Super Sukhoi: the most powerful four-generation aircraft Su-35 aerodynamic perfection

Super Sukhoi Su-35 is the ultimate improved version of Sukhoi’s star fighter su27 Flanker series, the pinnacle of aerodynamics, NATO codenamed "Flanker E". Su-35 is a true 4th/4.5th generation multi-purpose aircraft. Based on the powerful and mature quality of the Su-27 product line, it upgrades its air-to-air combat capabilities while also incorporating advanced ground attack capabilities. The early Su-35 of

originated from the improved Su-27M development series. The front of the fuselage was equipped with canards, and its aerodynamics were improved to increase flight maneuverability. The experimental machine T10-24 was manufactured in 1985. Flight testing began in 1988. The first prototype was announced at the Farnburg Air Show in 1992. By 1994, the eleventh prototype appeared. With the continuous addition of new technologies, the improvement of the aircraft on the original Su-27M could no longer meet the design inspiration that Russian engineers continued to emerge. They redesigned a brand new one based on previous research. Su-35S fighter. The new and improved version, which first flew in 2008, was officially put into production after the Russian Air Force adopted the "Su-35S" in 2010 after a long period of testing. The

Su-35S fighter has an integrated on-board refueling probe, an ECM electronic countermeasure pod, an upgraded and more powerful engine, a larger wing surface area and a Phazotron front and rear radar system that can track 24 targets (up to 62) at the same time. An auxiliary internal reserve fuel tank was also added to achieve the required combat range. The cockpit is equipped with the latest color CRT display, HUD head-up display and digital fly-by-wire (FBW) function with quadruple redundancy. The onboard computer can find four different ways to achieve the required flight control. The latest Irbis-E passive phased array radar system is used. The performance of Su-35 is very advanced. In order to distinguish traditional third-generation fighters, it is classified as "fourth-generation fighters", although its real functions far exceed the original fourth-generation fighters.

From the appearance, Su-35 retains many clean and smooth lines of Su-27. This is a large aircraft with larger wings and engines than Su-27, Su-30, Su-33. Larger nose, more carbon fiber composite material and aluminum-lithium alloy fuselage, larger fuselage, larger square tail. The wings of the Su-35 are well laid out, the front of the fuselage is very long, and the engines are arranged side by side. Su-35 uses a nose cone to house its powerful radar tracking system. The visibility of the cockpit is excellent. The engine exhausts through the thrust vectoring ring located at the rear of the fuselage, which provides excellent maneuverability. Su-35 also has a side guard stinger at the tail, and the extension of the fuselage is equipped with a rear-view radar device.

is powered by two Saturn 117S afterburning turbofan engines with thrust vector control. The engine has an output of 32,000 pounds at full thrust and approximately 19,400 pounds at dry thrust. Compared with the traditional Su-27 fighter, the thrust vectoring system has excellent agility. The aircraft can turn at a smaller angle and can dodge in close combat or maneuver away from trailing guided missiles. The Su-35S has a top speed of Mach 2.25, uses internal fuel at a speed of approximately 1,500 miles per hour, and has a range of 1,900 nautical miles, plus a load tank can reach 2,400 nautical miles. The Su-35S will be able to operate at an altitude of 60,000 feet and have a climb speed of 55,100 feet per minute.

As a multi-purpose fighter platform, Su-35S benefits from a full set of ordnance options provided by Russia, including no less than 14 external weapon attachment points. The 30mm GSh-30 internal cannon is standard equipment for close combat (150 pellets allocated), while the wingtips are reserved for R-73 (AA-11 "Archer") short-range air-to-air missiles. In addition, according to the requirements of the mission parameters, the wingtip guides can be removed and replaced with a dedicated ECM pod. The remaining mounting points will be the location of various air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles, anti-radiation missiles, anti-ship missiles, laser guided bombs, guided rocket pods, unguided rocket pods and precision weapons as required . The powerful arsenal ensures the Su-35S's air firepower.

At the opening ceremony of the 2013 Paris Air Show, Su-35S fighter jets performed a flight demonstration abroad for the first time. The Su-35S shined at the air show, demonstrating its unparalleled maneuverability. It was overwhelming with various difficult maneuvers. It was amazing. It was also outstanding in other performances. It made the fighters who participated in the air show utterly desolate. In one day, he successfully demonstrated the true capabilities of Su-35S to potential customers. A shining business card was handed over to the future fighter export market.

In September 2012, the Russian Air Force announced that after successfully testing the aircraft, it was planning to increase the number of Su-35S purchased. The Russian Air Force expects to purchase 90 Su-35S aircraft as its main multi-role fighters in the short term.

According to reports, the first batch of about 12 Su-35 fighters was handed over to the Russian Air Force in April 2014.

In 2015, the Turkish Air Force fighter jets shot down a Su-24 attack aircraft over Syria. In order to achieve air deterrence, Russia deployed several Su-35 air superiority platforms to the region.

In January 2017, China received 4 Su-35 fighter jets. This is the last time China has purchased a foreign fighter jet.

In February 2018, the Indonesian Air Force and Sukhoi signed a contract for 11 Su-35 Flanker fighters, and delivery began in August.

In March 2019, Egypt announced an agreement to purchase 20 Sukhoi Su-35 multirole fighters for its air force from Russian industry. The transaction is worth approximately US$2 billion.

The future export prospects of Su-35 fighters are quite optimistic. Sukhoi’s ace fighter products will directly compete with the latest American F-16, F-18, F-35, Swedish Gripen, French Rafale, and European Typhoon. , And have a huge impact on the fighter export market. Moreover, the Su-35 is considered to be an excellent low-cost, low-risk alternative to the expensive F-35 under development by Lockheed Martin, and can surpass all other existing fourth-generation fighters. For countries where military spending is relatively tight and those countries that are considering buying bloated and delayed F-35 fighters, Su-35 seems to be a better choice.