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http://home.youngester.com The Su-35 is equipped with the RLSU-27 radar system. The system is composed of the forward-looking N011 slotted-antenna radar and the small N012 rear-looking radar, the latter is located in the central tailboom. Compared to the N001 radar of the basic Su-27 variants, the RLSU-27 radar offers extended target acquisition range, air-to-surface stand-off attack capability, simultaneous tracking of more targets, surveillance and tracking of targets in the rear hemisphere and improved counter ECM. The new radar is also capable of terrain-mapping, enabling nap-of-the-eartch (NOE) and obstacle avoidance. Later it was concluded that the slotted-antenna radar would be outdated soon, and a phased array variant of the N011 radar was developed, designated N011M. The phased array enabled a greater radar range, wider zones of tracking and engagement, increase in number of simultaneously tracked and engaged targets, and the employment of more advanced weapons. Advanced Avionics In addition to the radar, the Su-35 features other advancements in its avionics suite compared to the Su-27. Other principal components were the electro-optical sighting/navigation system, communications suite, instrument guidance equipment, new FBW system, IFF and digital computer. The aircraft is equipped with an advanced self-defence suite consisting of new RWR systems, Sorbtsiya ECM pods, and APP-50 chaff/flare dispenser. Cockpit The instrument panel layout was changed to accomodate three high-res multifuction monochrome CRT displays and an improved HUD, reducing the number of old electro-mechanical instruments needed. Later the Su-35 features multifunction colour LCDs. The IRST sensor was moved to the right off the line of symmetry to improve visibility from the cockpit. The ejection seat was elevated and declined at 30 degrees to enable the pilot to better withstand high G manoeuvring. The pilots wears a helmet with the Shchel-3UM helmet-mounted target designator. Airframe The Su-35 airframe incorporates a new nose section, new central tailboom, canards, and upgraded AL-31FM engines. The wings panels were fitted with larger fuel cells and the enlarged fins have internal fuel cells as well, to increase the aircraft's combat radius. Also the Su-35 has been fitted with an IFR probe and provision to carry two 2,000-litre underwing drop tanks to further extend its range. The aircraft's structure and undercarriage was strengthened to cope with the increased weight of the aircraft caused by the new equipment. The single nose wheel is replaced by two smaller wheels. New Weapons The new systems enabled the Su-35 to be capable of using modern air launched weapons. The most important in the air-to-air role, is the medium-range active radar homing R-77 (export designation is RVV-AE) air-to-air missile, the Russian equivalent of the AIM-120 AMRAAM. A maximum of 12 of these missiles can be carried or 10 when carrying the ECM pods on its wingtips. The Su-35 can also be armed with the older R-27 semi-active radar, R-27E IR homing medium-range missiles as well as the short-range R-60 and R-73 IR homing missiles. The armament now also includes guided air-to-surface missiles and bombs. Aside from the unguided rockets already on the basic Su-27's weapons list, the Su-35 is now also capable of the Kh-29 TV-guided, Kh-31P anti-radiation, and Kh-31A anti-ship missiles. In addition to the increased number of dumb free-fall, incendiary, and cluster bombs, the Su-35 is now also capable of the TV and laser-guided KAB-500 bombs. Multi-Role These new systems and weapons capabilities make the Su-35 a true multi-role fighter. Combined with its large action radius and reasonable price tag, make the Su-35 a good candidate for export. The Su-35 was first shown at Farnborough international air show in 1993. Early attempts included the Su-35 based Su-37MR which was marketed to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), see Su-37 section. After the first series produced Su-35s had been delivered to the Russian Air Force in 1996, development by the Komsomolsk-on-Amur aircraft manufacturing association (KnAAPO) was aimed at meeting the requirements of possible export customers. The new Su-35s would be offered with the AL-31FP TVC engines, which were developed following the successfull Su-37 trials with the first TVC engines, see Su-37 section. The modified Su-35s also feature an open architecture avionics suite incorporating the latest digital computers and display systems.