A video released by Rossiyskaya Gazeta on 17/1 shows a Russian Su-35S multirole fighter jet approaching a runway at night with its landing gear retracted. The aircraft made a belly landing, sliding along the runway and sending numerous sparks flying. The time and location of the recording were not disclosed.
The incident occurred at 4h as the fighter jet completed a combat mission and prepared to land. However, the aircraft was unable to deploy its landing gear, despite the pilot attempting all standard and emergency procedures, the Russian newspaper reported.
The Su-35S fighter jet was carrying a full complement of weapons, including 4 medium-range air-to-air R-77 missiles, one Kh-31P anti-radar missile, and other equipment. According to regulations, pilots are permitted to eject and abandon the aircraft in such situations to prevent the risk of weapons exploding during an emergency landing.
However, the lieutenant pilot decided to save the aircraft, informing the command center, "get ready, I'm about to land."
The aircraft came to a safe stop on the runway, despite the challenges. The munitions were only about 20 cm from the concrete surface. The pilot remained healthy and has returned to duty. The Su-35S and its missile load were inspected and have since resumed combat operations, the Russian newspaper stated.
Russian military news outlets noted that fighter jets in the Su-27 family, including the Su-35S, feature weapon pylons directly beneath the engine air intakes. This design can help limit damage to the airframe and engines in the event of a belly landing.
The Russian Ministry of Defense has not commented on the video.
The Su-35S is a Russian 4++ generation fighter jet, known for its high maneuverability and radar cross-section reducing material. The aircraft is equipped with modern electronic systems, including the N035 Irbis-E passive electronically scanned array (PESA) radar, which can track 30 targets at a range of 400 km and engage 8 targets simultaneously.
The Russian Air Force began commissioning the Su-35S series in 2013 and currently operates nearly 140 aircraft. The force has lost at least 8 Su-35S aircraft since the Ukraine conflict began, but has compensated for these losses due to continuously increasing aircraft production rates in recent years.
Vu Anh (According to Rossiyskaya Gazeta)
