Welcome to the high-octane saga of the Su-27 Flanker, a behemoth of the skies that redefined air superiority during the Cold War era. Born out of a relentless quest for dominance, the Su-27 wasn’t just another fighter jet; it was the Soviet Union’s bold answer to the American F-15. Crafted by the visionary minds at the Sukhoi Design Bureau, this twin-engined marvel combined brute force with balletic agility, challenging Western supremacy with every flight.
From the moment it took to the skies, the Su-27 turned heads with its formidable size and long-range capabilities. Yet, it wasn’t just its physical prowess that set it apart. The Flanker demonstrated an uncanny controllability at high angles of attack, stealing the show at airshows and proving that it could outmaneuver just about anything in the air.
Designed to be the ultimate front-line fighter, the Su-27 (and its export sibling, the Su-27SK) was a jack of all trades. It could operate autonomously in hostile territories, escort deep-penetration strike aircraft, suppress enemy airfields, and play a pivotal role in air defense, all while coordinating seamlessly with ground and airborne control stations.
But the innovation didn’t stop there. The naval variant, the Su-33, adapted the Flanker for carrier operations with canards and folding wings, showcasing the Soviet Union’s shipboard aviation ambitions. And for those who thought the Su-27 was purely about air dominance, the Su-27IB (or Su-34) introduced a two-seat attack version, featuring side-by-side seating in a reshaped nose, ready to deliver devastation from above.
In the chess game of Cold War aviation, the Su-27 was more than a piece; it was a grandmaster’s move. Let’s dive into the story of how this iconic aircraft became a legend in the skies and a symbol of the intense competition that drove technological advancements in one of history’s most riveting eras.
Historical Overview
Dive into the heart of the Cold War, a time when the sky was not just a frontier but a battleground of innovation and supremacy. The stage was set in 1969, a pivotal year when Russia made a bold decision that would forever change the course of aerial combat. The mission was clear yet daunting: develop a new fighter jet capable of outclassing the formidable U.S. titans, the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Falcon. This wasn’t just about matching the competition; it was about leapfrogging it to claim aerial dominance.
Enter Sukhoi OKB, a name synonymous with innovation and engineering excellence. Winning the contract was just the beginning of their journey to create what was envisioned to be the world’s premier fighter jet. Codenamed T10, the project was ambitious, aiming to equip the aircraft with unparalleled lookdown/shootdown capability and the power to destroy targets at extended ranges.
May 20, 1977, marked a watershed moment as the first prototype, T10-1, roared into the skies. However, the path to supremacy is never without its hurdles. Initial evaluations revealed a stark reality: the T10-1 fell short of its lofty expectations, grappling with aerodynamic, engine, and fuel consumption issues that rendered it inferior to its Western rivals. The journey took a tragic turn when the second prototype, T10-2, met a fatal end due to a fly-by-wire software failure, claiming the life of a valiant test pilot.
A prototype of the Sukhoi T-10 (Flanker-A), showcasing its initial design and features prior to its evolution into the Su-27 series. Image from Wikipedia
In the face of these setbacks, rumors swirled about the cessation of the T10 program. Yet, under the shroud of uncertainty, Sukhoi was far from defeated. By 1981, a phoenix rose from the ashes of the T10’s trials: the T10S. This redesigned marvel bore only a loose resemblance to its predecessor but shared its ambitious soul. Taking to the skies on April 20, 1981, the T10S was not just a comeback; it was a revelation. Showcasing extraordinary range, maneuverability, and combat effectiveness, the T10S shattered expectations and set new benchmarks.
The T10S would eventually evolve into the iconic Su-27 Flanker, a name that would resonate across the skies and in the annals of military aviation history. The Su-27 wasn’t just a fighter jet; it was a statement—a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence and a symbol of the intense competition that fueled aircraft development during the Cold War.
