MILAVIA - MILITARY AVIATION

Sukhoi Su-35 Super Flanker

Role: multi-role air superiority fighter
Builder: Sukhoi, KnAAPO
Variants: Su-35 (Su-27M), Su-35UB, Su-35BM, Su-35BR
Operators: Russia

The Su-27M (factory designation T-10M) was conceived as an upgraded variant of the Su-27 'Flanker' incorporating a true air-to-surface capability. Although the capability to carry air-to-surface weapons was added to the baseline Su-27s, it was limited to 'dumb' bombs and unguided rockets. The Su-27 fire control system lacked a dedicated ground target acquisition and identification capability. The air-to-air capability would also be improved to restore the balance with the latest F-15 and F-16 fighters and the AIM-120 AMRAAM. The aircraft was later designated Su-35, although Su-27M remains the Russian military designation.

New Radar

The Su-35 is equipped with the RLSU-27 radar system. The system is composed of the forward-looking N011 slotted-antenna radar and the small N012 rear-looking radar, the latter is located in the central tailboom. Compared to the N001 radar of the basic Su-27 variants, the RLSU-27 radar offers extended target acquisition range, air-to-surface stand-off attack capability, simultaneous tracking of more targets, surveillance and tracking of targets in the rear hemisphere and improved counter ECM. The new radar is also capable of terrain-mapping, enabling nap-of-the-eartch (NOE) and obstacle avoidance.

Later it was concluded that the slotted-antenna radar would be outdated soon, and a phased array variant of the N011 radar was developed, designated N011M. The phased array enabled a greater radar range, wider zones of tracking and engagement, increase in number of simultaneously tracked and engaged targets, and the employment of more advanced weapons.

Advanced Avionics

In addition to the radar, the Su-35 features other advancements in its avionics suite compared to the Su-27. Other principal components were the electro-optical sighting/navigation system, communications suite, instrument guidance equipment, new FBW system, IFF and digital computer. The aircraft is equipped with an advanced self-defence suite consisting of new RWR systems, Sorbtsiya ECM pods, and APP-50 chaff/flare dispenser.

Cockpit

The instrument panel layout was changed to accomodate three high-res multifuction monochrome CRT displays and an improved HUD, reducing the number of old electro-mechanical instruments needed. Later the Su-35 features multifunction colour LCDs. The IRST sensor was moved to the right off the line of symmetry to improve visibility from the cockpit. The ejection seat was elevated and declined at 30 degrees to enable the pilot to better withstand high G manoeuvring. The pilots wears a helmet with the Shchel-3UM helmet-mounted target designator.

Airframe

The Su-35 airframe incorporates a new nose section, new central tailboom, canards, and upgraded AL-31FM engines. The wings panels were fitted with larger fuel cells and the enlarged fins have internal fuel cells as well, to increase the aircraft's combat radius. Also the Su-35 has been fitted with an IFR probe and provision to carry two 2,000-litre underwing drop tanks to further extend its range.
The aircraft's structure and undercarriage was strengthened to cope with the increased weight of the aircraft caused by the new equipment. The single nose wheel is replaced by two smaller wheels.

New Weapons

The new systems enabled the Su-35 to be capable of using modern air launched weapons. The most important in the air-to-air role, is the medium-range active radar homing R-77 (export designation is RVV-AE) air-to-air missile, the Russian equivalent of the AIM-120 AMRAAM. A maximum of 12 of these missiles can be carried or 10 when carrying the ECM pods on its wingtips. The Su-35 can also be armed with the older R-27 semi-active radar, R-27E IR homing medium-range missiles as well as the short-range R-60 and R-73 IR homing missiles.

The armament now also includes guided air-to-surface missiles and bombs. Aside from the unguided rockets already on the basic Su-27's weapons list, the Su-35 is now also capable of the Kh-29 TV-guided, Kh-31P anti-radiation, and Kh-31A anti-ship missiles. In addition to the increased number of dumb free-fall, incendiary, and cluster bombs, the Su-35 is now also capable of the TV and laser-guided KAB-500 bombs.

Multi-Role

These new systems and weapons capabilities make the Su-35 a true multi-role fighter. Combined with its large action radius and reasonable price tag, make the Su-35 a good candidate for export. The Su-35 was first shown at Farnborough international air show in 1993. Early attempts included the Su-35 based Su-37MR which was marketed to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), see Su-37 section. After the first series produced Su-35s had been delivered to the Russian Air Force in 1996, development by the Komsomolsk-on-Amur aircraft manufacturing association (KnAAPO) was aimed at meeting the requirements of possible export customers. The new Su-35s would be offered with the AL-31FP TVC engines, which were developed following the successfull Su-37 trials with the first TVC engines, see Su-37 section. The modified Su-35s also feature an open architecture avionics suite incorporating the latest digital computers and display systems.

Su-35UB and Su-35BM

Another step towards meeting future customer requirements was to develop a twin-seat combat trainer. The first KnAAPO-built Su-35UB was shown at the MAKS 2003 and is currently undergoing flight trials, before it can enter series production.

Other plans for further development of the Su-35 include the Su-35BM. The Su-35BM will be an upgraded Su-35 with Al-41F1 engines and improved avionics, including either the Phazotron Sokol or the new NIIP Irbis radar, to be built around a rotatable passive phased array.

First Export to South America?

Despite efforts by KnAAPO to market the Su-35, it has not yet received any orders yet. The Su-35 has been considered by a number of nations for their next generation fighter program. These include South Korea, Singapore, Australia and Brazil. Apart from Brazil, the Su-35 failed to get shortlisted by these countries, which preferred variants based on the F-15E by Boeing, the Lockheed F-35 Joint Strike Fighter , Eurofighter Typhoon or Dassault Rafale instead.

Brazil however was forced to postpone its ultimate decision, but seems to have shortlisted the Su-35 together with the Mirage 2000BR and the Saab Gripen. The Su-35 seems to be a perfect candidate for Brazil thanks to its range, Brazil having a large airspace. KnAAPO seems to have introduced the designation Su-35BR for the Su-35s that could be developed for Brazil. The Saab Gripen seems to be the most economical option, which is also an important factor for a country with a large foreign debt. However, the French Mirage 2000BR (Mirage 2000-9) seems to be the politically preferred option. Recently the Brazilian F-X program was cancelled and the acquisition of any new fighters has been postponed, the postponement was enabled by an interim solution consisting of upgrading the F-5 fleet and the lease of Mirage 2000B/C fighter from France.

However, a new likely candidate for the Su-35 emerged in the form of Venezuela. The country is planning to buy Sukhoi fighters following the US arms embargo, imposed on it in May 2006. The Su-35 is one of the options, although it seems a Su-30MK variant is favored by the FAV.

Sources:
- Fomin, A., Su-27 Flanker Story
- ACIG.org Forums
- Air Forces Monthly 2002-2005
- Websites (see related links)