RT reported that Sukhoi and Russian military-industrial group Rostec launched a single- motor hypersonic stealth fighter at the MASK 2021 International Aviation Exhibition in Moscow on July 20. Known as Checkmate, the new design is similar to the US F-35, but is aimed at being much more advanced and cheaper.
Checkmate uses technologies that have been tested in real combat conditions. Digital design has helped Sukhoi develop this tactical fighter in record time.
While the computer-powered development process takes only about a year, Checkmate's first test flight is expected to take until 2023, with the next prototypes produced until 2025, and the mass production target begins as early as 2026.
Sukhoi's latest fighter is designed for stealth, can be used in almost all weather conditions and deployed in any climate. It is said to be capable of continuous hypersonic flight, with a speed of up to Mach 1.8 (2,200km/h) and operating in advantageous conditions in the air.
According to Rostec, Checkmate is said to have an operating range of up to 2,800km and a maximum weight of 7,400kg.
The checkmate is designed to have short takeoff capabilities - but not vertical - and is equipped with weapons cavities of all kinds of current anti-aircraft missiles, artillery pieces, bombs and guided missiles. A version of the drone is also under development.
Due to its general shape, single- engine configuration and even a computerized logistics system - named Matryoshka after famous Russian dolls - the new rocket has been compared to the F-35 Lightning II compound fighter jet of lockheed Martin. However, Sukhoi and Rostec affirmed that in principle this is a completely different aircraft: It is a unique aircraft. The checkmate is faster, has a longer range and can carry more weapons than the F-35".
Dmitry Shugaev, director of Russia's Federal Agency for Technical and Military Cooperation (FSMTC), told Sputnik that the plane has groundbreaking features, high flight performance, wide range of attack and reconnaissance capabilities, and is equipped with the most advanced electronic equipment, making it difficult for radar to detect.
Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov told reporters backstage that the Checkmate is expected to be a more efficient and affordable alternative to the F-35, the Swedish Saab Gripen and the French Dassault Rafale, priced at $60 to $90 million each. Chemezov said Russia's latest Checkmate light fighter will cost around $25-30 million.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov said at the MAKS-2021 aviation exhibition that the demand for these aircraft is relatively high, with an estimated 300 units expected to be ordered in the coming time from current export customers in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Latin America.
While the numbers displayed on the fuselage have led to speculation that Checkmate would be designated a Su-75, a representative for Sukhoi has denied the rumors, saying the company considers the numbers "lucky". Because the Russian Aerospace Forces have not yet signed a contract for the new rocket, it has not been officially designated.
