Aviapedia

Su-35BM/T-10BM : The last Flanker

By Zarko Bulatovic | April 27, 2007 on 11:32 am | In Documentation, Fighters, Su-35 Super Flanker, Sukhoi |

This aircraft has not reached serial production stage yet, thus the avionics configuration is subjectable to changes. The Aviapedia staff will keep close eye on the matter, so stay tuned for possible article updates.

Introduction :

Su-35BM will be the last developed Flanker. An final upgrade, final variant. Actually, the designation is quite confusing, since Su-35 already exists in Russian Air Force. Su-35 was the export designation for upgraded Su-27, called Su-27M, internal Sukhoi designation T-10M. Su-27M gave baseline Flanker new avionics, as well as precision air-to-ground capability. Only five of these are in service with VVS (Russian Air Force), with 237th regiment based at Kubinka Air Base. VVS chose another path instead; to incorporate technologies tested in Su-35/T-10M, together with those of Su-30MK, into an standard upgrade project for the baseline Flanker, the Su-27SM. The Su-35 designation was also used for Su-37, dubbed as “Terminator”. Aircraft was a testbed for 2D thrust-vectoring engines, mounted on Su-35/T-10M.

The new Su-35BM is going to fill the interim gap between standard 4+ generation Su-27SM in service today, and PAK-FA, 5th generation fighter in developement stage. Thus, Su-35BM is designated as 4++ generation fighter, together with new MiG-35. Official first flight will commence late this year, Sukhoi officialy stated that year 2007 is the ending year of all work on Su-35BM. After MAKS 2007, Su-35BM will be put on state trials. The aircraft should be ordered by VVS, after all, they’re the ones who supported the initial beggining of work on the BM, after successful Su-27SM program.

Main specifications

Length	21.9 meters
Height	5.9 meters
Wingspan	15.3 meters

Take-off weight, with two R-77 and two R-73	25.3 tons
Take-off weight, with maximum payload	34.5 tons
Total thrust available, two Saturn 177S powerplants	29 tons
Thrust to weight ratio, under normal and maximum load	1.14 / 0.84

Maximum fuel in integrated fueltanks	11.5 tons
Maximum weapons load	8 tons

Service ceiling	18 kilometers
Range with maximum fuel, on sea-level and altitude	1,580 km / 3,600 km
Ferry range, with two PTB-2000 external tanks	4,500 km

Acceleration from 600kph to 1100kph, at 1000m alt and 50% fuel	13.8 seconds
Acceleration from 1100kph to 1300kph, at 1000m alt and 50% fuel	8.0 seconds
Maximum rate of climb, at 1000m alt	280 meters / sec
Maximum airspeed, low-level and altitude (200m / 11000m)	1,400 kph / M2.25
Maximum G-load	9 G’s

Take-off run, full afterburner, normal weight	400-450 meters
Landing roll, brakes + parachute, standard landing weight	650 meters
Information taken from official KnAAPO brochures

Official description from KnAAPO (manufacturer) follows : “Su-35 is designed to gain air superiority through manned and unmanned aircraft destroying, by guided missiles, in medium and long range engagements and dogfights; to destroy ground and surface targets by all type of weapon, as well as destroy the enemy ground infrastructure facilities located very far from the base airfields, heavily protected by active AAD system”

The most important Su-35BM/T-10BM characteristics are : supreme flight performance (superagility), long range information targeting systems, jam-proof datalinks for squadron or ground control operations, high performance short, medium and long range missiles of both anti-air and anti-ground type, carried externally on fourteen hardpoints, sophisticated EW/ECM/ER systems, radar cross-section reduction, high-power sensors with adequate computing power and sensory fusion technique, cockpit with large LCD multi-function displays, and an in-flight refuelling probe.

Unlike Su-37, which was seen as remarkable aircraft by aerospace community, Su-35BM will have all Russian systems. Su-37 had it’s cockpit systems imported from French Sextant/Thales.

Airframe :

Su-35BM is more alike standard Su-27S, than Su-35/T-10M. It has no canards, has smaller fins, tailcone is smaller than those found on T-10M. High-lift surfaces are larger, big flaperons occupying complete wing trailing edge. Airframe structure is more “refined”, with usage of RAM coating and new all-composites material. Latter is said to grant 20% of weight reduction and an RCS signature suppression. Su-35BM also has larger air intakes.

