Russia test flies '4++ generation' Su-35 strike fighter (6.3.2008)

Russia is back in business!

Quoted:

MOSCOW, March 6 - The Sukhoi aircraft maker has conducted another test flight of its new state-of-the-art Su-35 Flanker multirole air superiority/strike fighter, the company said on Thursday.

A company spokesman said the aircraft was flown for over two hours, primarily to test the operation of its engines and control system, adding that both had performed admirably.

The manufacturer said last month that the new aircraft, billed as "4++ generation using fifth-generation technology," would enter service with the Russian Air Force in two to three years.

The Su-35, powered by two AL-37F engines, combines high maneuverability and the capability to effectively engage air targets using both guided and unguided missiles and weapon systems.

The Su-35 prototype made its maiden flight on February 18, and two more aircraft are being prepared for similar tests at an aircraft manufacturing plant in Russia's Far East.

Sukhoi, which is part of Russia's United Aircraft Corporation, is planning to export over 40 combat aircraft in 2008.

In 2007, Sukhoi exported about 50 Su-30MK2, Su-30MKM and Su-30MKI aircraft, including to Algeria, India, Malaysia, Indonesia and Venezuela.

The company also announced that its 2007 sales had grossed over 50 billion rubles ($2 billion).

en.rian.ru...

Two headed eagle has regroup and reborn...

this may do better in aircraft forums..

Are they going to test the AL-41 directly on the PAK-FA?
I was under the false impression that the Su-35 would get it too?

The engines mounted on Su-35 901 are the Saturn 117S, a derivative of the AL-31 with components of the AL-41. PAK-FA is also slated to perform first flights with the 117S installed to speed up the time of the first flight, although it will later be receiving its own 5th-Generation engines from NPO Saturn.

so who's the AL-41 for again then?

sounds like the AL-41 can be retrofitted to any platform using
the AL-31.

The NPO Saturn AL-41F is a Russian turbofan engine, designed for supercruise flight. Originally developed for the Mikoyan Project 1.44, the engine was built around the geometry of the AL-31F, making it compatible with existing airframes, including the Sukhoi Su-27 series. The engine is reported to have recently entered low rate initial production for use in the Su-34 Fullback. Specifications are not disclosed yet, but it is described by most sources as being in the 40.000 lbf class, 10:1 thrust to weight ratio.

The Saturn AL-31 is a family of military turbofan engines. It was developed by Lyulka, now NPO Saturn, of Russia (former Soviet Union), originally for the Sukhoi Su-27 'Flanker' air superiority fighter. Currently it powers all Flanker derivatives and the Chengdu J-10 multirole jet fighter which has been developed in China.
AL-31

even offered to Iran to use in the F-14s