As the Su-27 entered service and spread its wings across the globe, it not only marked the culmination of an extraordinary journey of innovation but also heralded a new era of air superiority. From its challenging beginnings to its legendary status, the Su-27’s story is a compelling chapter in the tale of technological triumph against the odds, serving as a beacon of inspiration and a stark reminder of the fierce competitive spirit that defines the quest for dominance in the skies.
Design and Specifications
This isn’t just a story of metal and engines; it’s a tale woven from the very fabric of Cold War competition, where every design choice told a story of rivalry, innovation, and sheer determination.
Crafting a Behemoth
At first glance, the Su-27’s sheer size captures the imagination. Yet, it’s the advanced lightweight aluminum-lithium alloys of its airframe that truly astonish, giving the Flanker a remarkable lightness for its size. This choice of material wasn’t just about pushing boundaries; it was a strategic move to outmaneuver the competition, literally and metaphorically.
Wings of Innovation
The Su-27’s wings are a marvel in aerodynamic design. With an ogival shape and wingroot extension, the wings boast a 42-degree leading-edge sweep, equipped with full-span leading-edge slats and trailing-edge flaperons. These aren’t your average flaps and ailerons; they’re flaperons that dance in unison to provide lift and drag, or move out of sync to act as agile ailerons. This innovative feature wasn’t just a technical achievement; it was a testament to the Flanker’s superiority, allowing it to perform jaw-dropping maneuvers that left onlookers and adversaries alike in awe.
Powering the Beast
The heart of the Su-27 beats with the roar of two AL31F turbofan engines, masterpieces designed by the legendary A.M. Lyul’ka. Rated at 12,500 kg of thrust in afterburner mode and 7,600 kg in military power, these engines are the epitome of power and reliability. Tested in the harshest conditions and proven robust, the AL31F engines enable the Su-27 to execute the iconic tail-slide and Cobra maneuvers, a bold declaration of the Flanker’s dominance in the air.
The Pilot’s Arsenal
Within the cockpit, the Su-27 transforms the pilot into a master of the skies. Armed with a sophisticated quadruplex fly-by-wire control system, the pilot navigates with precision, safeguarded by built-in angle of attack and G-limiters to avoid fatal spins or excessive G-forces. The weapons control system is equally impressive, boasting a RLPK27 coherent pulse-Doppler radar capable of tracking up to 10 targets simultaneously over 185 km away, with the ability to fire missiles at two targets at once. And in the cloak of radar silence, the 36sh electro-optical system steps in, with its laser range finder and Infrared Search and Track system, ensuring the pilot’s dominance is never compromised.
These design marvels and specifications are not just technical jargon; they’re chapters in the Flanker’s storied history, each innovation a countermove in the grand chess game of Cold War aviation. The Su-27 wasn’t merely built; it was crafted with the intent to outperform, outmaneuver, and outlast its rivals, embodying the intense competitive spirit of its era. So, as we marvel at the genius of the Su-27, let’s remember it’s not just a fighter jet; it’s a cold war warrior, designed to dominate the skies and secure its place in aviation history.
Technical Specifications and Dimension Su-27 Flanker, Sukhoi
| Type | Su-27 |
| Country | Russia / Soviet Union |
| Export | Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, China, India |
| Function | fighter |
| In Service date | 1985 |
| Crew | 1 |
| Engines | 2 * 12500 kg Lyulka AL-31F |
| Wing Span | 14.70 m |
| Wing area | 62 m2 |
| Wing Aspect Ratio | 3.5 |
| Length | 21.93 m |
| Height | 5.93 m |
| Empty Weight | 22500 kg / 17000 kg |
| Max. Weight | 30000 kg |
| Internal Fuel Weight | 5,600 kg |
| G-limits | 9/-3.5 |
| Su 27 Top Speed | Mach 2.35 |
| Ceiling | 18000 m |
| Ferry Range | 4,400 km |
| Combat Radius | 1,200 km |
| Maximum instantaneous turn rate | 28 degrees/second |
| Maximum sustained turn rate | 22.5 degrees/second |
| TWR (50% fuel, 2 EM A1A missile, 3 IR A2A missile) | ~1.23 |
| TWR (100% fuel, 2 EM A2A missile, 2 IR A2A missile) | ~1.07:1 |
| Armament | 1*g 30mm msl |
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Performance Metrics
Let’s thrust into the heart of the Su-27 Flanker’s performance metrics, where the raw numbers blend with the roar of Cold War engineering ambition to paint a picture of aerial supremacy. This tale isn’t just about specs; it’s about the relentless pursuit of outdoing a rival, where every kilometer per hour and every degree of turn rate mattered in the grand chess game played in the skies.
