Footage of an unexpected maneuver by the Russian Su-35S fighter of the "4++" generation has gone viral on the Web. The machine was hiding at an extremely low altitude, but in a matter of seconds it went vertically upwards to attack the appeared target. Such maneuvers are dictated by dry energy-saving calculations, explained Honored Military Pilot of Russia, Major General Vladimir Popov.
According to him, a sharp jerk of the Su-35S upwards is necessary to bring the missile to the target and reduce its energy losses in flight.
The missile is launched so that it immediately goes to the target almost in a straight line.
The video also shows how the Su-35S rapidly increased the pitch, that is, raised its nose up, and then accelerated from a cruising speed of 500 km/h to 800 km/h. Given that the missile engine only works for 10–15 seconds, such a "hill" allows you to save precious charge.
Popov drew attention to the fact that the Su-35S was on duty at extremely low altitudes (no more than 300 m) and at low speed, acting as an "ambush regiment".
This is important because when the radar irradiates the air space, it triggers a warning system about an attack on the enemy's aircraft.
Su-35S pilot with the call sign Medved (Bear) said that the range of the combat vehicle was increased by abandoning the heavy brake shield. Now there is an additional fuel tank.
The Technosphere of Russia publication, citing sources, reported that the Aerospace Forces in 2025 received from 14 to 20 Su-35S fighters.