2008년 2월부터 시험비행을 실시해왔으며 지난 7월 7일 처음으로 시범비행을 펼친 러시아 최후의 Flanker, SU-35BM (Bolshaya Modernizatsiya - Big Modernization) 전투기가 러시아공군으로부터 182대를 발주받았다는 소식입니다.
이번 발주는 5세대 전투기를 도입하기전 중간 계투용(?) 전투기로 운영하기 위한 대량발주로 1988년 SU-27M 전투기가 도입된 이래 20년만에 결정판격인 Flanker가 도입되는 것입니다. - 물론 RIA Novosti라는 군사 개인분석가 의견인지라 확실한 소식인지는 ?? 입니다. (이하 원문 참조 : http://en.rian.ru/analysis/20080709/113624747.html)

Su-35BM라는 명칭을 갖게 된 것도 현 러시아 공군의 Su-27 전투기 개량사업으로 등장한 Su-27SM에서 얻은 기술을 바탕으로 1992년부터 준비되어 온 Su-35를 더 발전시킨 전투기이기때문이라고 합니다.
기존 Su-35 전투기와 비교하여 개량되는 부분은 대략 10가지로 다음과 같습니다. 보다 상세한 내역은 아래 원문을 참고)

1. Tikhomirov NIIP Irbis-E (N035E) 최신레이더 장착
2. Canard 폐지
3. 신형 후방 근접방어 레이더 Osa type ESA 장착
4. 14.5톤의 추력을 가진 개량형 AL-41F1A 터보팬 엔진 장착
5. Extended high-lift devices with large flaperon occuping the full trailing edge
6. L175M Khibiny-M 전자전 자체방어시스템
7. 미익부 면적 감소
8. 공기흡입구 확장 대형화
9. 가볍고 신형의 4중 디지탈 fly-by-wire 비행조종시스템
10. 신형 사용자 중심의 완전 글라스콕픽으로 2개의 대형 LCD 스크린을 장착하고 헬멧마운트식 디스플레이 가능



Su-35BM/T-10BM : The last Flanker
By Zarko Bulatovic | April 27, 2007 on 11:32 am | In Documentation, Fighters, Su-35 Super Flanker, Sukhoi |
This aircraft has not reached serial production stage yet, thus the avionics configuration is subjectable to changes. The Aviapedia staff will keep close eye on the matter, so stay tuned for possible article updates.

Introduction :
Su-35BM will be the last developed Flanker. An final upgrade, final variant. Actually, the designation is quite confusing, since Su-35 already exists in Russian Air Force. Su-35 was the export designation for upgraded Su-27, called Su-27M, internal Sukhoi designation T-10M. Su-27M gave baseline Flanker new avionics, as well as precision air-to-ground capability. Onl　　　　y five of these are in service with VVS (Russian Air Force), with 237th regiment based at Kubinka Air Base. VVS chose another path instead; to incorporate technologies tested in Su-35/T-10M, together with those of Su-30MK, into an standard upgrade project for the baseline Flanker, the Su-27SM. The Su-35 designation was also used for Su-37, dubbed as “Terminator”. Aircraft was a testbed for 2D thrust-vectoring engines, mounted on Su-35/T-10M.

The new Su-35BM is going to fill the interim gap between standard 4+ generation Su-27SM in service today, and PAK-FA, 5th generation fighter in developement stage. Thus, Su-35BM is designated as 4++ generation fighter, together with new MiG-35. Official first flight will commence late this year, Sukhoi officialy stated that year 2007 is the ending year of all work on Su-35BM. After MAKS 2007, Su-35BM will be put on state trials. The aircraft should be ordered by VVS, after all, they’re the one　　　　s who supported the initial beggining of work on the BM, after successful Su-27SM program.

