The SU-27, known as the flanker, is a Soviet twin-engine multirole fighter aircraft designed by Sukhoi Aviation.
It was designed to be competitive with the United States fighters of the time such as the Grumman F-14 Tomcat and F-15 Eagle.
The SU-27 design is similar to the MiG-29 but larger. The wings blend into the fuselage and are basically a mix of a cropped delta and swept wing. The SU-27 also has a tailed delta wing complete with horizontal tail planes.
The SU-27 was the Soviet Union’s first fly-by-wire controlled aircraft, combined with low wing loading it makes for an exceptionally agile aircraft.
The SU-27 is equipped with Pulse-Doppler radar and an infrared search and track system with a 50 – 62 mile (100 km) range.
PRODUCTION
The Sukhoi SU-27 was produced from 1982, with 680 built.
ENGINES
2 x Saturn AL-31F turbofans, producing 33,820 lbf.
(55,200 lbf with after-burner)
Press play to hear the Su27
ARMAMENT
1 x 30mm autocannon
9,770 lb (4,430 kg) Rocket/Missile/Bomb load
The Sukhoi Su-27 entered service with the Soviet Air Forces in 1985; the primary role was long range air defence against the United States.
Its main role was air defence against the United States Strategic Air Command B-1B and B-52 bombers and protecting the coast from aircraft carriers.
The SU-27 also flew long range fighter escort for Soviet heavy bombers such as the Tu-95 "Bear", Tu-22M "Backfire" and Tu-160 "Blackjack".
