Russia's Su-57 skips external fuel tanks for Egypt flight

Russia's United Aircraft Corporation said an Su-57 flew to Egypt using removable fuel tanks installed inside its weapons bays instead of conventional external drop tanks. The arrangement extended ferry range while preserving external aerodynamics and avoiding the additional radar signature created by underwing tanks. It also occupied internal volume normally available for weapons, making the configuration most relevant to transit rather than combat. The flight supported Su-57E export marketing at the El Alamein air show, but the manufacturer's performance claims and customer-delivery statements remain only partly disclosed.