The graphic above, clearly visible on a close-up photograph of the right fin of the Su-57D, published on the "Defence" TC, highlights the role that the twin-seat stealth platform may be equipped to play.
The graphic shows the Su-57D at the center, with four silhouettes positioned at the tips of white spiral markings radiating outward. Each silhouette appears to represent an aerial platform or missile.
According to the Defence TC, the silhouettes represent the S-70 Okhotnik UCAV, an unmanned Su-75, the Kh-69 air-to-surface cruise missile, and the "Izdeliye 810" air-to-air missile — a further evolution of the R-37M.
If true, the graphic illustrates the Su-57D's ability to coordinate attacks by S-70 and Su-75 combat drones while also launching attacks itself using Kh-69 and Izdeliye 810 missiles.
I believe the silhouettes could instead represent the S-70 Okhotnik UCAV, an unmanned Su-75, a MALE reconnaissance and targeting drone, and a tactical ballistic missile such as the Iskander-M.
In that case, the graphic would illustrate the Su-57D's ability to coordinate attacks by S-70 and Su-75 combat drones, as well as assign targets to an Iskander-M battery using coordinates relayed from the MALE drone.
I could be wrong, but my interpretation is based on what appear to be the Su-57D's primary roles — a drone mothership for MUM-T operations and an airborne command post.
It may be noted that, when configured for MUM-T and command-post roles, the Su-57D likely does not carry weapons in its internal bays. I explained the reasons in my earlier blogpost.
You are welcome to share your opinion with a comment below.
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