>> “Hole through: high-precision satellite images of the Su-57 in Akhtubinsk appeared” />
The Russian military hoped to protect the Su-57 with the help of a pattern on the asphalt, military analyst Howard Altman explained. But such “protection” did not help and now the damage is being hidden under a tarpaulin.
A state-of-the-art Russian Su-57 military fighter jet stood in the open air without any protection or shelter at the Akhtubinsk airfield. The only hope is that it will not be hit — a pattern on the asphalt that was supposed to mislead observers from space. Military analyst Howard Altman told about the specifics of the Ukrainian long-range drone attack on the Su-57 on The War Zone portal.
Howard Altman examined two satellite photos obtained from Maxar. The photos were taken in high quality and this gives an opportunity to see what happened on June 8, when the Akhtubinsk airbase of the Russian Armed Forces (600 km from Ukraine) was hit.
In the first photo, taken on June 7, in the center — a Su-57 fighter standing without any cover. To the left in front of the nose — a discolored white spot of unknown origin that attracted the analyst's attention. To the left and a little lower, first there is a real plane, and then there is an imitation painted on the asphalt, with which “the Russians tried to disrupt the Ukrainian strikes”.
Su-57 hit – how the fighter of the Russian Armed Forces looked before the hit Photo: Maxar
The second photo, taken on June 8, shows black spots close to the Su-57 of the Russian Armed Forces. The analyst also claims to see a “crater” at the impact site. He explained what that meant. According to him, the Ukrainian weapon exploded close to the fighter and the shrapnel pierced it through. Behind — another impact site and detonation marks on the concrete. There is an explanation for the white spots on the aircraft body. According to Altman, the stain from above the cockpit — this is the tarpaulin that the Russians are trying to use to hide the damage. While the spot on the wing — it is probably a solar flare.
Strike on the Su-57 – as a fighter of the Russian Armed Forces looked like after the hit on June 8 Photo: Maxar
Based on a high-resolution satellite photo, Howard Altman concluded that the Su-57 fighter was indeed seriously damaged. This is evidenced by the craters located in the immediate vicinity of the plane.