Sukhoi Su-35BM/ T-10BM

[SukhoiLover]

Introduction
Since 1977, with the entry into service of the Flanker, that these fantastic aircraft didn´t stop evolving,from one model emerged several others: Su-27 SK, Su-27SKM, Su-30 MK, Su-30MK2, Su -30 MKM, Su-30MKV, Su-30 MKI, Su-33, Su-34/32, Su-35, Su-37…
Unfortunately this long lineage will end, but will end up in great style with a plane of 4 + + generation that will fill the gap between the Su-30MK and the PAK-FA, a plane of the 4 th generation which has 5 th generation technologies and that can only be overcome by the F-22.
This plane is the Su-35 BM that will become the backbone of the Russian Air Force until the PAK-FA is produced in sufficient numbers and will dominate the market between 2009 and 2015.

Airframe
The Su-35BM derives from the old Su-35, T-10M, and applies everything Sukhoi learned over the years with planes like the Su-30 in its various variants.
Among the things  Sukhoi learned is the fact that a large RCS and the use of heavy materials in the airframe do not contribute to the performance of the aircraft, as such, Sukhoi substantially improved the basic structure of the plane.
In the new structure were used composite materials, which reduced the weight by 20%. The lines of the plane have been refined in order to reduce the radar energy reflected in the X band, the intakes of the engines are larger to allow a better flow of air, flaperons are large, it does not have canards * and the tail sting is smaller, moreover, it does not have the dorsal aerodynamic brake, its functions are now performed by active rudder . The fuselage has better aerodynamics and lifting ability in general.

Stealth
As mentioned earlier, Sukhoi learned that a large RCS does not help the plane, as such, to the refinement of the lines, Sukhoi allied other Stealth measures:
_ Use of RAM layers throughout the structure.
_ Treatment of the air inlets with a RAM layer with a thickness between 0.7 and 1.4 mm.
_ Treatment of the face of the engine with RAM material
_Treatment of the canopy with electro conductive materials that prevent reflection of radar waves.
These measures mean a RCS between 0.7 and 1 m2.
In terms of the thermal signature Sukhoi should have used ceramic materials in parts that reach higher temperatures, such as in the exhaust of the engine.

Cockpit
The cockpit of the Su-35BM is one of the most advanced in the world.
The cockpit has two large LCD with 22.5 by 30 cm and a resolution of 1400 by 1050 pixels, as well as a multi-functions backup LCD .
The LCD functions are to receive, process, and transmit data in various ways, whether these are graphics, numbers, TV images, etc.. They also produce and send video signals in digital format to the video recording unit.
The HUD has a control panel and a viewing angle of 30 ° by 20º, and its the IKSh-1M.
The control column of the engine and the control stick have HOTAS capability.
The helmet has a built in sight (HMS) and a small display.
The plane has satellite navigation systems and radio systems, digital map system, optical and electronic system for reconnaissance missions  in a pod and digital communication systems.
The plane has 2 UHF radios and two VHF radios, voice and radio coding systems and Link-16 system to exchange data.
All these elements as well as data from radar, IRST and pods are controlled by 2 modern computers that enable the processing and transmission of data to the pilot at crucial moments, easing its workload.
The plane has sensory fusion.



Radar System
One of the radar systems that the Su-35BM can use is the Phazotron NIIR NO31 Zhuk-MSFE, however, the main choice is the Tikhomirov NIIP NO35E Irbis.
The Irbis is a multi functional radar that operates in the X wave band, and its a PESA (Passive Electronic Scanning Array) radar.
Due to the hydraulic systems in which the radar is mounted, it may deflect up to 120 ° horizontally in relation to the central axis of the plane, and up to 60 º upright in relation to the central axis of the plane, value that can be increased up to 120º using the electronic control and mechanical additional turn of the antenna.
The Irbis has the phenomenal power of 20Kw, giving the plane the ability to detect air targets with a RCS of 3m2 up to 400Km and 0.01m2 up to 90 km.
Ground targets are detected at a distance around 200 km.
The Irbis monitors and pursues up to 30 air targets at the same time and enables the shooting of up to 8 active air-to-air missiles simultaneously and up to 2 air-to-air semi-active missiles simultaneously **.
The Irbis monitors and pursues up to 4 ground targets  and attacks 2 simultaneously , being able to map targets through pulse Doppler and SAR modes.
The Irbis does all this without ever leaving to monitor the airspace, this means, it is able to monitor and track air and ground targets previously identified while looking for new targets at the same time. The system EKVS-E BTsVM SOLO 35 is responsible for the fire control.
The Su-35 BM also has a radar in the tail, and for this function there are available the Phazotron NO12 and NO15 and Leninets VOO5 used in the Su-34.



