Restyled Su-35 planned to lift off on maiden flight before MAKS 2007
KOMSOMOLSK-ON-AMUR. Nov 29 (Interfax-AVN) - The Komsomolsk-on-Amur aircraft production association is completing the assembly of the new version of the Su-35 multi-role super-agile fighter, developed by the Sukhoi Aviation Holding Company.
"The new Su-35 is a totally new design, with state-of-the-art technologies and avionics of the fifth-generation aircraft widely introduced. The test aircraft will get airborne in the middle of next year, before the MAKS 2007 international air show," Sukhoi's Director General Mikhail Pogosyan told a Wednesday news conference.
He said that the cockpit of the new aircraft was demonstrated twice at international air shows, and one can see that the new machine will differ greatly from the aircraft known as the Su-35 for the last 15 years.
"We believe the new version of the aircraft has a very good future. Next year will see its full-scale tests," he said.
He added that the Komsomolsk-on-Amur association is now building experimental vehicles, which are now in the final phase of assembly.
According to unofficial data, Su-35 supplies to clients will start in 2009-2010.
The Su-35 is designed to engage aerial targets both in free space and against the earth background, and surface targets, using guided and unguided air-launched weapons.
http://www.aviapedia.com/videos/fighters/Su-35/Su-35.wmv