Powerplant :

Engines that were planned for T-10BM are Saturn AL-41F1, with supercruise capability, rated at 15 metric tons of thrust each. This family of engines will power PAK-FA too, and are going to power Su-34 Fullback long range strike aircraft. The AL-41 series was built to feed power-hungry aircraft such as MiG’s MFI (1.42/1.44), and S-37/Su-47 Berkut. It was stated that first versions of these engines powered the MFI, but, recent statements from NPO Saturn pointed out, that engines won’t be ready for the first preproduction versions of PAK-FA. Thus, it’s viable to concur that Su-35BM won’t have it’s first flight with AL-41F1. To note : the MFI has flown on AL-31’s, while the Berkut was fitted with D-30F-6 engines, powerplant from MiG-31.

However, NPO Saturn managed to develop heavily upgraded AL-31F engines, and designated them AL-41F1A, or article 117S. The designation of AL-41(X) notes that thrust is closer to projected AL-41F series, but the AL-41F1A’s feature old, refubrished core. The AL-41F’s will have all-new core.

AL-41F1A are equipeed with three-dimensional thrust vectoring nozzles, too, so both of Russian 4++ generation aircraft will be 3D TVC capable, if we count the fact that Morskaya Osa engines can be upgraded with all-axis nozzles. As it’s stated on official sites, AL-41F1A’s have 14.5 tons of thrust each, that means 29 tons of thrust for Su-35BM. Since some early sources claimed that airframe material enhancement reduced Su-35BM weight by 20%, aircraft could have an greatly increased thrust-to-weight ratio, ensuring superb combat and flight performance.

Sensors and avionics :

Main radar system for the Su-35BM is the Tikhomirov NIIP Irbis-E (N035E). While it’s pointed out that this will be the radar model used on Su-35BM, it’s also probable that Su-35BM could fly with Phazotron NIIR radar, the Sokol III (N031 Zhuk-MSFE). Given the latest achievements on the field of AESA technology by Phazotron, that are already visible in form of complete systems found on the other Russian 4++ gen aircraft, MiG-35, Su-35BM could be equipped with an derivative of current Phazotron AESA models. However, Irbis is marked as the number one option for the radar system.

Tikhomirov NIIP Irbis-E radar uses electronically scanned array (ESA). It’s a multifunctional radar system, working in X-band, holded on two-axis hydraulic drive. Radar uses EKVS-E BTsVM Solo35 computing system. The Irbis-E can track 30 different targets, while retaining continous airspace scan, eg. track-while-scan mode. The fire control system can simultaneously guide two semi-active radar guided missiles. If used in conjuction with active radar guided missiles, this number is eight. In air to surface operations, radar is capable of mapping land and sea targets, and detection of targets in real-beam, Doppler, and SAR modes. Four ground targets can be tracked at the same time, while two can be attacked at the same time, too. Since Irbis-E has enormeous power output, up to 20 kilowatts, it can detect an “standard” target (RCS at 3 square meters) 400 kilometers away. Normally, that figure is given for head-on aspect, in tail-on aspect it drops down to 150 km. Stealth targets (RCS at 0.01 square meters) can be detected at 90 km range. Irbis-E is also capable of target identification, and can conduct simultaneous air-to-air and air-to-ground operations.

Su-35BM also has rearward radar system, to locate and track targets behind aircraft. Rear radar is located in tailcone. It’s still not known what system is going to use; Tikhomirov NIIP suggested it’s Osa type ESA radar for this task, but has also revealed it’s work on active-array radars that could fill this task, too. That information was given by NIIP to the public two years ago. The rear radar system is not something new for the Russian design bureaus; Su-35/T-10M features Phazotron N012 in the tailcone, MiG’s 1.42/1.44 MFI featured Phazotron N015, and the Su-34 Fullback features Leninets V005 tailcone radar system.

As every Russian 4th gen fighter has optronic infrared search and track system, Su-35BM will naturally feature that too. OLS-35 can track four different IR signatures at once. Maximum detection range for tail-on aspect is 90 km, and for head-on 50 km. The laser rangefinder can measure distance up to 20 km against aerial targets, and up to 30 km against ground based targets.

Electronic warfare system, the KNIRTI L175M Khibiny-M, is capable of accurate detection of the threats, threat coordinate mapping, and it’s also responsible for jamming signal generation and emmision replication/imitation, via wing-tip carried pods. The system has a separate display in the Su-35BM cockpit. The L175M, together with frontal and back radars and optronic complex is hooked up to “sensory fusion” package. Khibiny can also provide guidance for passive-radiation guided missiles, such as R-27EP and the new long-range type of AAM. Su-35BM also features approx. 150 aerials on it’s airframe. Apart from standard RWR (radar warning receiever), Su-35BM also has laser emission warning system, MAWS (missile approach warning system), and standard chaff / flare dispenser.