IRST
The Su-35 has a system for detecting targets passively through their thermal signature, the OLS-35.
The OLS-35 detects aerial targets by their thermal signature at distances of up to 50km head-on and 90km in the rear quadrant ***.
The system also measures the distance to air targets up to 20km and ground targets up to 30km , it can monitor and follow up to 4 different air targets and can designate targets for laser guided missiles.



Electronic Warfare
The Su-35 BM uses the KNIRTI L175M Khibiny-M for this function.
This system is similar to the one in the F-18 G and operates on 3 modes:
_ Individual protection
_ Escort protection
_ Attack group protection
It is able to identify, coordinate and jam enemy threats, in addition it designates targets for anti-radiation missiles such as the Kh-31P.
The system has an individual display in the cockpit and works together with the radar, sending energy to the threats and to the disposable counter-measures , increasing the chance to evade enemy missiles.
It also has a MAWS to detect missiles at approach, a RWR , disposable counter-measures such as chaff, flares and in the future towed counter-measures such as the ones in the Eurofighter Typhoon.


Engines
The engines of the Su-35 BM will be the AL-41F with capacity of super-cruise and about 15.000 kg of thrust, however, will only be available in future versions.
Currently the Su-35 is equipped with the AL-41A, also called 117S, which are an AL-31 with new turbines of high and low pressure, new digital control system , new fans, and TVC.
These engines have 14.500kg of thrust, are more efficient, have an APU, and fire extinguishing system and a lifespan that can reach 6000 hours.



Weapons
As a multifunction fighter the Su-35BM has a wide range of weapons that allow it to perform multiple tasks, even in severely defended environments either by weapons or jamming devices ****:
_ Internal cannon GSH-30 of 30mm.
Air-to-Air
_R-77 ADDER in its various variants, with range  up to 160km and the ability to maneuver at 12G.
_KS-172 for destruction of airborne strategic enemy (AWACS, refueling planes, etc.). With a range up to 400km and the ability to maneuver up to 12G *****.
_R-37, which is a missile that competes with the KS-172 but which should be used only with AWACS, etc.. It has a range up to 300km and can handle up to 9G.
_R-27 Alamo in its various variants with a range up to 120km and the ability to handle up to 8G.
_R-73 and R-74 for close combat with up to 30km range and ability to maneuver up to 12G ******.
Air-to-ground
_Kh-59 with range of 115km.
_Kh-31 in its variants with a range up to 200km.
_Kh-35 with a range up to 250km.
_Kh-41 with a range up to 300km.
_Kh-15 with a range up to 150km
_ Several types of guided and non-guided bombs.



Performance and specifications:
Length - 21.9m
Wingspan-15.3m
Height-5.9m

Takeoff weight:
_ Max - 34.500Kg
_ With 2 RVV-AE + 2 R-73E - 25.300Kg

Engines:
_ Number - 2
_ Unit power - 14.500Kg

Payload:
_ Internal fuel-11.500Kg
_ Weapons-8.000Kg

Range:
_ Sea level-1.580km
_ In-altitude 3.600km
_ With two external tanks PTB-2000-4.500km

Max Ceiling:
_ 18.000m

Thrust to weight ratio:
_ Maximum Load-0.84:1
_ Normal Load-1.14:1

Acceleration:
_ 600Km / h to 1100Km/h- 13.8 seconds
_1000Km / H to 1300Km/h- 8 seconds

Climb speed at 1000m:
_ Greater or equal to 280 m / s

Speed:
_ Maximum - Mach 2.25
_ Super-cruise with the AL-41F- ? Mach 1.6?
_ Sea Level - 1400Km / h

G load:
_9G

Takeoff / landing distance:
_ 400-450 m
_ 650m

*- It depends on the customer.
**- New on the market.
***- Without use of afterburner.
****- The Irbis is resistant to electronic warfare.
*****- Fighters maneuver at a maximum of 9G, therefore, the KS-172 is fast enough to be used against fighters.
******- This missile is widely considered superior to the Sidewinder in its traditional version and R-74M2 should be equal or even superior to the Iris-T missiles and Sidewinder X.

