The Sukhoi Su-35 is a fourth-generation, twin-engine, supermaneuverable fighter jet that is considered one of the most advanced fighter planes in the world. It was designed and built by the Russian aerospace company Sukhoi, and is the latest variant of the Su-27 family of aircraft. The Su-35 was designed to be a multipurpose fighter jet, capable of performing air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, and reconnaissance missions.
History:
The Su-35 was first introduced in 1989 as an upgraded version of the Su-27, which was first flown in 1977. The Su-35 was originally designed to be a stop-gap measure until the Su-37, a fifth-generation fighter jet, was ready for production. However, the Su-37 project was eventually cancelled, and the Su-35 became the premier fighter jet in the Su-27 family.
Design:
The Su-35 has a unique design that allows it to perform maneuvers that are impossible for other fighter jets. It has a length of 22.4 meters, a wingspan of 14.75 meters, and a height of 5.92 meters. The fighter jet has a maximum takeoff weight of 34,500 kg.
One of the most notable features of the Su-35 is its canard design, which consists of small wings located near the cockpit. The canards provide additional lift and stability to the aircraft, which allows it to perform high-g maneuvers and other advanced maneuvers.
Performance:
Speed:
The Su-35 has a maximum speed of Mach 2.25 (2,500 km/h), which makes it one of the fastest fighter jets in the world. It can also fly at a maximum altitude of 18,000 meters.
Power:
The Su-35 is powered by two Saturn AL-41F1S turbofan engines, which provide a total thrust of 31,900 kgf. The engines have a variable thrust vectoring system, which allows the pilot to control the direction of the thrust, and enables the Su-35 to perform advanced maneuvers.
Range:
The Su-35 has a combat range of 1,600 km, and a ferry range of 3,600 km. It is equipped with a mid-air refueling system, which allows it to extend its range even further.
Endurance:
The Su-35 has a maximum endurance of 10 hours, which makes it suitable for long-range missions.
Cost:
The Su-35 is a relatively inexpensive fighter jet, with a unit cost of around $65 million. This makes it an attractive option for countries that are looking to upgrade their air force capabilities without breaking the bank.
Engines:
The Su-35 is powered by two Saturn AL-41F1S turbofan engines, which are among the most advanced fighter jet engines in the world. The engines have a thrust-to-weight ratio of 1.1, which allows the Su-35 to perform high-g maneuvers.
Weapon systems:
The Su-35 is equipped with a variety of advanced weapon systems, including a 30 mm cannon, air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, and guided bombs. The fighter jet also has a sophisticated electronic warfare system, which allows it to detect and jam enemy radar signals.
Performance metrics:
The Su-35 has impressive performance metrics that make it one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world. It has a maximum speed of Mach 2.25, a combat range of 1,600 km, and a ferry range of 3,600 km. The fighter jet is also capable of performing advanced maneuvers, thanks to its canard design and variable thrust vectoring engines.
Production and Procurement:
The Su-35 has been in production since 2007, and has been exported to several countries around the world. The fighter jet is produced at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Plant in Russia, which has the capacity to produce up to 48 Su-35s per year.
Russia is the primary operator of the Su-35, with the Russian Air Force currently operating around 98 Su-35s. Other countries that have procured the Su-35 include China, Indonesia, and Egypt. In 2019, the Russian government announced that it had signed a contract to supply 12 Su-35s to Egypt.
Operational Capabilities:
The Su-35 is a highly capable fighter jet that is designed to excel in a variety of missions. It is equipped with advanced avionics and weapon systems, which allow it to perform air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, and reconnaissance missions.
One of the Su-35's most notable features is its supermaneuverability, which allows it to perform advanced maneuvers such as the Pugachev's Cobra and the Kulbit. The fighter jet is also highly maneuverable at high angles of attack, thanks to its canard design and thrust vectoring engines.
The Su-35's advanced electronic warfare system allows it to detect and jam enemy radar signals, making it difficult for enemy aircraft to track and engage the fighter jet. The Su-35 is also equipped with a variety of countermeasures, such as chaff and flare dispensers, which can be used to confuse and defeat enemy missiles.
International Interest:
The Su-35 has generated significant interest from countries around the world, thanks to its advanced capabilities and relatively low cost. One of the primary reasons for this interest is the Su-35's ability to compete with more expensive and advanced fighter jets, such as the F-35 and the Eurofighter Typhoon.
China is one of the largest customers for the Su-35, having purchased 24 of the fighter jets from Russia. Indonesia has also purchased 11 Su-35s, making it the second-largest customer for the fighter jet.
Several other countries have expressed interest in the Su-35, including Malaysia, Vietnam, and Algeria. The Su-35 is seen as an attractive option for countries that are looking to upgrade their air force capabilities, but may not have the budget to purchase more expensive fighter jets.
Conclusion:
The Sukhoi Su-35 is a highly capable fighter jet that has generated significant interest from countries around the world. Its advanced capabilities and relatively low cost make it an attractive option for countries that are looking to upgrade their air force capabilities. The Su-35's supermaneuverability, advanced electronic warfare system, and powerful engines make it a formidable opponent in air-to-air combat, while its air-to-ground capabilities make it a versatile platform for a variety of missions. As the Su-35 continues to be produced and exported to countries around the world, it is likely to remain a major player in the global defense industry for years to come.
Thank you for visiting Winged Warriors!
Read More About
F-22 Raptor Click here
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Click here
Sukhoi Su-57 Click here
Chengdu J-20 Click here
The 15 best Helicopters in the world Click here
FA-18 Super Hornet Click here
The Eurofighter Typhoon Click here
Dassault Rafale Click here
0 Comments