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
- 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
- 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.
In contrast, the F-15EX boasts the APG-82 AESA radar, which offers superior jamming resistance and greater target tracking capabilities. This radar makes the F-15EX more effective in detecting and engaging threats in a complex electronic warfare environment.
Armament and Payload
Su-35 Armament:
- Missiles: K-77M (200 km range), R-37M (400 km range)
- Gun: Internal 30mm Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-30-1 autocannon with 150 rounds
- Hardpoints: 12
- Total Munitions Capacity: 8,000 kg (17,630 lb)
F-15EX Armament:
- Missiles: AIM-120D (160 km range), AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-260 JATM, AGM-158 JASSM, AGM-88 HARM, AGM-183 ARRW
- Gun: 20mm M61A1 Vulcan Gatling gun with 500 rounds
- Hardpoints: 23
- Total Munitions Capacity: 13,400 kg (29,500 lb)
The F-15EX’s ability to carry a significantly higher payload, including up to 16 air-to-air missiles with a quadrail rack, provides a substantial advantage in terms of firepower and versatility.
Performance in Aerial Combat:
Aerial combat requires agility, advanced radar systems, and effective countermeasures. The F-15EX’s AESA radar gives it a distinct edge over the Su-35 in terms of detection and tracking, making it less susceptible to jamming and more capable of engaging multiple targets simultaneously.
Ultimately, the outcome of an aerial engagement hinges on pilot skill and tactical decisions. The superior avionics and sensor fusion in the F-15EX can enhance a pilot’s situational awareness, potentially tipping the scales in a dogfight.
Both aircraft have seen action in conflict zones like Syria, where their capabilities have been tested. The F-15EX’s advanced systems and greater payload capacity make it a more formidable opponent in both air superiority and ground strike missions.
In a direct comparison, the Boeing F-15EX Eagle II emerges as the superior aircraft, primarily due to its advanced radar systems, greater payload capacity, and versatile armament. While the Sukhoi Su-35 remains a formidable fighter, especially with its impressive range and firepower, it falls short in key areas such as radar technology and electronic warfare capabilities.
In modern aerial combat, where technology and pilot skill are crucial, the F-15EX’s enhancements make it a more formidable adversary. However, the ultimate victor in any engagement would depend on various factors, including pilot expertise, mission parameters, and the effective utilization of each aircraft’s strengths.
