Iran could receive its first Su-35 Flanker fighter jets from Russia as soon as next week, reports state-run media outlets. The timing of the delivery of advanced fighter jets is highly significant as it coincides with skyrocketing tensions between Tehran and Israel.
While there is no mention of the number of jets making up the first shipment, Iran will reportedly receive at least 24 fighter jets in total, Forbes reports.
In September last year, Iran took delivery of Yak-130 jets from Russia, subsonic trainer jets that can pull a shift as light combat aircraft.
Multirole supermaneuverable fighter aircraft
The Su-35 Flanker is an advanced capability multirole air superiority fighter developed from the Su-27. Designed to engage threats in the air and on the ground and counteract naval surface forces, the Su-35 is a multirole supermaneuverable fighter aircraft.
It can destroy ground infrastructure objects covered by Air Defense Missile Systems (ADMS) and located far from the aircraft’s home airfield. The plane is capable of conducting aerial surveillance as well.
With an advanced onboard radar control system, optical locating system, and onboard self-defense complex, the jet can control aviation group actions in the air. Additionally, the Su-35 can be fitted with advanced guided aircraft missiles.
Payload capacity
With a length of 21.9m, a wingspan of 15.3m, and a height of 5.9m, Su-35 Flanker jets can carry a maximum payload of 8,000kg.
The initial version of the Su-35 was first unveiled at the Aerosalon MAKS air show in Moscow in August 2007. In 2010, the jet entered serial production as the Su-35S for the Russian Air Force.
Developed and tested by the Sukhoi Design Bureau, the jet is manufactured by Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Plant (KnAPPO). Both firms are part of the Sukhoi Aviation Holding Joint Stock Company.
Jam-resistant system
Equipped with two VHF/UHF encrypted radio communications systems, the jet has a jam-resistant military data link system between squadron aircraft and ground control.
With a maximum speed of around 1,485 mph (2,390km/h), the jet boasts normal and ferry ranges of 2,237 miles (3,600km) and 2,610 miles (4,200km), respectively. The aircraft has a maximum take-off weight of approx. 76,057 lbs (34,500kg) and can fly at a maximum altitude of 18,000m.
Weapon system
The aircraft is also equipped with a radar warning system, missile approach warner, laser warner, and flare dispenser.
The Su-35 can be armed with air-to-air missiles (Vympel R-27), air-to-surface missiles (Molniya Kh-29), anti-radiation missiles, and anti-ship missiles (Kh-31A, the long-range Kh-59MK).
Although the total fuel capacity of the aircraft is 14,350 liters, the Su-35 can be refueled mid-air with a refueling probe on the port side of the nose.
In order to increase the unrefuelled range and endurance compared to earlier models, the Su-35 incorporates additional tailfin and fin-root tanks. The fuel tanks are of aluminum lithium construction and are located in the wings, fuselage, and square-tip twin tailfins, according to Airforce Technology.
