It does not make any sense to compare the Su-35BM with a stealth fighter.
Different league and the Russian do see it similar otherwise there is no need for a PAF-FA.
The main shortcoming of the Su-35BM against the Typhoon and the Rafale is, that it is not even semi-stealth, because it is still the same basic layout from the 70s, when stealth was no issue.
The heavy RAM-coating did halve the RCS of the Su-35BM, but that will reduce the own detection by a few percent only, because that is no linear. 😮
One of the strong-points of the Su-35BM is its big size radar-system.
Advertisement rules do demand, do highlight your strong points to distract from the shortcomings.
None do question, that from 2011 the Su-35BM will be the best Flanker to buy and be comparable with a similar time-scale F-15*.
For all the ones, a Rafale, Typhoon or SH is too expensive or which are not allowed to buy a F-35 it will be a good option, when a MiG-35 is not enough.

PAK-FA is designed to be superior to any other fighter for next 50 years. Su-35 and MIG-31 upgrades are for current 5th generation rivals. Dont confuse the objectives. BARS radar for MKM/MKI is advertized as 140KM range on manufacture website but actual figures are way higher. Similar is 400KM for IRBIS. I am sure figures for individual customers and Ruaf will be well above that point. and add to that next generation IRST and datalinks, advanced EW system it surely is 5th generation rival.

Sukhoi is very modest about its capabilities

Aircraft successfully conducted demonstration flight, the customers can obtain in its two years

The first demonstration flight of fighter took place on the base of Flight-Test Institute in Moscow Zhukovskiy. Now purchases Su-35 include in plans Russian, and foreign customers. In particular, in Russia it is planned to complete 2-3 regiments with these aircraft. In this case Su-35 – this is not the maximum of the possibilities of Russian [oboronki]. Servicemen generally consider it as transition stage to the machines of the fifth generation.

The deliveries of multifunctional fighters to Russian and foreign customers will begin in 2010-2011, reported on Monday the head of [aviakholdinga] “dry” Mikhail [Pogosyan]. Statement was made after the first demonstration flight Su-35.

“Su-35 – completely new aircraft, on which is established the most contemporary complex of onboard equipment” flight by the duration of 6 minutes it carried out the chief pilot of firm Sergey Bogdan.

The purchases of these aircraft are provided by the state program of armaments until 2015. According to [glavkoma] VVS of Russia Alexander [Zelina], Defense Ministry plan to form 2-3 regiments, armed by fighters of this type.

“We have the large number of claim fors this aircraft. Are provided deliveries for VVS RF and for the foreign customers. We will supply this aircraft there for the boundary, where were formed already traditional markets, into southeastern Asia, Latin America, Near East. Deliveries we will begin in 2011”, cites [Pogosyana] RIA “of the news”.

Let us recall that the flight tests of the new fighter of generation 4++ (or as now they write in the English-language publications, 4,75) began on February 1 the present year, almost with the annual delay from the initial graph. At the present time, according to the information of firm, were executed 14 flights according to the test program (extreme flight, that was being taken place on Monday, it was purely demonstration).

“In essence was conducted the evaluation of the stability parameters and aircraft handling, and also its maneuverability, the characteristics of power plant were evaluated. Furthermore, was conducted the estimation of the systems of aircraft. This is crucial point, since Su-35 – completely new aircraft, on which is established the most contemporary complex of onboard equipment. The information-control system is basic nucleus.

At the first flights were evaluated interaction of all onboard systems, their behavior in the real flight. Important it was to explain, how well different a systems were connected into the single complex”, described the test pilot of firm Sergey Bogdan.

Among other characteristics of aircraft the testers evaluated the possibilities of output to the so-called super-cruising flight conditions, when aircraft [preodolevaet] the sound barrier without the use of an afterburner.

The possibility of endurance flight on the super-sound with the nominal engine thrust is the sign, which characterizes the fighters of the fifth generation. In this case after the passage of the sound barrier the aircraft must drive away to the speed of as the minimum 1,3 M (depending on height) in order to pass the so-called aerodynamic hump – speed range within the limits of 1,1-1,2 M, when flight on the super-sound is disadvantageous because of high aerodynamic drag, which leads to the increased fuel consumption.

