Sukhoi Su-35

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Su-35 / Su-27M
A modernized Su-35 in-flight
Role Multirole fighter
National origin Soviet Union
Russia
Design group Sukhoi
Built by Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Production Association (KnAAPO)
First flight Su-27M: 28 June 1988
Su-35: 19 February 2008
Status In operational testing
Primary user Russian Air Force
Produced Su-27M: 1988–1995
Su-35: 2007–present
Number built Su-27M: 17 (incl. an Su-35UB)[1]
Su-35: 14[1]
Unit cost US$40 million[2] to $65 million (estimated)[3][4]
Developed from Sukhoi Su-27
Variants Sukhoi Su-37

The Sukhoi Su-35 (Russian: Сухой Су-35; NATO reporting name: Flanker-E) is actually two heavily-upgraded derivatives of the Su-27 'Flanker'. Both are single-seat, twin-engine supermaneuverable multirole fighters, designed by Sukhoi and built by Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Production Association (KnAAPO).

The first variant was designed during the 1980s, when Sukhoi was looking to upgrade its high-performance Su-27, and was initially known as the Su-27M. Later re-designated Su-35, this derivative incorporates aerodynamic refinements to increase manoeuvrability, enhanced avionics, longer range, and a more powerful engine. The first Su-35 prototype, converted from a Su-27, made its maiden flight in June 1988. More than a dozen of these were built with some used by the Russian Knights aerobatic demonstration team. The first Su-35 design was later modified into the Su-37 with thrust-vectoring engines and used as a technology demonstrator. A sole Su-35UB two-seat trainer was built in the late 1990s that, despite its name, share a strong resemblance to the Su-30MK family.

In 2003, Sukhoi embarked on a second modernization of the Su-27 to produce what the company calls a 4++ generation fighter that would serve as an interim fighter prior to the arrival of the Sukhoi PAK FA. This derivative incorporates a reinforced airframe, improved avionics and radar, thrust-vectoring engines, and a reduced radar signature from the front, while omitting the canards and air brake. In 2008 the revamped variant, erroneously dubbed the Su-35BM by the media, started its flight test programme that involved four prototypes, one of which was lost in 2009.

The Russian Air Force has ordered 48 production units, designated Su-35S, of the newly-revamped Su-35. Both Su-35 models have been offered to many countries, including Brazil, China, India and South Korea, but so far have not attracted any export order. Sukhoi originally projected that it would export more than 160 units of the second modernized Su-35 worldwide.

Contents

Design and development [edit]

Upgraded Su-27 [edit]

A Russian Knights Su-35 in 2007

In the early 1980s, while the Su-27 was entering service with the Soviet Air Force, Sukhoi looked to develop a follow-on variant. This variant, originally designated "Su-27M" and known internally as the "T10-M", would be much more agile and feature greatly improved avionics than the aircraft considered to be the best contemporary fighter.[5] It was also to carry more armament to improve its capacity as an air-to-ground platform.[6]

The improved variant, the development of which began in the early 1980s,[7] featured a host of changes in aerodynamics, avionics, powerplants, and construction methods, as well as increasing payload capacity. High-strength composites and aluminium-lithium were used to reduce weight and boost internal fuel volume.[8][9] Distinguishing features are the canards, which improve airflow over the wings, eliminating buffeting and allowing the aircraft to fly at a very high angle of attack of 120°. The canards were governed by a new digital fly-by-wire flight-control system.[5] It was outfitted with the Luylka AL-31FM turbofan engine, which is larger, more reliable, and with a thrust of 125.52 kN (28,218 lbf) is more powerful.[5]

