The F-16V Block 72 vs the Su-35: A Clash of Titans?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon and the Su-35 Flanker are two of the most advanced fighter jets in the world, each representing the pinnacle of their respective countries’ aerospace industries. But how do they compare in a hypothetical air-to-air combat scenario? Which one has the edge in terms of design, performance, radar, avionics, maneuverability, and firepower? And can the latest variant of the F-16, the F-16V Block 72, outmatch the Russian Su-35, which is often considered superior to the older versions of the F-16?
The video by Grid 88 provides a detailed comparison of the two jets, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses in various aspects. The video claims that the F-16V Block 72, equipped with advanced sensors and radar, poses a formidable challenge to the Russian Su-35, which could change the prevailing opinion on the Su-35’s superiority. However, the video also acknowledges that the Su-35 has some advantages over the F-16V, such as its higher thrust, larger size, thrust vectoring, electronic warfare, and long-range missiles. The video concludes that the outcome of a dogfight between the two jets would ultimately depend on the skill, training, and tactics of the pilot, as well as the situational factors.
However, the video does not take into account some other sources of information and analysis that could shed more light on the comparison. For example, a report by the RAND Corporation suggests that the Su-35 has a significant advantage over the F-16 in terms of kinematic performance, meaning its ability to accelerate, climb, and turn. The report states that the Su-35 can outperform the F-16 in both sustained and instantaneous turn rates, as well as in climb rate and acceleration. The report also notes that the Su-35 has a longer combat radius and a higher service ceiling than the F-16, which could give it more operational flexibility and survivability.
Another source of information is the actual combat experience of the two jets in different conflicts. The F-16 has been widely used by the U.S. and its allies in various operations, such as Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and Inherent Resolve. The F-16 has proven its effectiveness in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, achieving a high kill ratio and a low loss rate. The F-16 has also been upgraded and modernized over the years, incorporating new technologies and capabilities, such as the APG-83 AESA radar, which gives it a fifth-generation fighter-like performance .
The Su-35, on the other hand, has not seen much combat action, except for its deployment in Syria by the Russian Air Force. The Su-35 has mainly been used for air superiority and escort missions, providing cover for other Russian aircraft, such as the Su-24, Su-25, and Su-34. The Su-35 has not engaged in any air-to-air combat with enemy fighters, but it has reportedly intercepted and harassed some NATO aircraft, such as the F-22, F-16, and F-15 . The Su-35 has also demonstrated its impressive maneuverability and thrust vectoring at various air shows, such as the Paris Air Show and the MAKS Air Show.
Based on these sources, I would argue that the F-16V Block 72 and the Su-35 are both formidable fighter jets, but they have different strengths and weaknesses that could make a difference in a potential air-to-air combat scenario. The F-16V Block 72 has the advantage of having a lower radar cross-section, a longer-range AESA radar, a more reliable and durable design, and a more extensive combat experience. The Su-35 has the advantage of having a higher thrust-to-weight ratio, a larger size and payload, a thrust vectoring capability, an electronic warfare system, and a longer-range missile. Therefore, I would not say that the F-16V Block 72 can outmatch the Su-35, but rather that it can challenge it and possibly defeat it, depending on the circumstances and the pilot. However, I would also not say that the Su-35 can easily dominate the F-16V Block 72, but rather that it can exploit its weaknesses and possibly overcome it, depending on the situation and the pilot. In conclusion, I think that the F-16V Block 72 and the Su-35 are both very capable and competitive fighter jets, and that a dogfight between them would be a close and unpredictable contest.
