Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker

Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker is a twin-engine, supermaneuverable air superiority fighter originally developed by the Soviet Union's Sukhoi design bureau. Entering service with the Soviet Air Forces in 1985, it was designed to counter advanced United States Air Force threats like the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle. The aircraft is renowned for its long range, powerful Phazotron radar, and formidable arsenal of air-to-air missiles, establishing it as a cornerstone of post-Soviet air power and leading to a vast family of derivative aircraft.

Development and design

The Su-27's development was initiated in 1969 under the Soviet Air Defence Forces' requirement for a new Perspektivnyy Frontovoy Istrebitel (PFI, or "Prospective Frontline Fighter"). Led by chief designer Mikhail Simonov, the program aimed to surpass the capabilities of the F-15 Eagle and Grumman F-14 Tomcat. The design incorporated revolutionary features like a blended wing-body layout, fly-by-wire controls, and two powerful Lyulka AL-31F turbofan engines, enabling exceptional agility and a high thrust-to-weight ratio. Key avionics included the N001 Myech pulse-Doppler radar and a unique infrared search and track (IRST) system. The prototype, designated T-10, first flew in 1977, but significant redesigns after early testing led to the definitive T-10S, which entered production at plants in Komsomolsk-on-Amur and Irkutsk.

Operational history

The Su-27 entered operational service with the Soviet Air Forces in 1985, with its public debut at the 1989 Paris Air Show astonishing Western observers with its Pugachev's Cobra maneuver. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, it became a primary fighter for successor states including Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. The Russian Air Force has employed the type in conflicts such as the Second Chechen War and the Russo-Georgian War, primarily in air defense roles. Internationally, the People's Liberation Army Air Force of China became a major operator, and the type has seen combat in service with Ethiopia during the Ethiopian-Eritrean War and with Angola. Notably, Ukrainian Air Force Su-27s have been actively engaged in combat against Russian Aerospace Forces during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Variants

The basic Su-27 (Flanker-B) spawned an extensive family of specialized and improved variants. The Sukhoi Su-30 is a two-seat, multirole fighter developed for export, with major versions operated by India, China, and Vietnam. The carrier-based Sukhoi Su-33 (Flanker-D) serves with the Russian Navy's Admiral Kuznetsov-class aircraft carrier. The Sukhoi Su-34 (Fullback) is a dedicated strike aircraft with a side-by-side cockpit. Advanced single-seat upgrades include the Sukhoi Su-35 (Flanker-E/M) featuring thrust vectoring and new avionics. Licensed production in China resulted in the Shenyang J-11. Other significant models include the Sukhoi Su-27SM modernized upgrade and the Sukhoi Su-37 technology demonstrator.

Operators

The Su-27 and its derivatives have been operated by numerous air forces globally. Primary current operators include the Russian Aerospace Forces and Russian Naval Aviation. Significant export customers are the People's Liberation Army Air Force (China), the Indian Air Force (Su-30MKI), the Vietnam People's Air Force, and the Algerian Air Force. Other former and current operators across Europe, Africa, and Asia include Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Angola, Syria, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Many nations, such as Venezuela, operate the more advanced Sukhoi Su-30 variants.

Specifications (Su-27)

* **Crew:** 1 * **Length:** 21.9 m (71 ft 10 in) * **Wingspan:** 14.7 m (48 ft 3 in) * **Height:** 5.92 m (19 ft 5 in) * **Empty weight:** 16,380 kg (36,110 lb) * **Max takeoff weight:** 30,450 kg (67,130 lb) * **Powerplant:** 2 × Lyulka AL-31F afterburning turbofan engines * **Maximum speed:** Mach 2.35 (2,500 km/h, 1,550 mph) at altitude * **Range:** 3,530 km (2,190 mi) at altitude * **Service ceiling:** 19,000 m (62,000 ft) * **Armament:** 1 × 30 mm Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-30-1 autocannon; up to 10 hardpoints for R-27, R-73, and R-77 air-to-air missiles, and various air-to-surface weapons. * **Radar:** NIIP N001 Myech pulse-Doppler

Category:Sukhoi aircraft Category:Soviet fighter aircraft Category:Cold War fighter aircraft