Also new was the fire-control system, at the heart of which is the more powerful N-011 Zhuk-27 pulse-Doppler radar. The radar can track 15 aerial targets simultaneously and guide six missiles towards them. To exploit the improved radar, two additional underwing pylons were added.[10] The tail "stinger" houses the Phazotron N-012 rear-facing radar for protection from attacks from behind.[9] The aircraft can carry a variety of bombs (including napalm, dumb and cluster bombs) and both air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles.[10] The cockpit was modernized, equipped with multi-function colour LCD screens, and was fitted with a K-36DM ejection seat inclined at 30° to improve pilot g-force tolerance.[10] Range was increased to 4,000 km (2,222 nmi) through additional fuel capacity;[11] with the fitting of an aerial refuelling probe, range can be further extended. The aircraft is characterized by its twin nose wheel – as a result of higher payload – and larger tail fins with carbon fibre square-topped tips.[9][12][13]

Testing and demonstration [edit]

The Su-27M (T-10S-70) prototype first flew on 28 June 1988 piloted by Sukhoi chief test pilot Oleg Tsoi.[10][14] The first prototype differed slightly from later examples in: retaining standard Su-27 vertical stabilizers without the cropped top; lacking a fire-control system; having a three-tone grey/blue camouflage scheme, along with minor differences.[10] Designated T10M-1 to T10M-10, the first ten prototypes were built by Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Production Association (KnAAPO) in conjunction with Sukhoi (as the Soviet military-industrial structure separated the aircraft designer and manufacturer).[10] They slightly differed from another; four were converted Su-27s and the others being new-builds.[15][16] The second prototype started flying in January 1989, while the third followed in mid-1992.[10][17] The prototypes were used to validate the canards and new flight-control system.[9]

In 1990, the first prototype was displayed to Ministry of Defence officials at Kubinka Air Base.[10] The aircraft first aerial demonstration occurred on 13 February 1992, in front of CIS leaders in Machulishi, Minsk, before making its public debut at that year's Farnborough Airshow.[10][18] The third prototype, T10M-3, appeared at the Dubai Airshow in 1993, by which time Sukhoi had re-designated its fighter the Su-35.[15][19] T10M-3 demonstrated its dogfight manoeuvres, including the Pugachev's Cobra, to potential export customers. Viktor Pugachyov subsequently piloted the prototype in a mock fight with an Su-30MK.[15] The Su-35 performed at numerous air shows during the following years, including the 1993 and 1995 MAKS Airshows and the 1994 ILA Berlin Air Show.[15] In addition to Su-27 conversions, three production Su-35s were completed in 1996 and delivered to Russian Air Force (VVS) for testing.[20]

The sole Su-35UB (Bort 801) twin-seat trainer, which first flew on 7 August 2000,[17] in-flight alongside another Sukhoi demonstrator, the Su-47.

During the Su-35's flight test programme, active controls during manoeuvres such as the Pugachev's Cobra and tailslide could not be maintained. The eleventh Su-27M (T10M-11) was built by KnAAPO and delivered in 1995 for the installation of exclusive systems to give it thrust-vectoring capabilities. The resultant Su-37 technology demonstrator made its first flight in April 1996.[21][22] A second Su-35 was modified into an Su-37 in the late 1990s.[23]

In total, 15 airworthy Su-35s (Su-27M) were produced, including an Su-35UB two-seat prototype, along with two static test prototypes.[1][24] The Su-35UB, powered by two modified AL-32FPs with thrust-vectoring nozzles, made its first flight on 7 August 2000. It was demonstrated to South Korea during that country's F-X replacement fighter tender, before becoming an avionics testbed.[25] The original Su-35 never entered serial production due to a lack of funding,[20] and the VVS continued to use its Su-27 fleet. The Su-35's automatic control of canards and the Su-37's thrust-vectoring technology were applied to the Sukhoi Su-30MKI.[26] One of the Su-35s, T10M-10, served as a testbed for the AL-41F1A engine intended for Russia's upcoming fifth-generation jet fighter.[27]

Second modernization [edit]

In 2003, even as Russia was looking to export the Su-27M, Sukhoi launched a project to produce a fighter that would bridge the gap between the upgraded variants of the Su-27 and Su-30MK, and Russia's fifth-generation Sukhoi PAK FA. The project's aim was to undertake a second modernization of the Su-27 airframe (hence its classification as a "4++ generation fighter") by incorporating several characteristics that would be implemented on the PAK FA.[28][29] Additionally, the aircraft was to be an alternative to the Su-30 family on the export market.[30] The design phase was to take place until 2007, when it would be available for sale.[28] It was later reported that the programme was launched due to concerns that the PAK FA project would encounter funding shortages.[31] Although the in-house designation for the project is T-10BM (Bolshaya Modernizatsiya, "Big Modernization"), the aircraft is marketed as the Su-35.[28][32][N 1]

