Su-35 Vs F-15: 5 Key Differences

The Su-35 and F-15 are two of the most advanced fighter jets in the world, with a long history of development and improvement. While both aircraft have been designed to dominate the skies, they have distinct differences in terms of design, capabilities, and features.

In recent years, the Su-35 has gained significant attention due to its impressive performance and advanced avionics, leading some to question whether it has surpassed the F-15 as the premier air superiority fighter. As we delve into the key differences between these two aircraft, it becomes clear that each has its unique strengths and weaknesses.

The rivalry between the Su-35 and F-15 has sparked intense debate among military strategists, analysts, and aviation enthusiasts. As we explore the 5 key differences between these two fighter jets, we'll examine the design, capabilities, and features that set them apart.

Design and Aerodynamics

The Su-35 and F-15 have distinct design philosophies, reflecting their different development histories and design priorities.

The Su-35, also known as the Su-35S, is a multi-role fighter jet designed by Sukhoi, a Russian aircraft manufacturer. Its design is based on the Su-27 Flanker, with significant improvements in aerodynamics, avionics, and propulsion. The Su-35 features a unique design with a distinctive "duckbill" nose section, which houses advanced radar and avionics systems.

In contrast, the F-15 Eagle is a twin-engine, all-weather tactical fighter designed by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing). Its design emphasizes air superiority and maneuverability, with a focus on speed, agility, and climb rate. The F-15's aerodynamic design features a distinctive twin-vertical-tail configuration, which provides exceptional stability and control during high-G maneuvers.

Aerodynamic Advantages

The Su-35's advanced aerodynamic design provides several advantages over the F-15:

Improved maneuverability: The Su-35's unique design and advanced flight control systems enable exceptional agility and responsiveness, making it an formidable opponent in close combat.
Enhanced low-speed performance: The Su-35's can maintain a stable flight envelope at low speeds, making it more effective in certain combat scenarios.
Reduced radar cross-section: The Su-35's radar-absorbent materials and serrated edges reduce its radar cross-section, making it harder to detect.

However, the F-15's design prioritizes speed and climb rate, making it an excellent choice for air superiority missions that require rapid response and high-altitude performance.

Avionics and Radar Systems

The Su-35 and F-15 feature advanced avionics and radar systems, but with distinct differences in capabilities and design.

The Su-35 is equipped with the Irbis-E phased array radar, which provides exceptional range and resolution. This advanced radar system enables the Su-35 to detect and track multiple targets simultaneously, making it an effective air-to-air and air-to-ground platform.

In contrast, the F-15 is equipped with the AN/APG-63(V)3 radar, which is an advanced pulse-doppler radar system. While not as advanced as the Irbis-E, the AN/APG-63(V)3 provides exceptional range and accuracy, making it an effective air-to-air radar system.

Avionics Advantages

The Su-35's advanced avionics provide several advantages over the F-15:

Improved situational awareness: The Su-35's advanced radar and avionics systems provide exceptional situational awareness, enabling pilots to detect and respond to threats more effectively.
Enhanced electronic warfare capabilities: The Su-35's advanced electronic warfare systems enable it to disrupt or destroy enemy radar and communication systems.
Increased networking capabilities: The Su-35's advanced avionics enable seamless integration with other Russian aircraft and ground-based systems, enhancing its overall combat effectiveness.

However, the F-15's avionics systems are highly effective in air-to-air combat, providing exceptional radar performance and situational awareness.

Propulsion and Performance

The Su-35 and F-15 have distinct propulsion systems, reflecting their different design priorities.

The Su-35 is powered by two Saturn AL-41F1S turbofans, which provide exceptional thrust-to-weight ratio and fuel efficiency. The Su-35's engines enable it to achieve speeds up to Mach 2.25 and climb rates exceeding 55,000 feet per minute.

In contrast, the F-15 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 turbofans, which provide exceptional thrust and power. The F-15's engines enable it to achieve speeds up to Mach 2.5+ and climb rates exceeding 50,000 feet per minute.

Performance Advantages

The Su-35's advanced propulsion system provides several advantages over the F-15:

Improved fuel efficiency: The Su-35's engines provide exceptional fuel efficiency, enabling it to stay in combat longer and respond to threats more effectively.
Enhanced thrust-to-weight ratio: The Su-35's engines enable it to achieve exceptional acceleration and climb rates, making it an formidable opponent in close combat.
Increased range: The Su-35's advanced propulsion system enables it to achieve ranges exceeding 3,500 kilometers, making it an effective long-range strike platform.

However, the F-15's engines provide exceptional power and thrust, making it an excellent choice for air superiority missions that require rapid response and high-altitude performance.

Operational Costs and Maintenance

The Su-35 and F-15 have distinct operational costs and maintenance requirements, reflecting their different design priorities and development histories.

The Su-35 is designed to be highly maintainable and repairable, with a focus on reducing operational costs. Its advanced design and materials enable it to withstand the rigors of combat and harsh environmental conditions.

In contrast, the F-15 is a more complex and expensive aircraft to maintain, with a focus on maximizing performance and capabilities. Its advanced avionics and radar systems require significant maintenance and upgrading, increasing its operational costs.

Operational Cost Advantages

The Su-35's design and materials provide several advantages over the F-15:

Reduced maintenance costs: The Su-35's advanced design and materials enable it to withstand the rigors of combat and harsh environmental conditions, reducing maintenance costs.
Improved reliability: The Su-35's advanced design and materials enable it to achieve exceptional reliability, reducing downtime and increasing overall effectiveness.
Increased availability: The Su-35's design and materials enable it to achieve exceptional availability, making it an effective choice for high-tempo combat operations.

However, the F-15's advanced capabilities and performance come at a cost, with higher operational costs and maintenance requirements.

Conclusion

The Su-35 and F-15 are two of the most advanced fighter jets in the world, with distinct differences in design, capabilities, and features. While both aircraft have their strengths and weaknesses, the Su-35's advanced aerodynamics, avionics, and propulsion systems make it a formidable opponent in close combat.

As the global security landscape continues to evolve, the Su-35 and F-15 will likely play critical roles in maintaining air superiority and defending national interests. While the Su-35 may have an edge in certain areas, the F-15 remains an exceptional air-to-air platform with unparalleled performance and capabilities.

Ultimately, the choice between the Su-35 and F-15 will depend on specific mission requirements and operational priorities. As military strategists and analysts continue to debate the merits of each aircraft, one thing is clear: both the Su-35 and F-15 are exceptional fighter jets that will continue to shape the future of air superiority.

Su-35 Vs F-15 Image Gallery

What is the main difference between the Su-35 and F-15?

The main difference between the Su-35 and F-15 is their design philosophy and capabilities. The Su-35 is a multi-role fighter jet with advanced avionics and propulsion systems, while the F-15 is a twin-engine, all-weather tactical fighter with exceptional air-to-air capabilities.

Which aircraft has better aerodynamics?

The Su-35 has better aerodynamics due to its unique design and advanced flight control systems, which enable exceptional agility and responsiveness.

What is the range of the Su-35?

The Su-35 has a range exceeding 3,500 kilometers, making it an effective long-range strike platform.

Which aircraft has better avionics?

The Su-35 has better avionics due to its advanced radar and electronic warfare systems, which provide exceptional situational awareness and combat effectiveness.

Which aircraft is more expensive to maintain?

The F-15 is more expensive to maintain due to its complex design and advanced avionics systems, which require significant maintenance and upgrading.