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

Type of Military Aircrafts

Fighter aircraft

A fighter aircraft is a military aircraft primarily for air-to-air combat with other, as opposed to a bomber, which is designed primarily to attack ground targets by dropping bombs. Fighters are small, fast, and maneuverable.

Bomber

A bomber is a military aircraft designed to attack ground and sea targets, primarily by dropping bombs on them.

Ground-attack aircraft

A ground attack aircraft is a military aircraft designed to attack targets on the ground and generally deployed as a close air support for ground forces. The proximity to friendly forces requires precision strikes from this aircraft that is not possible with typical bomber aircraft. The resultant proximity to enemy targets also require aircraft that is more robust than other types of military aircraft.

Strike fighter

A strike fighter also known as fighter bomber is a fighter aircraft for attacking surface targets, including ships. It differs from a ground-attack aircraft in that the aircraft remains a capable fighter. Strike fighters can attack targets unaided, while remaining maneuverable and well-equipped enough to defend themselves. A strike fighter is differentiated from a multi role fighter in that the multi role fighter can equally perform both aerial combat and ground attack, while the strike fighter has an emphasis on ground attack with a minor role of air combat.

Multi-role combat aircraft

A multirole (or multi-role) combat aircraft is an aircraft that can be used as both a fighter and a ground attack aircraft. They are lighter and less powerful than air superiority aircrafts.

Air superiority fighter

An air superiority fighter is a fighter aircraft that can enter and seize control of enemy airspace. Air superiority fighter is usually more expensive and procured in lesser numbers than multi-role fighter. It is lighter, smaller, and more agile than an interceptor.

Interceptor aircraft

An interceptor aircraft (or simply interceptor) is a fighter aircraft designed specifically to intercept and destroy enemy aircraft, particularly bombers. It usually relys on great speed. They have become less important due to shifting of strategic bombing role to ICBMs.

For more information on type of military aircrafts and its evolution please visit http://www.bookrags.com and www.wikipdia.org