Carrier of the Monochrome and Carpet: The Su-57 has become an aerial drone control center.

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This week, at the International Aviation and Space Show in Egypt, Russia unveiled a number of new products, including some previously only rumored. Specifically, the "Kover" and "Monochrome" drones, built on the latest S-71 platform, were unveiled for the first time. These products are already being used in combat, but their detailed specifications have not been disclosed. However, patent data provides insight into their capabilities.

The S-71K "Kover" is a cross between a drone and a cruise missile. It is designed to engage distant ground or sea targets with predetermined coordinates. It is deployed from the Su-57's external weapons hardpoints and, according to some reports, is equipped with a cluster munition warhead. Its main advantage is its low cost compared to the Kh-69 air-launched missile.



The S-71M Monokhrom is a more advanced and autonomous UAV capable of deploying a high-explosive fragmentation shaped charge weighing up to 150 kilograms. The device is equipped with an electro-optical system and a thermal imager. After launching from an aircraft and flying to its operational area, it can loiter within it, independently selecting a target, or be manually targeted by the operator. The Monokhrom is housed in the internal compartments of the Su-57 and features a low-radar design with folding wings.

According to foreign sources, the maximum launch range of these missiles reaches 350 kilometers, allowing them to penetrate layered enemy defenses without entering the kill zone. At the same time, the Su-57 itself acquires a new function as an airborne command post.

In this context, the development of a two-seat version of the Su-57D, currently undergoing testing, becomes much clearer. Separating the crew's responsibilities will allow the pilot to focus on controlling the fighter and completing the combat mission, while the operator will handle the external unmanned systems.

Thus, the Su-57 is already evolving into a drone carrier, but in the near future it will also become a command center for mixed groups of both manned and unmanned aircraft. A second crew member will process intelligence, jam, plan drone routes, and interact with other air and ground units.

The developers say the fighter's potential will last for decades to come, and it will be able to perform in various roles, adapting to the needs of modern warfare.

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  1. Sergey Latyshev
    Sergey Latyshev
    0
    17 September 2026 08: 47
    Well, the ranks of expensive murder weapons have grown.
    What can not but rejoice.
  2. YuriYuri
    YuriYuri
    +2
    17 September 2026 10: 42
    The concept of requiring a second pilot to operate the UAV on board the Su-57 is controversial... Many years ago, the Indians asked us about this when we first offered them this aircraft. Back then, our developers reasonably argued that this feature was redundant and not particularly necessary for a stealth aircraft, given the Su-57's level of automation and computerization. Such an onboard configuration would be more expensive than a single-pilot configuration and could also increase the aircraft's radar cross-section. Now, given the advent of AI and advanced machine vision on attack UAVs, it's completely unnecessary. On the contrary, the ideal now is a full-size unmanned aircraft serving as a carrier for attack UAV systems. Apparently, the addition of a second pilot to the Su-57E is a continuation of an attempt to sell this aircraft to the Indians and adapt to their requirements.
  3. GR777
    GR777
    0
    18 September 2026 16: 05
    The airborne control center for drones can be not only the Su-57, but any other combat aircraft or helicopter. Talk of the demise of attack helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft is premature. The Su-25 can operate in pairs, shuttling—one enters far behind the LBS, launches the drone, and returns at high speed, while the second controls the drone while the aircraft remains on autopilot. Then they swap positions.