The Su-27M (factory designation T-10M) was conceived as an upgraded variant of the Su-27 'Flanker' incorporating a true air-to-surface capability. Although the capability to carry air-to-surface weapons was added to the baseline Su-27s, it was limited to 'dumb' bombs and unguided rockets. The Su-27 fire control system lacked a dedicated ground target acquisition and identification capability. The air-to-air capability would also be improved to restore the balance with the latest F-15 and F-16 fighters and the AIM-120 AMRAAM. The aircraft was later designated Su-35, although Su-27M remains the Russian military designation.
{youtube}m3-ZkLZYaHw{/youtube}