Powerful computer system will control all those sensory elements, giving information to the pilot in unique interface; via the two large LCD MFD’s found in cockpit, and shown in pilot’s helmet mounted display as well. Cockpit is summarized in MAK-35 system; two 22.5×30 cm AMLCD’s, IKSh-1M widescreen HUD, and one back-up multifunctional display. The nav / attack functions are the responsibilty of KRNPO-35, and the plane is fitted with laser-gyro system, LINS-2000.

The aircraft features inertial / sattelite navigation systems, radio navigation system, digital maps, optical fiber and digital communication multiplex comm systems. The comm system has two UHF/VHF radios, Link-16 capacity, and encryption capability. FBW has quadruple redundancy, and the engines support full authority digital engine control, FADEC.

Weapons :

Su-35BM, as an true multirole fighter, will have both air-to-air, air-to-ground, and anti-ship weaponry. Whole current pallete of A2G precision missiles and bombs will be supported on Su-35BM. Regarding air-to-air, the aircraft has an Archer, Alamo, and Adder family capability (R-73, R-27, R-77). Su-35BM will also be able to launch ultra-long range active radar missiles. The type of this weapon shown on the Su-35BM model was Novator KS-172S-1 AAM. The same missile has been presented on the displayed Su-35BM at MAKS 2007 airshow. The KS-172S-1 has an engagement range over 300 kilometers, can be used against any kind of aircraft flying from 3 meters altitude to 30 kilometers altitude, up to 4000 kilometers per hour of speed, and up to 12G. The only thing that’s confirmed is that Su-35BM will have ultralong range radar missile engagement capability; KS-172S-1 has not been asured. The other ULR AAM in Russian developement is Vympel K-37/R-37M. It’s an upgrade of MiG-31M’s R-37 missile, which has been sucessfully tested against targets 300 kilometers away.

Other Vympel’s designs are not confirmed either; such as ramjet, thermal, or antiradiation variant of R-77. This capability could be easily added at some future point. Vympel also stated that it has finished working on the upgraded variant of antiradiation R-27P. Since L175M is chosen for the standard electronic warfare module for all new Russian aircraft, R-27P could be connected to work in conjuction with Su-35BM’s EW unit. Both short and long burn variants of the antiradiation R-27, eg. the 27P and the 27EP, are on the payload list.

The misterious unspecified long-range anti-ground, anti-ship and anti-radar missiles are still a matter of debate, but several sources indicate that GRAU-coded 3M14AE and 3M54AE missiles are the unspecified weapons. Both missiles are produced by NPO Novator, and Sukhoi has a long tradition of partnership with this design bureau; this raises the issue of long-range AAM too, since Sukhoi is clearly pushing the Novator’s KS-172S-1 design, while the VVS wants Vympel’s R-37M for MiG-31 deep modernization variant. In any case, Russia won’t use two similiar types of AAM’s in the same time period, so the R-72 could be used for export, while the R-37M would be used on domestic version of Su-35BM.

3M14AE and 3M54AE are the missiles from “Kalibr” system, developed from naval “Club” system. The first is LACM, while the other is standard anti-ship missile. The unspecified anti-radar missile could turn up as new Raduga X-58UShE. It works in wide-band regime, and has a maximum range of 200 km. The sole-carried large ASM/AGM is suspected to be Yakhont-M, GRAU coded 3M55A. Yakhont-M is the upgraded export variant of P-800 Onyx missile. Original Onyx has the range of 300 km.

Su-35BM is also fitted with standard 30mm gun of Flanker family; Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-301.

Weapons

Novator R-72 (KS-172S-1) or Vympel R-37M (”Arrow”)	400 km range, active and semi-active radar, passive radiation guidance Maximum of five carried. AAM.
Vympel R-77 / RVV-AE (”Adder”)	100 km range, active radar guidance Maximum of twelve carried. AAM.
Vympel R-27ET[1] (”Alamo”)	110-130 km range, thermal guidance Maximum of four carried. AAM.
Vympel R-27EP[1] (”Alamo”)	110-130 km range, passive radiation guidance Maximum of four carried. AAM.
Vympel R-27ER[1] (”Alamo”)	110-130 km range, semi-active radar guidance Maximum of eight carried. AAM.
Vympel R-73E (”Archer”)	30 km range, thermal guidance Maximum of six carried. AAM.

Non-specified ultralong range air to ground missile	Maximum of one carried. AGM.
Non-specified long range air to ground missile	Maximum of three carried. AGM.
Non-specified long range anti-radar missile	Maximum of five carried. AGM.
Non-specified long range air to ship missile	Maximum of five carried. ASM.

