Sukhoi Su-35 (Flanker-E / Super Flanker)

The Su-35 (and similar Su-37) is known as the "Super Flanker" (NATO reporting codename of "Flanker-E"). The Su-35 is based on the Su-27 Flanker air-superiority fighter developed in the 1980's with the Su-35 representing a "more-capable" Su-27 and able to take on sorties in the multi-role, long-range mold. The inherent qualities of the Su-27 system as an air superiority fighter have been melded together with strike fighter capabilities to produce the more lethal Su-35.

The Su-35 features a variety of upgrades and updates over the base Su-27 series and is the pinnacle of the Su-27M model development (first flight achieved in 1988). Among these features are an integrated in-flight refueling probe, provisions for ECM pods, upgraded and more powerful engines, larger wings and forward and rear-facing Phazotron radar systems capable of tracking 24 targets up to 62 miles (100km) away over uneven terrain. An additional auxiliary internal reserve fuel tank has been added to the tail fins as well. The cockpit features updated color CRT and HUD displays and digital fly-by-wire featuring a quadruple redundant system capable of finding four different ways for the computer to achieve the pilots requested control action. The new Su-35 designation came about in 1993 through the aircraft was showcased in the Farnborough Air Show a year prior.

Two Su-27 aircraft were utilized in another improvement program becoming the Su-37 "Flanker-F". Similar to the Su-35 model, these systems featured thrust vectoring nozzles for increased agility. Only two were ever produced before the experimental program was shelved - the test aircraft being converted into full Su-35 variants.

Ten total prototypes of the Su-35 were built, four being conversions from existing Su-27s while the rest were new-build aircraft. Official Russian evaluation occurred in 1996. As of this writing, the Su-35 is only in limited production numbers with Russian forces and it has not been placed into service with any other known operator. The Indian-exported Su-30MKI variant is said to retain some of the reported Su-35 systems and ability mentioned above.

Main specifications
Length: 21.9 meters
Height: 5.9 meters
Wingspan: 15.3 meters

Take-off weight, with two R-77 and two R-73: 25.3 tons
Take-off weight, with maximum payload: 34.5 tons
Total thrust available, two Saturn 177S powerplants: 29 tons
Thrust to weight ratio, under normal and maximum load: 1.14 / 0.84

Maximum fuel in integrated fueltanks: 11.5 tons
Maximum weapons load: 8 tons

Service ceiling: 18 kilometers
Range with maximum fuel, on sea-level and altitude: 1,580 km / 3,600 km
Ferry range, with two PTB-2000 external tanks: 4,500 km

Acceleration from 600kph to 1100kph, at 1000m alt and 50% fuel: 13.8 seconds
Acceleration from 1100kph to 1300kph, at 1000m alt and 50% fuel: 8.0 seconds
Maximum rate of climb, at 1000m alt: 280 meters / sec
Maximum airspeed, low-level and altitude (200m / 11000m): 1,400 kph / M2.25
Maximum G-load: 9 G’s

Take-off run, full afterburner, normal weight: 400-450 meters
Landing roll, brakes + parachute, standard landing weight: 650 meters


Weapons
Novator R-72 (KS-172S-1) or Vympel R-37M (”Arrow”): 400 km range, active and semi-active radar, passive radiation guidance
Maximum of five carried. AAM.
Vympel R-77 / RVV-AE (”Adder”): 100 km range, active radar guidance
Maximum of twelve carried. AAM.
Vympel R-27ET[1] (”Alamo”): 110-130 km range, thermal guidance
Maximum of four carried. AAM.
Vympel R-27EP[1] (”Alamo”): 110-130 km range, passive radiation guidance
Maximum of four carried. AAM.
Vympel R-27ER[1] (”Alamo”): 110-130 km range, semi-active radar guidance
Maximum of eight carried. AAM.
Vympel R-73E (”Archer”): 30 km range, thermal guidance
Maximum of six carried. AAM.

Non-specified ultralong range air to ground missile: Maximum of one carried. AGM.
Non-specified long range air to ground missile: Maximum of three carried. AGM.
Non-specified long range anti-radar missile: Maximum of five carried. AGM.
Non-specified long range air to ship missile: Maximum of five carried. ASM.

Raduga X-59M[K] Ovod (”Kazoo”): 140 km range, TV guidance
Maximum of 5 carried, AGM/ASM.
Zvezda X-31A/P (”Krypton”): 70 / 140 km range, active radar / passive radiation guidance
Maximum of 6 carried, AGM.
Molniya X-29TE[L] (”Kedge”): 10 km range, TV / laser guidance
Maximum of 6 carried, AGM.
FSUE LGB-250: 300 kg warhead, laser guidance
Maximum of eight carried, smart bomb.
FSUE KAB-500KR/OD: 500 kg warhead, TV guidance
Maximum of eight carried, smart bomb.
FSUE KAB-1500KR/LG: 1500 kg warhead, TV / laser guidance
Maximum of three carried, smart bomb.
S-25LD: 10 km range, laser guidance
Maximum of six carried, guided rocket.

500kg class bomb: Maximum of ten carried, gravity bomb.
250kg class bomb: Maximum of thirty-two carried, gravity bomb.
B-8M-1: Maximum of 120 carried in six dispensers, unguided rocket.
B-13L: Maximum of 30 carried in six dispensers, unguided rocket.
S-250FM-PU: Maximum of six carried, unguided rocket.