“Russian SU-35 vs US F-16: A Comparative Analysis of Fighter Jets Dismissed as ‘Trash'”

JAKARTA – Su-35 multi-role fighter jet Russia is called trash when compared to fast jets United States F-16 Fighting Falcon . The SU-35 and F-16 are single-seat multi-role fighter jets.

Former US Air Force Pilot Lieutenant Colonel Dan Hampton in an interview with Voice Of America or VOA on March 14, 2023 said, the F-16 has advantages compared to Russian aircraft for the needs of the Ukrainian government.

“The Su-35 has a typical Russian engine which looks good, but it’s not as good as the F-16,” Retired US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Dan Hampton told VOA.

Comparison of the Russian SU-35 fighter jet with the US F-16

So what exactly is the comparison between the SU-35 and the F-16? following review

1. Design and cockpit from SU-35 to F-16

The SU-35 has a length of 21.9 meters, a wingspan of 15.3 meters and a height of 5.9 meters and has a maximum payload capacity of up to 8,000 kg.

Meanwhile, the American F-16 fighter jet is 4.8 meters high, 14.8 meters long and 9.8 meters wide and has a maximum takeoff payload of 16,875 kg.

2. Su-35 and F-16 fighter jet artillery

The Su-35 is equipped with a variety of maneuverable bombs, including the KAB-500Kr TV guided bomb, KAB-500S-E satellite bomb, LGB-250 laser bomb, Kab-1500Kr TV guided bomb and KAB-1500Kr laser guided bomb. 1500LG. In addition, this fighter jet is also fully armed with 80mm, 122mm, 266mm and 420mm rockets.

Meanwhile, the F-16 has been equipped with one M-61A1 20mm multi-barreled cannon with 500 rounds of bullets, and there is an external station that can accommodate six air missiles.

By having a large payload, the F-16 can also load a bomb of 2,000 pounds (907 kg), two AIM – 9 missiles, and two AIM-120 missiles.

3. Sensors for SU-35 and F-16 fighter jets

The sensor installed on the Su-35 is a very sophisticated sensor, namely the Irbis-E with a high-performance radar designed specifically for the Su-35 aircraft. This sensor can detect stealth air fighter jets as well as missiles with a radar cross-section of 0.01 square meters at a distance of up to 90 km.

Meanwhile, the F-16 only has a UHF and VHF plus radio system for the landing system. However, there are also warning systems and modular countermeasures pods for use against air or surface electronic threats.

4. Engines and performance of SU-35 and F-16 fighter jets

The Su-35 is known to have used two AL-31F 117S Sturn/UFA Turbofan engines with thrust nozzle control and each engine can supply 86.3kN or 142.2kN of thrust with afterburner.

With its engine capabilities, this Russian-made fighter jet can support super cruising or the ability to maintain supersonic flight even without using afterburners.

The F-16 itself is equipped with a 27,000-lb-thrust Pratt & Whitney F100 engine. With this engine, the F-16 Fighting Falcon has a flight speed of up to 1,500 mph or around 2,414 km/hour with a range of more than 3,221 km with a maximum altitude of 15 km.

(bim)