Raduga X-59M[K] Ovod (”Kazoo”)	140 km range, TV guidance Maximum of 5 carried, AGM/ASM.
Zvezda X-31A/P (”Krypton”)	70 / 140 km range, active radar / passive radiation guidance Maximum of 6 carried, AGM.
Molniya X-29TE[L] (”Kedge”)	10 km range, TV / laser guidance Maximum of 6 carried, AGM.
FSUE LGB-250	300 kg warhead, laser guidance Maximum of eight carried, smart bomb.
FSUE KAB-500KR/OD	500 kg warhead, TV guidance Maximum of eight carried, smart bomb.
FSUE KAB-1500KR/LG	1500 kg warhead, TV / laser guidance Maximum of three carried, smart bomb.
S-25LD	10 km range, laser guidance Maximum of six carried, guided rocket.

500kg class bomb	Maximum of ten carried, gravity bomb.
250kg class bomb	Maximum of thirty-two carried, gravity bomb.
B-8M-1	Maximum of 120 carried in six dispensers, unguided rocket.
B-13L	Maximum of 30 carried in six dispensers, unguided rocket.
S-250FM-PU	Maximum of six carried, unguided rocket.
Payload capacity from KnAAPO, weapon specs from various sources

54 Comments »

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Very you very much for the detailed and interesting information, Pavel! And I am counting on you and Sergei to see the first pictures of Su-35BM, hopefully in few months.

Comment by Carlo — April 28, 2007 #
exelent, if it comes true, if it enters in production, it sounds that it will be acomplete killing machine.

Comment by joe — April 29, 2007 #
She seems to be a fitting end for such a proud, distinguished line of fighters. Can`t wait for updates.

Comment by Nohbdy — May 1, 2007 #
Indeed. The first, Su-27S, was revolutionary in many aspects. The last will also carry the mark of the Russian Mighty Machine, with a lot of technologies yet to come in other air forces, like all-aspect optronics, three-dimensional thrust vectoring, and an killer payload of killer missiles.

This one is an worthy piece to end the beautiful Flanker family.

Comment by zb10948 — May 3, 2007 #
The Flankers were (and will be) the best planes ever constructed.
I love these airplanes.

Comment by goran — May 5, 2007 #
Great article!!

A very powerful aircraft, indeed. Is it going to be a russian-only model or will it be open for export?

[Can you need any assistance for your site? Contact me]

Comment by Tamurin — May 20, 2007 #
This is indeed an impressive aircraft!… Hopefully it will never stumble into a Raptor!

Comment by TIZ — May 30, 2007 #
nice and beatiful plane, and deadly too

Comment by Nefasto — June 13, 2007 #
Awww, no canard? -1 on aesthetics, +3 on functionality.

Shame this is only stopgap. But come to think of it, which will be more cost-eficient, the new PAK FA or the Flanker Family?

Comment by Dr. Rondart — June 13, 2007 #
Hey…i found this article in the web while surfing. Is this true?
http://www.fighter-planes.com/stealth2.htm

Comment by kabugaw — June 28, 2007 #
“The Last Flanker”, ironic title.. ’cause i love this
Planes. why the russian doesnt upgrade the flanker to become the 5th generation fighter instead of PAK FA.
just add plasma stealth, Supercruise Engines and other cutting edge tech’

Comment by Anto' — July 10, 2007 #
this aircraft kicks ass totally its powerful and pretty fast if the russians make a new technology to improve this aircrafts the americans and their raptor will cry for mercy with those science projects called RAPTORS made just for show off

Comment by canadian kid — July 14, 2007 #
Simply Fantastic! The best fighters of the world!

Comment by Marco (Brazil) — July 20, 2007 #
I would like to know more information about the new sukohi’s proyect. The web is great. Greetings from Argentina.

Comment by Fede — July 25, 2007 #
Simply AMAZING! Such masterpiece!
The Super Flanker is, BY FAR, the best fighter in the world. Those russians really know how to build not only powerful, but also beautiful machines.

Comment by Fefe — July 30, 2007 #
for the guy who loves the raptor (tizie) this final generation will be dropping f22 -f35 and anny stealth down and remember that it carries the onyx and sunburn missiles (supersonic missiles) read and learn that will sink any aircraft without figuring out who or where it came from and destroy any military base without any warning and dude i am a american and i live with the reality do yourself a favor educate youself. Pavel : great job with this article its awsome, great job.

Comment by joe — August 25, 2007 #
All Flanker versions were excellent planes and I would be really sad to watch their end. However, this end looks VERY VERY promising. Raptors should better stay in their hangars when this beautiful monster is in the air. Stealth won’t help him much, it’s not that stealthy after all(if a 30 year old Serbian missile can hit it it’s not invisible).

Comment by Serbian Paladin — August 31, 2007 #
Flanker…the best fighter jet in the world..luv this plane…!!