Sources:
-- http://Http://aircombatcb.blogspot.com/2007/12/sukhoi-su-35-bm-super-flanker-o-temivel.html
-- http://Http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-Flanker.html
-- http://Http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-Supercruise.html
-- http://Http://www.sukhoi.org/eng/planes/military/Su-35/
-- http://Http://www.aviapedia.com/fighters/su-35bmt-10bm-the-last-flanker
-- http://Http://www.fighter-planes.com/stealth2.htm
-- http://Http://www.knaapo.ru/media/News/maks2007/35_eng.zip

Special thanks to:
-- Carlos Emilio
-- Zarko Bulatovic

Copyright Filipe Chaves

[tigershark]

SukhoiLover when I read this I ask myself why isn't Russia producing this in large numbers for themselves?  There could retire Mig-31, all Mig-29s, Su-24, and a bunch of older Su-27s in one shot.  They could mass train pilots & ground crews, spare parts, and weapons, and cut cost across the board.   Let me asked you if Brazil wanted to buy 28 of these Su-35BMs right now with everything you shown could it be possible?  SukhoiLover is this fighter real or a prototype?  I'll tell you it looks very good on paper and a real winner.   If Russia doesn't produce this in numbers for themselves it will have a effect on export sales for sure just like the Mig-35, which has basically turned into vapor ware.  Besides a stealth fighter F-22/35 nothing would want to come up against this say four on four with no AWACS support.  Just speaking for myself and I'm not trying to knock everything Russian there going to have to really produce it.   See how you could track the stages of the F-35 and what they up to and things along those lines I'm not seeing the factories production lines with workers working on pre-made super Flankers in different stages?  In 2010 or 2011 F-35s are going to be flying maybe in the testing stages but in numbers and with operational production lines.

One question is

a R-73 and R-74 for close combat with up to 30km range and ability to maneuver up to 12G ******.   

I know what a R-73 is but not a R-74 is this an upgrade?  Can you provide a link to it I would like to read about it.  That's another problem I have with Russian missiles and I'll explain you'll see have the AIM-120 has A,B,C, 5 etc, one can follow upgrades you don't see that with Russian missiles AA-11/AA-12?   I never been able to find a web site that shown that and listed the different types and users, if you know of such a site please post it.

Thanks

[Globetrotter]

I would say money is an issue here. If they have planned to produce 1 or 2 Tu-160s per year, I guess it's because of money, maybe production plants capacity too?

And about retiring MiG-31 and MiG-29... They have different tasks. Would you use an F-15 for what an F-18 is made for? Probably you could do so, but would it be the same efficiency, or cost or whatever?

I agree, however, that the future of this airplane, unless Russia buys great cuantities of it, is similar to the one of the MiG-35, as nonpilot said.

[SukhoiLover]

SukhoiLover when I read this I ask myself why isn't Russia producing this in large numbers for themselves?  There could retire Mig-31, all Mig-29s, Su-24, and a bunch of older Su-27s in one shot.  They could mass train pilots & ground crews, spare parts, and weapons, and cut cost across the board.   Let me asked you if Brazil wanted to buy 28 of these Su-35BMs right now with everything you shown could it be possible?  SukhoiLover is this fighter real or a prototype?  I'll tell you it looks very good on paper and a real winner.   If Russia doesn't produce this in numbers for themselves it will have a effect on export sales for sure just like the Mig-35, which has basically turned into vapor ware.  Besides a stealth fighter F-22/35 nothing would want to come up against this say four on four with no AWACS support.  Just speaking for myself and I'm not trying to knock everything Russian there going to have to really produce it.   See how you could track the stages of the F-35 and what they up to and things along those lines I'm not seeing the factories production lines with workers working on pre-made super Flankers in different stages?  In 2010 or 2011 F-35s are going to be flying maybe in the testing stages but in numbers and with operational production lines.

One question is

a R-73 and R-74 for close combat with up to 30km range and ability to maneuver up to 12G ******.  

I know what a R-73 is but not a R-74 is this an upgrade?  Can you provide a link to it I would like to read about it.  That's another problem I have with Russian missiles and I'll explain you'll see have the AIM-120 has A,B,C, 5 etc, one can follow upgrades you don't see that with Russian missiles AA-11/AA-12?   I never been able to find a web site that shown that and listed the different types and users, if you know of such a site please post it.

