Sukhoi Su-35 (Flanker-E / Super Flanker)

Development of a more advanced version of the Su-27 Flanker produced the Su-35 Super Flanker.

The Su-35 (and similar Su-37) is known as the "Super Flanker" (NATO reporting codename of "Flanker-E"). The Su-35 is based on the Su-27 Flanker air-superiority fighter developed in the 1980's with the Su-35 representing a "more-capable" Su-27 and able to take on sorties in the multi-role, long-range mold. The inherent qualities of the Su-27 system as an air superiority fighter have been melded together with strike fighter capabilities to produce the more lethal Su-35.

The Su-35 features a variety of upgrades and updates over the base Su-27 series and is the pinnacle of the Su-27M model development (first flight achieved in 1988). Among these features are an integrated in-flight refueling probe, provisions for ECM pods, upgraded and more powerful engines, larger wings and forward and rear-facing Phazotron radar systems capable of tracking 24 targets up to 62 miles (100km) away over uneven terrain. An additional auxiliary internal reserve fuel tank has been added to the tail fins as well. The cockpit features updated color CRT and HUD displays and digital fly-by-wire featuring a quadruple redundant system capable of finding four different ways for the computer to achieve the pilots requested control action. The new Su-35 designation came about in 1993 through the aircraft was showcased in the Farnborough Air Show a year prior.

Two Su-27 aircraft were utilized in another improvement program becoming the Su-37 "Flanker-F". Similar to the Su-35 model, these systems featured thrust vectoring nozzles for increased agility. Only two were ever produced before the experimental program was shelved - the test aircraft being converted into full Su-35 variants.

Ten total prototypes of the Su-35 were built, four being conversions from existing Su-27s while the rest were new-build aircraft. Official Russian evaluation occurred in 1996. As of this writing, the Su-35 is only in limited production numbers with Russian forces and it has not been placed into service with any other known operator. The Indian-exported Su-30MKI variant is said to retain some of the reported Su-35 systems and ability mentioned above.