SU-35 (FLANKER-E/SUPER FLANKER)

The Su-35 is an advanced version of the Sukhoi Su-27, and was initially designated Su-27M. The Su-27M development began in the early 1980s, A Su-27M prototype (T-10S-70) first flew in 1988.

Changes from the Su-27 include canards, upgraded engines, new radar, and a digital fly by wire flight control system. Other changes made were glass cockpit, aerial refueling probe, twin-wheel nose gear, more powerful radar, two additional underwing pylons, additional fuel capacity, and larger tail fins with horizontal carbon fibre tips.

The modernized Su-35 was presented at the MAKS-2007 air show in August 2007. The new features of the aircraft include a reinforced airframe with the use of composite materials, a reduced radar signature from the front, and an improved passive electronically scanned array radar.

The aircraft featured many other upgrades to its avionics and electronic systems, including digital fly-by-wire and a rear-looking radar for firing Semi-Active Radar missiles. The new Su-35 omits the canard and speedbrake; to maintain maneuverability equal to or greater than canard-equipped fighters, the Su-35 uses the new 117S engine with fully-rotating vectoring thrust nozzles.

The new Su-35 version first flew on 19 February 2008. On 18 August 2009, the Russian Defense Ministry announced a contract for 48 Su-35S (Serial) fighters along with 16 Su-27/30 fighters to be delivered by 2015.