Defense & Military
Russia’s UAC Completes Maiden Flight of Su-57D Two-Seat Fighter
Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation completed the maiden flight of the Su-57D two-seat fighter, expanding roles for training and command.
This article is based on an official press release from United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), supplemented by industry research and analysis.
On May 19, 2026, Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), a subsidiary of the Rostec State Corporation, successfully completed the maiden flight of the Su-57D. According to an official company press release, this new military aircraft is a two-seat, multirole fifth-generation fighter designed to expand the operational scope of the baseline Su-57 platform.
The prototype was piloted by Sergei Bogdan, Sukhoi Design Bureau Chief Test Pilot and Hero of Russia. Industry data confirms the flight took place at the Gromov Flight Research Institute airfield in Zhukovsky, near Moscow, lasting approximately 40 minutes.
UAC and Rostec officials highlighted that the flight proceeded in accordance with mission requirements, evaluating the stability and handling characteristics of the modified airframe. The introduction of the twin-seat variant marks a significant milestone, introducing a platform intended for combat, advanced training, and airborne command and control.
Technical Specifications and Airframe Origins
According to defense analysts and open-source intelligence cited in our research, the prototype, carrying the side number “055 Blue”, was not a clean-sheet build. Instead, it was converted from an existing single-seat airframe, specifically the T-50-5R. Industry records indicate this original airframe first flew in 2013, suffered an engine fire in 2014, and was subsequently rebuilt.
During the maiden flight, Pilot Sergey Bogdan reported that the aircraft’s performance, stability, and controllability were broadly consistent with the single-seat variant, and all onboard systems operated normally.
Cockpit Configuration and Design
The Su-57D features an elongated cockpit canopy to accommodate a tandem two-seat configuration. Similar to the design philosophy seen in the Su-30 Flanker family, the rear seat is positioned significantly higher than the front seat, providing the second crew member with adequate forward visibility. UAC officially registered the patent for this two-seat design in November 2023, outlining its technical specifications and intended role as an aerial command center.
Strategic Roles: Manned-Unmanned Teaming and Training
The official press release outlines three primary operational roles for the Su-57D: command and control, combat training, and multirole combat. A key function of the second crew member will be to manage mixed groups of manned and unmanned aircraft.
“The two-seat version of the Su-57… can be used not only for pilot training but also for organizing and managing combat operations of a joint group of manned and unmanned aircraft, creating a unified information and control space,” stated Rostec in the official release.
The “Loyal Wingman” Concept
Defense analysts note that this command-and-control capability aligns closely with Russia’s ongoing development of the S-70 Okhotnik (“Hunter”) heavy stealth drone. The Su-57D is expected to act as an airborne command center, directing the S-70 as a “loyal wingman” in highly contested airspace.
“This aircraft, developed proactively by our aircraft manufacturers, will not only boast unique combat capabilities but also the capabilities of a combat trainer and combat control aircraft,” noted First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Denis Manturov in the UAC release.
Like the baseline Su-57, the Su-57D retains its low-observability characteristics and is capable of engaging air, ground, and naval targets around the clock, even in adverse weather and heavy electronic jamming environments.
Export Potential and Global Context
Beyond its tactical applications for the Russian Air-Forces, the Su-57D is heavily geared toward the export market. Historically, Russian twin-seat fighters have been highly sought after by foreign clients, and UAC leadership explicitly linked the new configuration to international sales.
“We continue to work on improving and expanding the functionality of our most advanced fifth-generation aviation system. I am confident that the two-seat version of the aircraft will significantly contribute to its success in international markets,” said Vadim Badekha, CEO of UAC.
Prospective International Clients
Industry reports indicate that India and Algeria are primary prospective buyers. Talks between Russia and India regarding the license production of the Su-57 are reportedly at an advanced technical stage. Sukhoi had previously drafted a two-seat version specifically for an Indian requirement under the now-suspended joint Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) program.
Globally, the introduction of the Su-57D places Russia alongside China, which has developed the J-20S, a two-seat version of its own fifth-generation stealth fighter. In contrast, the United States currently does not operate a two-seat fifth-generation fighter, as neither the F-22 nor the F-35 features a twin-seat variant.
AirPro News analysis
We observe that converting an existing prototype (Tail 055) rather than manufacturing a new airframe from scratch is a pragmatic, cost-effective practice in military aviation testing. This approach allows UAC to accelerate the aerodynamic and systems testing of the tandem cockpit without the lead time required for a new build. Furthermore, the explicit focus on manned-unmanned teaming underscores a global shift in aerial warfare doctrine, where fifth-generation fighters are increasingly viewed as central nodes in a broader network of autonomous combat vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When did the Su-57D make its first flight? The maiden flight took place on May 19, 2026, lasting approximately 40 minutes.
- What is the primary purpose of the second seat? The second seat is designed for a crew member to manage manned-unmanned teaming (such as controlling the S-70 Okhotnik drone), as well as for advanced pilot training.
