a specific person i know from discord…
yes sadly this is “trust me bro” statement, but he is reliable…
1 Like
aight brah
1 Like
You are making me dream.
If I’m not mistaken, AL51s are custom-made only for the Su-57, and are compatible with the future Su-57M, right?
Well, “technically” you can put any engine in any airframe… if you are rich enough to afford all the structural changes that might come with it. AL-41F-1S als supposed to be custom fit for Su-35S because of airframe changes but apparently you can modify Su-30SM2 airframe to fit it inside.
can possible fit in flankers too, al51 is just a slightly shorter al41 in terms of dimensions
however given that 177s kinda exists, who knows if they wanna give it new engines it will be 177s or 51
1 Like
Well yes, the Su-35 would probably undergo significant fuselage modifications, where they would be located, and to be honest, since it seems the AL-51 is finally ready, and if this likely modernization of the Su-35 is being planned (considering that VKS has been modernizing rapidly with Su-34M, Su-30SM2, Su-57M and now perhaps Su-35SM) maybe they will also consider the AL-51 for the Su-35 (they should put it on the Su-34).
i hope
depends on production and on how reliable 51 is imo. Increased thrust is nice but not if it would make half of your airorce grounded due to maintenance. Or because there is just not enough engines. But if AL-41 lines can be repurposed for AL-51 production relatively quickly, if AL-51 is as reliable as AL-41 and if there isn’t tremendous amount of work that is required for an engine refit - i can’t see any reason why AL-51 wouldn’t be placed in literally every airframe available.
I hope so, I think Saturn is really striving to get this engine to its best. I saw somewhere (I don’t remember where) that VKS wouldn’t accept any more batches of Su-57s with AL41s.
This actually makes me a bit sad about Salyut and their work with AL-31F M1\2\3. M3 version claims to have thrust equal to AL-41 while still remaining mostly AL-31 and requiring little to not changes to airframes with AL-31 to fit inside. If Su-34 would not recieve AL-51 or 41, i think AL-31F M3 would be obvious choice to pursue
The Su-34 really deserves better engines due to its size and weight; perhaps the AL-41 would be a better choice for it, as it has been in production for some time.
Su-34, Su-30SM and Su-35S are producing on different facilities by different people. Adapting Su-34 to new engines will require redesign of intakes, motor mount, control system. Changing production lines, starting certification process from zero.
we don’t know something about Saturn share holders?
2 Likes
N is close to J on keyboard.
1 Like
More than 2 actually, Su-27S is 16300 kg empty. Which is puzzling considering that airframe doesn’t have airbrake that adds a considerable weight with all the hydraulics required for operation and insteaad replaced with a fuel tank which should be considerably lighter. AL-41F-1S is also only 88 kilos heavier than AL-31F. So 2 additional pylons with wing strenghtening, new radar and additional sensors like MAW add together almost 3 tons of weight if 19000 kg is a correct number.
Which is also lighter than BARS iirc
IIRC in DCS Su-27 weights 17500kg because of reinforced version. Su-35S should be reinforced even more.
1 Like
Well, Su-27M that has Bars, bigger tail with fuel tanks inside, canards (that will add considerable weight with all the mechanisation they require) and reinforced wings is stated to be 18400 empty. How Su-35 with no canards, regular tail, no airbrake, lighter radar and same reinforced wing is 600 kilogram heavier is a mystery for me.
Oh and lets not forget 20 years gap in technology, metallurgy and material sciene.
Lets not forget the heavy RAM coating too