F/A-18 Super Hornet vs. Mikoyan MiG-35

The Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, a direct evolution of the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet, is an American twin-engine, supersonic, carrier-capable multirole fighter jet. It's used primarily by the United States Navy as well as the Royal Australian Air Force and Kuwait Air Force.

Production History: The Super Hornet was initially developed by McDonnell Douglas, with its first flight in 1995. Following the merger of McDonnell Douglas with Boeing, full-rate production commenced in September 1997. The Super Hornet entered service with the United States Navy in 1999, effectively replacing the Grumman F-14 Tomcat by 2006. As of April 2020, over 632 units had been produced, with Boeing announcing plans to conclude production in 2025.

Design Features: The Super Hornet design stemmed from a requirement for a more capable version of the F/A-18 Hornet. It carries an internal 20mm M61A2 rotary cannon and is capable of deploying various weapons, including air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles. It can be equipped with up to five external fuel tanks for extended range missions and can be configured as an airborne tanker.

Operational History:

The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet has been integral in various military operations, showcasing its effectiveness in air-to-air combat, precision-guided night strikes, and close air support, among other roles. Its first air-kill occurred on June 18, 2017, against a Syrian Sukhoi Su-22. The Super Hornet's multirole capability has made it a valuable asset in diverse military operations.

Comparison with Similar Models:

F/A-18E/F Super Hornet vs. F-14 Tomcat:

Role and Capabilities: The F-14 primarily served as an air superiority fighter with secondary ground attack capabilities. In contrast, the Super Hornet is a true multirole aircraft, adept in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

Performance and Armament: The F-14 boasted a longer range and heavier weapons load capacity. However, the Super Hornet's smaller size and versatile armament options make it more adaptable in various combat scenarios.

F/A-18E/F Super Hornet vs. F/A-18 Hornet:

Design Evolution: The Super Hornet is an enlarged and enhanced version of the original Hornet, offering increased range, payload capacity, and advanced capabilities.

Role Expansion: While maintaining the multirole capabilities of the Hornet, the Super Hornet introduces improvements like increased fuel capacity, enhanced avionics, and a greater payload, broadening its effectiveness in both air-to-air and air-to-ground roles.

The Mikoyan MiG-35 (NATO codename "Fulcrum-F) is a 4++ generation multirole fighter aircraft developed from the MiG-29M/M2 and MiG-29K/KUB. Introduced in the 2000s by Russia, the MiG-35 represents the pinnacle of the Fulcrum series, incorporating advanced technology to meet the demands of modern warfare.

Production History: The development of the MiG-35 began as an advancement of the MiG-29 program, aiming to extend the aircraft's service life and compete against Western 4th generation fighters. The MiG-35 made its first public appearance in 2007, with the Russian Air Force expressing interest in acquiring the aircraft to modernize its fleet. While initially proposed in the early 2000s, the MiG-35 has seen various delays, with commencement of operational testing by the Russian military occurring from 2016 to 2017.

Design Features: The MiG-35 features improved aerodynamics and reduced radar cross-section over its predecessors. It is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, including a phased array radar, advanced electronic warfare systems, and a sophisticated glass cockpit. The aircraft's propulsion system is upgraded with new engines that enable supersonic flight without afterburners. The MiG-35 is capable of carrying a wide range of Russian and international weapons on its nine hardpoints, including air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, and precision-guided bombs.

Operational History: As of the last update, the MiG-35 is in the late stages of development and testing, with the Russian Air Force conducting comprehensive evaluations. The aircraft has been showcased in international air shows and offered to foreign buyers as a highly capable multirole fighter. While not yet combat-proven, the MiG-35 is expected to serve as a versatile platform capable of executing a wide array of missions, from air superiority to ground attack and reconnaissance.

Comparison with Similar Models:

MiG-35 vs. MiG-29

Role and Capabilities: The MiG-35 is an evolution of the MiG-29, designed to extend the capabilities of the Fulcrum series into the next generation of air combat. It offers significant advancements in radar, avionics, and weapon systems.

Performance: With enhanced engines and aerodynamics, the MiG-35 provides superior agility, speed, and range compared to the MiG-29. Its ability to perform supersonic flights without afterburners and increased payload capacity make it a formidable opponent in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

MiG-35 vs. F-16 Fighting Falcon

Design Evolution: While the F-16 is a 4th generation multirole fighter renowned for its versatility and agility, the MiG-35 represents a 4++ generation development, incorporating advances in stealth, avionics, and operational capabilities beyond the original Fulcrum design.

Operational Capabilities: The MiG-35's modern avionics suite, including AESA radar and enhanced electronic warfare systems, offers a competitive edge in detecting and engaging threats at greater distances. In contrast, the F-16 has undergone numerous upgrades to maintain its effectiveness, with the latest variants featuring advanced radar and precision weapons.