Comment by cqonealkaff — September 4, 2007 #
It looks impressive. My favorite jet is the Super Hornet. I am an American and I love both American and Russian Aviation. However, I do not think that this Flanker will be able to match the Raptor. It is not a stealth tracker and has no way of detecting the F-22 before being detected by it first. This Flanker will be an inexpensive way of murdering F-15s, F-16s, and F/A-18s. I think the PAK-FA will be the only Russian fighter able to truely match or exceed the capabilities of the Raptor.

Comment by Black Owl — September 11, 2007 #
the su-35 is the best air fighter over the earth
the american planes stinks!!!!!!!!

Comment by ------KRIZA------ — September 13, 2007 #
Is there a video of PAK-FA available?

Comment by ZXF — September 20, 2007 #
have always been impressed with the flanker family. truly remarmakable planes. this is a great end to a great lineage. hope sukhoi would come up with a worthy successor. were i the president of my country (nigeria) i will buy 25 of these planes and rest assured that no country on the continent will match us in the air for rhe next half century

Comment by mike — September 21, 2007 #
2 Black Owl

I’m a Russian and I have to say that you are right. Su-35bm will be the best fighter in air combat if f-22 are not in the game (here I’m glad that f-22 is not for exports and I hope our countries will not get in struggle with each other). Raptor is something… But let’s wait till PAK FA!

Comment by efferalgan — September 30, 2007 #
This is without a doubt the best fighter jet ever. And it seems that he’s gonna be the best fighter jet for a long time. Russians have outdone themselves once again, and proved that they have without a doubt the best aviantion in the world.

Comment by Milan — October 5, 2007 #
that su-35bm and other sukhoi”s and migs have a new russian plasma stealth tehnology-mutch better then american shit stealth teh.russian old rocket system NEVA shoot down F-117a,in one try!and that system is from the 60’s!russin planes are the best in the world!!!

Comment by stax-serbia — October 6, 2007 #
@Black Owl

Yes, it’s a stealth tracker, if you’re interested do some research on the N035 radar set. Su-35BM should be able to track Raptor in any kind of scenario, before Raptor enters it’s AIM-120 envelope. Therefore, Su-35 should have first shot advantage.

Comment by Zarko Bulatovic — October 9, 2007 #
You Russians make a lot of nice A/C.
Indeed the Flanker is a very potent fighter.
But the biggist thingy is a lack of good BVR AAMs.
The AIM-120 has proven itself allready and R-77 not, so keep that in mind
Although Russian avionics are getting better they don’t succeed western and that is a fact for the moment. I am a really big fan of the Flanker, but Russia lacks the funds for research at this time to fill the gap between them and the US.
For example how many Su-27’s have been updated to SM standard, only 2 regiments so far.

Comment by Tjakkie — October 9, 2007 #
The Flanker is best Fighter Russia has ever build.

Comment by Darko — October 9, 2007 #
Those who thinks that the F-22 raptor is not needed are terribly short sighted, the sukhoi 35BM fighter already surpasses the F-15C and by the way, I am waiting for sukhoi PAK-FA to appear and fly !!!

Comment by U89 — October 20, 2007 #
There are already many proven sources indicating that the R-77 outstandes the AIM-120C AMRAAM in every aspect. Revoluntionary tail-fins allow the R-77 to manuvour much more easily. Over 13g+ tolerance. And the agility and speed and range is far more than that of the AIM-120C. I’m only hoping that the AIM-120D won’t exceed the range, speed and agility of the R-77. Go Flankers! GLORY TO THE MOTHERLAND!

Comment by FlankerBull — October 30, 2007 #
Russia is also building a ramjet version of the R-77 similarly to MBDA Meteors which on a good note sounds good for the ear.

Anyway, take away the Stealth out of the F-22 and put in a Dog fight with the Su-35BM, one-on-one where both sides can see each other, the Super Flanker would butt rape it faster than a black man would do to you if you were to go to prison for a DUI lol.

Comment by Gomi — November 2, 2007 #
When I mean proven I mean combat proven.
Can You give an example of usage of the R-77 in a conflict? i think not?! And like all AAM there is no wonder weapon that also counts for R-77 and AIM-120. Also the use of these AAM is dependend on tatcics used. And do not forget the combat readiness of the fighter pilot is also a big player in this one. I read an article about the average flying hours of Russian fighter pilots over 2006 (Can’t remember where) but they make between 40 to 60 hours a year and that’s not much compared to western fighter pilots, which should be around 200 hours. This is also a big player.
You can have a very good and capable platform but these thing are also very important. And instead of biggering over who has the best and capable A/C, the west should work more together with Russia against the terrorist threat that is keeping the world in it’s grasp today.