At present to fly in the super-cruising regimes are capable only two production aircraft: Russian heavy interceptor MiG-31 and American F -22a Of raptor. It is expected that Su-35 it will also possess this possibility.

“For me thus far remains open a question concerning the results of extreme flight. In it was conducted the evaluation of starting characteristics Su-35. Interesting special feature is noted. Preliminary analysis shows that at the medium altitudes, with the work of engines on the nonafterburning regime the aircraft, being found on the small super-sound, continued to drive away. In the process of acceleration aircraft left to the Mach number 1,1 M. however I it did not reach the maximum speed of level flight, since he left to the boundary of the permitted band of supersonic flight and it was forced to return to [dozvuk].

The impression is created with the analysis of extreme flight in me, that with the specific fuel remainders, at the specific aircraft altitudes flies on the super-sound with the regime of the work of the engines of „maximum “. For us still one must accurately determine the weight of aircraft and the altitude-speed range, where is possible super-cruising flight conditions”, described Bogdan in the interview for publication “military industrial messenger”.

A certain idea about the prospects Su-35 in Russian VVS give statements of [glavkoma] Of [zelina], made at the press conference, dedicated to this demonstration. It follows from them that the servicemen consider it as transition stage to the machines of the fifth generation (PACK [FA]). “Su-35 it is created in order to verify, to what extent plans with respect to the creation of the aircraft of the fifth generation are accurate and correct. We plan to train to fly on the aircraft Su-35 from two to three regiments”, said [Zelin]. On the basis of the contemporary [orgshtatnoy] structure of Russian VVS, this means that 60-80 aircraft will be stocked up (plus reserve).

“Upon transfer from generations 3 and 4 to 4+ and 5 possibilities of multifunctional fighters they grow by an order: the nomenclature of weapon is enlarged, appear the new methods of application of the controlled ammunition, use of systems of aiming – on the radar picture, with the use of television and laser channels. These are the completely new regimes, which encounter the pilots, previously flown on Su-27. And they must be mastered, on that the time is required. Certainly, these questions will require the increased attention. And this will be more- less serious call for the combatant pilots, theme, to which will have seriously to be occupied”, counts test pilot Sergey Bogdan.

In this case before the appearance PACK [FA] in arsenal will remain also the fighters Su-27, probably modernized according to the program SEE the first aircraft Su-27[SM], whose combat effectiveness is evaluated one and a half times higher in comparison with the base version Su-27[P], already they entered into the line units, stationed mainly in the Far East.

Unfortunately, until it is unknown, when new aircraft enter into the troops: [Zelin] preferred not to concern this question. Taking into account delay with the series production for 1,5-2 years (usual phenomenon with the mastery of new types), hardly one should expect this earlier than 2012-2013, moreover saturation of regiments by the new technology (taking into account the production potentialities of aircraft construction companys) it moves aside in 2015, but the achievements of the operational readiness of the subdivisions, completed by new technology, should be expected not previously 2017- GO.

It is expected that by this time will be released several versions of the fighters of the fifth generation, together with which Su-35 they will continue active service as the minimum until 2030.

Doesn’t change the fact that the MiG-31 is just a 4th gen interceptor based on a 3rd gen design. Specialised but not really compareable at all.

It does not matter if it is first or 5th generation design. It is the end performance that all matters. if PESA radar can acheive 500KM range vs 200KM of small AESA so that PESA performance is 5th generation but not AESA. Similar is only MIG-31 can intercept hypersonic Mach 6 targets.

SAAF Cheetah-Cs were having training encounters with Russian Su-30MK #603 which came to visit Ysterplaat back in 90s. I am not aware of any DACT with MiG-29s. Got any link to that?

