hinder it from matching the takeoff times of lighter counterparts.
The Dassault Rafale also exhibits commendable performance, achieving takeoff in around 20-25 seconds under similar conditions. This fighter is powered by two strong engines that facilitate swift acceleration.
The Eurofighter Typhoon, with its dual engines and relatively light frame, would take off in approximately 15-20 seconds, owing to its outstanding maneuverability and power.
The Saab Gripen, being a lighter and more agile aircraft, would similarly achieve takeoff in about 15-20 seconds when operating with minimal load and utilizing afterburners.
The F-15, equipped with its dual engines, can achieve takeoff in approximately 20-25 seconds under favorable conditions. This aircraft is renowned for its exceptional performance, though its heavier weight results in a slightly slower acceleration compared to some of the latest models.
Similarly, the F-18, celebrated for its agility and well-balanced structure, also requires around 20-25 seconds for takeoff in optimal circumstances. Its robust engines facilitate a strong launch, yet it is not as lightweight as some of its contemporary rivals.
While all these aircraft exhibit remarkable acceleration capabilities under ideal conditions, the Su-57 demonstrates that, with minimal load and the right environment, it can take off in an even shorter timeframe. Nonetheless, when evaluated under the same takeoff conditions, all these fighters would achieve takeoff in under 30 seconds.
