Please, tell us about the distinctive features of Su-35S in the area of maneuverability as compared to the currently operated Russian fighters?

Most of the aerobatic maneuvers shown at Paris Air Show have been demonstrated before by Sukhoi jets with a thrust vector control. However, thanks to the tailored control system and high-thrust engines (product 117S) there are some new aspects related to performing specific aerobatic maneuvers. For instance, the pilot is able to perform a “practical” maneuver – stall turn (or Hammerhead turn). It is performed when the pilot of Su-35S attacks an air target, then performs the stall turn and attacks it again. The second example demonstrates the jet’s high thrust/weight ratio. In particular, it may be demonstrated by performing the tailslide. However, earlier the jet stopped and “started falling down” tail foremost. Su-35S has higher thrust, thus the jet stops and then starts moving forward at low speed instead of falling down. Moreover, it is able to perform an aggressive turn at low speed. These are two examples of how the maneuverability of Su-35S changes the traditional aerobatics maneuvers performed by the other Sukhoi fighters with a thrust vector control. This is the “zest” of demonstration flights performed at Paris Air Show.

You have performed a very short takeoff on the first day…

Well, this is another distinctive feature of thrust-vector-control jets. For example, Su-30MKI is also a very dynamic aircraft and it is also capable of performing a short takeoff. On the first day my takeoff run was about 250-300 meters. Thanks to thrust vectoring nozzle and high thrust/weight ratio I am able to ascend and make a turn right after the takeoff.

What can you tell us about the parameters reached during the demonstration flights?

The angles of attack reach 90 degrees in some flight modes. Moreover, in one mode the angle of attack reaches 100 degrees. As for the speeds: when the jet performs horizontal flight the speed may drop to 70 km/h. At the same time, due to high thrust/weight ratio it is able to accelerate quickly. Le Bourget airfield has a rather limited maneuvering area; however, I have enough time to gain the speed of 800 km/h. The maximum altitude today is 1400 meters; maximum overload - 9. For example, the overload of 8,7 was reached during the horizontal sharp turn at high speed.

Have you held any meetings with foreign pilots at the airshow? What can you tell them about Su-35S?

The foreign pilots have not asked me any questions related to Su-35 yet. Possibly they wanted to see what this vehicle is capable of first and then ask some questions. As for the customer’s pilots we are holding short meeting with them at the airshow. Most of these meetings are not related to our professional activity.

Could you please make estimate of Su-35S’ readiness for aviation service?

The level of readiness is high. However, not all the tactical employment modes have been fully proven yet. At present the jet is completing the tests.

What can you say about the jet demonstrated at Le Bourget (tail number 07)?

This is the most “combat-capable” aircraft; it is able to attain specific combat tasks. The entire weapon list specified in the performance specification will soon be employed. At present several Su-35S prototypes are performing flights. For example the 07 jet is owned by the Russian air forces. It arrived in France in accordance with the intergovernmental agreement. It was handed over to Sukhoi Company in order to take part in the Paris Air Show.

What is your total flight experience and how many hours have you logged while piloting Su-35?

I have logged about 460 hours while piloting Su-35 jets and my total flight experience is around 4900 hours.