Russia’s 4th-Gen +++ Su-35 …Built To Attack US F-22

by Kris Osborn, President, Center for Military Modernization

The Russian Su-35 could almost be viewed as a quasi-stealthy hybrid mix of advanced fourth-generation fighter jet technology and the early boundaries of what is called the 5th-generation.

Its blended wing-body configuration and horizontal fuselage make it look stealthier than an F-18 Super Hornet with an almost F-22-like rounded wing-body and dual engine.

The Russian Su-35 configuration looks stealthy enough to have potentially inspired designs for the emerging Russian Su-57, a 5th-generation stealth aircraft.

Su-35: Explained

The Russian 4th-generation Su-35 aircraft came to life as a result of years of upgrades to the Su-27 air defense fighter. With high speeds of Mach 2.25, the Su-35 looks well-positioned to dogfight and vector in the air as an air-to-air supremacy fighter, yet it would seem unlikely that the aircraft would rival an F-22.

However, the configuration of the Su-35 appears to the observer’s eye to contain similarities to the F-22 and some of the listed weapons specs are comparable. Available specs on the two aircraft suggest they are comparable in terms of speed, as both the F-22 and Su-35 are listed as capable of flying Mach 2.25 at altitude. Also, while this may not be verifiable to a certain extent, a Russian-language newspaper called Hoboctn BNK claims the Su-35 has an F-22-like “supercruise” ability to maintain Mach-speeds without needing an afterburner.

The F-22 is well known for its supercruise as this extends dwell time and lethality while lengthening attack missions without needing an aerial refueler. This ability can massively improve survivability, should an F-22 be locked in a dogfight and need to sustain maneuvers.