Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker-E

Summary

Description

The Sukhoi Su-35 is a Russian multirole fighter aircraft, developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau. It is an advanced derivative of the original Su-27 'Flanker' and is also known by its NATO reporting name, Flanker-E. The development of the Su-35 can be traced back to the 1980s, but it formally entered into service with the Russian Air Force in 2014. It was designed to gain air superiority, but also has ground attack and anti-ship capabilities. The Su-35 features numerous upgrades over its predecessors, including advanced avionics, improved engines, and greater weapon-carrying capacity.

The development of the Sukhoi Su-35 is rooted in efforts to improve upon the Su-27, which itself was already a formidable air superiority fighter. During the late 1980s and into the 1990s, the need for an advanced variant became apparent, not just to maintain a technological edge but also as a response to new generations of Western fighter aircraft.

The Su-35 was designed to be a multirole fighter with capabilities far exceeding those of its predecessors. It incorporates a host of improvements, both in terms of avionics and hardware. The aircraft features a reinforced airframe for greater longevity and the ability to carry more ordnance. It utilizes AL-41F1S turbofan engines that offer higher thrust and improved fuel efficiency compared to the older models used in the Su-27. These engines give the Su-35 supermaneuverability, allowing for extremely tight turns and complex aerial maneuvers that are difficult for most other aircraft to match.

Avionics-wise, the Su-35 is equipped with the Irbis-E radar system, which provides enhanced tracking and targeting capabilities. It can track multiple targets simultaneously at greater ranges than its predecessors. The cockpit has also been modernized with multi-function displays and a digital fly-by-wire system to ease pilot workload and improve combat efficiency.

Armement

The Sukhoi Su-35 is equipped with a robust weapons suite, designed to make it a formidable opponent in a variety of combat scenarios. One of its primary armaments is the GSh-30-1 30mm autocannon with 150 rounds, capable of delivering devastating firepower in close air-to-air engagements or against ground targets.

For air-to-air combat, the Su-35 can be armed with a range of missiles including the R-27 (also known as the AA-10 Alamo), the R-73 (AA-11 Archer), and the more modern R-77 (AA-12 Adder). The aircraft is also compatible with the R-37M, a long-range air-to-air missile designed to take down high-value targets like airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft.

When it comes to air-to-ground and air-to-sea roles, the Su-35 is capable of carrying various types of guided and unguided bombs, including laser-guided bombs, satellite-guided bombs, and traditional dumb bombs. It can also carry anti-ship missiles like the Kh-31 and Kh-35, as well as air-to-ground missiles like the Kh-29 and Kh-59.

Its 12 hardpoints allow a maximum ordnance weight of up to 8000 kg, making it capable of carrying a substantial payload for various mission profiles. This enhances its versatility, enabling it to switch roles as needed—from air superiority to ground attack to anti-ship missions—often within the same sortie.

Operational history

The Sukhoi Su-35 formally entered service with the Russian Air Force in 2014, although its development and testing phases stretch back to the late 1980s and early 1990s. Since its induction, it has become one of the flagships of Russia's modernized air fleet. While the aircraft has not seen extensive combat, it has been deployed in various capacities to demonstrate its capabilities.

Perhaps its most notable operational use so far has been in the Syrian conflict. Russia deployed the Su-35 to Syria as part of its intervention to support the Assad regime, starting around 2016. In this theater, the Su-35 primarily served in an air superiority role, though it also had the capability to engage in ground attack missions. Its deployment was seen as a significant show of force and also served as a testing ground for its systems under combat conditions. The experience gained in Syria likely contributed to further refinements in the aircraft's operational procedures and tactics.

In addition to its service with the Russian Air Force, the Su-35 has also attracted international interest. China became the first foreign customer, signing a contract for 24 aircraft in 2015, with deliveries completed by 2018. Other countries like Indonesia, Iran and Egypt had also shown interest in acquiring the Su-35, but they all eventually cancelled their plans.

Variants

• Su-35S: This is the single-seat, production variant primarily in service with the Russian Air Force. It features enhanced avionics, AL-41F1S engines, and an improved airframe. The 'S' stands for "Stroyevoy” ("Combatant"). It is the most advanced and widely produced version of the Su-35.
• Su-35UB: Originally, this was a two-seat trainer variant, designed to help pilots transition from older models like the Su-27 to the Su-35. However, it didn't proceed past the prototype stage.
• Su-35BM: This is an earlier variant that preceded the Su-35S. The 'BM' stands for "Big Modernization," and it was an interim model showcasing several of the advanced technologies later incorporated into the Su-35S. The aircraft was a technology demonstrator and was not mass-produced.
• Su-35K: This is an export version of the Su-35, designed to meet the requirements of potential foreign customers. It offers some customization options in terms of avionics and weapon systems to align with the purchasing country's specifications.

Technical specifications

Current operating countries

Country		Units
	Egypt	0 (+26)

Numbers in parentheses, e.g. '(+5)', indicate units ordered but not yet delivered.

All operators

Egypt • Russia

Photo of Su-35 Flanker-E