“Vectored thrust at the ass end of the plane.”
Is that what the protrusion is between the engine exhaust nozzles? I guessed that must be, in order to get the lever arm needed to maintain control during flat spins and tail slides.
Observations:
1) Don’t get into a guns only dogfight with this.
2) Aircraft losses due to stalls & spins should be non existent.
3) It looks like the offspring from an affair between an F-15 and an F-18 E/F...on a diet of Slim-Fast.
4) At least the Russians had the decency to add the F-4 smoke trail exhaust from time to time. Makes it easier to spot!
5) As a Red, White & Blue loyal American, it pains me to say this, but that is one good looking aircraft.
??? Search, acquisition & targeting radar? Range, Loiter time, Dash speed? Air to Air refueling? Air to air missile capabilities?
All their radars are good, but their TERs (target engagement radars) are deadly, especially phased arrays.
Ask any US pilot if he'd like to go head-to-head with an S-300 PMU TER..... even the close-in air defense stuff is something best avoided.