Compared with the Su-27M, the new aircraft has undergone a thorough overhaul in terms of airframe, avionics, and propulsion and weapons systems, with a strong superficial resemblance to the Su-27. Indeed, technological advancements have resulted in lighter and smaller hardware, particularly the radar, shifting the centre of gravity to the rear of the aircraft. This allowed for the elimination of the canards and the abandonment of the "tandem triplane" design found on many derivatives of the Su-27.[28][30] Also omitted was the Su-27's dorsal airbrake, the functions of which were replaced by differentially deflecting the vertical stabilizers.[17] Other less obvious aerodynamic refinements saw the reduction in size of the vertical stabilizers, aft-cockpit hump, and rearward-projecting "sting".[28]

The Su-35 incorporated numerous differences to the Su-27M, including a shorter rearward-projecting "sting", the omission of the dorsal air brake, and the use of thrust-vectoring engines

The reinforced airframe sees extensive use of titanium alloys, increasing its durability to some 30 years or 6,000 service hours, and raising the maximum take-off weight to 34.5 tonnes (76,000 lb). At the same time, the empty weight is comparable to that of Su-27's 16.5 tonnes (36,000 lb).[17][N 2] Internal fuel was increased by more than 20% to 11.5 tonnes (25,000 lb) which can further be increased with external fuel tanks to 14.5 tonnes (32,000 lb); the aircraft also has in-flight refueling capability.[17][30]

Sukhoi has overhauled the avionics suite, at the heart of which is the information management system that greatly enhances man-machine interaction. The system, which has two digital computers, collects and processes information from several other tactical and flight-control systems and presents the relevant information to the pilot through the two main multi-function displays, which, together with three secondary MFDs, form a part of the glass cockpit.[33][34] The aircraft featured many other upgrades to its avionics and electronic systems, including digital fly-by-wire flight-control system, and the pilot is equipped by a head-up display and night-vision goggles.[35]

The Su-35 employs an Irbis-E passive electronically scanned array radar that constitutes an essential component of the aircraft's fire-control system. The radar is capable of detecting a 3 m2 (32 sq ft) aerial target at a distance of 400 kilometres (250 mi), and can track 30 air targets and engage eight at the same time.[34] The radar can also map the ground using a variety of modes, including the synthetic aperture mode. The Irbis-E is complemented by an OLS-35 optoelectronic targeting system that provides laser ranging and TV and infrared detection.[34] The Su-35 is compatible with a multitude of long- and short-range air-to-air missiles, precision and unguided air-to-ground weaponry that include missiles, fuel-air bombs and rockets. A maximum weapon payload of 8 tonnes (18,000 lb) can be carried on the fourteen hardpoints.[36]

The most profound design alterations of the Su-35 is in the engine. The aircraft is powered by two Product 117S (AL-41F1A) turbofan engines developed jointly by Sukhoi, NPO Saturn and UMPO. The engine is a heavily upgraded variant of the AL-31F that draws on the design of the AL-41FA intended for the fifth-generation PAK FA. The 117S's output is estimated at 142 kN (31,900 lbf), 20 kN (4,500 lbf) more than the AL-31F used on the Su-27M.[28] It has a service life of 4,000 hours, compared to the AL-31F's 1,500, and to compensate for the loss of canards, has fully rotating thrust-vectoring capability.[17][37] The Su-35S is the first non-US aircraft to have substantial supercruise ability (sustained cruising at supersonic speed without the use of afterburners), which gives it a crucial energy advantage against non-supercruising opponents.[38][39] A layer of radar-absorbent material have been applied to the engine inlets and the front stages of the engine compressor, halving Su-35's frontal radar cross-section (RCS). Other RCS-reducing measures include modifications to the canopy to reflect radar waves.[40]