Main specifications
Length	21.9 meters
Height	5.9 meters
Wingspan	15.3 meters
Take-off weight, with two R-77 and two R-73	25.3 tons
Take-off weight, with maximum payload	34.5 tons
Total thrust available, two Saturn 177S powerplants	29 tons
Thrust to weight ratio, under normal and maximum load	1.14 / 0.84
Maximum fuel in integrated fueltanks	11.5 tons
Maximum weapons load	8 tons
Service ceiling	18 kilometers
Range with maximum fuel, on sea-level and altitude	1,580 km / 3,600 km
Ferry range, with two PTB-2000 external tanks	4,500 km
Acceleration from 600kph to 1100kph, at 1000m alt and 50% fuel	13.8 seconds
Acceleration from 1100kph to 1300kph, at 1000m alt and 50% fuel	8.0 seconds
Maximum rate of climb, at 1000m alt	280 meters / sec
Maximum airspeed, low-level and altitude (200m / 11000m)	1,400 kph / M2.25
Maximum G-load	9 G’s
Take-off run, full afterburner, normal weight	400-450 meters
Landing roll, brakes + parachute, standard landing weight	650 meters

Official description from KnAAPO (manufacturer) follows : “Su-35 is designed to gain air superiority through manned and unmanned aircraft destroying, by guided missiles, in medium and long range engagements and dogfights; to destroy ground and surface targets by all type of weapon, as well as destroy the enemy ground infrastructure facilities located very far from the base airfields, heavily protected by active AAD system”

The most important Su-35BM/T-10BM characteristics are : supreme flight performance (superagility), long range information targeting systems, jam-proof datalinks for squadron or ground control operations, high performance short, medium and long range missiles of both anti-air and anti-ground type, carried externally on fourteen hardpoints, sophisticated EW/ECM/ER systems, radar cross-section reduction, high-power sensors with adequate computing power and sensory fusion technique, cockpit with large LCD multi-function displays, and an in-flight refuelling probe.

Unlike Su-37, which was seen as remarkable aircraft by aerospace community, Su-35BM will have all Russian systems. Su-37 had it’s cockpit systems imported from French Sextant/Thales.



Airframe :
Su-35BM is more alike standard Su-27S, than Su-35/T-10M. It has no canards, has smaller fins, tailcone is smaller than those found on T-10M. High-lift surfaces are larger, big flaperons occupying complete wing trailing edge. Airframe structure is more “refined”, with usage of RAM coating and new all-composites material. Latter is said to grant 20% of weight reduction and an RCS signature suppression. Su-35BM also has larger air intakes.

Powerplant :
Engines that were planned for T-10BM are Saturn AL-41F1, with supercruise capability, rated at 15 metric tons of thrust each. This family of engines will power PAK-FA too, and are going to power Su-34 Fullback long range strike aircraft. The AL-41 series was built to feed power-hungry aircraft such as MiG’s MFI (1.42/1.44), and S-37/Su-47 Berkut. It was stated that first versions of these engines powered the MFI, but, recent statements from NPO Saturn pointed out, that engines won’t be ready for the first preproduction versions of PAK-FA. Thus, it’s viable to concur that Su-35BM won’t have it’s first flight with AL-41F1. To note : the MFI has flown on AL-31’s, while the Berkut was fitted with D-30F-6 engines, powerplant from MiG-31.

However, NPO Saturn managed to develop heavily upgraded AL-31F engines, and designated them AL-41F1A, or article 117S. The designation of AL-41(X) notes that thrust is closer to projected AL-41F series, but the AL-41F1A’s feature old, refubrished core. The AL-41F’s will have all-new core.

AL-41F1A are equipeed with three-dimensional thrust vectoring nozzles, too, so both of Russian 4++ generation aircraft will be 3D TVC capable, if we count the fact that Morskaya Osa engines can be upgraded with all-axis nozzles. As it’s stated on official sites, AL-41F1A’s have 14.5 tons of thrust each, that means 29 tons of thrust for Su-35BM. Since some early sources claimed that airframe material enhancement reduced Su-35BM weight by 20%, aircraft could have an greatly increased thrust-to-weight ratio, ensuring superb combat and flight performance.



Sensors and avionics :
Main radar system for the Su-35BM is the Tikhomirov NIIP Irbis-E (N035E). While it’s pointed out that this will be the radar model used on Su-35BM, it’s also probable that Su-35BM could fly with Phazotron NIIR radar, the Sokol III (N031 Zhuk-MSFE). Given the latest achievements on the field of AESA technology by Phazotron, that are already visible in form of complete systems found on the other Russian 4++ gen aircraft, MiG-35, Su-35BM could be equipped with an derivative of current Phazotron AESA models. However, Irbis is marked as the number one　　　　 option for the radar system.

