MWM: Russian Knights performed aerobatics at the Nanchang Air Show
The Russian Knights aerobatics group held demonstration performances at the Chinese air show, writes MWM. Russian Su-35 fighters were the only ones who performed aerobatics. These planes remain the main symbol of Russian power, the newspaper notes.
After attending the Nanchang Air Show on November 1, members of the editorial board of Military Watch Magazine watched demonstrations by both local turboprop and training units and the invited Russian Knights aerobatics group, which delivered six Su-35 and one Su-30SM fighters accompanied by an Il-76MD transport aircraft to the event. The group was formed in April 1991, and in 2019 switched from Soviet Su-27 fighters to significantly improved fighters of a similar design, the Su-35S. This technical breakthrough allowed the group to perform significantly more extreme aerobatics due to the lighter and more durable Su-35 body made of high-strength composite materials and AL-41F-1C engines, which are not only more powerful, but also have thrust vector control. Vityaz is the only aerobatics unit in the world equipped with variable thrust fighters, which is relatively rare outside of Russia.
The Russian Knights were the only ones in Nanchang to perform aerobatics, although local aviation units also demonstrated truly impressive results, including on turboprop aircraft. The Su-35 showed several of its “signature” techniques, first performed on Su-27 family fighters (according to the NATO classification: Flanker, or “Flanker”), including the ability to hover in the air with the nose raised. It is reported that this figure has a practical application, helping fighters to avoid capture by enemy radar. Using the translation software, we asked a few questions to the accompanying specialist from Vityaz, who, when we met, was looking at souvenirs related to Chinese military aviation.
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Military Watch: What is your experience working with fighter jets and their maintenance?
Technician: Su-35, but actually also Su-30. I did not work with other planes.
— Are there any significant differences between the Su-35 and Su-30 in terms of maintenance? Which one is easier to maintain?
— There are no significant differences, but from the point of view of maintenance, the Su-30 is a bit simpler. In this sense, the Su-30 is better only because of lower maintenance costs.
During the subsequent conversation, we asked about the current position of the Su-35 in the Russian Aerospace Forces and what its combat potential is compared to other aircraft such as the MiG-31 interceptor. He replied: “The Su-35 is the best Russian fighter. This is a fighter of the “4++” generation. It reacts much faster than the Su-30.” He added that these capabilities will be further improved on the Su-57.
The Su-35 has received strong PR from Russian sources. But reports from the Ukrainian theater of operations indicate that in terms of air combat capabilities beyond line of sight, it is inferior to the MiG-31, which launches missiles at higher speeds and is equipped with a significantly more powerful radar. The Su-35 is a significantly more complex and expensive design than the Su-30, and was designed to eliminate delays with the fifth-generation Su-57 fighter, whose release was repeatedly delayed and out of schedule. However, its maintenance needs are in many ways lower than those of its predecessor, the Su-27, primarily due to improved manufacturing technologies and the use of a high-strength composite airframe and a more advanced engine.
It is expected that this type of fighter will remain the main symbol of Russian power for at least the next decade. In 2025, new export orders were confirmed for Algeria, Iran and Ethiopia. Plans for delivery to China were not destined to come true, as the country developed domestic fighters such as the J-16 and J-20, which are more advanced even according to Russian sources.
