At the World Defence Show 2024 exhibition, which took place from 4 to 8 February in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, the United Aircraft Corporation showed an updated model of the Checkmate (Su-75) light tactical aircraft. The project of the fifth-generation single-seat fighter is being developed at the Sukhoi Design Bureau of UAC. The prototype aircraft was first demonstrated in July 2021 at the MAKS air show. UAC says the aircraft has some changes and draws attention to the air intake.
The Su-75’s air intake is located under the fuselage. In the 2021 version of the project, it is divided into two channels and its lower corner part slightly protrudes in the direction of flight. On the model, which UAC brought to Riyadh, there is no such division, the air channel is one without a bulkhead at the flow inlet, and the bottom of the air intake is straight.
Vzlyot magazine noted that the configuration of the tail beams and the control surfaces they end with have changed, and the wing has also changed: the area of the flaperons has been significantly increased.
The Su-75 Checkmate is positioned by the Sukhoi Design Bureau as a universal modular platform that allows for radical changes in the functionality of the entire aircraft complex, while keeping its transport capabilities unchanged. The concept proposed by the designers assumes the use of the basic part of the aircraft as a basis for creating aircraft of various modifications, which are achieved by replacing the fuselage head section, which is the most loaded with onboard equipment. Sukhoi Design Bureau’s invention is protected by patent RU 2807558.
