Su-35/37 'Flanker-E'

If there ever was an aircraft which exemplifies Russia's position at the forefront of curent and future aircraft technology, it is the Su-35 and Su-37 superfighters in service with the Russian Airforce in the interception and air superiority role.
Developed and flown in May 1985 to provide the both the VVS and PVO with a valuable air defence asset, the Su-27 was the result of hard work and technical scrutiny.T-10-24 flew first, followed by 6 prototype aircraft, T-10S-70, Su-27M and Su-35, first flew 28th of June 1988.
According to Janes, 10 were built by September 1993.
The canards, first developed on the V-10 (a MiG-21 with canards and delta wing) in the mid 1960's, were part of an advanced digital fly-by-wire system which would provide the pilot with carefree handling characteristics at slower speeds and higher angles of attack.
First, the differences-
The production aircraft has 3-demonsional thrust vectoring, and located in the extended tailcone is a rearward-facing radar unit for use with R-73M2 or R-74 AAM.
It has a triplane layout, with larger twin tail fins containing extra internal fuel tanks, double-slotted flaperons and a much larger radome and front fuselage with larger diameter radar antenna, supported by new twin-wheel nose landing gear.
The powerplant is upgraded also, 2 Saturn/Lyulka AL-31FM Turbofans, 137kN max reheated thrust, even more reliable and powerful (about 20-30 percent).
Max range is +2160NM, with a service ceiling of 18000m.
Armament is increased, max weapon load of 8000kg on 14 external hardpoints.
Air-to-surface weapons include Kh-25ML, Kh-25MP, Kh-29, Kh-31 and KAB-500 guided missiles,bombs and rocket packs.

The first Su-35 performing at the Paris Airshow at Le Bourget

The same Su-35 coming in to land, with massive airbrake deployed and gear down

The prototype Su-27M at Monino, under the wing of the huge Mi-12 'Homer'

Poor quality TV footage of the first serial Su-37 with thrust vectoring

The Su-37 dubbed 'Super Flanker' which performed at the '97 Paris Airshow