[myknowledge]

This would be one of the best Eastern fighters that can take on the F-22 Raptor, as long as it has a skilled VVS pilot at the controls. Problem is, it lacks the all-aspect stealth, but that won't be a problem in a turn-and-burn WVR dogfight at the 350-600 KIAS range.

The Su-35. Basic specifications

[PIF]

Half the cost because it isn’t actually a stealth craft and becuse they are going to make more than 187 planes - a lot more...

[PreciousLiberty]

"This would be one of the best Eastern fighters that can take on the F-22 Raptor, as long as it has a skilled VVS pilot at the controls. Problem is, it lacks the all-aspect stealth, but that won't be a problem in a turn-and-burn WVR dogfight at the 350-600 KIAS range."

It lacks stealth from any aspect with all those external weapons stores. Radar assets to the rear of the engagement (AWACS or other F-22s) would paint the SU-35s, and forward deployed F-22s would launch fire-and-forget AMRAAM missiles from somewhere over 30 miles away, without ever turning on active radar. Then they'd "bug out" using afterburners then supercruise. The SU-35 pilots might be able to see the nearest F-22s using FLIR technology, but would be unable to get any type of weapons lock due to F-22 stealth.

Soon afterwards over 90% of the SU-35s will explode. Rinse and repeat.

Your tagline is 100% correct. :-) It's truly a shame that the F-22 production lines have been shut down. I hope we vote in a sane government that restarts them before it's too late. Come on, 2010 elections!