Thanks

Sorry for late reply, i´ve been busy making several upgrades in my blogue, where to start...

SukhoiLover when I read this I ask myself why isn't Russia producing this in large numbers for themselves?
Answer: http://en.rian.ru/russia/20080220/99687166.html
As you can see, it will be operating on the RAF and will be the backbone until the PAK-FA is produced in mass number.
P.S- Theres some little mistakes on that RIA Report.

 Let me asked you if Brazil wanted to buy 28 of these Su-35BMs right now with everything you shown could it be possible? 
Answer: First, the fighter proposed to Brazil was the Su-35/T-10M, not this version.
I´ve been talking to some Brazilian friends and they all agree that Brazil is somewhat doomed in what come to defense, mainly because of politics.
Its funny, but Brazil recently signed a contract with Sukhoi to develop the PAK-FA together with Russia, so its non sense to buy the BM after signing a contract to something even better.

SukhoiLover is this fighter real or a prototype?
Answer: Very real, consider it a major MLU to the Flanker. It will enter service with the RAF and will be proposed to export market.

If Russia doesn't produce this in numbers for themselves it will have a effect on export sales for sure just like the Mig-35, which has basically turned into vapor ware.
Answer: I believe it won´t happen.

I know what a R-73 is but not a R-74 is this an upgrade?
Answer: Yes, it is, it has increased off-boreseight capacity. About the site, when i find one i´ll tell you.

[Webmaster]

Answer: http://en.rian.ru/russia/20080220/99687166.html
As you can see, it will be operating on the RAF and will be the backbone until the PAK-FA is produced in mass number.
P.S- Theres some little mistakes on that RIA Report.

Yet another poor RIAN report. It still remains to be seen whether the RuAF will buy significant numbers of new Su-35s. What I think has happened is that Sukhoi likes to call the Su-27SM2 upgrade which has taken on the same planned config as the Su-35, a Su-35 as well. Well yes, then you can say that Su-35 will become the backbone. But it still remains to be seen if the SM2 upgrade will embody all Su-35 improvements, for example I doubt that the Su-27SM2 will have as much titanium alloy airframe components and NPO Saturn faces competition from the Al-31FM range.

Let me asked you if Brazil wanted to buy 28 of these Su-35BMs right now with everything you shown could it be possible? 
Answer: First, the fighter proposed to Brazil was the Su-35/T-10M, not this version.
I´ve been talking to some Brazilian friends and they all agree that Brazil is somewhat doomed in what come to defense, mainly because of politics.
Its funny, but Brazil recently signed a contract with Sukhoi to develop the PAK-FA together with Russia, so its non sense to buy the BM after signing a contract to something even better.

Dassault has a share in Embraer, it's not just politics, it's also business. Interesting, that could just mean that the F-X competition will be further postponed to include fifth generation fighters. On the other hand, it may just be business.

SukhoiLover is this fighter real or a prototype?
Answer: Very real, consider it a major MLU to the Flanker. It will enter service with the RAF and will be proposed to export market.

If you consider the Su-27SM2 a Su-35 then yes. But otherwise it's more like the Block 60 F-16, new production for the export market, and proposed to the RuAF.

If Russia doesn't produce this in numbers for themselves it will have a effect on export sales for sure just like the Mig-35, which has basically turned into vapor ware.
Answer: I believe it won´t happen.

The MiG-35 is on offer to India, one of the biggest fighter competitions in the world, it can not be considered vaporware until they drop it. I think of the biggest differences between the Su-35 and previous Flanker and Fulcrum proposals is that much of the equipment selected for it will have been test-flown and developed into production standard to be actually fitted to the Su-35 prototypes. Whereas previous proposals relied on customer investment/orders and customization before selecting and integrating equipment. Instead of a basic airframe demonstrator with a huge options list, the Su-35 offer will be more like a 'one-size-fits-all' package deal. Entirely consisting of Russian components, the Su-35 is set to receive much interest from 'axis of evil' and other Islamic countries.

I know what a R-73 is but not a R-74 is this an upgrade?
Answer: Yes, it is, it has increased off-boreseight capacity. About the site, when i find one i´ll tell you.

