Checkmate can use a full range of weapons to fight against any air, land, sea targets, as well as counteract most advanced anti-air defence systems. At the same time, its own electronic warfare equipment allows the plane to avoid detection and evade enemy weapons. Its advanced modern avionics allow it to engage in air combat and attack ground attacks with active phased array radar, providing effective targeting capabilities even under strong electromagnetic interference. It has a very high level of combat effectiveness considering its relatively low cost and cheap flight hour. Checkmate is a “lightweight” platform, optimal for solving urgent tasks with minimal financial costs. Nevertheless, their capabilities are limited and not fit for particular missions. – Both Su-57 and Su-35 are unique planes in their own right, you could call them part of the ”major league”. How does its design differ from older Su-57 or Su-35 models? – The plane has a prototype that is ready for testing. The role of the plane is similar to the knight piece from chess: manoeuvrable and capable of executing unexpected moves that decide the course of the game.

The key concept of the project is summarised by its name, Checkmate. It also holds great potential for modernisation. I would like to note that this is not just a fighter jet, but a high-tech smart aviation platform, with open architecture and adaptability: it can be assembled in several configurations, based on concrete requirements of the customer. These are remarkable numbers for a light single-engine plane. For example, it has a maximum combat payload of 7,400 kilogrammes and a flight range of 2,900 kilometres without additional fuel tanks. The aircraft has a completely unique set of flight and combat characteristics, while maintaining an affordable price and relatively low operating cost per flight hour. We actively used supercomputer technologies during the creation process, allowing us to significantly save both time and funds spent on development and testing. In its stealth configuration, Checkmate is capable of carrying up to five air-to-air missiles of various ranges, as well as other aviation weapons. The model is equipped with advanced avionics and the most capacious weapon bays within its class. – It is a fifth-generation fighter with stealth capabilities and high flight performance. – Could you give an introduction to the aircraft that was unveiled today?

The head of Rostec Sergey Chemezov was interviewed by Dmitry Reshetnikov of RIA Novosti on various technical features of the new fighter, its export potential, capabilities on interacting with drones and further plans to create an unmanned fighter based on this particular design. The single-engine export-oriented aircraft is developed by Sukhoi (part of the United Aircraft Corporation of Rostec). The main premiere of the 15th International Aviation and Space Salon MAKS-2021, opening on Tuesday in Zhukovsky airport near Moscow, was the latest Russian light tactical fighter jet, referred as “Checkmate”. Sergey Chemezov: “Checkmate has a completely unique set of characteristics”

Russia sukhoi checkmate