Intro
Uncover the 5 key differences between the Su-35 and F-35, two of the worlds most advanced fighter jets. Learn about their distinct design approaches, engine capabilities, radar systems, stealth technology, and combat roles, and discover which aircraft comes out on top in this comparison of Russian and American military might.
The Su-35 and F-35 are two of the most advanced fighter jets in the world, each with its unique characteristics and capabilities. The Su-35 is a Russian-made multirole fighter, while the F-35 is a fifth-generation stealth fighter developed by the United States. In this article, we will explore the 5 key differences between the Su-35 and F-35.
Introduction to the Su-35 and F-35
The Su-35 is a modernized version of the Su-27 Flanker, a Soviet-era fighter jet. The Su-35 has been designed to be a highly maneuverable and versatile aircraft, capable of performing a wide range of tasks, from air-to-air combat to air-to-ground strikes. The F-35, on the other hand, is a fifth-generation stealth fighter designed to provide unparalleled air superiority and ground attack capabilities.
Difference 1: Design and Aerodynamics
One of the most noticeable differences between the Su-35 and F-35 is their design and aerodynamics. The Su-35 has a traditional fighter jet design, with a focus on maneuverability and speed. The aircraft features a blend of curves and angles, with a distinctive "duck bill" nose section. In contrast, the F-35 has a more angular and stealthy design, with a focus on reducing radar cross-section.
The Su-35's design allows it to achieve high speeds and maintain excellent maneuverability, making it a formidable opponent in dogfighting situations. The F-35's stealth design, on the other hand, provides it with a significant advantage in terms of survivability, allowing it to penetrate deep into enemy territory without being detected.
Key Features of the Su-35 Design
- Traditional fighter jet design
- Blend of curves and angles
- "Duck bill" nose section
- High-speed and maneuverability capabilities
Key Features of the F-35 Design
- Stealthy and angular design
- Reduced radar cross-section
- Advanced materials and coatings
- Internal weapons bays for reduced radar signature
Difference 2: Propulsion and Performance
Another key difference between the Su-35 and F-35 is their propulsion and performance capabilities. The Su-35 is powered by two Saturn AL-41F1S turbofan engines, each producing 14,500 kgf of thrust. In contrast, the F-35 is powered by a single Pratt & Whitney F135 turbofan engine, producing 22,000 pounds of thrust.
The Su-35's engines provide it with excellent acceleration and climb rates, making it a formidable opponent in air-to-air combat. The F-35's engine, on the other hand, provides it with advanced thrust-vectoring capabilities, allowing it to maintain control and stability at high angles of attack.
Key Features of the Su-35 Propulsion
- Two Saturn AL-41F1S turbofan engines
- 14,500 kgf of thrust per engine
- Excellent acceleration and climb rates
Key Features of the F-35 Propulsion
- Single Pratt & Whitney F135 turbofan engine
- 22,000 pounds of thrust
- Advanced thrust-vectoring capabilities
Difference 3: Avionics and Electronics
The Su-35 and F-35 also differ significantly in terms of their avionics and electronics. The Su-35 features a highly advanced cockpit, with a focus on pilot comfort and situational awareness. The aircraft is equipped with a range of sensors and systems, including radar, infrared, and electronic warfare capabilities.
The F-35, on the other hand, features a highly advanced sensor suite, with a focus on providing the pilot with unparalleled situational awareness. The aircraft is equipped with advanced radar, electro-optical, and infrared sensors, as well as advanced communication and data-link systems.
Key Features of the Su-35 Avionics
- Advanced cockpit with focus on pilot comfort and situational awareness
- Range of sensors and systems, including radar, infrared, and electronic warfare capabilities
- Highly advanced radar and electronic warfare systems
Key Features of the F-35 Avionics
- Highly advanced sensor suite with focus on providing pilot with unparalleled situational awareness
- Advanced radar, electro-optical, and infrared sensors
- Advanced communication and data-link systems
Difference 4: Armament and Payload
The Su-35 and F-35 also differ in terms of their armament and payload capabilities. The Su-35 is equipped with a range of air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, including the R-73, R-77, and Kh-59M. The aircraft also features a 30mm cannon for close-range engagements.
The F-35, on the other hand, features advanced internal weapons bays, allowing it to carry a range of air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, including the AIM-120 and AIM-9X. The aircraft also features a 25mm cannon for close-range engagements.
Key Features of the Su-35 Armament
- Range of air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, including R-73, R-77, and Kh-59M
- 30mm cannon for close-range engagements
- Highly advanced radar and electronic warfare systems
Key Features of the F-35 Armament
- Advanced internal weapons bays
- Range of air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, including AIM-120 and AIM-9X
- 25mm cannon for close-range engagements
Difference 5: Stealth and Survivability
Finally, the Su-35 and F-35 differ significantly in terms of their stealth and survivability capabilities. The F-35 is designed to be a stealthy aircraft, with a reduced radar cross-section and advanced materials and coatings. The aircraft's stealth design provides it with a significant advantage in terms of survivability, allowing it to penetrate deep into enemy territory without being detected.
The Su-35, on the other hand, is not designed to be a stealthy aircraft. While it features some advanced materials and coatings, its design is focused on providing excellent maneuverability and speed, rather than stealth.
Key Features of the F-35 Stealth
- Reduced radar cross-section
- Advanced materials and coatings
- Internal weapons bays for reduced radar signature
- Highly advanced sensor suite for enhanced situational awareness
Key Features of the Su-35 Survivability
- Highly advanced radar and electronic warfare systems
- Excellent maneuverability and speed capabilities
- Range of air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles
- 30mm cannon for close-range engagements
Gallery of Su-35 and F-35 Images
Su-35 and F-35 Image Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Su-35 and F-35?
+The main difference between the Su-35 and F-35 is their design and aerodynamics. The Su-35 has a traditional fighter jet design, while the F-35 has a stealthy and angular design.
Which aircraft has better stealth capabilities?
+The F-35 has better stealth capabilities due to its design and advanced materials and coatings.
Which aircraft has better armament and payload capabilities?
+Both aircraft have advanced armament and payload capabilities, but the F-35 has a more advanced internal weapons bay system.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive comparison of the Su-35 and F-35. Both aircraft are highly advanced and have their own unique capabilities and advantages. Whether you're interested in the Su-35's advanced maneuverability and speed capabilities or the F-35's stealth and survivability capabilities, this article has provided you with a detailed look at each aircraft's features and capabilities.