F-16 vs Su-35: A Comprehensive Comparison of Two of the World's Most Advanced Fighter Jets
The F-16 Fighting Falcon and the Su-35 Flanker-E are two of the most advanced fighter jets in the world, with a long history of development and deployment. Both aircraft have been widely used in various military operations and have undergone numerous upgrades and modernizations. In this article, we will delve into the details of each aircraft, comparing their design, capabilities, and performance to determine which one reigns supreme.
Design and Development
The F-16 was first introduced in the 1970s as a lightweight, multi-role fighter designed to replace the F-100 Super Sabre and the F-105 Thunderchief. The F-16 has undergone numerous upgrades and modernizations over the years, including the addition of new avionics, radar systems, and weapon capabilities.
The Su-35, on the other hand, is a more recent development, with its first flight taking place in 2008. The Su-35 is an upgraded version of the Su-27 Flanker, with significant improvements in its design, avionics, and performance.
Key Features and Capabilities
Here are some key features and capabilities of each aircraft:
F-16:
- Length: 49.4 feet (15.1 meters)
- Wingspan: 31.8 feet (9.7 meters)
- Height: 16.7 feet (5.1 meters)
- Empty weight: 13,700 pounds (6,216 kilograms)
- Maximum takeoff weight: 37,500 pounds (17,010 kilograms)
- Engine: General Electric F110-GE-129 or Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229
- Thrust: 28,000 pounds-force (125 kN)
- Speed: Mach 2+ (over 1,470 mph or 2,370 km/h)
- Range: 2,000 miles (3,219 kilometers)
- Service ceiling: 50,000 feet (15,240 meters)
- Armament: 1 x 20mm M61 Vulcan cannon, 11 x hardpoints for missiles and bombs
Su-35:
- Length: 72.9 feet (22.2 meters)
- Wingspan: 47.2 feet (14.4 meters)
- Height: 19.2 feet (5.9 meters)
- Empty weight: 38,000 pounds (17,236 kilograms)
- Maximum takeoff weight: 77,000 pounds (34,927 kilograms)
- Engine: Saturn AL-41F1S or Kuznetsov NK-25
- Thrust: 31,000 pounds-force (138 kN)
- Speed: Mach 2.25+ (over 1,700 mph or 2,741 km/h)
- Range: 2,500 miles (4,023 kilometers)
- Service ceiling: 59,000 feet (18,000 meters)
- Armament: 1 x 30mm GSh-301 cannon, 12 x hardpoints for missiles and bombs
Comparison of Radar and Avionics Systems
Both aircraft have advanced radar and avionics systems, but the Su-35 has a more modern and sophisticated system.
- F-16: AN/APG-66(V)7 radar system, with a range of 60 miles (97 kilometers)
- Su-35: Irbis-E radar system, with a range of 250 miles (402 kilometers)
The Su-35’s Irbis-E radar system is more advanced and has a longer range than the F-16’s AN/APG-66(V)7 system. The Irbis-E system also has a higher resolution and can track multiple targets simultaneously.
Comparison of Engine Performance
Both aircraft have powerful engines, but the Su-35’s engine has a higher thrust-to-weight ratio.
- F-16: General Electric F110-GE-129 or Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engine, with a thrust-to-weight ratio of 7.3:1
- Su-35: Saturn AL-41F1S or Kuznetsov NK-25 engine, with a thrust-to-weight ratio of 9.5:1
The Su-35’s engine has a higher thrust-to-weight ratio, which gives it a significant advantage in terms of acceleration and climb rate.
Comparison of Maneuverability
Both aircraft are highly maneuverable, but the F-16 has a slight advantage in terms of roll rate and turn radius.
- F-16: Roll rate of 270 degrees per second, turn radius of 300 feet (91 meters)
- Su-35: Roll rate of 240 degrees per second, turn radius of 350 feet (107 meters)
The F-16’s higher roll rate and tighter turn radius give it an advantage in close-range combat.
Conclusion
The F-16 and Su-35 are both highly advanced fighter jets with impressive capabilities. However, the Su-35 has a more modern and sophisticated radar and avionics system, as well as a more powerful engine with a higher thrust-to-weight ratio. The F-16, on the other hand, has a slight advantage in terms of maneuverability.
Overall, the Su-35 is a more advanced and capable fighter jet than the F-16. However, the F-16 remains a highly effective and reliable aircraft that is still widely used by many countries.
Which fighter jet has a longer range?
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The Su-35 has a longer range of 2,500 miles (4,023 kilometers), compared to the F-16’s range of 2,000 miles (3,219 kilometers).
Which fighter jet has a higher thrust-to-weight ratio?
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The Su-35’s engine has a higher thrust-to-weight ratio of 9.5:1, compared to the F-16’s engine with a thrust-to-weight ratio of 7.3:1.
Which fighter jet is more maneuverable?
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The F-16 has a higher roll rate and tighter turn radius, making it more maneuverable than the Su-35.