Tikhomirov NIIP Irbis-E radar uses electronically scanned array (ESA). It’s a multifunctional radar system, working in X-band, holded on two-axis hydraulic drive. Radar uses EKVS-E BTsVM Solo35 computing system. The Irbis-E can track 30 different targets, while retaining continous airspace scan, eg. track-while-scan mode. The fire control system can simultaneously guide two semi-active radar guided missiles. If used in conjuction with active radar guided missiles, this number is eight. In air to surface operations, radar is capable of mapping land and sea targets, and detection of targets in real-beam, Doppler, and SAR modes. Four ground targets can be tracked at the same time, while two can be attacked at the same time, too. Since Irbis-E has enormeous power output, up to 20 kilowatts, it can detect an “standard” target (RCS at 3 square meters) 400 kilometers away. Normally, that figure is given for head-on aspect, in tail-on aspect it drops down to 150 km. Stealth targets (RCS at 0.01 square meters) can be detected at 90 km range. Irbis-E is also capable of target identification, and can conduct simultaneous air-to-air and air-to-ground operations.

Su-35BM also has rearward radar system, to locate and track targets behind aircraft. Rear radar is located in tailcone. It’s still not known what system is going to use; Tikhomirov NIIP suggested it’s Osa type ESA radar for this task, but has also revealed it’s work on active-array radars that could fill this task, too. That information was given by NIIP to the public two years ago. The rear radar system is not something new for the Russian design bureaus; Su-35/T-10M features Phazotron N012 in the tailcone, MiG’s 1.42/1.44 MFI featured Phazotron N015, and the Su-34 Fullback features Leninets V005 tailcone radar system.



As every Russian 4th gen fighter has optronic infrared search and track system, Su-35BM will naturally feature that too. OLS-35 can track four different IR signatures at onc　　　　e. Maximum detection range for tail-on aspect is 90 km, and for head-on 50 km. The laser rangefinder can measure distance up to 20 km against aerial targets, and up to 30 km against ground based targets.

Electronic warfare system, the KNIRTI L175M Khibiny-M, is capable of accurate detection of the threats, threat coordinate mapping, and it’s also responsible for jamming signal generation and emmision replication/imitation, via wing-tip carried pods. The system has a separate display in the Su-35BM cockpit. The L175M, together with frontal and back radars and optronic complex is hooked up to “sensory fusion” package. Khibiny can also provide guidance for passive-radiation guided missiles, such as R-27EP and the new long-range type of AAM. Su-35BM also features approx. 150 aerials on it’s airframe. Apart from standard RWR (radar warning receiever), Su-35BM also has laser emission warning system, MAWS (missile approach warning system), and standard chaff / flare dispenser.

Powerful computer system will control all those sensory elements, giving information to the pilot in unique interface; via the two large LCD MFD’s found in cockpit, and shown in pilot’s helmet mounted display as well. Cockpit is summarized in MAK-35 system; two 22.5×30 cm AMLCD’s, IKSh-1M widescreen HUD, and one　　　　 back-up multifunctional display. The nav / attack functions are the responsibilty of KRNPO-35, and the plane is fitted with laser-gyro system, LINS-2000.

The aircraft features inertial / sattelite navigation systems, radio navigation system, digital maps, optical fiber and digital communication multiplex comm systems. The comm system has two UHF/VHF radios, Link-16 capacity, and encryption capability. FBW has quadruple redundancy, and the engines support full authority digital engine control, FADEC.



Weapons :
Su-35BM, as an true multirole fighter, will have both air-to-air, air-to-ground, and anti-ship weaponry. Whole current pallete of A2G precision missiles and bombs will be supported on Su-35BM. Regarding air-to-air, the aircraft has an Archer, Alamo, and Adder family capability (R-73, R-27, R-77). Su-35BM will also be able to launch ultra-long range active radar missiles. The type of this weapon shown on the Su-35BM model was Novator KS-172S-1 AAM. The same missile has been presented on the displayed Su-35BM at MAKS 2007 airshow. The KS-172S-1 has an engagement range over 300 kilometers, can be used against any kind of aircraft flying from 3 meters altitude to 30 kilometers altitude, up to 4000 kilometers per hour of speed, and up to 12G. The onl　　　　y thing that’s confirmed is that Su-35BM will have ultralong range radar missile engagement capability; KS-172S-1 has not been asured. The other ULR AAM in Russian developement is Vympel K-37/R-37M. It’s an upgrade of MiG-31M’s R-37 missile, which has been sucessfully tested against targets 300 kilometers away.

