Su-35 wows at Le Bourget Paris Air Show

After Russia showcased its most advanced fighter in France, the Western media agreed that the newest Russian Su-35S fighter proved that Sukhoi-made fighters are among the best in the world.

Western media called the demonstration flights of the newest Russian Su-35S fighter at the Paris Air Show 2013 the high point of the event. Making its foreign debut, the new combat machine wowed the public with a series of aerobatic maneuvers that no other aircraft can perform — proving yet again that Sukhoi-made fighters are among the best in the world.

The Sukhoi Su-35 is modestly categorized as a 4G++ fighter, whereas the real 5G fighter — the Prospective Airborne Complex of Frontline Aviation (PAK FA) T-50 that was developed as a response to the United States’ F-22 Raptor — is still undergoing tests.

The T-50 made its maiden flight in 2009, and full-scale production is expected to start in 2015. Until then, the Su-35 will remain the interim stage at which military pilots master the new generation technologies. The term “interim,” however, does not seem to suit the new fighter very well.

Ultra-maneuverable and supersonic

The ultra-maneuverability of the Su-30MKI (a predecessor of the Su-35) is fully enjoyed by Indian pilots during joint exercise with air forces of foreign countries. The Indians piloting Russian fighters had a decisive victory in mock combat against the United States’ F-15C/D in a U.S.–India joint exercise a little while back.


Source: Dmitry Litovkin, RBTH News - 24 June 2013

Photo: The demonstration flights of the newest Russian Air Force Su-35S Fighter Aircraft at the Paris Air Show 2013. (Photo by Reuters)


(24.06.2013)