Sukhoi Su-27 vs. Sukhoi Su-35

The Sukhoi Su-27 "Flanker" is a highly maneuverable, twin-engine supersonic fighter aircraft developed by the Soviet Union and introduced into service in the early 1980s. Designed primarily for air superiority missions, the Su-27 was a direct response to U.S. fourth-generation fighters such as the F-15 Eagle.

Production History: Development of the Su-27 began in the early 1970s, with the first prototype taking flight in 1977. Its introduction into service in 1985 marked a significant advancement in Soviet air combat capabilities, with production continuing into the 1990s. The Su-27 platform has spawned a number of variants and developments, including the Su-30, Su-33, Su-34, and Su-35, each tailored for specific mission profiles ranging from long-range interception to ground attack.

Design Features: The Su-27 features a large airframe with a distinctive blend of integrated forebody and wing, known as a blended wing-body design, which contributes to its high lift and agility. Powered by two Saturn AL-31 turbofan engines, it is capable of reaching speeds over Mach 2. The aircraft is equipped with a sophisticated radar and fire-control system, allowing it to engage multiple targets simultaneously with a variety of air-to-air missiles.

Operational History: The Su-27 has been actively involved in numerous military engagements and exercises since its introduction. Its combat debut occurred in the Ethiopian-Eritrean conflict, where it demonstrated superior air combat capabilities. The Su-27 has also been involved in patrolling and air defense missions in several regions, showcasing its versatility and effectiveness as an air superiority fighter.

Comparison with Similar Models:

Su-27 "Flanker" vs. F-15 Eagle

Aerodynamics and Agility: Both aircraft were designed for air superiority, with the Su-27 known for its exceptional maneuverability, enabled by its aerodynamic design and thrust-vectoring capabilities in later models. The F-15 also boasts high agility and powerful engines, making it a worthy adversary in dogfights.

Technology and Armament: The F-15 has undergone numerous upgrades over its service life, incorporating modern avionics, radar systems, and weaponry. The Su-27, while initially lagging in avionics, has seen significant upgrades in its variants, narrowing the technological gap.

Su-27 "Flanker" vs. F-22 Raptor

Stealth and Advanced Technologies: The F-22 represents a leap forward in fighter technology, with stealth capabilities, advanced avionics, and superior situational awareness. The Su-27, despite its lack of stealth features, compensates with its remarkable speed, range, and maneuverability.

Combat Philosophy: The Su-27 emphasizes traditional air combat virtues of speed, power, and maneuverability, while the F-22 focuses on stealth, advanced sensors, and beyond-visual-range engagements, reflecting different approaches to achieving air dominance.

The Sukhoi Su-35 "Flanker-E" is an advanced multirole fighter aircraft developed from the Su-27. Introduced into service with the Russian Air Force in 2014, the Su-35 is designed to achieve air superiority through superior maneuverability, sophisticated avionics, and formidable firepower. Its capabilities make it one of the most powerful aircraft in the modern aerial combat arena.

Production History: Development of the Su-35 began in the late 1980s as an improvement over the original Su-27, with a focus on upgrading the airframe, propulsion, and avionics. The project saw several iterations, culminating in the Su-35S variant, which features extensive improvements over its predecessors. The aircraft entered serial production in the late 2000s, with the Russian Air Force being the primary operator.

Design Features: The Su-35 employs a reinforced airframe that allows for greater agility and speed, with large canard foreplanes and an updated wing structure to enhance its aerodynamic performance. It is powered by two Saturn AL-41F1S afterburning turbofan engines, equipped with thrust vectoring control, granting it exceptional maneuverability.

Operational History: The Su-35 has been deployed in various operational theaters, showcasing its advanced capabilities. Notably, it has been used in the Syrian conflict, where it performed air superiority and ground-attack missions. The aircraft's performance in combat and training exercises has demonstrated its role as a formidable adversary against contemporary fighter jets.

Comparison with Similar Models:

Su-35 "Flanker-E" vs. Su-30MKI

Technological Upgrades: The Su-35 features significant improvements over the Su-30MKI, including enhanced engines with thrust vectoring, a more advanced radar system, and superior avionics. These upgrades provide the Su-35 with better performance and operational capabilities.

Role and Versatility: While both aircraft are versatile multirole fighters, the Su-35 is optimized for air superiority with additional enhancements for ground and sea attack roles, making it more adept in a wider range of combat scenarios.

Su-35 "Flanker-E" vs. F-15E Strike Eagle

Maneuverability and Performance: The Su-35's thrust-vectoring engines and aerodynamic design give it an edge in maneuverability and close-quarters combat compared to the F-15E, which is more focused on strike missions with its heavy payload capacity and advanced targeting systems.

Avionics and Armament: Both aircraft are equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and capable of carrying a wide range of weaponry. The F-15E has been continuously updated with modern technology, but the Su-35's newer design integrates more recent advancements in radar technology and electronic warfare.