Sukhoi Su-27

1977

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Sukhoi Su-27

The Sukhoi Su-27 was developed as a long-range interceptor and escort fighter for the IA-PVO, to replace Su-15 and MiG-23 which lacked range, look-down/shoot-down capability and the ability to operate independently of GCI control. As the T-10 the aircraft made its maiden flight on 20 May 1977 and was allocated the provisional reporting name 'Ram-K' and then the full NATO reporting name 'Flanker-A'. Unfortunately, the aircraft suffered many problems, including excessive drag, inadequate structural strength, flutter and excess weight. It had to be totally redesigned (as the T-10S) before it could be put into production. The redesigned aircraft received the reporting name 'Flanker-B'. The aircraft's large size gives it a massive internal fuel capacity, and a correspondingly long range. It can also carry up to 10 air-to-air missiles (six long-range AA-10 'Alamo' and four short-range AA-11 'Archer'), in addition to its built-in 30mm cannon. For training Su-27 pilots, a tandem two seat training version was developed under the designation Su-27UB. China is so far the only export customer for the Su-27, although the break-up of the USSR has meant that it serves with several former Soviet States, including Russia and the Ukraine. There have been a host of experimental versions of the basic Su-27, including the P-42, which smashed many of the time-to-climb records set by the F-15.

Sukhoi Su-27

Sukhoi were awarded a contract to develop a long-range interceptor based on the Su-27 for service on board the USSR's new generation of aircraft-carriers, while Mikoyan were given responsibility for developing a smaller multi-role strike-fighter based on their MiG-29. The resulting Su-27K was in many respects a minimum-change version of the basic series production Su-27, with the same avionics and intercept-optimised weapons system. It was fitted with canard foreplanes, was structurally strengthened, and had folding wings and tailplanes, an arrester hook and corrosion protection. The end of the Cold War and the break-up of the Soviet Union left Russia with only one of the planned four carriers, and it was decided to equip this ship with a single aircraft type. Inexplicably, the Su-27K was selected as that type, despite its large size (limiting the number that can be carried), high cost and lack of versatility. It has since been re-designated Su-33. To fulfill the very long-range, long-endurance intercept role, Sukhoi developed the Su-27PU, a two-seater based on the Su-27UB with provision for inflight refuelling, systems proved for extended operation, and with provision to carry an intercept controller in the rear cockpit to enable the aircraft to act as a mini-AWACS. The aircraft has since been re-designated Su-30. The derived Su-30M (Su-30MK for export) adds ground attack capability, and compatability with a wide range of guided air-to-surface weapons.

The Su-27M (redesignated Su-35 during 1992) was developed as a successor to the Su-27 in PVO and Frontal Aviation service. Sharing the same basic airframe as the standard 'Flanker', with minor refinements including taller, square-tipped tailfins, the. Su-27M introduced many changes under the skin. A new radar and fire control system have been adopted, along with a modern glass cockpit with three multi-function CRT displays. The fly-by-wire control system has also been redesigned. Critical economic problems led to the abandonment of the Su-27M's intended shorter-range, lower-cost, and more versatile counterpart, the MiG-29M, leaving it as the sole Russian tactical fighter programme for the 1990s.

Sukhoi Su-27

Specification 
 CREW1
 ENGINE2 x AL-31F, 122.6kN
 WEIGHTS
  Take-off weight22500-30000 kg49604 - 66139 lb
  Empty weight16000 kg35274 lb
 DIMENSIONS
  Wingspan14.7 m48 ft 3 in
  Length21.9 m72 ft 10 in
  Height5.9 m19 ft 4 in
  Wing area62.0 m2667.36 sq ft
 PERFORMANCE
  Max. speed2500 km/h1553 mph
  Cruise speed1350 km/h839 mph
  Ceiling18000 m59050 ft
  Range w/max.fuel4000 km2486 miles
  Range w/max payload1500 km932 miles
 ARMAMENT1 x 30mm cannon, 8000kg of weapons

Sukhoi Su-27

Comments
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Will, e-mail, 30.01.2014 04:01

does anyone know typical take off speed of this aircraft. also how long would it take a SU-27 to reach its cruise speed?

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Snachito, e-mail, 21.08.2013 21:49

Red Phoenix, I totally agree with everything you said especially about the newer PAK FA, they took the design in a different direction that I personally don't like at all. But if it works for them will them more power to them.

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Red Phoenix, 11.05.2012 08:24

The 'Flanker' series has always been considered among the world's best fighter designs, and with good reason. The Soviet fighter modernization program in the 70's created a pair of respected aircraft, and they remain so even to this day. A shame that the PAK FA broke the trend of beautifully designed aircraft, though.

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Reza, e-mail, 29.05.2011 06:38

I love this aircraft and i would like to buy a su27 kit at 1 /48 scale. how you could help me?

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GARY, e-mail, 07.05.2010 18:47

I DESPISE ALL COMMIE SOCIALISTS,BUT,AT LEAST THE SU-27 "FLANKER" IS A GREAT SOVIET MILITARY JET FIGHTER.GOD BLESS THE USA!!!

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Kiril, e-mail, 05.04.2010 01:39

I am able to offer demilitarized Su-27s for sale to civil buyers. Contact me for more information.
E-mail: chochkov@aero-x.eu

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Jagtai, 12.03.2010 06:43

An absolute favourite of mine :D

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wan, e-mail, 11.03.2010 03:09

greatttttttttttttt...................!

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Kiril, e-mail, 04.10.2009 18:22

I can supply Russian demilitarized Su-27 for sale to civil buyers. Contact me for more information.

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Stalin, 15.06.2009 00:39

Incredible. Nato suck.

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Jim Woolsey, e-mail, 28.03.2009 02:26

First saw the SU-27 at the 1989 Paris Airshow. I couldn't believe some of the things it did during its daily flight demonstrations. Pilot was a guy named Frolov. A friend of mine, a fellow journalist, had a ride in, in the back seat of the tandem two seater UB. He said the "Cobra" maneuver "terrified" him. A this man had flown in many high performance military airplanes

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Iwan, e-mail, 22.02.2009 13:43

My favorite model on my homemade RC.
It stand really like a bird.

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makoy, e-mail, 09.01.2009 10:45

ohws...F-22 still the best..:-)

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michael, e-mail, 24.10.2008 20:52

One of the greatest aircraft flying today. Well done on the above info.

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coklat, e-mail, 11.03.2008 12:15

nice plane,good job

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enrique de la piedra, e-mail, 23.10.2007 23:00

I would like to know the differents kinds of camouflage,according to the countries that have this plane

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Kobe, e-mail, 18.11.2006 02:55

I like this plane so much. I need some picture of it

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