- Is the Su-57D an entirely new aircraft? No. According to industry analysis, the prototype was converted from an existing single-seat T-50-5R airframe.
Sources
Photo Credit: United Aircraft Corporation
Defense & Military
GE Aerospace and Shield AI Complete X-BAT Engine Test
GE Aerospace and Shield AI complete AVEN thrust-vectoring nozzle testing on the F110-GE-129E, keeping X-BAT on track for late 2026 first flight.
GE Aerospace and Shield AI have successfully completed integration, actuation, and engine light-off testing of a multi-axis thrust-vectoring nozzle on an F110-GE-129E engine, clearing a major propulsion hurdle for the X-BAT vertical take-off and landing combat aircraft.
Announced in a July 20, 2026, press release, the testing took place at GE Aerospace’s operations site in Peebles, Ohio. The campaign represents the first fully integrated test of the Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle (AVEN) hardware and control systems since its original development in the 1990s. The successful light-off keeps the X-BAT program on schedule for a planned first flight in late 2026.
Resurrecting thrust vectoring for vertical flight
The AVEN system pivots engine exhaust in three dimensions, providing the precise directional control required for the aircraft to balance on its tailpipe during vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) maneuvers. Originally designed in the 1990s, the AVEN program accumulated 73 hours of ground testing and 135 flight hours across 95 flights on an experimental F-16 before being shelved.
Shield AI and GE Aerospace are now adapting that legacy hardware to meet the demands of modern autonomous flight. The integration requires the nozzle to execute rapid, coordinated movement sequences driven by Shield AI’s flight control software.
“The AVEN is what makes vertical flight possible on a platform this size and this capable. We’re applying it differently than it was ever used before. Vertical flight requires fast gimbaling to maintain attitude control, a demand the original program never had to meet,” said Armor Harris, Senior Vice President of Aircraft Engineering at Shield AI.
Harris noted that utilizing hardware with a proven track record allowed the engineering teams to bypass the initial stages of clean-sheet development. The next phase of the program will focus on iterating the propulsion approach to reduce weight and increase speed for future variants.
Scaling the X-BAT for contested environments
Shield AI unveiled the X-BAT in Washington, D.C., on October 21, 2025. The aircraft is designed as a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) capable of operating independently or as a drone wingman in contested airspace. By November 5, 2025, Shield AI and GE Aerospace had signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on the platform’s propulsion, selecting the F110-GE-129 engine paired with the AVEN system.
The aircraft relies on Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software to conduct missions without traditional runway infrastructure. According to reporting by Tectonic Defense, the X-BAT measures 26 feet in length and features a 39-foot wingspan. Naval News estimates the platform will achieve a range exceeding 2,000 nautical miles and an operational ceiling of 50,000 feet, positioning it for both austere land bases and potential naval integration.
Amy Gowder, President and CEO of Defense & Systems at GE Aerospace, stated that pairing the company’s propulsion scaling experience with Shield AI’s vehicle development allows the program to move rapidly from concept to fielded capability.
AirPro News analysis
We view the successful light-off of the AVEN-equipped F110 as a validation of Shield AI’s strategy to integrate mature subsystems rather than developing bespoke hardware. The GE Aerospace F110 engine family has accumulated 11 million flight hours. By pairing a highly reliable, mass-produced core engine with a previously flight-tested 3D vectoring nozzle, the X-BAT program significantly reduces its technical risk profile.
The primary challenge moving forward will be software integration. While the AVEN hardware is proven, the 1990s-era actuators were not designed for the continuous, high-frequency gimbaling required to stabilize a tail-sitting VTOL aircraft in turbulent conditions. Shield AI’s Hivemind system will need to manage these actuation limits carefully to prevent mechanical fatigue while maintaining attitude control during the critical transition between vertical and forward flight.
Sources: GE Aerospace
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
Defense & Military
Pratt Whitney Completes 3D-Printed TJ150 Turbojet Demo Test
Pratt & Whitney validates additive manufacturing for the TJ150, consolidating 50+ hot section parts into 3D-printed components.
Pratt & Whitney has successfully completed demonstration testing of an additively manufactured TJ150 turbojet engine, a process that consolidated more than 50 individual hot section components into a small number of 3D-printed parts.
The RTX Corporation subsidiary announced the milestone on July 20, 2026, during the Farnborough International Airshow in London. The test results validate the manufacturer’s strategy to use additive manufacturing to simplify design and accelerate production for expendable military propulsion systems.
Consolidating hot section components
According to the press release, nearly 60 percent of the TJ150 engine’s volume was produced using additive manufacturing. This volume includes major static and rotating hardware. By utilizing 3D printing technologies, engineers reduced the complexity of the engine’s hot section and replaced over 50 traditional parts with a handful of consolidated components.
The TJ150 is a 150-pound thrust class turbojet designed for single-use applications.
