4th-Gen “Plus” Air War: Russian Su-35 vs US F-15EX

By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow

The Sukhoi Su-35 and the Boeing F-15EX Eagle II represent the pinnacle of combat aircraft in Russian and American aviation, respectively.

Both jets have undergone significant upgrades, incorporating state-of-the-art avionics, radar systems, and communication technologies. They are designed for versatility, capable of engaging both ground and airborne targets effectively. In this detailed technical analysis, we will compare these two formidable aircraft, examining their capabilities, strengths, and potential performance in aerial combat.

Technical Specifications

Sukhoi Su-35

• Crew: 1
• Length: 21.9 m (71 ft 10 in)
• Wingspan: 15.3 m (50 ft 2 in)
• Height: 5.9 m (19 ft 4 in)
• Empty weight: 19,000 kg (41,888 lb)
• Maximum takeoff weight: 34,500 kg (76,059 lb)
• Fuel capacity: 11,500 kg (25,400 lb) internal
• Powerplant: 2 × Saturn AL-41F1S afterburning turbofan engines
• Thrust: 86.3 kN (19,400 lbf) each dry, 137.3 kN (30,900 lbf) with afterburner

Boeing F-15EX Eagle II

• Crew: 1 or 2 (pilot and weapons systems officer)
• Length: 63 ft 9.6 in (19.446 m)
• Wingspan: 42 ft 9.6 in (13.045 m)
• Height: 18 ft 6 in (5.64 m)
• Empty weight: 34,600 lb (15,694 kg)
• Maximum takeoff weight: 81,000 lb (36,741 kg)
• Powerplant: 2 × General Electric F110-GE-129 afterburning turbofan engines
• Thrust: 76.31 kN (17,155 lbf) each dry, 131 kN (29,500 lbf) with afterburner

Radar and Avionics

The Su-35 is equipped with the Irbis-E passive electronically scanned array radar, capable of detecting targets at a range of up to 250 miles (400 km). While effective, it lacks the jamming resistance of newer technologies.