Sukhoi Su-35 (Flanker-E / Super Flanker)

Su-35 is an interim type between today’s Su-30MK in various configurations and a prospective fifth-generation fighter. The Su-35 is a 4++ generation aircraft employing technologies of the fifth generation. They make it superior to all other 4th generation fighters now under development worldwide. The Su-35 known as the "Super Flanker".

Features of Su-35 “Super Flanker”

The Su-35 is based on the Su-27 Flanker air-superiority fighter developed in the 1980's with the Su-35 representing a "more-capable" Su-27 and able to take on sorties in the multi-role, long-range mold. The inherent qualities of the Su-27 system as an air superiority fighter have been melded together with strike fighter capabilities to produce the more lethal Su-35.

Among these features are an integrated in-flight refueling probe, provisions for ECM pods, upgraded and more powerful engines, larger wings and forward and rear-facing Phazotron radar systems capable of tracking 24 targets up to 62 miles (100km) away over uneven terrain. An additional auxiliary internal reserve fuel tank has been added to the tail fins as well. The cockpit features updated color CRT and HUD displays and digital fly-by-wire featuring a quadruple redundant system capable of finding four different ways for the computer to achieve the pilots requested control action.

Variants

Su-35: Single-seat fighter.

Su-35UB: Two-seat fighter and trainer.Features taller vertical stabilizers and a forward fuselage similar to a Su-30.

Su-35BM: Single-seat fighter with upgraded avionics and various modifications to the airframe.

Product Life Cycle

The first experimental Su-35, completed in summer 2007 at Komsomolsk-na-Amure Aviation Production Association (KnAAPO) first appeared at Russia’s MAKS-2007 air show. The first flying prototype of Su-35 is undergoing ground tests. Its first flight took place on February 19, 2008. Following the first prototype, now on the assembly line of KnAAPO (Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aviation Production Association) are a further two examples of Su-35. Those will join the tests this year. The production and delivery of Su-35s to customers are scheduled for 2010. They will continue with the emergence of a fifth-generation fighter on the market.

Unit cost US$65 million (estimate)

Specifications:

Dimensions:

Length: 71.85ft (21.90m)
Width:50.20ft (15.30m)
Height: 19.36ft (5.90m)

Structure:

Accommodation: 1
Hardpoints: 12
Empty Weight: 38,581lbs (17,500kg)
MTOW: 167,684lbs (76,060kg)

Performance:

Max Speed: 1,678mph (2,700kmh; 1,458kts)
Max Range: 2,796miles (4,500km)
Rate-of-Climb:55,100ft/min (16,794m/min)
Service Ceiling: 59,055ft (18,000m; 11.2miles)

Powerplant:

Engine(s): 2 x Saturn 117S TVC-nozzled turbofan engines with afterburner delivering 31,900lbf each.

Armament Suite:

1 x 30mm Gun
Mission-specific weaponry can include any of the following:
R-27 air-to-air missiles
R-40 air-to-air missiles
R-60 air-to-air missiles
R-73 air-to-air missiles
R-77 air-to-air missiles
Kh-25ML air-to-surface missiles
Kh-25MP air-to-surface missiles
Kh-29 air-to-surface missiles
Kh-31 air-to-surface missiles
Kh-59 air-to-surface missiles
S-25 IR rockets
GBU-500 laser-guided bombs
GBU-1000 laser-guided bombs
GBU-500T TV-guided bombs
GBU-1000T TV-guided bombs