Weight and Might: The Su-27 tips the scales with an empty weight of 16,000 kg (32,000 lbs), a testament to its robust design. Yet, despite its considerable size, the Flanker boasts a thrust-to-weight ratio of 1.5625:1, courtesy of its thrust augmented to a staggering 25,000 kg (50,000 lbs). This power-to-poise balance is a key to its agility and performance, allowing the aircraft to execute maneuvers that leave adversaries trailing in its wake.
Range and Reach: With a range of more than 4,000 km (over 2,200 nm), the Su-27 was not just a short sprinter but a long-distance runner, capable of asserting control over vast swathes of airspace. This extended reach was a strategic advantage, ensuring that it could operate far from home bases while still posing a formidable threat.
Climbing the Heights: The Flanker’s service ceiling reaches an impressive 18,000 m (54,000 ft), with a dynamic ceiling even higher at 24,000 m (72,000 ft). This vertical freedom meant the Su-27 could soar to where few could follow, dominating the high ground of the skies.
Speed and Fury: On the speedometer, the Su-27 strikes hard with a top speed of 1,470 km/h (816.6 nm) at sea level, rocketing up to 2,500 km/h (1,390 nm) at altitude. This blistering pace ensured that it could outrun or engage at will, a critical factor in its tactical flexibility.
Maneuverability Mastery: The Flanker’s maximum rate of turn is a tale of two figures: a sustained turn rate of 22.5°/sec and an instant turn rate of 28.5°/sec. These numbers aren’t just digits; they’re a dance of death for any adversary caught in the Su-27’s sights, allowing it to weave and carve through the air with unparalleled grace.
Comparing Titans: When pitted against its contemporary, the MiG-29, the Su-27’s superior size, range, and ceiling stand out. While the MiG-29 is celebrated for its agility and performance at closer ranges, the Su-27’s blend of speed, maneuverability, and operational ceiling gives it an edge in high-altitude, long-range engagements. This distinction highlights the Su-27’s role as a true air superiority fighter, designed to dominate the aerial battlefield across all theaters of combat.
A Cold War Colossus: The Su-27 wasn’t just another aircraft; it was a bold statement in the high-stakes game of Cold War aviation. With its imposing size, staggering performance, and innovative design, the Su-27 Flanker carved its name into the annals of military history, not just as a machine of war but as a symbol of the relentless drive for supremacy that defined an era.
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and Multi-role Fighter, 1977 to the Present
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Detailed Specifications: Su-27 ‘Flanker-B’
Development and Design Philosophy
Conceived in the late 1960s, the Su-27 was a bold Soviet endeavor to develop a high-performance fighter jet capable of rivalling Western aircraft in air superiority. It was one of the first jets to incorporate a fly-by-wire control system, representing a significant technological leap. The Su-27 was designed to carry up to 10 air-to-air missiles (AAMs), a testament to its envisioned role as a dominant force in aerial combat. Its first prototypes, known as ‘Flanker-A’, soared into the skies on May 20, 1977, with the refined ‘Flanker-B’ entering service in 1984. Over the years, the ‘Flanker’ has undergone numerous aerodynamic modifications, leading to a diverse family of aircraft, each tailored for specific roles.
