Su-33/35/37 Super Flanker

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Su-33/35/37 Super Flanker

Role:	Air Superiority Fighter
Manufacturer:	Sukhoi
Real-World Origin:	Russian Federation
Variants:	Su-33 'Flanker-D' Su-35 'Flanker-E' Su-37 'Flanker-F'

The Su-33, Su-35, and Su-37 (Cyrillic: Cy-33/35/37) (NATO Reporting Names: 'Flanker-D/E/F') are variants of the Su-27 Flanker commonly known as "Super Flankers."

1 Development
2 Design
3 Variants
4 Specifications
5 Operators
- 5.1 Real World
  - 5.1.1 Former Operators
- 5.2 Ace Combat
  - 5.2.1 Player-only
6 See Also
- 6.1 Related Development
- 6.2 Comparable Aircraft

Development

An Su-35BM.

During the 1980s, the Russians developed the Su-33 Flanker-D, first designated Su-27K. It is a Flanker with canards and a strengthened undercarriage for operation from Admiral Kuznetsov class Aircraft Carriers.

The Su-35 first flew in 1988. It is a technology demonstrator acquired in very limited numbers by the Russian Air Force. Sukhoi subsequently produced the Su-37, most notable including more avionics improvements and three-dimensional thrust vectoring, but the program has been canceled. It has been reported that one of the two Su-37 prototypes crashed, but details on the entire program are scarce. The Su-35 has since been developed into the significantly improved Su-35BM, which is being marketed for export sales.

Design

An Su-33 Flanker D on the Flight Deck.

The basic fuselage of the Su-33/35/37 is very similar to the Su-27 that they are derived from. The Su-33 was the first model to introduce canards, which were later included on the Su-35 and Su-37. The Su-33 also has a stronger airframe and undercarriage, and is the only version of the Flanker aside from Su-30s capable of inflight refueling.

Unlike the production model Su-33, the Su-35 and Su-37 are both prototypes fitted with modern avionics and systems. The Su-35 incorporates the Su-33's canards as well as other subtle differences to the airframe. The Su-35 has an improved fly-by-wire system as well as rear-looking-radar to assist in guiding semi-active radar guided missiles.

Su-37s were Su-35s modified with "pseudo-three dimensional" thrust vectoring, a new cockpit design focused on multi-function display screens, and better radar systems. Although the aircraft performed impressively, especially in maneuverability, Sukhoi has cancelled the project and re-converted all Su-37s into Su-35s.

The Su-35BM is the last Flanker variant to be produced and is intended for export. Its airframe has been modified for reduced RCS, canards are removed from the prototypes, but can be included at the customer's request, and it has new PESA radar.

Variants

A UPEO Su-37R on approach.

Su-33 'Flanker-D' - Su-27 modified for carrier operations.

Su-33UB Flanker-D - Side-by-side two-seat trainer using a nose configuration carried over to the Su-34 Fullback.

Su-35 'Flanker-E' - Technology demonstrator with increased maneuverability and avionics.

Su-35UB 'Flanker-E' - Two-seat Su-35.

Su-35BM - The most recent version of the Su-35, unveiled at MAKS 2007. The Su-35BM features the most advanced avionics of any Flanker yet as well as a stealthier airframe.

Su-37 'Flanker-F' - Technology demonstrator based on the Su-37 with improved avionics and engines. A variant with a COFFIN system appears in Ace Combat 3.