From 2011, the formation of regiments from Su-35 will begin

In the 2011 - 2015 years, up to three regiments will be formed in the Russian Air Force, equipped with super-maneuverable Su-35 multi-role fighters, said Colonel Vladimir Drik, spokesman for the Russian Air Force’s Defense Ministry’s press service and information department.

“Before entering the fifth generation air force fighter, for the transition period from 2011 to 2015, it is planned to form two to three regiments of Su-35 fighters, which are fighters of the 4 ++ generation,” said Drik, Interfax reports.

Su-35 is a deeply modernized super-maneuverable multifunctional fighter. It uses the technology of the fifth generation, providing superiority over fighters of a similar class, he said.

According to Sukhoi, the distinctive features of the Su-35 are the new avionics complex based on a digital information management system, an integrated onboard equipment system. The aircraft also installs a new radar station with a phased antenna array with a large range of airborne targets and an increased number of simultaneously followed and fired targets (tracking 30 and attacking eight air targets, as well as tracking four and attacking two ground targets). The aircraft has new engines with increased thrust and swivel thrust vectoring.

The Su-35 multi-functional fighter has a wide range of weapons of long, medium and short range. He is able to carry controlled aviation anti-radar weapons (ASA), anti-ship, general purpose, adjustable bombs (ACS), as well as uncontrolled TSA. The radar visibility of a fighter compared to fourth-generation aircraft has been reduced several times due to the electrically conductive coating of the cockpit lantern, the application of radar absorbing coatings and a reduced number of protruding sensors. Aircraft resource - 6 thousand flight hours, service life - 30 years of operation, assigned resource of engines with a controlled nozzle - 4 thousand hours.

“In total, in accordance with the long-term contracts already signed, the Air Force will have to get around 130 combat aircraft,” Drik said.

He clarified that three state contracts have already been signed for the supply of the Russian Air Force, a total of about 70 new Sukhoi combat aircraft. Among them are about 50 Su-35 multifunctional super-maneuverable fighters (delivery period - from 2010 to 2015), more than 10 upgraded Su-27СМ and about five two-seat multi-purpose fighters Su-30М2 (delivery period - until the end of 2011 year).

Drik recalled that the Air Force had already received six new Su-34 multi-role fighter jets, now these machines are being operated at the Lipetsk Air Force Aviation Center.

In the next few years, the Air Force plans to obtain, in accordance with the contract, some more 25-like aircraft, the construction of which is in full swing at the NAPO plant in Novosibirsk, said Drik.

In addition, he said, in terms of providing the Air Force with armored subsonic attack aircraft, from 2009, it was decided to resume production of the Su-25CM double-seat aircraft, known as Su-25UBM.

Recently, noted Drik, the Air Force has begun to actively receive new aircraft. A number of new cars are at the stage of joint state tests, he stressed.