“For expendable engines like the TJ150, where missions can last minutes or hours, simplifying the design and scaling production quickly is essential to meeting rising demand,” said Jill Albertelli, President of Military Engines at Pratt & Whitney.
Integration with cruise missiles and decoys
The successful demonstration of the 3D-printed TJ150 follows recent contract awards and integration announcements for the engine platform. On March 10, 2026, Pratt & Whitney secured a follow-on contract from Leidos Dynetics to supply TJ150 engines for the AGM-190A small cruise missile.
In a separate announcement on July 15, 2026, Raytheon confirmed plans to prioritize the TJ150 engine for the initial production of the Miniature Air-Launched Decoy (MALD). Raytheon noted that utilizing the existing engine platform keeps restart timelines short while the company explores additively manufactured engines for longer-term opportunities.
Expanding additive manufacturing applications
Pratt & Whitney plans to apply the manufacturing techniques validated during the TJ150 demonstration to other propulsion programs. Albertelli stated that additive manufacturing helps the company move designs from concept to capability faster. She confirmed that the manufacturer is leveraging the TJ150 learnings to benefit other systems, including the Pratt & Whitney Valox engine family.
AirPro News analysis
The successful test of a heavily 3D-printed TJ150 highlights a critical shift in defense aerospace manufacturing. As military operators demand higher volumes of autonomous systems, decoys, and tactical missiles, traditional supply chains for small turbine engines face significant bottlenecks. Casting and machining conventional hot-section components requires extensive tooling and long lead times. By consolidating dozens of parts into a few additively manufactured pieces, we see manufacturers directly addressing the need for rapid scalability.
Expendable engines operate for very short durations, meaning they do not require the same long-term durability as commercial or manned military turbofans. This specific operational profile makes them ideal candidates for additive manufacturing, allowing producers to prioritize production speed and cost reduction over thousands of hours of time-on-wing reliability.
Photo Credit: RTX
Defense & Military
GE Aerospace and Magellan Sign F414 MRO MOU for Canada
GE Aerospace and Magellan Aerospace signed an MOU at Farnborough to establish a Canadian F414 engine MRO center if Canada selects the Gripen E.
GE Aerospace and Magellan Aerospace Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on July 22, 2026, at the Farnborough International Airshow to establish a Canadian MRO center for the F414-GE-39E engine. The agreement is entirely contingent on the Government of Canada selecting the Saab JAS 39 Gripen E for its future fighter fleet.
Announced in a GE Aerospace press release, the proposed MRO work would take place at Magellan’s facility in Mississauga, Ontario. The partnership aims to position Magellan as Canada’s domestic center of excellence for F414 engine sustainment, guaranteeing sovereign support capabilities for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) if the Gripen E is acquired.
Industrial offsets and the Gripen E campaign
The MOU represents a calculated component of a broader industrial offset campaign by Saab AB and its suppliers to secure a portion of Canada’s fighter procurement contract. The Canadian government is currently reviewing its fighter jet strategy. While Ottawa previously committed to purchasing a fleet of 88 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Military-Aircraft, the government is evaluating a potential mixed fleet that could include domestically built Gripen E fighters.
To strengthen the Gripen’s bid, Saab has been securing agreements with Canadian aerospace firms to promise domestic job creation and technology transfer. This engine sustainment agreement follows a similar MOU signed on July 17, 2026, between Saab and Canadian aviation training firm CAE Inc. to cooperate on advanced fighter pilot Training.
Engine sustainment and domestic capabilities
The F414 engine family has accumulated more than 5 million flight hours globally. The new agreement builds on a 60-year working relationship between GE Aerospace and Magellan Aerospace Corporation.
Paul Ferraro, Vice President of Defense Engines & Services at GE Aerospace, stated that the agreement spans both military and commercial engines and will ensure the RCAF has in-country access to sustainment services to maintain F414 readiness.
Haydn Martin, Vice President of Business Development, Marketing, and Contracts at Magellan Aerospace Corporation, emphasized the operational benefits of the proposed partnership.
“Should the Saab JAS 39 Gripen E aircraft be selected, Magellan Aerospace will be ready to provide world-class engine maintenance, repair and overhaul services that enhance operational readiness for the Royal Canadian Air Force while maintaining highly skilled Canadian jobs, developing advanced technical expertise, and strengthening Canada’s long-term defence industrial capacity,” Martin said.
AirPro News analysis
We view this MOU as a clear signal that the competition for Canada’s fighter fleet remains highly active despite the initial F-35A selection. By lining up domestic heavyweights like Magellan and CAE, Saab is directly addressing Ottawa’s stringent Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) policy requirements. If the Government of Canada opts for a mixed fleet, establishing sovereign MRO capabilities for the F414 engine will be a critical factor in mitigating supply chain risks and ensuring RCAF operational independence. Until a formal procurement decision is finalized, these agreements remain strategic positioning rather than guaranteed Contracts.
Sources: GE Aerospace
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
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