R-74 is a strange designation, also I've seen it being reported as R-74M, which would mean a modernized version of an upgraded R-73? Which seems a bit 'double'. I'd like to know more as well about this missile.

See how you could track the stages of the F-35 and what they up to and things along those lines I'm not seeing the factories production lines with workers working on pre-made super Flankers in different stages?  In 2010 or 2011 F-35s are going to be flying maybe in the testing stages but in numbers and with operational production lines.

First of all, it's Russia, which still is much less open. Secondly, the F-35 has been gulping tax payers and foreign investments money for how long? The Su-35 is mostly financed by the different aerospace and research institutes involved, and the program started in 2002. At that time, the JSF project already had partners on the third level. Regarding production lines, 300 planned production run to start in 2011 subject to yet to be realized orders, that's a lot different than what the JSF line will be putting out. Anyway it doesn't matter, Su-35 likely customers can't buy F-35 anyways (with the sole exception of perhaps Brazil), let alone F-22. So I don't get your point.

[SukhoiLover]

Answer: http://en.rian.ru/russia/20080220/99687166.html
As you can see, it will be operating on the RAF and will be the backbone until the PAK-FA is produced in mass number.
P.S- Theres some little mistakes on that RIA Report.

Yet another poor RIAN report. It still remains to be seen whether the RuAF will buy significant numbers of new Su-35s. What I think has happened is that Sukhoi likes to call the Su-27SM2 upgrade which has taken on the same planned config as the Su-35, a Su-35 as well. Well yes, then you can say that Su-35 will become the backbone. But it still remains to be seen if the SM2 upgrade will embody all Su-35 improvements, for example I doubt that the Su-27SM2 will have as much titanium alloy airframe components and NPO Saturn faces competition from the Al-31FM range.

Let me asked you if Brazil wanted to buy 28 of these Su-35BMs right now with everything you shown could it be possible? 
Answer: First, the fighter proposed to Brazil was the Su-35/T-10M, not this version.
I´ve been talking to some Brazilian friends and they all agree that Brazil is somewhat doomed in what come to defense, mainly because of politics.
Its funny, but Brazil recently signed a contract with Sukhoi to develop the PAK-FA together with Russia, so its non sense to buy the BM after signing a contract to something even better.

Dassault has a share in Embraer, it's not just politics, it's also business. Interesting, that could just mean that the F-X competition will be further postponed to include fifth generation fighters. On the other hand, it may just be business.

SukhoiLover is this fighter real or a prototype?
Answer: Very real, consider it a major MLU to the Flanker. It will enter service with the RAF and will be proposed to export market.

If you consider the Su-27SM2 a Su-35 then yes. But otherwise it's more like the Block 60 F-16, new production for the export market, and proposed to the RuAF.

If Russia doesn't produce this in numbers for themselves it will have a effect on export sales for sure just like the Mig-35, which has basically turned into vapor ware.
Answer: I believe it won´t happen.

The MiG-35 is on offer to India, one of the biggest fighter competitions in the world, it can not be considered vaporware until they drop it. I think of the biggest differences between the Su-35 and previous Flanker and Fulcrum proposals is that much of the equipment selected for it will have been test-flown and developed into production standard to be actually fitted to the Su-35 prototypes. Whereas previous proposals relied on customer investment/orders and customization before selecting and integrating equipment. Instead of a basic airframe demonstrator with a huge options list, the Su-35 offer will be more like a 'one-size-fits-all' package deal. Entirely consisting of Russian components, the Su-35 is set to receive much interest from 'axis of evil' and other Islamic countries.

I know what a R-73 is but not a R-74 is this an upgrade?
Answer: Yes, it is, it has increased off-boreseight capacity. About the site, when i find one i´ll tell you.

R-74 is a strange designation, also I've seen it being reported as R-74M, which would mean a modernized version of an upgraded R-73? Which seems a bit 'double'. I'd like to know more as well about this missile.

See how you could track the stages of the F-35 and what they up to and things along those lines I'm not seeing the factories production lines with workers working on pre-made super Flankers in different stages?  In 2010 or 2011 F-35s are going to be flying maybe in the testing stages but in numbers and with operational production lines.

