The multirole, super-maneuverable Su-35 fighter and the multifunctional F-35 fighter are often compared. However, analysts believe that the American aircraft has the advantage in air combat, and it "can crush" its competitor, according to The Military Watch Magazine.
The author gives several arguments. First, the F-35 features stealth and an expanded set of avionics, providing the pilot with better situational awareness than its potential rival from the Su-35.
Secondly, the F-35 will retain an advantage within visual range, as its AIM-9X Block II guided missile can hit targets at much greater angles of deviation from the line of sight than the R-74 missile. And this negates the superior flight characteristics of the Su-35.
At the same time, the publicist points to a major disadvantage of the American fighter. The F-35 will not be able to place the AIM-9X missile in the internal weapons bays in the "stealth" configuration; therefore, it becomes more visible to radar.
However, the Su-35 has a large missile load. Bombs and missiles weighing up to 8 tons, including aerial bombs and unguided missiles, can be placed on 12 suspension units. The Russian fighter is covered with special paint to reduce radar signature.
To ensure survivability, it is much more important for an F-35 pilot to avoid visual range air combat than for any other 21st century fighter.
Read also on the topic:
A Chinese part manufactured on May 25 was found in the Russian Geran-2 drone