I think i read on Flankerman page. I am sure it were MIG-29s and Cheetahs were simulating BVR

The Mach 1.3 for the stated configuration was at least told to me (and others) by a pilot, who was no test pilot and hence did fly “regular” aircraft. Germany operates its Eurofighters in northern Germany, where temperatures are rarely much more than standard day, but quite often less. Hot days would of course take their toll.

why not they tell to the whole world on the web. go to http://www.npo-saturn.ru. In front page Su-35 Supercruise story is there.

A radar&missile upgraded 1973 F-4F can kick the butt of a 1990s Suchoi 27.

Nope it is not going to happen. check SAAF upgraded Mirages exercise with MIG-29 from early ninties. they couldnt do it. similary is Mirage-2000 vs MIG-29A of IAF.

“Performance-wise” the Eurofighter beats all mentioned aircraft. Considering its size (11.5t OEW, compared to most other being 14-15t++) it has exceptional payload/range, can carry versatile stores and will make an exceptional multi-role aircraft as soon as all weapons are integrated. As such, it is combines the versatility of the F-16C with the agility of the F-16A, the supersonic performance of the F-22. It offers roughly the same strike capability as an Tornado (minus low level).
What kind of radar you stick in the nose of an aircraft and what EW-suite you integrate is a different matter. The Russians sold the MiG-23 with MiG-21’s radar, making one of the most useless aircraft ever conceived (MiG-23MS).

Performance wise? even MKI hasnt employed its TVC and ur talking about Su-35 that can only be compared with 5 th generation performance.

The times when aircraft got better each decade are over. There are no technology leaps any more, at least not in some areas. Turbo-fan equipped aircraft with good subsonic cruise, reasonable (F-15) agility and multi-role capability are possible since early/mid 80ies. If you require exactly such an aircraft, there is no real advantage of newer aircraft.

If you want to do basic air policing, F-16A is all you need.
If you want to strike you neighbor or take out his SAMs, take a Tornado ECR.
If you need a point interceptor, an F-15A or even F-4C would do a respectable job (maybe afford upgraded radars).

Su-27 is more economical than all of these for the role. it is even popular in Africa.

Below the data from Sukhoi claimed for an operational Su-35BM:

Range with maximal fuel load, km
– Н=0, М=0.7 1,580
– Нcr, М cr 3,600
Ferry range
– with 2 х PTB-2000 external tanks, km 4,500

The first full equipped Su-35BM has still to fly, so much the guess
of the pilot in the ITAR-TASS article and test flight data. 😮

Sukhoi data is estimation when aircraft didnot flew. Pilot is more credible why he will lose his credibility in front of media? his flying the aircraft he exactly knows how much gas the aircraft is consuming from his fuel meter and there is display board in front of Su-27SM with 4000KM range on internal fuel.

The claim “cheaper” has to be proven. Procurement costs might be lower, the lifetime costs is a different issue. At current oil prices, the fact that the Suchoi 35 uses at least 50% more fuel per km might have an impact.

11,500 kg of fuel will give you 4500KM range. 9.4tons of fuel with 4 missiles of Su-27SKM gives you 3530KM range. So why it is no efficient. You can always bring back the fuel.

“Bigger” is an undesirable attribute.
“More payload” depends largely on a mission. A Eurofighter can carry 10 missiles and still have respectable range, a normal CAP is flown with 6 or 8 missiles, depending on the situation. Having the ability to carry more does not really count.
“More range” is pure fiction. With 3 external tanks the Eurofighter will have similar range and endurance.
Last, the “larger EW suite” is based on what? The Suchoi carries two large pods. What is in these pods and how advanced the electronics are is a totally different matter. The Suchoi 35 has to cope with the fact that it is the larger target on radar.

Bigger is better in all respects. 12 R-77 class missile and still can carry 2 external jamming pods.

Another question is the sortie rate you can generate out of a single aircraft under various conditions. I cannot judge here, but it has a large effect on overall fleet effectiveness. The back on back comparison is misleading, what you want is a maximum of (number of available aircraft) x (capability of each aircraft) / (cost per aircraft).

aircraft built with titanium is much stronger and more reliable and easy to repair than one built with composites