The arrival of two Su-57 Felon prototypes at the upcoming Airshow China has offered a rare opportunity to examine key aspects of Russia’s most advanced fifth-generation fighter. Among the most intriguing revelations is the first close-up look at the Su-57’s small wing-root weapons bays. These bays, which have long been a subject of speculation and interest, have remained somewhat of a mystery until now.
At previous points, we’ve discussed the design and potential function of the Su-57’s wing-root weapons bays, but detailed imagery and analysis were lacking. The appearance of the two prototypes at the airshow has given military observers and aviation enthusiasts alike an unprecedented glimpse into this critical feature of the aircraft.
From the images and videos taken at the event, we can now confirm the design of the weapon bays, which are integrated into the aircraft’s wings, just behind the leading edge. Unlike traditional internal weapons bays that are often located within the fuselage, these bays are compact and appear specifically optimized for carrying smaller air-to-air missiles. This could suggest that the Su-57 is tailored to prioritize stealth while maintaining a versatile weapons loadout, which is one of the key tenets of its design.
The specifics of what type of missiles can be stored in these bays are still not fully confirmed, though they are widely believed to be intended for short- to medium-range air-to-air engagements. The SU-57’s use of these smaller bays would allow the aircraft to carry such missiles without compromising its stealth profile, as their integration into the aircraft’s wings reduces the need for external hardpoints that could degrade radar signature.
While much about the Su-57’s capabilities remains speculative, particularly regarding the precise functionality of its weapons bays, this closer inspection at Airshow China is an important step in understanding the nuances of the fighter’s design. There is still a great deal to learn about how these wing-root bays operate in practice, including how they open and close during flight, and whether they affect the aircraft’s overall performance in terms of speed, agility, and stealth.
The Su-57’s airframe has been designed with stealth and high maneuverability in mind, and these wing-root weapons bays are likely to be a key feature of its ability to perform a range of complex air-to-air and strike missions. However, further testing and more details from Russian defense officials will be necessary to gain a full understanding of how these weapon bays contribute to the fighter’s operational capabilities.
As Russia continues to develop the Su-57, it remains one of the most closely watched next-generation fighters in the world, and these small but crucial design elements hint at the ambitious technological goals behind the program. With more prototypes expected to be shown in the near future, additional information on the aircraft’s weapon systems and performance will likely continue to emerge, offering more insights into how the Su-57 will compete on the global stage against other fifth-generation fighters.