Time Period: Post-WW2
Country of Origin: Russia & USSR
Type: Fighter Aircraft (Multi-Role, Air Superiority)
Manufacturer: Sukhoi
Sukhoi Su-27 Aircraft Overview
The Sukhoi Su-27 is a highly influential Soviet-era air superiority fighter that has become the foundation for many modern aircraft designs. Developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau during the 1970s, the Su-27 was designed to compete with advanced Western fighters, particularly the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle.
The Su-27 was actively used during the Cold War as a deterrent, with its presence reinforcing the Soviet Union’s aerial dominance in the face of NATO forces. Post-Cold War, it continued to play a prominent role in the Russian Air Force, participating in patrols and readiness exercises.
On the international stage, the Su-27 gained widespread recognition through its export to multiple countries, including China, India, and Vietnam. Notably, China produced a licensed variant, the Shenyang J-11, highlighting the aircraft’s influence on global military aviation. While the Su-27’s combat record is relatively modest, it has seen action in localized conflicts, such as those involving Ethiopia and Eritrea. These engagements demonstrated its effectiveness in real-world operations and validated its reputation as a reliable and powerful air superiority platform.
The Su-27 serves as the basis for a whole family of modern Russian fighter aircraft, including the advanced Su-35 and Su-57 Felon.
Sukhoi Su-27's Notable Achievements
Pugachev’s Cobra Maneuver
The Su-27 was one of the first aircraft capable of performing the Pugachev’s Cobra, a maneuver showcasing extreme agility by momentarily stalling and pitching the nose upward before recovering.
Combat Record:
The Su-27 has seen limited combat but has been used in skirmishes and conflicts involving its operators, including Ethiopia and Eritrea and more recently in exercises and patrol missions.
Sukhoi Su-27 Design and Performance
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Aerodynamics and Maneuverability:
- The Su-27 was designed with a focus on high maneuverability and aerodynamic efficiency.
- It features a blended wing-body design with a large delta wing and leading-edge extensions, allowing excellent performance in dogfights and high angles of attack.
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Engines:
- Powered by twin Saturn AL-31F turbofan engines, each capable of producing 27,560 pounds of thrust.
- Maximum speed: Mach 2.35 (2,500 km/h or 1,550 mph).
- Range: Over 3,500 km (2,175 miles) without external fuel tanks, extended with aerial refueling.
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Avionics and Sensors:
- Equipped with the N001 radar, capable of tracking multiple targets simultaneously.
- Infrared search and track (IRST) system enhances its ability to detect and engage targets passively.
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Weapons:
- The Su-27 is armed with a 30mm GSh-30-1 cannon and up to 10 hardpoints for carrying a mix of air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, unguided rockets, and bombs.
- Primary armament includes R-27 (AA-10 “Alamo”) and R-73 (AA-11 “Archer”) air-to-air missiles.