First of all, it's Russia, which still is much less open. Secondly, the F-35 has been gulping tax payers and foreign investments money for how long? The Su-35 is mostly financed by the different aerospace and research institutes involved, and the program started in 2002. At that time, the JSF project already had partners on the third level. Regarding production lines, 300 planned production run to start in 2011 subject to yet to be realized orders, that's a lot different than what the JSF line will be putting out. Anyway it doesn't matter, Su-35 likely customers can't buy F-35 anyways (with the sole exception of perhaps Brazil), let alone F-22. So I don't get your point.

Alexander Zelin, Russian Air Force commander already stated that they want to equip 2 to 3 regiments with the aircraft, the Su-35, the aircraft my article talks about, not the SM2.

About the SM2 thing, lets try to make things a little bit more clear.

With the advent of the Su-27SKM, Sukhoi proposed a similar update to the Russian Air Force, the Su-27SM. This aircraft, according to Sukhoi, offers up to 50% more combat efficiency than a regular Flanker.
The SM2 project would be another upgrade, an upgrade which would include the Irbis, new engines, etc. However, there is a clear difference between the SM2 (which apparently is also called Su-35) project and the the Su-35: the airframe.
The SM2 project was supposed to feature an unaltered airframe, this Su-35, however, has a modified frame. A regular Flanker has about 14.7m of wingspan, the 35 has 15.3m, this will mean a lower wing loading and hence greater maneuverability. Other big change is the absence of dorsal air brake and larger intakes.

Basically, put aside the confusing designation and you´ll see that they are different planes, the SM2 has nothing to do with this Su-35 that has been marketed by Sukhoi and that Zelin says that will equip up to 2-3 regiments.

About the missile thing: http://www.janes.com/extract/jmr97/jmr00086.html

[Webmaster]

About the RuAF we'll see. Russian air force commanders have made all kind of bold claims in the past or been misquoted, there's a good possibility the air force will eventually get 2 regiments, but those Su-35s will be localized export products, not the other way around. Sukhoi certainly let the door open for a RuAF order by selecting only Russian equipment.

"50% more combat efficiency", yeah from totally useless at ground attack to multirole with precision weapons... no surprise there. 50% actually sounds low once you consider everything.

Regarding SM2 upgrade, my point is: you and me know that, but RIAN doesn't care about such little details as airframes or use of the proper designation. If the air force says 'we'll have the Su-27SM2 which is basically the same as the Su-35' or Sukhoi/KnAAPO says "we'll rework the RuAF fighter fleet to Su-35 standard", the paper will report that the air force will also get Su-35s.

I don't know whether the 2007-2015 budget has already been revised to include new Su-35 purchases... I know Putin has been stated that it should be revised to allow for more new aircraft, but I don't know what happened since then... otherwise there is just no funding. We'll see.

[Webmaster]

Found one article (Flight International 174 July 2008) following the July 7th Su-35 demo, stating Gen A. Zelin saying he wants 2-3 regiments with the new fighter. Immediately after this, Sukhoi's M. Pogosyan is quoted as saying the air force is offered a special version "for inner use", dubbed the Su-27SM2.

Sukhoi's M. Pogosyan is also stated to expect the RuAF to be among the first to order the Su-35 in an ITAR-TASS report.

I'm a bit suspicious about this all, I wouldn't be at all surprised that with SM2 upgrades being delivered, they will be called Su-35s by Sukhoi to build up its order book / customer reference list, without actually having produced any new airframes yet...

[SukhoiLover]

About the RuAF we'll see. Russian air force commanders have made all kind of bold claims in the past or been misquoted, there's a good possibility the air force will eventually get 2 regiments, but those Su-35s will be localized export products, not the other way around. Sukhoi certainly let the door open for a RuAF order by selecting only Russian equipment.

"50% more combat efficiency", yeah from totally useless at ground attack to multirole with precision weapons... no surprise there. 50% actually sounds low once you consider everything.

Regarding SM2 upgrade, my point is: you and me know that, but RIAN doesn't care about such little details as airframes or use of the proper designation. If the air force says 'we'll have the Su-27SM2 which is basically the same as the Su-35' or Sukhoi/KnAAPO says "we'll rework the RuAF fighter fleet to Su-35 standard", the paper will report that the air force will also get Su-35s.

I don't know whether the 2007-2015 budget has already been revised to include new Su-35 purchases... I know Putin has been stated that it should be revised to allow for more new aircraft, but I don't know what happened since then... otherwise there is just no funding. We'll see.

Agree with you.