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Why does Su-57 have better situational awareness?
3x BVR and 1x rear X-band 15 AESA 19 radars (N036)
These radars give the Su-57 a 360° azimuth 9 coverage for aircraft, naval detection and engagement, SAR 6 imaging, electronic warfare 2, electronic countermeasures 1, terrain following & avoidance and MAWS 5.
Analysis: The Main radar N036-1-01 “Byelka”, located at the centre of the bow, has 1,514 TRM 19s which individually is less than the F-22’s AN/APG-77 1,956 TRM. The misconception is that N036-1-01 lacks nearly a quarter of the AN/APG-77’s TRM, the fact is the Su-57 is fitted with 2x N036B‑1‑01 Side looking X-band AESAs with 404 TRMs. With the process of sensor fusion 6 1918 (1,514 + 404) TRMs can be used together at once. The N036Kh aft-facing radar information is classified, I’m unable to disclose exact figures but based on public available speculation, it is believed to have about if not the same amount of TRMs as the N036B‑1‑01 of 300 - 400+ - It could be more as it is a mainly stand-alone radar (probably why it is classified). It is located with the electronic warfare/countermeasure system in the dorsal sting between the aircraft’s two engines; thus nicknamed N036kh ‘Sting’. Below is a good attempt of mapping the Su-57’s radar range and coverages. Keep in mind RCS 5 plays a big role in the actual detection range.
Analysis: The Main radar N036-1-01 “Byelka”, located at the centre of the bow, has 1,514 TRM 19s which individually is less than the F-22’s AN/APG-77 1,956 TRM. The misconception is that N036-1-01 lacks nearly a quarter of the AN/APG-77’s TRM, the fact is the Su-57 is fitted with 2x N036B‑1‑01 Side looking X-band AESAs with 404 TRMs. With the process of sensor fusion 6 1918 (1,514 + 404) TRMs can be used together at once. The N036Kh aft-facing radar information is classified, I’m unable to disclose exact figures but based on public available speculation, it is believed to have about if not the same amount of TRMs as the N036B‑1‑01 of 300 - 400+ - It could be more as it is a mainly stand-alone radar (probably why it is classified). It is located with the electronic warfare/countermeasure system in the dorsal sting between the aircraft’s two engines; thus nicknamed N036kh ‘Sting’. Below is a good attempt of mapping the Su-57’s radar range and coverages. Keep in mind RCS 5 plays a big role in the actual detection range.
8x L-band AESAs (N036L‑1‑01)
Distributed across the airframe for another 360° azimuth coverage, a different frequency used in conjunction with the X-band for enhanced “stealth” detection & tracking, electronic warfare, electronic countermeasures, IFF 3, passive early warning & long range surveillance, SEAD 4 and multi-spectral targeting. It is important to note that the N036L‑1‑01 it self does not operate as a form of a FCS 7, it is used in conjunction with the X-bands to enhance it’s range of abilities.
Su-57 L-band N036L‑1‑01 airframe diagram schematic1402×964 78.1 KB
Electronic Warfare/countermeasures suite (L402 (KRET))
This system is used to detect, analyse, and neutralize enemy radar and communication signals reducing the Su-57’s vulnerability of being detected and targeted. The KRET 7 (manufacturer) suite uses the aft-facing N036Kh and the other N036s but also has it’s dedicated arrays, meaning at the aft of the airframe, both N036kh and the L402 arrays are used.
Radio-Optical Phased Array Radar (ROFAR (KRET)) [Upgrade on the way, Su-57M?]
This system is highly advanced, highly complex and naturally extremely classified leading to very limited information since it is in active development. In essence, it is a quantum radar that also uses light hence the “Optical” in some of it’s phases. Do not get it confused with AESAs, it is a different type of array.
This type of radar is the next step up from AESA radars, and currently under consideration as an Su-57 upgrade. To the best of my knowledge, at this time, the ROFAR is immune to jamming. This type of technology is a serious upgrade, it has the ability of bringing the Su-57 or any other aircraft into to 5+ generation aircraft status. Currently, it is a race for such technology. In 2015, KRET established a laboratory dedicated to research in photonics and initiated laboratory tests to create ROFAR. KRET is at the forefront of developing ROFAR technology, aiming to completely revolutionise radar systems by harnessing the advantages of photonics to achieve unprecedented performance levels and even a 1.5 up to 3x weight reduction from AESA systems.
This type of radar is the next step up from AESA radars, and currently under consideration as an Su-57 upgrade. To the best of my knowledge, at this time, the ROFAR is immune to jamming. This type of technology is a serious upgrade, it has the ability of bringing the Su-57 or any other aircraft into to 5+ generation aircraft status. Currently, it is a race for such technology. In 2015, KRET established a laboratory dedicated to research in photonics and initiated laboratory tests to create ROFAR. KRET is at the forefront of developing ROFAR technology, aiming to completely revolutionise radar systems by harnessing the advantages of photonics to achieve unprecedented performance levels and even a 1.5 up to 3x weight reduction from AESA systems.
