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 provides several arguments. First, the F-35 features stealth and an advanced avionics suite, providing the pilot with better situational awareness than its potential rival from the Su-35.
Secondly, the F-35 will maintain an advantage within visual range, as its AIM-9X Block II guided missile can engage targets at much greater off-boresight angles than the R-74 missile. And this negates the superior flight characteristics of the Su-35.
At the same time, the publicist points out a major disadvantage of the American fighter. The F-35 will not be able to accommodate 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. Up to 8 tons of bombs and missiles can be placed on 12 suspension points, including aerial bombs and unguided missiles. 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 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
