29 Dec 2011
SU-35 Super-Flanker, part II
Characteristics of Su-35:
Maximum takeoff weight, kg 34,000
Weight of empty aircraft, kg 18,400
Maximum warload, kg 8,000
Power plant, number x type of engine 2 x AL31FM Maximum afterburning thrust, kg 12,800
Maximum flight speed, km/h:
near ground 1,400
at high altitude 2,500
Crew 1
Service ceiling, m 18,000
Flight range, km:
with internal fuel reserve 3,200
with one refuelling 6,500
The flight-navigation equipment of the aircraft permits it to make flights in all weathers, day and night. The equipment includes a navigation complex, automatic flight control and remote control systems.
A further development of the Su-35 is the Su-37, the newest super agile fighter powered by engines with a thrust vector control system. The system is integrated with the remote control system of the aircraft. The engine nozzles deflect in pitch by 15 degree up and down with the aid of two couples of hydraulic jacks mounted on each engine. The angular rate of the nozzles is up to 30 degrees per second. The system permits deflection of the nozzles in the same and different directions.
The employment of thrust vector control allowed the aircraft to master some new maneuvers, such as 'tumble in the air' (rotation through 360 degrees).
There are also some novelties in the aircraft avionics. For example, the cockpit indication system uses four liquid-crystal color displays provided by France's Sextant. These are widescope color displays assuring good readability of the information even in bright sun light. The aircraft is fitted with a satellite navigation system and laser attitude and heading reference system.
The employment of the new avionics largely contributed to the accuracy and reliability of the navigation system. The cockpit is also provided with a side control stick and engine control levers with a strain sensitive system responding to the pilot hand pressure.
The weapon control system and armament used aboard the Su-37 are mainly consistent with the ones normally employed by the Su-35 and can be enhanced.
The Su-35 and Su-37 have all the merits allowing them to become the principal multipurpose fighters of the Russian Air Force in the beginning of the 21st century. Under respective cooperation agreements signed by the Russian Federation with foreign countries in military and technological spheres, these aircraft may also be supplied to foreign customers.
SU-35 Super-Flanker
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