Comment by Tjakkie — November 14, 2007 #
1) The new SU is a very effective aircraft that is able to do what it was built to do.

2) It will be a threat to ANY legacy aircraft (e.g. F-15C, Mirage, F/A-18, F-16, Tornado, etc)

3) It will be able to progressively get better through the additional of better avionics, supercruise engines, and AESA radars.

4) It will enhance its lethality with a mix of better weapons (not in range, which is already quite good, but in terms of sensors which still lag behind Western analogues)

5) However, this SU will NOT BE ABLE TO COMPETE with the F-22 Raptor. Some have stated that it can kill raptors, but that is (honestly and logically) not the case. The Raptor is simply better than this SU. Now, I would NOT want to fly a F-35 against this plane on a 1 to 1 engagement (I believe the mature version of this aircraft will be able to engage F-35s), but the F-22 Raptor is simply beyond it.

It will take the PAKFA (which by the way is more akin to the F-35 per my sources than to the F-22, even though open literature normally compares it to the F-22) for the Russians to approach the overall capabilities of the Raptor.

Anyways, in a nutshell:

- This is a beautiful and effective plane, and will instantly be better than over 90% of the aircraft out there.

- It will be better than any legacy aircraft, and even be better than some 4++ fighters like the Rafale (in the A2A role, but not the A2G role due to systems)

- It will, however, be equal to mature versions of the EuroFighter (and that is assuming that the technology in this SU are allowed to mature)

- And it will be inferior to the F-22 Raptor. For several reasons (and no, Stealth is not even the major one ….it is the number 2 - or even 3 - reason why the Raptor would win. The number 1 reason is something completely different).

Comment by Spook — November 16, 2007 #
Awww… they took away the canards! That sucks. Looks like a great upgrade otherwise though. But Su-37 with cannards will remain the most beautiful (and maneuverable) aircraft ever built.

Comment by Joe — November 28, 2007 #
First, let me say that I love the Sukhoi legacy. They are my favourite aircraft. I think they are beautifil and incredibly effective.
That said, I would like to give one or two opinions, and try to be impartial (I am portuguese so this may be easy, I think).
First, in the Su-35BM vs other fighters scenario. The Su-35 seems designed to be an all-around, superagile fighter, so it can use the most modern and effective weapons of the russian arsenal. This is good, because it gives it versatility and the capability to engage any target. For air combat there are being developed missiles with extreme range, but great phisical size. The F-22 can’t use this missiles, and have its stealthtiness at the same time. They don’t fit in its weapon bay. Other fighters can use them, like the Su-35 or the Typhoon, because they do not depend on weapon bays. In air combat you don’t want to be detectaed at long range because it may mean that you will be targeted first. The Su-35 has IR and other passive sensors, like some modern fighters (I think the F-22 and F-35 doesn’t have them, wich is bad for US), and can detect enemies without using the radar and expose itself. The Su-35 is super agile. With 3D engine nozzles and advanced digital controls, it may be one of the most agile fighters in the world, at the same level of the Typhoon (without 3D nozzles, but with super agility nonetheless). This combination of weapons, sensors and agility will easly make the Su-35 one of the best air combat fighters in the world. This is not imagination, it’s the truth. New american jets are as capable as their predecessors, only slightly better in some areas. As so, they are outrunned by Flankers, who already did surprassed this predecessors. Rafale and Tejas also have the same limitations.
Second, air superiority is not only destroying enemy fighters. The ground menaces are also a problem. A real air superiority fighter must be able to fight those menaces. Thats the reason why F-15E and F-16C are real air superiority fighters in the modern comcept of the idea. Pounding groun targets its as important as downing enemy fighters. Su-35, Typhoon and Rafale were made with this in mind, so they are tactically important by this point of view. The F-35 is a good strike fighter, and my be capable of dealing with this, but the F-22 can’t, not at the same level. We can’t depend on one fighter for ground attack, and other for air combat, with the last one being extremely rare. We can say the F-35 can take care of itself, but is is not at the same level, of versatility and agility, as the new european and russian superfighters (and i’m not wandering about the new chinese marvels).
This new sokhoi seems to be a very good well-around fighter, capable on all areas, like a russian F-15E. The advantage is that it is very advanced and agile, maybe at the level of the new Typhoon. As so, it will be one of the best fighters, in raw terms, in the world.
The problem here is the pilot. And the pilot is a very important factor in combat. There are very good pilots around the world, and I think that it is not a real factor here, at least when talking about the great powers, all of them have the best, at its said.
This posted, I think we can’t underestimate the Su-35BM. It’s the real deal.

