Su-57E fighter achieves high autonomy via internal fuel tanks

The Russian state corporation Rostec has highlighted the enhanced operational capabilities of the Su-57E fifth-generation fighter jet, specifically regarding its range and loiter time. By utilizing specialized fuel tanks integrated within the aircraft's internal weapons bays, the Su-57E can extend its flight range without the need for traditional external fuel pods.

This internal configuration allows the aircraft to maintain its stealth characteristics and aerodynamic efficiency by reducing radar visibility and drag. Rostec and the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) noted that this design is central to fifth-generation aviation standards.

The aircraft recently demonstrated this capability during a transit flight to the El Alamein International Airshow in Egypt. The flight required only one intermediate stop, and the aircraft arrived with enough fuel to cover an additional 1,000 kilometers. This surplus was sufficient to perform a demonstration flight equivalent to a full combat mission.