The Russian multirole super-maneuverable Su-35 fighter of the 4++ generation is considered one of Moscow's best combat aircraft and a worthy opponent for the American F-15 Eagle, F/A-18 Super Hornet, and possibly even the F-35 Lightning II. This is according to military expert Peter Suchiu in an article for The National Interest.
It is believed that as of December 2022, the Kremlin had 110 Su-35 aircraft of various types at its disposal, some of which have since been lost.
Suchiu noted that the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) regularly supplies the troops with Su-35s and its modifications. However, the corporation does not disclose the number of fighters transferred.
The Kremlin has long praised the capabilities of the Su-35. It is designed for missions to gain air superiority. The new fighter has replaced the Soviet Su-27 and MiG-29.
Production of the Su-35 ceased in the 90s but was resumed in the 2000s. Since then, an improved version, the Su-35S, has appeared.
Characteristics of the Su-35S fighter:
- Wingspan — 14.70 m
- Length — 21.9 m
- Height — 5.9 m
- Maximum takeoff weight — 34500 kg
- Fuel weight — 11300 kg
- Maximum combat load weight — 8000 kg on 12 hardpoints
- Engine type — 2 AL-41F1S turbofan engines
- Maximum speed at altitude — 2.25M, near the ground — 1400 km/h
- Service ceiling — 18000 m
Read more on the topic:
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