F/A-18 Hornet vs. Mikoyan MiG-35

The McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet, later manufactured by Boeing, is a versatile and highly capable all-weather supersonic, twin-engine, multirole combat aircraft. Initially designed for the United States Navy and Marine Corps, the Hornet has also been adopted by the air forces of several other nations. Its development was influenced by the earlier Northrop YF-17 and it was introduced in the early 1980s.

Production History: The F/A-18 Hornet was developed as part of the U.S. Navy's VFAX program to replace several older aircraft models like the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk and the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom IIs. It was intended to complement the F-14 Tomcat. The Hornet's first flight took place on November 18, 1978, and it entered service with the USMC on January 7, 1983, and with the USN on July 1, 1984. The production of the F/A-18 A-D models continued until 2000, with a total of 1,480 units built.

Design Features: The F/A-18 was designed to be highly adaptable, excelling in both fighter and attack roles. It can perform a range of operations including air defense, air interdiction, close air support, and reconnaissance. Its design incorporates advanced avionics and cockpit displays, and it is capable of carrying a wide array of weapons.

Operational History: The F/A-18 Hornet first saw combat during the 1986 United States bombing of Libya and was heavily involved in the Gulf War and Iraq War. The aircraft has proven its effectiveness in diverse roles and environments, contributing significantly to U.S. and allied military operations.

Comparison with Similar Models:

F/A-18 Hornet vs. F-16 Fighting Falcon

Carrier Capability and Versatility: Unlike the land-based F-16 Fighting Falcon, the F/A-18 was designed with carrier operations in mind, featuring robust landing gear, arresting hook, and wing-fold mechanism. While both aircraft are highly capable multirole fighters, the Hornet's ability to operate from carriers offers significant strategic flexibility.

Payload and Range: The F/A-18 Hornet is designed to carry a heavier payload than the F-16, including a wide variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons. However, the F-16 often has a longer range on internal fuel, benefiting from its lighter airframe and single-engine efficiency.

F/A-18 Hornet vs. Mirage 2000

Multirole Capability: Both the F/A-18 Hornet and the Mirage 2000 are designed as multirole fighters, capable of engaging in both air-to-air combat and precision strike missions. The Hornet, however, offers greater versatility and payload capacity.

Performance and Technology: The Mirage 2000 is renowned for its delta wing design, contributing to its high speed and agility. The F/A-18 counters with superior avionics and multi-mission capability, allowing for effective operation in a wider range of mission profiles and environments.

The Mikoyan MiG-35 (NATO codename "Fulcrum-F) is a 4++ generation multirole fighter aircraft developed from the MiG-29M/M2 and MiG-29K/KUB. Introduced in the 2000s by Russia, the MiG-35 represents the pinnacle of the Fulcrum series, incorporating advanced technology to meet the demands of modern warfare.

Production History: The development of the MiG-35 began as an advancement of the MiG-29 program, aiming to extend the aircraft's service life and compete against Western 4th generation fighters. The MiG-35 made its first public appearance in 2007, with the Russian Air Force expressing interest in acquiring the aircraft to modernize its fleet. While initially proposed in the early 2000s, the MiG-35 has seen various delays, with commencement of operational testing by the Russian military occurring from 2016 to 2017.

Design Features: The MiG-35 features improved aerodynamics and reduced radar cross-section over its predecessors. It is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, including a phased array radar, advanced electronic warfare systems, and a sophisticated glass cockpit. The aircraft's propulsion system is upgraded with new engines that enable supersonic flight without afterburners. The MiG-35 is capable of carrying a wide range of Russian and international weapons on its nine hardpoints, including air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, and precision-guided bombs.

Operational History: As of the last update, the MiG-35 is in the late stages of development and testing, with the Russian Air Force conducting comprehensive evaluations. The aircraft has been showcased in international air shows and offered to foreign buyers as a highly capable multirole fighter. While not yet combat-proven, the MiG-35 is expected to serve as a versatile platform capable of executing a wide array of missions, from air superiority to ground attack and reconnaissance.

Comparison with Similar Models:

MiG-35 vs. MiG-29

Role and Capabilities: The MiG-35 is an evolution of the MiG-29, designed to extend the capabilities of the Fulcrum series into the next generation of air combat. It offers significant advancements in radar, avionics, and weapon systems.

Performance: With enhanced engines and aerodynamics, the MiG-35 provides superior agility, speed, and range compared to the MiG-29. Its ability to perform supersonic flights without afterburners and increased payload capacity make it a formidable opponent in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

MiG-35 vs. F-16 Fighting Falcon

Design Evolution: While the F-16 is a 4th generation multirole fighter renowned for its versatility and agility, the MiG-35 represents a 4++ generation development, incorporating advances in stealth, avionics, and operational capabilities beyond the original Fulcrum design.

Operational Capabilities: The MiG-35's modern avionics suite, including AESA radar and enhanced electronic warfare systems, offers a competitive edge in detecting and engaging threats at greater distances. In contrast, the F-16 has undergone numerous upgrades to maintain its effectiveness, with the latest variants featuring advanced radar and precision weapons.