Halfway to PAK FA: the latest addition to the Su-27 family seeks to bridge the gap to the fifth generation combat aircraft.(Defence)

Sukhoi is set to ramp up full-scale development work on the new Su-35 fighter, which it has designated the T-10BM, Bolshaya Modernizatsiya or Major Modernization. At times this programme has been also known as Su-35BM, as opposed to former versions of Su-35. The Su-35BM is intended to close the time gap between the current production Su30MK or other versions of upgraded Su27SM fighters, and the new-generation PAK FA fighter, which is expected to enter production around 2011-2012. This is the reason for the date of 2007 announced by Sukhoi as the deadline for completion of work on the Su-35 and its availability for sale. The Su-35BM is defined in Russia as "generation 4++ fighter", which in real terms means second-stage modernization of the Su-27 fighter (Su-27 is generation 4; present versions Su-27SM and Su-30MK are generation 4+, whereas PAK FA is defined as generation 5). Another objective of Sukhoi's programme for development of the Su-35BM is gradual testing and implementation of design features prepared for PAK FA (Perspektivnyi Aviatsionnyi Kompleks Frontovoi Aviatsii or Future Aviation Complex for Tactical Aviation). In early 2002, the government committee selected Sukhoi's T-50 proposal in the competition for PAK FA. The choice was made taking into account the financial viability of Sukhoi, as well as the experience of its design bureau, which in the current decade has been working with the greatest success among all design teams in Russia. The T-50 design was also considered as less risky than the ambitious design "E" submitted by RSK MiG corporation. Presently, Sukhoi is selecting suppliers and subcontractors, for system development on PAK FA. All the subcontractors are also participating in the work on the Su-35BM. The Su-35 is the latest example of inconsistent designations used by Sukhoi for its products (the internal designations used by the design bureau are in better order). Since the 1992 Farnborough show, the designation Su-35 has been used for Sukhoi's Su-27M fighter offered for export (internal designation T-10M). This type differed from Su-27 (T-10S) in having forward canards and a larger fin. It was equipped with the new N011 radar, a new cockpit with monochromatic TV displays, as well as with a digital fly-by-wire control system. Only 15 Su-27M fighters were built, including two prototypes, 10 pre-series and three series aircraft. Last year, five were incorporated into the air forces in 237th CPAT at Kubinka near Moscow.

Export hopes

The Russians offered the Su-35 in the South Korea tender, which was won by Boeing's F-15K, and now the Su-35 is on offer for Brazil's fighter requirement. The small Su-27M/Su-35 production rate should not be misinterpreted however: some solutions used in this aircraft have been used in other Sukhoi designs and the most advanced of Russian series fighters, the Su-30MKI built for India, is actually a two-seat version of the Su-27M/Su-35. …