Production and flight testing [edit]

Design work on the Su-35 had been completed by 2007, paving the way for KnAAPO to construct the first prototype in the summer of 2007. Upon completion, Su-35-1 was ferried to the Gromov Flight Research Institute in Zhukovsky Airfield before being placed on static display at that year's MAKS air show.[41][42] At the time, Sukhoi General Designer Mikhail Pogosyan commented that the aircraft was in great demand abroad, saying Russia was negotiating with several prospective customers and that there were plans to export the aircraft starting in 2010.[43][44]

Preparations began for the aircraft's maiden flight immediately following the air show. Particular efforts were made to debug the flight-control system and test the engine. By mid-February 2008, Su-35-1 had been rolled out to conduct taxiing tests. On 19 February, Sukhoi test pilot Sergey Bogdan took the aircraft aloft for its first flight from Zhukovsky, accompanied by an Su-30MK2.[41][45] During the 55-minute flight, the Su-35 reached a height of 5,000 metres (16,000 ft), and tests were carried out on its stability, constrollability and engines. The prototype was put on static display for President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev the following day.[41]

The second prototype of the modernized Su-35 (Bort 902) at the 2009 MAKS Airshow, where the Russian Defense Ministry placed the launch order for the aircraft

An approximate 40 flights were conducted before the second prototype took to the air on 2 October from KnAAPO's Dzemgi Airport, again piloted by Sergey Bogdan.[46][47] The Su-35 had earlier in July made its first demonstration flight in front of Defense Ministry and foreign officials. At the time, Sukhoi estimated that a total of 160 Su-35s would be supplied to customers worldwide, in particular those in Latin America, Southeast Asia and the Middle East.[48][49] Domestically, the VVS Commander-in-Chief Colonel General Alexander Zelin stated that the service was seeking enough aircraft, estimated to be 24–36 units, to equip "at least two to three regiments".[50]

On 26 April 2009, the fourth Su-35 prototype was destroyed at Dzemgi Airport during a taxi run. The aircraft crashed into a barrier at the end of the runway, burned, and was written off. The pilot, Yevgeny Frolov, ejected and was taken to hospital with burns and other injuries, but was otherwise unharmed.[51][52] The aircraft was expected to be the third flying prototype, with its first flight scheduled on 24 April, but which was rescheduled for 27 April.[51] A commission was opened to investigate the crash, but several sources initially speculated that the incident had been the result of a brake failure or a faulty fuel pump.[53][54][55]

During the 2009 MAKS air show, the Russian Defense Ministry signed a US$2.5 billion contract for 64 jet fighters, which consisted of a 48-aircraft launch order for the Su-35S ("Serial"). The Russian government promised to provide Sukhoi an additional US$100 million in capital, with a further US$109 million promised by Vnesheconombank to start the production programme; in 2010, Sberbank issued an additional loan to assist the programme.[4][56][57] The Su-35's estimated price was $40 million each, and the 64-aircraft contract was the largest aircraft order after the collapse of the Soviet Union.[2] All Su-35s are expected to be delivered by 2015.[58]

KnAAPO started manufacturing the first serial aircraft in November 2009, with Sukhoi's estimating that the annual production rate would be at 24 to 30 aircraft from 2010 to 2020.[59][60] On 11 October 2010, Sukhoi announced that the first production Su-35S had completed general assembly and that the aircraft was planned to be delivered to the Defense Ministry before the end of 2010.[61] The preliminary flight test programme had by now logged 350 flight hours during 270 flights using the two remaining flying prototypes. Sukhoi confirmed that the aircraft has fully met all design specifications, including maximum speed, height, radar detection range and maneuverability parameters.[62][63] Following preliminary tests, the Defense Ministry was expected to start state joint tests to further scrutinize systems such as weapons, involving six Su-35s. The first Su-35S took its maiden flight in May 2011.[64][65][66] The plan was to deliver two Su-35S units in 2011, eight in 2012, twelve in 2013 and 2014, and fourteen in 2015.[67]