Comment by S7alker — December 9, 2007 #
Yeah Yeah, its silly how the Americans ALWAYS underestimate the real capabilities of their adversaries. All the American people who enter this forums always say: “This airplane is no adversary of the Raptor”. “That system is worthles versus the Raptor”. Let me assure you that this new airplane, the Su 35 BM will be a complete killing machine. It is not a fifth generation aircraft like raptor, but it is STILL a very dangerous foe for everyone, including the raptor, and underestimating it would be a very big mistake. The problem with US equipment is that they always show almost everything they have to claim they are the best in any area. Americans think they are the only ones in this world with brains, all the rest of the world can´t develop effective countermeasures. Do you really think Russians have not yet developed effective means to destroy Raptor? Of course they had!! The have analized it at any aspect. But they will never make it public! The know that are national security items. Of what they inform to the world they have developed, I assure you that Raptor would be almost immediately obliterated in the case of an incurssion in Russian motherland. Just immagine the combination of the ultramodern S-400 air defense system (capable of detecting and destroying any “stealth” target, not to mention the even more deadly S-500 system being developed right know), combined with Satellite Tracking, Mig-31’s, and if the situation deserves it, Russians are widely known as the masters of Scalar Weapons Technology, like the Tesla Domes, Tesla Howitzers and Tesla Globes, that can destroy ANY target in the world almost instantly (HAARP antenas are years behind in technology compared with Russian equipment in that field). So compared to this ubelievable weapons the Raptor and all the “Stealth” fighters are no match. So don´t think that this airplanes would be decisive in a real confrontation. If that arrives it would be a complete nuclear scenario, and in this field too, Russia is the boss, with the ultra-modern Topol M, ICBM, and other weapons being developed, that has been reported by US autorities as unstopable by any means the US can field, including the so publicized US Missile Shield, effectively destroying the USA in a first strike. Lets hope it will never arrive this apocalyptic scenario, but it is worth to mention that combat airplanes are just a little piece in the war machine of a power like Russia or the USA, and not the decisive piece. And by the way Sukhoi design bureau has stated that the new PAKFA project will surpass the Raptor in every aspect making it the new king of the air, in the same way the Su-30, 35BM series is superior to F-15, F-18, and F-16. It will have for start a 15 year technology and design advance versus raptor (raptor as I know was proved by US Air Force circa 1991-1992 versus the YF-23 ), and it will have the trademark of Sukhoi designs; superagility, vectorial thrust, not to mention cutting edge technologies under development as Plasma Stealth, and ram air weapons. So the reigning days in the skies of the Raptor will be very short. Guaranteed.

Comment by Roberto — December 16, 2007 #
First of all HELLO
I’m from Greece and I am bored to wait for american fighter. I WANT SU-35BM!!! Here in Greece we love Russians and their super technology…
Americans say that F-22 is the best, the coolest, etc. Maybe… BUT: How many of them do you own? 100?
200? Good. Russians have thousands of Flankers. Do you know what does that mean? It means that Raptors will go to hide behind mountains!!! HAHAHAHAHA

Se ya, my friends Russians

Comment by Giorgos_Greece — December 18, 2007 #
I agree with Giorgos.Man the Russian are the best we wait to have some in out ciuntry Sukhoi over the Aegean do you imagine These palnes over Aegean.Chaos kai desaster.

Comment by Geraki — December 23, 2007 #
Americans are as ignorant as their leaders… in Asia, we have a saying and it goes… “if the head of a fish stinks, so does the rest of the body”. nuff said.

Flanker rules!!!!

Comment by jeff — December 26, 2007 #
Technik ist einfach Super…..

Comment by Ali Gharagozloue — December 29, 2007 #
hello boys as well as russian fans su-35 is a dedly fighters.it can take f-15/16/18.what about su-30mki it has latest tech of radars makes it more powerfull than most plans in the world it was proved in copeindia 2006,organized in us it dominated latest tech of us f-15/16.russan tech is most better than us

Comment by rajesh — February 12, 2008 #
Guys and Fighter Pilots!

Please understand the basics.

This Sukhoi is the BEST and LAST to roll out under the name FLANKER. Great job by all! Well Done Sukhoi Design Ltd. and the author of this site.

Now,

- This Sukhoi will be able to DEFEAT the F-22 and F-35 in close AIR DOGFIGHT.
- However, the F-22/35 will win in Beyond visual range combat (due to advanced tech and mizziles!)

- The PRIDE and PASSION of the RUSSIAN and AMERICAN Pilots will be the MAJOR factor in a war like situation, In which case, BY HISTORY, the RUSSIAN PRIDE is STRONGER than others and often leads to victory.

