DCS SU-35 MOD REVIEW – THE BEST FREE REDFOR MOD YET?
The DCS World modding community continues to raise the bar, and the latest SU-35S Flanker-E mod from Codename Flanker Community may be one of the most impressive free aircraft ever released for the simulator.
What started life in the DCS community years ago as basic SU-27 derivatives has evolved into something far more serious. This is not just another reskin or lightly modified Flaming Cliffs aircraft. The new SU-35 mod delivers a modernized Russian glass cockpit, upgraded avionics, custom flight enhancements, full 3D thrust vectoring, and visuals that rival some official DCS modules.
For RedFor pilots, this may be the closest thing yet to a true modern high-fidelity Russian fighter in DCS World.
Who Are Codename Flanker Community?
Behind this exceptional project is the Codename Flanker Community, a highly respected DCS modding team focused on bringing advanced Eastern aircraft into the simulator.
Download this amazing mod and get all the background at the Codename Flanker Community Discord- Join here!
Already known for their impressive SU-30 work, the team has taken things several steps further with the SU-35 delivering what many in the community are calling module-quality work for free.
The project combines:
- Expert 3D modeling
- Advanced cockpit design
- Systems and avionics programming
- Flight model tuning
- Engine and thrust vectoring simulation
- Weapons and radar integration
The amount of volunteer effort behind this aircraft cannot be overstated.
Is It Based On Flaming Cliffs Aircraft?
Most likely yes.
As with many advanced DCS mods, some core framework dependency likely remains tied to existing Flaming Cliffs aircraft systems due to current DCS modding limitations.
However, make no mistake:
This is vastly beyond a simple SU-27 conversion.
Large portions of the aircraft appear extensively rebuilt or replaced, creating a far more modern and immersive experience than the base platform ever offered.
Cockpit & Exterior Modeling Quality
This is where the mod immediately stands out.
The cockpit is beautifully rendered with:
- Modern SU-35 style multi-function displays
- Detailed Russian HUD symbology
- High-resolution textures and materials
- Accurate cockpit ergonomics
- Professional-grade weathering and PBR work
Externally, the aircraft looks superb with:
- Excellent proportions
- High-detail nozzles and control surfaces
- Smooth thrust vectoring animations
- Premium quality liveries and textures
Quite simply—it looks outstanding.
Flight Model & Supermanoeuvrability
The real SU-35 is famous for extreme post-stall agility, and this mod aims to replicate that signature performance.
Features include:
- Full 3D thrust vectoring
- High-alpha controllability
- Enhanced low-speed authority
- Powerful acceleration and climb performance
- Post-stall maneuver capability
No public sim can perfectly replicate classified Russian fighter data—but from what we have seen, the mod captures the spirit of the aircraft exceptionally well.
Avionics & Weapons Upgrades
The SU-35 mod dramatically modernizes the traditional Flanker experience.
Systems Enhancements:
- Updated radar pages
- Modern multifunction displays
- Improved HUD symbology
- Better HOTAS workflow
- Advanced weapon management pages
Weapons Capability:
- Expanded BVR missile support
- Modern R-77 / R-73 integration
- Enhanced strike capability depending on build/version
This gives RedFor players a significantly more capable multirole platform than legacy FC3 aircraft.
Where Does The SU-35 Sit Against Western Fighters?
The SU-35 is often misunderstood and incorrectly compared to the F-35.
It is not Russia’s answer to the F-35.
Instead, the SU-35 fits more naturally alongside advanced Western 4.5 generation fighters such as:
F-15EX Eagle II (DCS Mod)
A highly capable twin-engine heavy fighter emphasizing:
- Large payload
- Long range
- Advanced sensors
- Multirole flexibility
F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
Comparable in:
- Modern avionics philosophy
- Carrier-independent multirole capability
- Advanced weapons integration
Unique Strength Of The SU-35
Where the SU-35 stands apart is in:
Raw aerodynamic performance and supermaneuverability
It remains one of the most agile heavy fighters ever produced. The SU-35 Flanker brings full 3D thrust vectoring to this mighty fighter so be prepared to dance!
Final Thoughts
The Codename Flanker SU-35 Mod may well be:
The best free RedFor aircraft mod currently available in DCS World.
It offers:
- Exceptional visual quality
- Modernized avionics
- Superb flight characteristics
- Excellent immersion
- A genuinely fresh RedFor gameplay experience
If you fly modern Russian aircraft in DCS, this is an absolute must-download.
SU-35 DCS Mod FAQ
Is the SU-35 Mod free for DCS World?
Yes — the SU-35 Mod is a free community-created aircraft mod available through the Codename Flanker Community.
Does the SU-35 Mod require Flaming Cliffs?
Most versions are believed to require Flaming Cliffs or base aircraft dependencies. Always check the official developer Discord for current install requirements.
Who created the DCS SU-35 Mod?
The mod is developed by the Codename Flanker Community, a respected team known for advanced Russian aircraft mods.
How realistic is the SU-35 Mod?
For a free mod, realism is extremely high with advanced avionics, thrust vectoring, custom flight tuning, and detailed cockpit modeling.
What Western aircraft compares to the SU-35?
The SU-35 is best compared to advanced 4.5 generation fighters like the F-15EX or F/A-18E/F Super Hornet rather than the stealth-focused F-35.
REFERENCES
- Codename Flanker Community Discord
- Eagle Dynamics Forum Development Thread
- Public SU-35S Aircraft Data / Specifications
- Community Development Showcases / Media Posts
Author
Brendon McAliece (Aka Gunnie) is a military veteran with 23 years working on Jet Fighters, their weapons systems and ejection seat/module systems as well as munitions and R&D. Involved with flight simulation since the 1980s, he has flown all the major flight simulators over the years.
He is an Australian expat who has lived in Malaysia, UK, Saudi Arabia and more recently Thailand. He is a multi-lingual blogger who loves to share his life experiences here on LetsFlyVFR.com and DreamingGuitar.com, with his lifestyle and Travel experiences Blog plus his Dreaming Coffee website.
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