Operational history [edit]

Russia [edit]

The first prototype Su-35 in August 2011, when state acceptance trials in Akhtubinsk began

Three production Su-27Ms were completed and delivered to VVS in 1996 for testing.[20] They were operated by 929th State Flight Test Center (abbreviated as GLITS in Russian) at Vladimirovka air base, Akhtubinsk, performing weapons trials. During one such flights, a weapon pylon, to which a bomb and rocket were attached, fell into a village in Ryazan; nobody was hurt.[68][69] In 2001, the Air Force decided that the aerobatics team Russian Knights would receive several Su-27Ms, presumably from GLITS and Sukhoi. After pilots from the team undertook conversion course at Vladimirovka AB, the first of five aircraft was delivered to the team in July 2003. It was expected that the Su-27Ms would enhance the flying repertoire of their new owners, but due to various reasons, they were cannibalized for other aircraft in the demonstration fleet.[69]

In late May 2011, Sukhoi flew the first Su-35S to the Defense Ministry's 929th State Flight Test Centre at Akhtubinsk prior to states joint tests conducted to prepare the aircraft for operational service with the VVS.[70][71] Official trials commenced in mid-August with the two Su-35 prototypes, before being joined by production aircraft. According to Sukhoi, the Su-35 outclasses all foreign aircraft of the fourth generation, such as the Dassault Rafale, and Eurofighter Typhoon, as well as the fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II, and can even counter the F-22 Raptor.[72] As of March 2012, four Su-35S units were involved in such tests, operating alongside the two flying prototypes.[70][73] These Su-35s had by April and August 2012, completed 500 and 650 test flights, respectively.[73][74]

The first Su-35S for the Russian Air Force (May 2012)

On 28 December 2012, Sukhoi delivered a batch of six serial production Su-35S fighters to the VVS. Defense Ministry officials accepted the aircraft at KnAAPO's manufacturing plant in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, Russia.[75] Five of the six Su-35S delivered in December went to the Gromov Flight Research Institute, where in February 2013 an eighteen-month programme began to test the Su-35's ability to conduct highly-maneuverable short-range combat. The programme consists of three components, which are dogfights, the use of weapons and the ability to evade enemy fire, and the ability destroy helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles.[76] State-acceptance trials would conclude in 2015, by which time a second 48-aircraft order is expected to have been signed with the VVS.[77]

In December 2012, Russian officials commented that the Swifts and Russian Knights aerobatics teams would receive new aircraft to replace the MiG-29 and Su-27, respectively. The Swifts was expected to receive the Su-30SM and the Russian Knights, Su-35. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin commented the upgrade was to "show to the world not only the inimitable skill of our pilots, but also the talent of our aircraft designers who despite all the problems of the past decades, are willing to give us new reasons to be proud of their country."[78][79]

Potential operators [edit]

China [edit]

Since the early 1990s, an extensive sales arrangement of the Su-35 to People's Republic of China has been discussed; in 1995 Sukhoi officials announced their proposal to co-produce the Su-35 with China, on the condition that China agreed to purchase 120 aircraft.[80] However, it has been alleged that the Russian Foreign Ministry blocked both the sale of the Su-35 and Tupolev Tu-22M bombers over concerns about the arrangements for Chinese production of the Su-27.[81] It is believed Russia is reluctant to sell the Su-35 as it fears that China may reverse engineer its aircraft systems.[82]

As early as 2006, China was showing interest in the modernized Su-35, and was reportedly negotiating with Moscow for a purchase of the new fighter. Kommersant reported that by the first half of 2007, a contract for an unspecified number would have been signed.[83][84] At the 2007 MAKS air show, a number of Chinese delegates were seen taking photos and videos of the prototypes Su-35.[85] The deal had presumably fallen through. In November 2010, it was reported that Russia again, through Rosoboronexport, was ready to resume talks with China on the sale of the Su-35; China reciprocated in 2011 by presenting a proposal on the purchase of the fighter.[86][87]

