The Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker-E, an advanced derivative of the Su-27, was envisioned as a formidable multirole fighter, excelling in air superiority and capable of precision ground strikes. The Su-35 has encountered considerable challenges in establishing air dominance, with multiple instances of being downed, undermining its reputation as an effective combat aircraft in the highly contested Ukrainian airspace.
Reports, including a prominent incident off the coast of Sevastopol, indicate the Su-35’s vulnerability in the field. “Footage online showed a jet on fire, spiraling into the sea and exploding,” according to The Guardian. This indicates that despite its technological prowess, the aircraft has not secured the anticipated strategic advantage for the Russian Air Force in the region. In February alone, “Ukrainian forces downed thirteen Russian aircraft—two of which were the Su-35,” as per Forbes’ reports.
Designed with enhanced aerodynamics and equipped with two Saturn Al-41F1S turbofan engines, the Su-35 boasts an impressive thrust, facilitating a top speed of Mach 2.25. Additionally, the implementation of a phase-arrayed radar with pulse-Doppler tracking, known as the N011 Bars, enhances the aircraft’s combat capacity. Despite these advancements, the Su-35’s deployment has not led to air superiority, contributing instead to significant operational losses for Russia.
The N011 Bars radar system, a notable upgrade from the Su-27’s N001 Myech, provides the Su-35 with an ability to track fifteen targets and fire six missiles simultaneously. Moreover, the aircraft’s design features, such as canards and reshaped wing leading-edge extensions, have resolved previous issues related to high angles of attack, allowing the fighter to sustain flight at up to 10gs and offer superior maneuverability.
The Su-35’s difficulties in Ukraine showcase the limitations of Russia’s air capabilities in a conflict that has transitioned into a war of attrition with sustained high attrition rates for military equipment. “The Russian air force has lost 95 jets since February 2022”.While the Su-35 is one of several advanced aircraft types operated by the Russian Air Force, including the Su-57 and Su-34, the conflict has tested their capabilities against a determined and resourceful Ukrainian defense. The Su-34, also known as the “Fullback,” has similarly faced operational challenges.
Relevant articles:
– Russia’s Su-35 Fighter Nightmare Has Just Begun, National Intererst, 04/28/2024
– Russian Su-57 ‘Cautiously’ Joins The Ukraine War; Kyiv Says Stealth Fighter Fired Cruise Missile To Hit Kryvyi Rih, EurAsian Times, Sat, 27 Apr 2024 02:07:23 GMT
– Russia tried to stay on good terms with Iran and Israel. Then they started fighting., The Christian Science Monitor, Wed, 24 Apr 2024 19:27:00 GMT
– Russia’s Su-34 Fullback Fighter-Bomber Hybrid Is in Deep Trouble in Ukraine, The National Interest Online, Thu, 25 Apr 2024 16:47:48 GMT