On the occasion of the Dubai Airshow 2025, held between 17 and 21 November, the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) deployed an important variety of platforms and capabilities in the Middle Eastern country, all oriented toward the export market. Without a doubt, and in line with its international promotion efforts, the Russian consortium assigned one of the experimental fighters from the Su-57 program of the Aerospace Forces (VKS) for aerial demonstrations. However, the attention of various specialists has turned to the UAC stand, where some of the latest advancements and updates being introduced to Russia’s most modern stealth combat aircraft have been revealed.
According to images circulating on social media—as well as promotional material—the installation of a new 2D thrust-vectoring nozzle can be seen on one of the scale models of the Su-57, a feature that could eventually equip the stealth fighter. This is no minor detail, as it may also be linked to the development and integration of the new AL-51F Izdeliye 30 engine, which, according to the development plan set by UAC, would replace the current NPO Lyulka-Saturn AL-41F1 installed on the Felon’s prototypes and pre-series models.
The presentation of this new thrust-vectoring nozzle at the Dubai Airshow follows a similar development from last December, when one of the Su-57 prototypes—identified as T-50-2 “052 Blue”—was observed performing a series of ground tests and taxi trials equipped with one of the new nozzles. As can be noted, they feature similarities to those installed on the U.S. Air Force’s (USAF) F-22 Raptor stealth fighters.
Among other details noted at the time, UAC stated that the nozzle’s construction was carried out using additive manufacturing techniques, commonly known as 3D printing. However, several considerations were also highlighted.
More specifically, concerns were raised about the impact that their use may have on the performance of the Su-57’s new engine. As previously mentioned, “…compared to the original circular ‘standard’ nozzles with serrated edges that equip the AL-51F engine, these new flat-type nozzles could reduce the aircraft’s power output by 6 to 8 percent, though they would significantly decrease its radar and infrared signature—a highly relevant consideration for a stealth aircraft.”
Lastly, beyond these aspects, the presentation of these new nozzles—which may or may not eventually equip the production Su-57s delivered to the VKS—could signal changes that Russia may be applying to the operational doctrine of its most modern fifth-generation fighter. As the Ukrainian conflict has shown, contested and high-intensity operational environments, saturated with enemy air defenses and electronic warfare systems, increasingly require enhanced stealth capabilities over the maneuverability characteristic of past close-range aerial combat.
Cover image used for illustration purposes – Credits: UAC Dubai Airshow 2025.