In March 2012, the Russian media reported that the two countries were in final contract negotiations for 48 Su-35s in a deal worth US$4 billion, or US$85 million apiece; the remaining obstacle is reportedly Moscow's demand that Beijing guarantee proper licensing for its Su-35 production.[88][89] China denied this deal.[90] In late 2012, it was reported that China wanted to only purchase 24 units, which was less than what Russia deemed to be worthwhile, thus stalling negotiations.[91] By the end of the year, however, negotiations resumed, this time involving 24 aircraft instead of 48.[92] In March 2013, media articles stated the two countries signed an initial agreement for 24 Su-35s and four submarines prior to Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Russia.[93][94] However Russia stated it had not signed any arms agreement with China, who is believed to be interested in the Su-35's NPO Saturn 117S engine.[95]

Others [edit]

In 2001, Brazil under President Fernando Henrique Cardoso announced the F-X tender to procure a replacement for its aging aircraft including the Dassault Mirage IIID/E and F-5. Sukhoi partnered with Avibras to submit the Su-27M for the US$700 million tender that would see at least twelve aircraft delivered to the Brazilian Air Force. Other contenders were the Mirage 2000, F-16, MiG-29, and JAS Gripen.[96][97] Any contract would have been accompanied by an offset agreement that would see the winning bidder provide input to Brazil's aviation industry. Had the Su-35 won, Russia would have purchased 50 Embraer airliners for use by Aeroflot.[96][98] The Su-35 and Mirage 2000 were the front-runners to the program, but the former was favoured for its superior flight characteristics; according to the Centre for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies, the Su-35 would have been the first heavy supersonic fighter to be delivered to Latin America.[96][99][100] The tender was suspended for much of 2003 as the newly elected President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva focused more on social welfare.[101] The tender was again suspended in 2005, pending the availability of new fighters.[102]

In 2007, Russia submitted the modernized Su-35 to the tender, which was relaunched as F-X2. The tender this time attracted the participation of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, F-16BR, JAS Gripen NG, Dassault Rafale, and Eurofighter Typhoon. Brazil was looking to purchase at least 36, and up to 120, aircraft to replace Northrop F-5BRs, Alenia/Embraer A-1Ms and Dassault Mirages.[103][104] In mid-2008, the Brazilian Air Force selected three finalists, none of them the Su-35; Rosoboronexport declared in October 2009 that the company would provide 120 fighters and full technology transfer to Brazil.[105][106] Then in January 2011, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff postponed the acquisition due primarily to fiscal concerns; it is expected that the Su-35 would re-enter the tender following its resumption as the F-X3.[103][107][108]

Front view of an Su-35 in-flight

In May 2006, it was reported that Venezuela planned to purchase dozens of Su-30 and Su-35 fighters, and as many as 100 T-90 tanks. Venezuela reportedly ordered 24 Su-35s in October 2008 for the Venezuelan Air Force; neither Russia or Venezuela have confirmed this.[109][110] In July 2012, Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez repeated his interest in acquiring the Su-35 fighters.[111]

Failed or inactive bids [edit]

South Korea was viewed in the early stages as a potential operator. At the 1996 Seoul Air Show, Russia submitted the Su-35 (Su-27M) and Su-37 as part of its bid for South Korea's F-X fighter procurement programme that saw a 40-aircraft requirement to replace the Republic of Korea Air Force's F-4D/Es, RF-4Cs, and F-5E/Fs. The Sukhoi jets competed against the Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, and F-15K Slam Eagle.[112] For the bid, the proposed Su-35 would have employed a phased grid radar and AL-31FP vectoring-thrust engines. Russian would have provided full technology transfer to South Korea, where final assembly would have taken place. The US$5 billion contract may have been partially financed through a debt-reduction deal on money Russia owed to South Korea.[113][114] Although the Su-35 was viewed as the cheapest aircraft to purchase and maintain, it was eliminated early in bidding process, along with the Typhoon. The F-15K, which had been a front-runner throughout the competition due to South Korea's close ties with the United States, was chosen in 2002. There were reports that, had South Korea not chosen the F-15K, the United States would have refused to integrate American weapons with the winning aircraft.[112][115][116]