The Su-27IB/Su-34: Long-Range Attack Variant
The Su-27IB, later designated as the Su-34, marks a significant departure from the traditional air superiority role of the Su-27. This long-range attack variant features side-by-side seating for two crew members, an adaptation aimed at enhancing crew coordination and operational efficiency during extended missions. The Su-34 boasts a reshaped nose and fuselage to accommodate this seating arrangement and additional avionics, making it a formidable platform for precision ground attack and deep-penetration strike missions.
The Su-27UB/Su-30: Dual-Role Interceptor and Trainer
The Su-27UB, later known as the Su-30, is a tandem two-seat variant designed for both interception and training purposes. This model serves as a long-range interceptor, capable of engaging targets at extended distances, and also functions as an advanced trainer for pilots transitioning to the Su-27 platform. The Su-30 includes modifications for dual control, allowing instructors and trainees to share cockpit responsibilities effectively.
Naval Adaptation: Su-27K/Su-33 ‘Flanker-D’
In 1992, the Su-27K, designated as the Su-33 ‘Flanker-D’, was introduced as the naval variant of the Su-27. Specifically designed for deployment on Russian aircraft carriers, the Su-33 incorporates several adaptations for naval operations. These include folding wings to save deck space, a retractable in-flight refueling probe, an arrester hook for carrier landings, strengthened landing gear for the rigors of carrier operations, and movable canard foreplanes for enhanced low-speed control during takeoff and landing.
Next-Generation Derivatives: Su-35 and Su-37
The Su-35 and Su-37 represent the cutting-edge evolution of the ‘Flanker’ series. These variants are vastly more advanced than the original Su-27, featuring canard foreplanes and enhanced avionics. The Su-35 and Su-37 have expanded their weapons capabilities, able to carry up to 11 and 14 external stores, respectively. The Su-37, in particular, is notable for its thrust-vectoring control, which provides unprecedented maneuverability and agility, pushing the boundaries of modern fighter aircraft capabilities.
| Prime contractor: | Sukhoi Design Bureau |
| Nation of origin: | Soviet Union |
| Function: | Multi-role fighter |
| Crew: | 1 |
| Year: | 1977 |
| In-service year: | 1984 |
| Engine: | Two Lyulka AL-31F afterburning turbofans, 27,557 lb thrust each |
| Wing span: | 14.7 m / 48 ft 3 in |
| Length: | 21.94 m / 72 ft |
| Height: | 5.93 m / 19 ft 5 in |
| Weight: | 45,801 lb empty / 66,138 lb max. take off |
| Ceiling: | 59,055 ft |
| Speed: | 2,500 km/h / 1,553 mph |
| Range: | 4,000 km / 2,485 miles |
| Armament: | One GSh-30-1 30 mm cannon with 150 rounds, plus 13,228 lb including AAMs, AGMs, bombs, rockets, drop tanks, and ECM pods carried on ten external points |
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of the Su-27 ‘Flanker’
As we reflect on the journey and evolution of the Su-27 ‘Flanker’, it’s clear that this aircraft is not just a marvel of engineering, but a symbol of the relentless pursuit of aerial excellence. From its inception in the late 1960s to its various iterations over the decades, the Su-27 has consistently redefined the boundaries of fighter jet capabilities.
The Su-27’s enduring legacy lies in its combination of advanced technology, formidable armament, and unparalleled maneuverability. This fighter has not only secured its place in the annals of military aviation history but has also served as a blueprint for future advancements in fighter design. The various iterations of the ‘Flanker’ – from the ground-attack prowess of the Su-34 to the advanced naval capabilities of the Su-33 and the technological leaps in the Su-35 and Su-37 – each tell a story of innovation and adaptation.
Moreover, the Su-27’s influence extends beyond its immediate variants. It has set the stage for the development of fifth-generation fighters, blending its lessons with new technologies to meet the ever-evolving demands of modern warfare. The ‘Flanker’ has served numerous air forces around the world, not only as a tool of defense but also as a testament to human ingenuity in the realm of aerial combat.
