F-15EX vs. Su-35S

Attribute	F-15EX	Su-35S
Country of Origin	United States	Russia
Manufacturer	Boeing	Sukhoi
First Flight	2020	2008
Max Speed	Mach 2.5	Mach 2.25
Range	3,450 mi	2,220 mi
Max Takeoff Weight	81,000 lb	76,060 lb

Introduction

When it comes to modern fighter jets, the F-15EX and Su-35S are two of the most advanced and capable aircraft in the world. Both of these jets have been designed to excel in air superiority missions, with advanced avionics, powerful engines, and a wide array of weapons systems. In this article, we will compare the attributes of the F-15EX and Su-35S to see how they stack up against each other.

Performance

The F-15EX is powered by two Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engines, which give it a top speed of Mach 2.5 and a combat range of over 1,200 nautical miles. In comparison, the Su-35S is powered by two Saturn AL-41F1S engines, which give it a top speed of Mach 2.25 and a combat range of around 1,000 nautical miles. While both jets are capable of supercruise, the F-15EX has a slight edge in terms of speed and range.

Maneuverability

One of the key attributes of any fighter jet is its maneuverability, and both the F-15EX and Su-35S excel in this area. The F-15EX is known for its high thrust-to-weight ratio and excellent agility, allowing it to outmaneuver most opponents in a dogfight. The Su-35S, on the other hand, is equipped with thrust-vectoring engines, which give it unmatched maneuverability and the ability to perform complex aerial maneuvers. In terms of raw maneuverability, the Su-35S has a slight edge over the F-15EX.

Avionics

Both the F-15EX and Su-35S are equipped with state-of-the-art avionics systems that provide the pilot with a wealth of information and situational awareness. The F-15EX features a modern glass cockpit with large multi-function displays, as well as advanced radar and sensor systems. The Su-35S, on the other hand, is equipped with a sophisticated radar system that can track multiple targets simultaneously and engage them with a variety of weapons. While both jets have advanced avionics, the Su-35S has a slight edge in terms of radar capabilities.

Weapons Systems

When it comes to weapons systems, both the F-15EX and Su-35S are equipped with a wide array of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons. The F-15EX can carry up to 16 air-to-air missiles, including AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles, as well as a variety of air-to-ground munitions. The Su-35S, on the other hand, can carry up to 12 air-to-air missiles, including R-77 and R-73 missiles, as well as a range of air-to-ground weapons. In terms of weapons loadout, the F-15EX has a slight edge over the Su-35S.

Cost

One of the key factors that governments consider when purchasing fighter jets is the cost. The F-15EX has a unit cost of around $80 million, making it a relatively affordable option for countries looking to upgrade their air force. The Su-35S, on the other hand, has a unit cost of around $85 million, making it slightly more expensive than the F-15EX. While the cost difference between the two jets is relatively small, it could be a deciding factor for some countries.

Conclusion

Overall, both the F-15EX and Su-35S are highly capable fighter jets that excel in air superiority missions. The F-15EX has a slight edge in terms of speed, range, and weapons loadout, while the Su-35S has a slight edge in terms of maneuverability and avionics. Ultimately, the choice between the two jets will depend on the specific needs and requirements of the country purchasing them. Both jets are formidable adversaries in the sky and will continue to play a crucial role in modern air combat for years to come.