Unverified images circulating on Russian military social media channels suggest that a two-seat variant of the Su-57 stealth fighter is undergoing early ground testing, potentially marking the first appearance of a tandem-seat version of Russia’s fifth-generation combat aircraft.
The photos, shared on May 16–17 by the FighterBomber Telegram channel, show a Su-57-like airframe with an elongated canopy and enlarged cockpit section configured for two crew members in tandem. FighterBomber claimed the aircraft conducted taxi trials, but there has been no official confirmation from Russian authorities or the United Aircraft Corporation. The background of the leaked image is heavily blurred, and identifying markings appear edited out, though researchers report a bort number 055 Blue, linking the jet to a modified prototype airframe.
The cockpit layout, with a pronounced height difference between the front and rear seats, recalls the Su-30 family, likely intended to improve rear crew visibility. A logo depicting the Su-57 alongside the S-70 Okhotnik unmanned combat air vehicle is visible on the tail, prompting speculation that the second crew member could manage drones or networked operations, in addition to roles as an instructor or weapons systems operator.
A 2023 Russian patent for a “multifunctional two-seat low-observable tactical aircraft” closely resembling the Su-57 had already hinted at such a development. Some Russian commentary suggests the twin-seat configuration is aimed primarily at export customers, although this has not been officially stated.