In conclusion, the Su-27 ‘Flanker’ stands as a testament to the vision and expertise of its designers and engineers. Its journey from the drawing boards of the Sukhoi Design Bureau to the skies above numerous battlefields encapsulates a significant era in military aviation. As technology advances and the demands of aerial warfare evolve, the legacy of the Su-27 ‘Flanker’ will undoubtedly continue to inspire and influence future generations of fighter aircraft.
FAQ: The Sukhoi Su-27 ‘Flanker’
What is the top speed of the Sukhoi Su-27?
The Sukhoi Su-27 has a top speed of approximately Mach 2.35 (2,500 km/h or 1,550 mph) at altitude.
Is the Sukhoi Su-27 still operational?
Yes, the Sukhoi Su-27 is still in service with various air forces around the world, including Russia.
What engine powers the Sukhoi Su-27?
The Sukhoi Su-27 is powered by two Al-31F turbofan engines, providing high performance and thrust.
What is the weight of the Sukhoi Su-27?
The Sukhoi Su-27 has a normal takeoff weight of about 23,000 kg (50,706 lbs).
What is the turn rate of the Sukhoi Su-27?
The Sukhoi Su-27 boasts an impressive turn rate of approximately 23 degrees per second, enabling superior maneuverability.
What is the thrust-to-weight ratio of the Sukhoi Su-27?
The thrust-to-weight ratio of the Sukhoi Su-27 is around 1.08, providing excellent acceleration and climb performance.
What is the empty weight of the Sukhoi Su-27?
The empty weight of the Sukhoi Su-27 is approximately 16,380 kg (36,112 lbs).
Does the Sukhoi Su-27 have a two-seater variant?
Yes, the Sukhoi Su-27 has a two-seater variant, known as the Su-27UB, designed for training and operational conversion.
What is the Su-27 ‘Flanker’?
The Su-27 ‘Flanker’ is a twin-engine, supermaneuverable fighter aircraft designed by the Soviet Union’s Sukhoi Design Bureau. It was intended as a direct competitor to advanced U.S. fighters and is known for its exceptional agility and long-range capabilities.
When was the Su-27 first introduced?
The Su-27 was first introduced to the public in 1985, although its first flight was on May 20, 1977.
What are the key features of the Su-27?
Key features include its powerful twin AL-31F turbofan engines, advanced fly-by-wire control system, high maneuverability, and capability to carry up to 10 air-to-air missiles.
How does the Su-27 compare to Western fighter jets like the F-15?
The Su-27 was designed to compete with U.S. fighters like the F-15 Eagle. It offers comparable speed and better agility, especially in high angles of attack maneuvers.
What are the main variants of the Su-27?
Main variants include the Su-27SK (export version), Su-33 (naval version), Su-34 (long-range strike variant), and Su-35/Su-37 (advanced derivatives with improved avionics and thrust-vectoring capabilities).
Can the Su-27 perform carrier operations?
Yes, the naval variant Su-33 is specifically designed for carrier operations with features like folding wings and an arrester hook.
What is thrust-vectoring, as seen in the Su-37?
Thrust-vectoring in aircraft like the Su-37 allows for more precise control of the jet’s direction by dynamically adjusting the direction of the engine thrust, enhancing maneuverability.
Is the Su-27 still in service today?
Yes, the Su-27 and its variants remain in service in various air forces around the world, with ongoing upgrades and modifications extending their operational life.
What makes the Su-27 unique in air combat?
The Su-27 is unique for its combination of high speed, agility, and long-range capability, along with its ability to perform advanced maneuvers like the Pugachev’s Cobra.
How has the Su-27 influenced modern fighter design?
The Su-27 has influenced modern fighter design through its innovations in aerodynamics, engine design, and its integration of advanced electronic warfare and avionics systems.
