Posted on 06/06/2017 7:07:57 PM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
The Sukhoi Su-35S supermaneuverable multirole fighter in service with the Russian Air Force is optimized for air-to-air combat but is quite useless as a ground attack aircraft as proven by its combat experience in Syria.
Russian state-controlled media reports the air force as being "more or less satisfied with the Su-35S" and its performance in Syria.
The "less" in this case is the result of the failure of the fighter's PESA (Passive Electronically Scanned Array) radar to accurately and consistently locate and guide bombs onto their targets.
"Since the aircraft was employed for ground strike missions -- more with smart weapons and dumb bombs -- there can be some modifications for software and systems responsible for ground attack," said Vassily Kashin Ph.D., a senior research fellow at the Center for Comprehensive European and International Studies at the National Research University-Higher School of Economics.
Kashin also said "there were just some small problems (with the Su-35S), which emerged during the intense combat use during the war."
The obvious solution to the problems generated by PESA is to upgrade the Su-35S' radar system to the newer and more sophisticated active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar.
The Russian Air Force, however, has no immediate plans to upgrade the Su-35S with major new systems like an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar.
"There will be no AESA," said Kashin.
He said the Su-35S already has "a very powerful PESA radar and it is considered to be the strong point."
He noted that what the Su-35S and the Russian Air Force for ground attack missions are targeting pods similar to the Lockheed Martin Sniper or Northrop Grumman LITENING pods, but Russia apparently has no interest in developing advanced versions of these devices.
The Su-30SM and the Su-35 have to rely on their PESA radars for targeting air-to-surface targets because they lack targeting pods.
"The lack of pods is considered to be a major weakness of the Russian Air Force," said Kashin.
"There is a targeting pod development program which started even before Syria, but no results yet."
Read more: http://www.chinatopix.com/articles/114340/20170606/russia-s-su-35s-fighter-big-failure-ground-attack-missions.htm#ixzz4jHHT07KR
The incredible surge rates between heavy maint more than makes up for any ground attack short-comings. It’s why the SU25 is there in numbers, as well.
The weak point for the Russians in Syria has been logistics support, namely sea lift capability.
Defects aside, it’s a beautiful aircraft.
Tomcat was better. Damn sham we didn’t make full use of the airframe.
Almost as pretty as the P-38 Lightning.
Russian aircraft are notoriously ugly. This plane, however, is gorgeous. It has flowing lines, coupled with serious looking aspects, too. In the light blue camo, it is particularly striking.
I remember when I first saw it years ago. There is an old adage, that says if a plane looks right, it will fly right. Su-35’s just “look right.”
Just going to comment on what a great looking aircraft it is.
Don’t know about that. I loved the F-14. Particularly the stage 5 cat shot at night.
But I’ve heard from many (some who would know) the F-14 was under-powered. This bird looks over-powered if there can be such a thing. And damn. It’s gorgeous.
lol
The original A model was underpowered. By the time they got to the ‘D’ ( and the engine model numbers escape me at the moment) they could cat it without AB.
The airframe was just starting to reach its potential. Cheney killed it.
Imagine a swept wing naval fighter; Mach 2+ speed; long legs and, in time, thrust vectored engines.
The F-15 has become a good attack platform. The F-14 could have been there with it.
Except, Nixon sold it to Iran.
So now it’s either in a museum, the boneyard, or the shredder.
Damn shame.
Gruman had plans for a SuperCat. Stealth won the Bejamins. Personally, with the advances in sensor technology, stealth’s shelf life is limited.
Unless they can make a Macih or less capable aircraft to not leave a wake in a fluid. Or at least, not be seen doing it.
But what do I know.
Quantity has a quality all its own
Ill never understand the Cheney love here. He killed the F-14D. He killed the A6E Intruder. Huge numbers of brand new ones were dumped into the ocean as a reef!
He running numerous Navy careers with his Tailhook drama.
he pushed women and homos to the forefront.
That neocon chickenhawk did a ton of damage.
A model was underpowered. B and D models were rocket ships.
Looks like a longer F-15
As soon as I agree someone will be on me.
I agree...
LOL
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.