The Sukhoi Su-35, a fourth-generation multirole fighter aircraft, stands as one of the most advanced combat platforms in the world. Developed by the Russian aerospace company Sukhoi, the Su-35 is designed to perform a variety of roles, including air superiority, ground attack, and long-range strikes. One of the most defining features of the Su-35 is its armament, which has been carefully chosen to provide unparalleled versatility and effectiveness in a variety of combat situations. This article delves into the armament of the Sukhoi Su-35, detailing its gun systems, missiles, bombs, and the aircraft’s overall weapon capacity.
Gun System: Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-30-1 Autocannon
The Sukhoi Su-35 is equipped with a 30 mm Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-30-1 autocannon mounted internally within the aircraft. This weapon is capable of firing a variety of ammunition types, offering flexibility during combat. With a total ammunition capacity of 150 rounds, the autocannon is an essential tool for close-quarters combat and dogfighting. The GSh-30-1 is known for its high rate of fire, which can quickly neutralize enemy aircraft or ground targets when required.
The weapon’s compact design ensures that it does not compromise the Su-35’s stealth or aerodynamic performance, making it an effective yet unobtrusive addition to the fighter’s armament. While the gun may not be as versatile as modern missile systems, its reliability in high-intensity engagements makes it a crucial part of the aircraft’s combat capabilities.
Hardpoints: Versatility in Weapon Loadouts
The Su-35 boasts a total of 12 hardpoints, strategically distributed across the aircraft’s wings and fuselage. These hardpoints allow the fighter to carry a wide range of ordnance, with a total weight capacity of 8,000 kg (17,630 lb). This flexibility in weaponry makes the Su-35 highly adaptable, capable of performing both air-to-air and air-to-ground operations.
These hardpoints include:
- 2 wingtip rails for the attachment of missiles or other lightweight ordnance
- 10 wing and fuselage stations, which can support heavy bombs, missiles, or fuel tanks The ability to carry a variety of payloads simultaneously ensures that the Su-35 can engage in diverse combat scenarios, from interception and dogfighting to precision strikes on enemy installations.
Missiles: A Wide Array of Precision and Destructive Power
The missile systems on the Sukhoi Su-35 represent a significant advantage in modern aerial warfare. With the capability to carry a range of air-to-air, air-to-surface, anti-ship, and anti-radiation missiles, the Su-35 can engage enemies in nearly any scenario with extreme precision and power. Below is a detailed breakdown of these missile systems:
Air-to-Air Missiles
The Su-35’s air-to-air missile arsenal includes a variety of options to ensure superior combat effectiveness in aerial dogfights and long-range interception:
- 8 × R-27ER/ET/EA: These extended-range missiles are capable of hitting targets at long distances. The R-27ER variant features active radar homing, making it an excellent tool for beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat.
- 6 × R-73E/M: These short-range, infrared-guided missiles are designed for close-quarters combat and are highly effective in dogfighting scenarios.
- 12 × R-77M/P/T/-1: A versatile, medium-range missile with active radar homing, the R-77M is capable of engaging targets beyond visual range, ensuring that the Su-35 can defend itself against enemy aircraft at extended distances.
- 6 × R-74: Similar to the R-73, this missile offers advanced infrared homing capabilities for superior targeting during close-range engagements.
- 2 × R-37: A massive, long-range missile designed for high-value target intercepts, such as AWACS aircraft or tanker planes, this missile gives the Su-35 exceptional reach in air-to-air combat.
Air-to-Surface Missiles
The Su-35 is equally capable in air-to-ground roles, equipped with missiles that can destroy both stationary and moving targets with incredible precision:
- 6 × Kh-29L/TE: These powerful air-to-surface missiles are guided by laser and infrared homing, making them ideal for precision strikes on enemy infrastructure or armored targets.
- 3 × 3M-14AE: A long-range cruise missile designed for deep strikes, capable of hitting high-value targets at great distances.
Anti-Ship Missiles
For maritime operations, the Su-35 can deploy a range of anti-ship missiles to neutralize naval threats:
- 3 × 3M-54AE1: A highly effective anti-ship missile with both subsonic and supersonic flight phases, capable of sinking large vessels.
- 6 × Kh-31A/AD: Designed for anti-ship and anti-radar missions, this missile has supersonic speeds and advanced guidance systems for pinpoint accuracy.
- Kh-35U: A subsonic cruise missile, ideal for attacking smaller ships or naval structures.
Anti-Radiation Missiles
The Su-35 can also deploy anti-radiation missiles to counter enemy radar systems, significantly disrupting enemy air defense capabilities:
- 6 × Kh-31P/PD: These are designed to home in on enemy radar emissions, making them invaluable for disrupting and neutralizing enemy air defenses.
- 5 × Kh-58UShE: A more advanced anti-radiation missile, the Kh-58UShE excels at targeting enemy radar systems, clearing the path for subsequent air-to-ground or air-to-air attacks.
Bombs: Precision and Power for Ground Targets
In addition to its extensive missile array, the Su-35 is capable of carrying a wide variety of bombs, including guided bombs that allow for precision strikes. These bombs enable the Su-35 to effectively neutralize ground targets with minimal collateral damage. The bomb arsenal includes:
- 8 × KAB-500KR TV-guided bombs: These are highly accurate bombs guided by television systems, ideal for striking stationary targets like bunkers or enemy radar systems.
- 8 × KAB-500L laser-guided bombs: The laser-guided KAB-500L bombs offer exceptional accuracy, allowing for precise strikes on high-priority targets.
- 8 × KAB-500OD guided bombs: These bombs feature satellite guidance systems for exceptional target accuracy, making them invaluable in modern warfare where precision is paramount.
- 8 × KAB-500S-E satellite-guided bombs: These bombs use satellite navigation for pinpoint accuracy, ensuring that the Su-35 can engage enemy positions at long ranges.
- 3 × KAB-1500KR TV-guided bombs: A heavier bomb with television guidance, perfect for engaging high-value, hardened targets.
- 3 × KAB-1500L laser-guided bombs: These bombs are designed to take out fortified or high-priority targets with devastating effectiveness.
Performance and Operational Impact of the Su-35 Armament
With a max takeoff weight of 34,500 kg and a combat radius of 1,600 km, the Su-35 is capable of carrying its extensive armament over long distances while maintaining high operational efficiency. The aircraft’s twin Saturn AL-41F1S engines, each capable of producing 137.3 kN (30,900 lbf) thrust with afterburner, ensure the Su-35 can reach its targets swiftly and effectively.
Additionally, the Su-35’s ability to supercruise at Mach 1.1+ provides a distinct advantage in engaging both air and ground targets at medium altitudes without the need to use afterburners, further enhancing its stealth and operational efficiency. This combination of long-range missile capability, powerful bombs, and high-performance engines makes the Su-35 a formidable opponent in any theater of war.
Conclusion
The Sukhoi Su-35 represents a significant leap in the evolution of multirole fighter aircraft, offering advanced technologies, superior weaponry, and unmatched versatility. Its armament suite, which spans everything from precision-guided bombs to long-range air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, ensures that the Su-35 can excel in a variety of combat scenarios. Whether engaged in air superiority, ground attack, or anti-shipping missions, the Su-35 proves itself as one of the most capable fighter aircraft in the world today. Its gun systems, missile capabilities, and bombing precision make it an unrivaled force in modern aerial warfare.
