Forum: Modern Military Aircraft

There seem to be some different estimates circulating on the empty weight figure on the SU-35BM. Some sources describe it as lighter than current SU 30-derivates while others sources indicate a somewhat heavier weight.

The much cited "normal take off weight with 4 AAMs" is 25300 kg. This figure would seem to suggest a 50% internal fuel capacity. The total internal fuel load is said to be 11500kg. Subtracted from the mentioned take off weight, including the 7-800 kg or so of missiles and ammo, this gives a figure of about 18900kg.

I would appreciate any insight or reliable sources to this question.

Thanks

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energo wrote:

There seem to be some different estimates circulating on the empty weight figure on the SU-35BM. Some sources describe it as lighter than current SU 30-derivates while others sources indicate a somewhat heavier weight.

The much cited "normal take off weight with 4 AAMs" is 25300 kg. This figure would seem to suggest a 50% internal fuel capasity. The totalt internal fuel load is said to be 11500kg. Substracted from the mentioned take off weight, including the 7-800 kg or so of missiles and ammo, this gives a figure of about 18900kg.

I would appreciate any insight or reliable sources to this question.

Thank's.

25300 kg - 11500 kg - 700 kg = 18900 kg? What's that for math? Basically the normal takeoff weight for the Flanker does not include full internal fuel. Given that the Su-35 is similar to the Su-27 in terms off airframe size and configuration, taking into account the usage of more advanced light weight materials, more compact electronics etc. you can suppose that its empty weight is at least no much more than for the Su-27 baseline model, it's even more likely to be lower. The empty weight of the baseline model was ~16000 kg.

According to the Sukhoi brochure:

Take-off weight, kg:
- normal (2 x RVV-AE + 2 x R-73E) 25,300
- maximal 34,500
Maximal fuel load in internal fuel tanks, kg 11,500
Maximal combat load, kg 8,000

34500
- 11500
- 8000
----------
= 15000kg empty weight.

your assuming that max combat load and max fuel dont interefere with each other. It is common among aircraft of all sizes. Neither a Cessna 172 or a C-5 can carry full fuel and full payload without exceeding maximum weight.

sprstdlyscottsmn wrote:

your assuming that max combat load and max fuel dont interefere with each other. It is common among aircraft of all sizes. Neither a Cessna 172 or a C-5 can carry full fuel and full payload without exceeding maximum weight.

Hi all.

Quite right Mr sprstdlyscottsmn.
The Su-35 BM are like its predesessors a Heavy Interceptor class fighter.

It could indeed mean that it can't take off with max weapons & Fuel weight, if so 11,500kg of internal fuel are no small feature so go figure.
But then again, it have an increased thrust regime.. Question

As for the empty weight, it does come with new avionics, and possible some Composits.

Then again it also have TVC engine and more avionics systems witch will bring the empty weight up.
I think it will land somewhere on the 17000kg mark.

Thanks.

haavarla wrote:

sprstdlyscottsmn wrote:

your assuming that max combat load and max fuel dont interefere with each other. It is common among aircraft of all sizes. Neither a Cessna 172 or a C-5 can carry full fuel and full payload without exceeding maximum weight.

Hi all.

Quite right Mr sprstdlyscottsmn.
The Su-35 BM are like its predesessors a Heavy Interceptor class fighter.

It could indeed mean that it can't take off with max weapons & Fuel weight, if so 11,500kg of internal fuel are no small feature so go figure.
But then again, it have an increased thrust regime.. Question

Oh, and like the Tu-160, who allso cant take off with max fuel and weapon load..
Probably the Bear also, the Russkie like their long range option on many of their aircraft.

As for the Su-35 empty weight, it does come with new avionics, and possible some Composits.

Then again it also have TVC engine and more avionics systems witch will bring the empty weight up.
I think it will land somewhere on the 17000kg mark.

Thanks.

Forum: Modern Military Aircraft

SU-35BM empty weight