Sukhoi Su-27 (Flanker)

History

Designed for the excellent American Grumman F-14 "Tomcat" rotor defender and the classic McDonnell Douglas F-15 "Eagle" air superiority fighter for the Soviet Russian Sukhoi Su-27 "Flanker" counterpart. An instant classic when it entered service in June 1985.

Over its long airborne career, the twin-engine heavy platform has evolved from its air superiority roots into a full-fledged multirole fighter. Today, the series continues as a front-line response to Western 4th generation models, and the series has grown to include the related Su-30, Su-33 and Su-35, as well as several branches of Chinese origin.

The Su-27 family is expected to maintain a presence on the modern battlefield for decades to come, although the Sukhoi T-50 PAK-FA in development (detailed elsewhere on this site) will be in sufficient numbers for the Russians to appear in the Luftwaffe.

Origin of Su-27

The origins of the Su-27 can be traced back to the 1970s, when the Soviet Air Force and Ministry of Aircraft Industry concentrated resources on the concept of a future Soviet combat platform. The multi-role model was the order of the dayone aircraft was designed to perform various roles, such as interception, neutralization of air defense, and ground attack. The Air Force typically brings in two types of aircraft to meet demandmedium to heavy models and light models.

It eventually became America's F-15/F14, paired with General Dynamics' F-16 Fighting Falcon.

For the heavy fighter, the Soviet Union focused on designing a design that, despite its bulk, was expected to demonstrate excellent performance and maneuverability, while the light aircraft became the Mikoyan MiG-29 "fulcrum". Heavy combat units would make up more than a quarter of the Russian Air Force's fleet, while the remainder would be made up of light developments -- built on models of economic mass production and available to Soviet export allies around the world.

The Su-47 "Berkut" (described in detail elsewhere on this page) became another technology demonstration that evolved from the Su-27 lineage. The most notable change is the forward sweep of the main wing aircraft, while the aircraft retains much of the form and function of the original Su-27.

Only one example has been completed and tested by the Russian Air Force. The first flight took place on September 25, 1997. The product proved (and disproved) many of the 4th and 5th generation fighter components that were later used in the Sukhoi fighter design - including the upcoming PAK FA.

Post-Soviet Mark

After the fall of the Soviet Empire, the Su-27 continued to develop. The Su-27PD was used as a single-seat demonstrator, but an in-flight refueling probe was introduced. The Su-30M/Su-30MK form is a modernized two-seat multirole fighter more successful in export than in local service. The mid-cycle upgrade of the Su-27S brought the designation "Su-27SM" ("Flanker-B Mod.1"), and these used components were demonstrated in the Su-27M demonstrator.

The Su-27SKM single-seat multi-role performer became an export product for the Su-27SK - the main features being an upgraded Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) suite, an in-flight refueling probe and a modern cockpit. The Su-27UB became a modernized two-seat trainer version.

The Su-27SM2 ??marks the upgrade of the 4th generation fighter jet in service with the Russian Air Force to the Su-27. These include proven technology on the Su-35BM platform with a more powerful radar and AL-41F1S engine.

Su-27 Operator

Although the Soviet Union collapsed and Belarus abandoned the use of Su-27s (some sold to Angola), there are many flanker operators today (2015). These countries include Angola, China, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and the United States (two of which were purchased by private entities in 2009 and used as aggressors in training).

The Ukrainian population has been steadily declining, dropping to just 16 flying specimens in 2015 (from a peak of 70). Ukraine used to be the largest operator of Su-27s after Russia.

Su-27 Services

The Su-27 reached Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in December 1984 and entered service on June 22, 1985. When the aircraft was discovered in the West, its working designation was "Ram-K" until 1982. When the series was officially named "Flanker".

The Su-27 provided the Russian Air Force with an extraordinary aircraft with considerable range and armament. It is larger than the rival F-15 Eagle, and its powerful nose radar gives it strong side-scan tracking capabilities for targets beyond line-of-sight (BVR)even at treetop heights. It can be used as an interceptor, trainer, fighter and ground attack platform with consistent effectiveness across all mission types. The range is so great that fighter jets could escort Russian strategic bombers to British soil and back - all while possessing the power and systems to engage enemy fighter jets directly.

It is suitable against enemy bombers such as the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress conventional bomber and the more advanced Rockwell B-1 Lancer stealth bomber.

Due to the success of the Su-27 platform and its continued development, the flanking front will serve on the front lines of the Russian Armed Forces for some time - at least until PAK FA can gain a foothold in the Luftwaffe roster. For other global operators, the Su-27 will continue to be used at the operational level for decades to come.

Undoubtedly one of the best fighter jets of its time, the Su-27 has become the pinnacle of Soviet-Russian fighter development - alongside the American-supplied F-14 and F-15 product lines (the F-14 has it) The true classic has been retired from the US Navy, and plans are underway to modernize the F-15 to keep it as a viable combat platform for decades to come).

Specification

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Production

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Performance

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Changes