Posted on 06/19/2013 11:51:25 AM PDT by lbryce
Wikipedia:Sukhoi SU-35-Flanker-E
The Sukhoi Su-35 (Russian: Сухой Су-35; NATO reporting name: Flanker-E) is designation of two different 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, shares 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 orders. Sukhoi originally projected that it would export more than 160 units of the second modernized Su-35 worldwide
I'll leave the judgement up to the viewer to determine its air-worthiness versus America's best and just make two simple comments. Firstly, nobody died, the aircraft didn't crash. Secondly, it made no attempt to launch itself to considerable height in near 90 degree angle like the F-22 or F-35 proving itself capable of. Enjoy the flight.
No stealth means not a 4++ generation fighter. Speed/power and stealth is the most dire of attributes. Targeting computers a close second. This thing is pretty and probably fun to fly but a F-15, F-22, and maybe a F-18, with our pilots would make short work of it.
Looked like a joy ride to me.
I bet with those large vertical stabilizers and no real stealth features that this thing lights up on radar like a flashbulb in a dark room. And even a marginally effective sidewinder should give a good growl when it sees those ABs light up. I could be wrong, but I would rather not have to employ all of these terrific maneuvers just avoid incoming threats.
Stealthy?
Raptor bait.
I'd love to see how slow they could land this thing. They didn't show that. If it was STOL with a rugged landing gear for off airport, i.e. road use as in the old Soviet and Saab Viggen model that would be cool. All that maneuverability would be great for landing in unimproved strips, but I am not sure this airplane is the A-10 replacement we are looking for...
The only replacement for an old A-10 is a new A-10, or maybe some new A-1E spads.
How about a cost/benefit analysis someone? Looks like you could buy 4 or 5 SU-35s or one F-22. That, if correct, means you had better have a 5:1 or better kill ratio at bottom line. Anyone have accurate figures?
>>>>How about a cost/benefit analysis someone? Looks like you could buy 4 or 5 SU-35s or one F-22. That, if correct, means you had better have a 5:1 or better kill ratio at bottom line. Anyone have accurate figures?<<<<
Su-35 is not cheap by all means. AFAIK the Chinese negotiates to get it at $85 million a piece.
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