- Yes
- No (Explain why)
Suggestion No.65
G’day lads. I want to suggest a Russian Su-35, multiple of which were bought by China for the PLAAF, which is what I’m suggesting :)
Description:
Spoiler
The Su-35 “Flanker-M” is an advanced multirole fighter aircraft developed by Russia’s Sukhoi Design Bureau. It is a heavily upgraded version of the Su-27 and is classified as a 4++ generation fighter, meaning it integrates many fifth-generation technologies. The aircraft is known for its exceptional maneuverability, made possible by its AL-41F1S turbofan engines with thrust-vectoring nozzles. This feature allows it to execute complex aerial maneuvers. The Su-35 is equipped with cutting-edge avionics, including the Irbis-E radar system, which has a long detection range and can track multiple targets simultaneously. Its electronic warfare suite enhances its survivability in contested airspace. The aircraft has a top speed of Mach 2.25, a combat range exceeding 1,600 kilometers, and can carry a diverse arsenal of weapons, ranging from air-to-air missiles to precision-guided bombs. China became the first foreign buyer of this aircraft (as they were interested due to it’s advanced tech), acquiring 24 units between 2016 and 2018.
NOTE: The Chinese Su-35 is also sometimes called Su-35S, however the correct designation is Su-35 (Still has Flanker-M nickname, but not from China). Compared to the Russian Su-35S, they are the same, aside from minor differences like on the tail
History:
Spoiler
The Su-35’s development began in the 1980s as an advanced derivative of the Su-27, a Soviet air superiority fighter. Initially designated as the Su-27M, the aircraft incorporated canards, improved avionics, and a multi-role radar. Its first flight occurred in 1988, but the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 disrupted its production. To attract export customers, the Su-27M was rebranded as the Su-35 in the 1990s. However, only a limited number were built, and the program was largely shelved.
In the early 2000s, Sukhoi initiated a modernization of the Su-27 platform, leading to the development of the Su-35S. This version featured significant upgrades, including thrust-vectoring engines, advanced avionics, and a redesigned airframe. The Su-35S made its first flight in 2008 and entered service with the Russian Air Force in 2014.
China became the first foreign customer of the Su-35, signing a contract in 2015 to purchase 24 aircraft. Deliveries occurred between 2016 and 2018. Allegedly China has taken some of the tech and reverse-engineered it, but do take this with a grain of salt. The Su-35 has since been integrated into the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force and is still serving there, being the only user out of 2 of any Su-35 aside from Russia, the other nation being Iran.
Armaments:
Spoiler
All images except the last four are from KnAAPO, which produces Sukhoi aircraft for Sukhoi. Something that is not mentioned (most likely due to the document being old) is that China did aqquire RVV-SD (during 2018 I think, which also matches up the Su-35 delivery), which is an export R-77-1. These were used for the Su-35 and Su-30MKK.
Something else that should be noted, after me asking, is that the aircraft can technically carry the same modern weapons the Russian Su-35S has (which also aren’t mentioned in the brochure), those weapons being more advanced R-73 variants, R-37, Kh-38 AGM, etc… (pretty much everything the Russian Su-35S, the Chinese one can carry it too)
Specifications:
Spoiler
The Su-35 has a length of 21.9m, a height of 5.9m and a wingspan of 15.3m. It has an empty weight of 19000kg, a takeoff/gross weight of 25300kg (with 2 RVV-AE and R-73) and a MTOW of 34500kg. Due to its enormous weight, it is powered by 2 Saturn AL-41F1S afterburning turbofan engines, each giving out 86.3kN of dry thrust and 137.3kN with afterburner (which can go up to 142.2kN in case of emergency). Due to this, it can go up to 2400km/h or 1400km/h at sea level. At high altitude, it has a range of up to 3600km or 1580km at sea level.
Sources:
Spoiler
The Military Balance 2024
Russia Completes Delivery of 24 Su-35 Fighter Jets to China – The Diplomat
CHINESE SU-35 DETAILS REVEALED
https://defence-blog.com/china-receives-final-batch-of-su-35-fighter-aircraft-from-russia/
中国苏35被曝已挂RVV-SD导弹：离形成战斗力已不远_手机新浪网
Sukhoi Su-35S - Russia - Air Force | Aviation Photo #7787765 | Airliners.net
Thanks a lot for reading! If you have any extra information, then feel free to share them in the replies! You can also check out the Russian Su-35S suggestion here