Sukhoi Su-27
The Sukhoi Su-27 is a Soviet twin-engine air-superiority fighter developed to counter advanced American aircraft such as the F-15 Eagle. NATO assigned it the reporting name Flanker.[1]
Development
The Su-27 arose from a Soviet requirement for a long-range fighter able to defend a vast territory and challenge new Western designs. An extensively redesigned prototype flew after difficulties with the earliest configuration, and the definitive aircraft entered Soviet service in the mid-1980s.
The basic Su-27 generated a large family. Carrier-based Su-33s, multirole Su-30s, strike-focused Su-34s and advanced Su-35s all trace their design to the Flanker.[1]
Design
The aircraft has a blended wing-body form, twin tails and widely spaced engines. Its aerodynamic layout and fly-by-wire controls provide high lift and agility, while large internal fuel capacity supports long-range patrols without external tanks.
Early Su-27s were optimised for air combat with radar- and infrared-guided missiles, a helmet-mounted sight and an infrared search-and-track sensor. Later modernisations expanded navigation, cockpit and precision-attack capability.
Operational history
Su-27s were distributed among former Soviet republics after 1991 and have served with Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan and several export customers. They have flown air-defence patrols, interceptions and combat missions.
China acquired Su-27s and produced related aircraft as the Shenyang J-11 family, making the design’s influence much wider than Soviet and Russian-built fleets alone.
Variants and operators
The aircraft family includes Su-27; Su-27UB; Su-27SM; derivatives include Su-30, Su-33, Su-34 and Su-35. Equipment, weapons and mission systems differ among production blocks and national fleets.
Principal or notable users include Russian Aerospace Forces; Ukrainian Air Force; other operators. Some operators have retired early versions while others continue upgrades or new procurement.[1]
Specifications
Published performance figures depend on configuration, fuel, altitude and mission profile. Representative figures for the family include a maximum speed of 2,500 km/h (Mach 2.35) and a range of Approximately 3,530 km. The usual crew is 1 or 2, and power is provided by 2 × Saturn AL-31F afterburning turbofans.[1]