- RUSSIA WILL NOT ENGAGE AMERICA.
- AMERICA WILL NOT ENGAGE RUSSIA.
- RUSSIA’s Su-37++ and MIG-35++ and the oncoming PAK FA is MORE THAN ENOUGH to defend its own airspace and DEFEND RUSSIAN FEDERATION.

- hence, it is a draw.

Besides the Real Enemy of the World are the terrorists, who have to be wiped out in close quatered combat not strife between US and USSR

Comment by Rgv Maj. Micks — March 27, 2008 #
thank you for this page. Latest news: Su-35 have made around 20 test flights by now, seems to proven to have super cruise speed (almost same as raptor’s) and overal testing going as planned.

Comment by dim — July 8, 2008 #
Also, as I read, it will have at least ten times better “stelthness” than previous Flankers. Not the same as f-22 (again) but coming close.

Comment by dim — July 8, 2008 #
“It is not a fifth generation aircraft like raptor, but it is STILL a very dangerous foe for everyone, including the raptor,”

We’ve seen this in Iraq and Yugoslavia, thank you.

Comment by Andreas — July 8, 2008 #
“Besides the Real Enemy of the World are the terrorists, who have to be wiped out in close quatered combat not strife between US and USSR

Comment by Rgv Maj. Micks”

And Russia will sell this to Iran, Venezuela, Bin Laden, whoever. Are you happy with that?

Comment by Andreas — July 8, 2008 #
I currently live in Venezuela and I tell you, the clown that we have here at office will never use those Su-35´s against USA or any other power. He is just buying the Su´s because he´s got a lot of money from oil price rise and because he is a populist. Trust me, those Venezuelan Su-30 or 35 are only for parades. Thank You all.

Comment by Anibal Moretti — July 19, 2008 #
Andreas said:
“And Russia will sell this to Iran, Venezuela, Bin Laden, whoever. Are you happy with that?”

Well Bin Laden as a potential client for this aircraft is as silly as believing that you can buy a bridge in New York City real cheap! But the possibility of Venezuela, and Iran buying some SU-35BMs is realistic, and I don’t know why it would concern you.

First of all, they are not “terrorist states” in spite of what our politicians in Washington say, or Fox News, or CNN. Non of the aforementioned have any credibility left. Again, I refer you back to my comment about “cheap bridge in NYC”.

Second of all, I don’t believe that Sukhoi will export a fully spec’d version like the one intended for domestic deployment. Non the less, even a “lite” version of this KILLER FIGHTER in the right hands, will clean the clocks of just about every conventional war plane currently deployed around the world.

Comment by Edward — July 22, 2008 #
To all those who think that either the F-22 or Su-35BM would wipe the other clean out, both sides are wrong. Both are very good fighters, but if ever these two planes faced each other in a real war, BOTH sides would suffer loses, guaranteed. It is also well to bear in mind that mechanical failures are an equal-opportunity employer. I would be willing to bet that neither the Su-35BM nor the F-22 would perform as well as expected in actual combat.

Comment by JB — July 25, 2008 #
I hate to bursts anyone’s bubble, but neither the Su-35BM or the F-22 would “dominate” the other in combat. The one thing that I can guarantee is that in combat both sides would suffer losses.

Comment by JB — July 26, 2008 #
Until know it is really difficult to believe that Russia will sell flankers to Iran, but if things change with the nuclear program of Iran, and given that Iran is planning to buy or construct 250 flankers, then many things could change in the equiibrium of air forces in Middle East.

Comment by nickkoliopoulos — July 27, 2008 #
super jet in my life.su-35 & mig 35 is my Dream.

Comment by ASHRAF — August 10, 2008 #
russin in goergia wil probrally prevoke the us to retalleiate not buy troops on the ground but buy air an navel. until russian are not that seccessfull in sea battels compared to 40years of navel power.

Comment by i think that the russian make a furmatabale air defence is in inceritable dont reliy on what the f22 rapter being a sapearieorty aircraft it to can stil be put down buy russin air defence net, to the best of the dog figters,f15e,f18,f15c are by fare the b — August 12, 2008 #
Listen up.I’m not russian(unfortunately) but nobody had made me a brainwash(as do all the americans to their suns and ecc.),however I think that Russians WILL ALLWAYS RULE ON LAND WATER AND AIR.
OH,and another thing,the russians do not attack the USA only becasuse they don’t need to conquer it,and the americans do not attack Russia ’cause they are scared of them.
What is the american dream?,Nobody can’t respond?
I’ll tell you -To conquer Russia(which is impossible).
AND ANOTHER THING,can somebody explane me why when the russians Tu-95 were flying near the USA border the Raptors that were in the foto had the external tanks???????????????Shouldn’t it be “economic” for the super sonic cruise speed?????

Comment by Russian_Inside — August 22, 2008 #