The Sukhoi Su-57, in development since 2002, as a part of Russia's 5th Generation fighter programme is set to debut before the general public at the Russian Aviation Salon. The plane has been offered to the Indian Air Force, and other countries are also expected to consider purchases during the MAKS 2019.
A video released by the public group “Voyennyy Osvedomitel'” on Russian social media network “VK” on 26 August showed an unusual landing by the much-awaited Sukhoi Su-57 jet at Russia's Zhukovsky Airport, with the plane releasing drogue parachutes before touching the ground.
The video was captured during preparations for the MAKS-2019 International Aviation and Space Salon, which will commence 27 August in the Moscow region, Russia.
Some Twitter users suggested that this is a “new word” or a “new method” of short-runway landing, noting that it looked “spectacular”, as the jet came down on landing gear with much more significant force than during a standard landing. Some viewers also noted that it could have just been a pilot error or even an act of hooliganism.
”Of course, it looks spectacular. I don't know what loads the Su-57 landing gear was designed for, if this is the way it was supposed to land – then this is a new word in landings. If the pilot was fooling around, then in our regiment; we would've gotten a flight suspension for that kind of stunt. Dropping a plane 2-3 meters before touchdown…