Sukhoi approached US-aligned Australia in 2002, offering Su-30 family aircraft, and the Su-35 targeted as the prime "export" fighter.[117][118] In 2008, with the imminent retirement of the Royal Australian Air Force F-111, the Department of Defence considered a possible purchase of either the F-22, F/A-18E/F, Su-34, Su-35, and MiG-29.[119] The F/A-18F was selected. Since 2008, other nations in the region have either acquired the Su-30 or exhibited interest in the Su-35, raising domestic concerns that the RAAF F-35 will be "overmatched" if the Su-35 becomes the dominant opposition.[120]

Russia has offered the Su-35 for sale to India, Malaysia, Algeria and Greece;[121][122] no firm contracts have materialised, with the first three countries having been occupied with other fighter projects and are unlikely to procure the modernized Su-35.[62] In late 2010, Libya was expected to sign a contract for the purchase of twelve Su-35s as part of a bigger military transaction that would have included S-300PMU-2 surface-to-air missiles, Kilo-class submarines, and T-90 tanks.[123] The civil war in Libya and the resulting military intervention caused Rosoboronexport to miss out on US$4 billion in arranged contracts as they were never signed.[124][125]

Variants [edit]

Su-27M/Su-35 
Single-seat fighter.
Su-35UB 
Two-seat trainer. Features taller vertical stabilizers and a forward fuselage similar to the Su-30.
Su-35BM 
Single-seat fighter with upgraded avionics and various modifications to the airframe. Su-35BM is informal name.[56][58]
Su-35S 
Designation of the modernized Su-35 variant of the Russian Air Force.[56][58]
Su-37 
Thrust-vectoring demonstrator.

Operators [edit]

 Russia

Specifications (Su-35S) [edit]

The Irbis-E radar for the modernized Su-35 at MAKS Airshow 2009

Data from KnAAPO,[128][129] Su-27 books,[11][130] Jane's,[131] Airforce-technology.com[8]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Length: 21.9 m (72.9 ft)
  • Wingspan: 15.3 m (50.2 ft) (with wingtip pods)
  • Height: 5.90 m (19.4 ft)
  • Wing area: 62.0 m² (667 ft²)
  • Empty weight: 18,400 kg (40,570 lb)
  • Loaded weight: 25,300 kg (56,660 lb)
  • Max. takeoff weight: 34,500 kg (76,060 lb)
  • Powerplant: 2 × Saturn 117S with TVC nozzle turbofan
    • Dry thrust: 8,800 kgf (86.3 kN, 19,400 lbf) each
    • Thrust with afterburner: 14,500 kgf (142 kN, 31,900 lbf) each
  • Fuel capacity: 14,350 litres (3,790 US gal)

Performance

Armament

Avionics

See also [edit]

Portal icon Aviation portal
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
Related lists

Notes [edit]

Footnotes [edit]

  1. ^ "T-10" is the in-house designation of the Su-27 family. Derivatives of the type such as the Su-27K and Su-27M have the designations of "T-10K" and "T10-M"; as the modernized Su-35 has a project designation of "T-10BM", it would most likely to have been labelled as the "Su-27BM".[27] However, the media has given it the designation "Su-35BM" to distinguish it from the Su-27M/Su-35, even though neither Sukhoi or KnAAPO have never referred to it as such.
  2. ^ Other sources claim the MTOW is 38.5 tonnes (85,000 lb) and the empty weight is 16.5 tonnes (36,000 lb).[28][30]

References [edit]

