The Sukhoi Su-35 is an air-defence fighter that is an improved variation of the Su-27 aircraft. It is a single-seat, twin-engine aircraft designed for air-superiority roles as well as other multiple roles.
It was designed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau and built by the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Plant.
This article will give details about the Sukhoi Su-35 within the context of the IAS Exam.
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Origins of the Sukhoi Su-35
The Sukhoi Su-35 was originally designed in the Soviet Union with the Su-27 being the original base design. The maiden flight of the Su-35 happened in June 1988.
Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, further designs were made in order to make them export ready. About 14 aircraft were produced and used for tests and demonstrations.
The aircraft made its debut in November 1993 when its flying capabilities were demonstrated in front of spectators in Dubai. After that it flew in another demonstration in Berlin and Paris. Following this the Russian government approved the aircraft for export in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
A variant of the Su-35, the Su-35S saw its first combat deployment during the Russian intervention in the Syrian Civil War in January 2016. This was in response to the increased tensions between Russian and Turkey when a Turkish F-16 fighter shot down a Russian Su-24 bomber in 2015.
The Su-35S w provides air cover for other aircrafts when conducting bombing missions. They had been crucial in preventing Turkish and Israeli incursions into Syrian territory as on a number of occasions the Su-35Ss had intercepted and turned away these aircraft when they were carrying out air operations of their own.
Characteristics of Sukhoi Su-35
| Characteristics of the Sukhoi Su-35 | |
| No of Crew | 1 |
| Developer | Sukhoi Design Bureau |
| Length | 21.9m |
| Wingspan | 15.3m |
| Height | 5.9m |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | 8,000kg |
| Armament |
|
| Countermeasures | Radar warning system, radar jammer, co-operative radar jamming system, missile approach warner, laser warner and chaff and flare dispenser. |
| Engine | Powered by two Sturn / UFA AL-31F 117S turbofan engines with thrust-vectoring nozzle control, each supplying 86.3kN thrust or 142.2kN with afterburner. |
| Fuel Capacity | 14,350 Litres |
| Maximum Speed | 2,390km/h |
| Maximum Altitude | 18,000m |
| Weight |
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Comparison between Sukhoi Su-35 and Dassault Rafael Jet
There has been much comparison between the Sukhoi and Rafale Jet. Below we will give a table of comparisons with which a comparison can be made between the two aircraft.
| Parametres | Rafael | Sukhoi Su-35 |
| Maneuverability | Compared to the Su-35, the Rafael is not as manoeuvrable | The Sukhoi hands down beats the Rafel in terms of Maneuverability |
| Maximum Speed | Maximum speed is 1.8 Machs | Sukhoi can achieve 2.2 Mach at high altitudes |
| Weight | Rafale weighs 10 tonnes and the maximum take-off weight is 24.5 tonnes | Su-35S weighs 18,400 kg approximately and the maximum take-off weight is 34,500 kg. |
| Weapons | Rafale can carry air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles | Su-35S can carry air-to-air, air-to-surface, anti-ship, and anti-radiation missiles. |
Frequently Asked Questions about Sukhoi Su-35
Is the Su-35 better than Rafale?
How good is the Sukhoi Su-35
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