American F35 and SU35 are two of the world’s latest fighter jets. We thought it will be interesting to compare the capabilities of these modern aircraft and try to determine which would win in a real aerial battle against each other.
The F35 comes with three types of models know as F35A, F35B and F35C, all with different functions. Pentagon plans to acquire over 3,100 F35, which if delivered will make the F35 one of the most numerous fighter jets ever built.
On the other hand, SU35 is the upgraded version of SU27, though an exceptional jet with much improvement. It is so modernized that it attracts the attention of many countries and only China could make its purchase.
1. Specifications
Let’s have a look at some specifications first.
As of today, around 500 F35s have been built so far. F35B and F35C are comparatively more expensive as per unit cost of F35B and F35C are $116M and $109M respectively, while F35A price tag is around $79M. Operated by crew of 1, the Aircraft’s empty weight is 29,300lb and maximum takeoff weight is around 70,000lb. The jet is powered by a single engine producing 43,000 pounds of thrust. With the help of this engine, the aircraft can gain top speed of Mach 1.6 or about 1,228mph. With the maximum range of 1,700mi, the jet can combat within the radius of 770mi. F35’s climb rate is around 45,000 ft/min and it can reach at maximum altitude of 50,000ft. The aircraft is fitted with 4 internal hardpoints and 6 external weapon stations with a total payload capacity of 18,000Ib. F35 is also armed with a 25mm 4-barrel rotary cannon.
In contrast, around 115 SU35 have been built so far with per unit cost of $85M. Operated by a crew of 1, the aircraft comes in at weight of 41,888lb with maximum takeoff weight of 76,059Ib. The Jet is powered by 2 afterburning turbofan engines generating 64,000 pounds of thrust combined. With the help of these engines, the jet can reach at top speed of 1,500mph. With ferry range of 2,800mi, the jet can combat within the radius of 990mi. SU35’s climb rate is around 55,000 ft/min and it can reach at maximum altitude of 59,000ft. The aircraft comes with 12 hardpoints with ordnance carrying capacity of 17,630Ib. The fighter jet is also armed with a 30mm auto cannon.
2. Stealth
The F35 has lead in this category as SU35 is not a stealth aircraft at all, however for perspective, the SU35’s radar cross section is between 1 to 3 sqm, or about the size of a large table while the RCS of F35 is about the size of an insect…
3. Maneuverability
SU35 is based on SU27 platform, so its status as a “super maneuverable” fighter is a matter of fact. Although both jets can slip into heavily defended targets on the ground. F35 will be better in those scenarios while the SU35 is better for air to air battles…
4. Radar & Avionics
The F35 is outfitted with latest AN/APG-81 radar capable of tracking 23 targets in 9 seconds and engaging 19 of them in 2.4 seconds. The range of F35 radar is confidential; however some defense analysts believe that this radar can detect a target beyond 300 miles. On the other hand, SU35 employs the powerful Irbis-E radar, capable of detecting an aerial target up to 250mi away. With the help of this radar, SU35 can track 30 airborne targets and engage 8 targets simultaneously.
5. Firepower
Both planes are equipped with state of the art missiles capable of shooting each other. SU35’s need to carry ordinance outside the fuselage is a slight disadvantage, but in general the first aircraft to score a clean hit will win…
Source: YouTube