Other Vympel’s designs are not confirmed either; such as ramjet, thermal, or antiradiation variant of R-77. This capability could be easily added at some future point. Vympel also stated that it has finished working on the upgraded variant of antiradiation R-27P. Since L175M is chosen for the standard electronic warfare module for all new Russian aircraft, R-27P could be connected to work in conjuction with Su-35BM’s EW unit. Both short and long burn variants of the antiradiation R-27, eg. the 27P and the 27EP, are on the payload list.



The misterious unspecified long-range anti-ground, anti-ship and anti-radar missiles are still a matter of debate, but several sources indicate that GRAU-coded 3M14AE and 3M54AE missiles are the unspecified weapons. Both missiles are produced by NPO Novator, and Sukhoi has a long tradition of partnership with this design bureau; this raises the issue of long-range AAM too, since Sukhoi is clearly pushing the Novator’s KS-172S-1 design, while the VVS wants Vympel’s R-37M for MiG-31 deep modernization variant. In any case, Russia won’t use two similiar types of AAM’s in the same time period, so the R-72 could be used for export, while the R-37M would be used on domestic version of Su-35BM.

3M14AE and 3M54AE are the missiles from “Kalibr” system, developed from naval “Club” system. The first is LACM, while the other is standard anti-ship missile. The unspecified anti-radar missile could turn up as new Raduga X-58UShE. It works in wide-band regime, and has a maximum range of 200 km. The sole-carried large ASM/AGM is suspected to be Yakhont-M, GRAU coded 3M55A. Yakhont-M is the upgraded export variant of P-800 Ony　　　　x missile. Original Ony　　　　x has the range of 300 km.

Su-35BM is also fitted with standard 30mm gun of Flanker family; Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-301.



Weapons

Weapons
Novator R-72 (KS-172S-1) or Vympel R-37M (”Arrow”)	400 km range, active and semi-active radar, passive radiation guidance Maximum of five carried. AAM.
Vympel R-77 / RVV-AE (”Adder”)	100 km range, active radar guidance Maximum of twelve carried. AAM.
Vympel R-27ET[1] (”Alamo”)	110-130 km range, thermal guidance Maximum of four carried. AAM.
Vympel R-27EP[1] (”Alamo”)	110-130 km range, passive radiation guidance Maximum of four carried. AAM.
Vympel R-27ER[1] (”Alamo”)	110-130 km range, semi-active radar guidance Maximum of eight carried. AAM.
Vympel R-73E (”Archer”)	30 km range, thermal guidance Maximum of six carried. AAM.
Non-specified ultralong range air to ground missile	Maximum of one　　　　 carried. AGM.
Non-specified long range air to ground missile	Maximum of three carried. AGM.
Non-specified long range anti-radar missile	Maximum of five carried. AGM.
Non-specified long range air to ship missile	Maximum of five carried. ASM.
Raduga X-59M[K] Ovod (”Kazoo”)	140 km range, TV guidance Maximum of 5 carried, AGM/ASM.
Zvezda X-31A/P (”Krypton”)	70 / 140 km range, active radar / passive radiation guidance Maximum of 6 carried, AGM.
Molniya X-29TE[L] (”Kedge”)	10 km range, TV / laser guidance Maximum of 6 carried, AGM.
FSUE LGB-250	300 kg warhead, laser guidance Maximum of eight carried, smart bomb.
FSUE KAB-500KR/OD	500 kg warhead, TV guidance Maximum of eight carried, smart bomb.
FSUE KAB-1500KR/LG	1500 kg warhead, TV / laser guidance Maximum of three carried, smart bomb.
S-25LD	10 km range, laser guidance Maximum of six carried, guided rocket.
500kg class bomb	Maximum of ten carried, gravity bomb.
250kg class bomb	Maximum of thirty-two carried, gravity bomb.
B-8M-1	Maximum of 120 carried in six dispensers, unguided rocket.
B-13L	Maximum of 30 carried in six dispensers, unguided rocket.
S-250FM-PU	Maximum of six carried, unguided rocket.