  1. ^ a b c "Су-35 / Су-35С - FLANKER-E". Military Russia (in Russian). December 2012. Retrieved 8 December 2012. 
  2. ^ a b "На МАКСе заключат контракты на 64 российских истребителя". Lenta.ru (in Russian). 13 August 2009. Retrieved 22 April 2013. 
  3. ^ "Sukhoi shows off its new super agile fighter". Russia Today. 8 July 2008. Retrieved 14 July 2011. 
  4. ^ a b "Russian Defense Ministry orders 64 Su-family fighters". RIA Novosti. Retrieved 18 July 2010. 
  5. ^ a b c Gordon 1999, p. 61.
  6. ^ Williams 2002, p. 118.
  7. ^ Eden 2004, p. 468.
  8. ^ a b "Su-35 Multirole Air Superiority Fighter Aircraft, Russia". Airforce-technology.com. Retrieved 10 July 2011. 
  9. ^ a b c d Williams 2002, p. 119.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i Gordon 1999, p. 62.
  11. ^ a b Gordon 1999, p. 148.
  12. ^ Gordon & Davison 2006, pp. 29–33.
  13. ^ Gordon 1999, pp. 61–62.
  14. ^ Wilson 2000, p. 132.
  15. ^ a b c d Gordon 1999, p. 63.
  16. ^ Gordon & Davison 2006, pp. 30–31.
  17. ^ a b c d e f Fomin, Andrey (June 2007). "Su-35, A Step from Fifth Generation" (PDF). Take-Off (Aeromedia): 46–53. Retrieved 18 July 2010. 
  18. ^ Gordon & Davison 2006, p. 31.
  19. ^ Eden 2004, p. 469.
  20. ^ a b c Gordon & Davison 2006, p. 33.
  21. ^ Gordon 1999, pp. 63–66.
  22. ^ Barrie, Douglas (7 June 1995). "Sukhoi reveals latest thrust-vectoring Su-35 revealed". Flight International. Retrieved 10 July 2011. 
  23. ^ Gordon & Davison 2006, pp. 34–37.
  24. ^ Hillebrand, Niels (12 April 2009). "Sukhoi Su-27M (Su-35) Super Flanker". Milavia.net. Retrieved 14 September 2009. 
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Bibliography [edit]

  • Butowski, Piotr (April–May 2008). "Russia Revitalized". Combat Aircraft Monthly 9 (2). 
  • Eden, Paul, ed. (2004). The Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft. London: Amber Books. ISBN 1-904687-84-9. 
  • Frawley, Gerald (2002). "Sukhoi Su-35 & Su-37". The International Directory of Military Aircraft, 2002/2003. London: Aerospace Publications. ISBN 1-875671-55-2. 
  • Gill, Bates; Kim, Taeho (1995). China's arms acquisitions from abroad: a quest for 'superb and secret weapons'. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-829196-1. 
  • Gordon, Yefim (1999). Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker: Air Superiority Fighter. London: Airlife Publishing. ISBN 1-84037-029-7. 
  • Gordon, Yefim and Peter Davison (2006). Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker. Warbird Tech 42. North Branch, Minnesota: Specialty Press. ISBN 978-1-58007-091-1. 
  • Gordon, Yefim (2007). Sukhoi Su-27. Famous Russian Aircraft. Hinckley, UK: Midlands Publishing. ISBN 1-85780-247-0. 
  • Hewson, Robert (April–May 2008). "Joint Stife Fighter?". Combat Aircraft Monthly 9 (2). 
  • Joo, Seung-Ho; Kwak, Tae-Hwan Kwak (2001). Korea in the 21st century. Nova Publishers. ISBN 978-1-56072-990-7. 
  • Мakienko, Кonstantin (July 2008). "Су-35: спасатель русской авиации". Профиль (Profil) (in Russian): 18–22. 
  • Williams, Mel, ed. (2002). "Sukhoi 'Super Flankers'". Superfighters: The Next Generation of Combat Aircraft. Norwalk, Connecticut: AIRtime Publishing Inc. ISBN 1-880588-53-6. 
  • Wilson, Stewart (2000). Combat Aircraft since 1945. Fyshwick, Australia: Aerospace Publications. ISBN 1-875671-50-1. 
  • Wood, John (2009). Russia, the Asymmetric Threat to the United States: A Potent Mixture of Energy and Missiles. Westport, Connecticut: Praeger Security International. ISBN 978-0-313-35941-5. 
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