UAC unveils 'The Checkmate' multirole combat aircraft

摘要

Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) unveiled its newest single-engine multirole combat aircraft, which it has dubbed 'The Checkmate', at the MAKS 2021 international aerospace show held in Zhukovsky near Moscow from 20-25 July. Developed by UAC subsidiary Sukhoi, the Checkmate is built on a stealthy fuselage with twin vertical stabilisers and features an internal weapon bay and an under-chin air intake. An optical sensor is mounted in front of the cockpit. UAC did not detail the maximum take-off weight of the Checkmate, but said it has a 7,400 kg payload, can reach a speed of Mach 1.8, and has a combat range of 1,700 km without additional fuel tanks. Powered by a 14,500-16,000 kgf jet engine that is built on the technologies of Ros-tec's United Engine Corporation, the fighter is reportedly capable of manoeuvring at 8 g loads and sustained flying at supersonic speeds.