Su-27 (Flanker) Russian Multirole Fighter Aircraft
Multirole Fighter Aircraft
Other
Basic Information
Name
Su-27 (Flanker) Russian Multirole Fighter Aircraft
Designation
—
Alternate Designation
—
Equipment Type
Multirole Fighter Aircraft
Manufacturer
Sukhoi
Date of Introduction
1985
Description
The Sukhoi Su-27 (NATO reporting name: Flanker) is a Soviet-origin twin-engine supermaneuverable fighter aircraft designed by Sukhoi. It was intended as a direct competitor for the large United States fourth-generation fighters such as the Grumman F-14 Tomcat and F-15 Eagle, with 3,530-kilometre (1,910 nmi) range, heavy aircraft ordnance, sophisticated avionics, and high maneuverability. The Su-27 was designed for air superiority missions, and subsequent variants are able to perform almost all aerial warfare operations. It was designed with the Mikoyan MiG-29 as its complement.
Air & Air Defense Specifications
Crew
1
Engine
Afterburning Turbofan (75 hp)
Max Speed
2500.0 km/h
Service Ceiling
19000 m
Wingspan
14.70 m
Variants
T-10 "Flanker-A"
Initial prototype configuration.
T-10S
Improved prototype configuration, more similar to production spec.
P-42
Special version built to beat climb time records. The aircraft had all armament, radar and paint removed, which reduced weight to 14,100 kg (31,100 lb). It also had improved engines. Similar to the US F-15 Streak Eagle project. Between 1986–1988, it established and took several climb records from the Streak Eagle. Several of these records (such as time to climb to 3000 m, 6000 m, 9000 m, and 12000 m) still stands current as of 2019.
Su-27
Pre-production series built in small numbers with AL-31 engine.
Su-27S "Flanker-B"
Initial production single-seater with improved AL-31F engine. The "T-10P".
Su-27P "Flanker-B"
Standard version but without air-to-ground weapons control system and wiring and assigned to Soviet Air Defence Forces units. Often designated Su-27 without -P.
Su-27UB "Flanker-C"
Initial production two-seat operational conversion trainer.
Su-27SK
Export Su-27S single-seater. Exported to China in 1992-1996 and developed into Shenyang J-11.
Su-27UBK
Export Su-27UB two-seater.
Su-27K (Su-33) "Flanker-D"
Carrier-based single-seater with folding wings, high-lift devices, and arresting gear, built in small numbers. They followed the "T-10K" prototypes and demonstrators.
Su-27KUB (Su-33UB)
Two-seat training-and-combat version based on the Su-27K and Su-27KU, with a side-by-side seating same as Su-34. One prototype built.
Su-27M (Su-35/Su-37) "Flanker-E/F"
Improved demonstrators for an advanced single-seat multi-role Su-27S derivative. These also included a two-seat "Su-35UB" demonstrator.
Su-27PU (Su-30)
Two-seat version of the Su-27P interceptor, designed to support with tactical data other single-seat Su-27P, MiG-31 and other interceptor aircraft in PVO service. The model was later renamed to Su-30, and modified into a multi-role fighter mainly for export market, moving away from the original purpose of the aircraft.
Su-32 (Su-27IB)
Two-seat dedicated long-range strike variant with side-by-side seating in "platypus" nose. Prototype of Su-32FN and Su-34.
Su-27PD
Single-seat demonstrator with improvements such as inflight refuelling probe.
Su-30M/MK
Next-generation multi-role two-seater. A few Su-30Ms were built for Russian evaluation in the mid-1990s, though little came of the effort. The Su-30MK export variant was embodied as a series of two demonstrators of different levels of capability. Versions include Su-30MKA for Algeria, Su-30MKI for India, Su-30MKK for the People's Republic of China, and Su-30MKM for Malaysia.
Shenyang J-11
Chinese version of Su-27SK.
Su-27SM "Flanker-B"
Mid-life upgraded Russian Su-27S, featuring technology evaluated in the Su-27M demonstrators. Upgrade included strengthened fuselage for extra weapons payload, improved N001 radar, glass cockpit with three-color multi-function displays and improved avionics.
Su-27SKM
Single-seat multi-role fighter for export. It is a derivative of the Su-27SK but includes upgrades such as advanced cockpit, more sophisticated self-defense electronic countermeasures (ECM) and an in-flight refuelling system.
Su-27UBM
Comparable upgraded Su-27UB two-seater.
Su-27SM2
4+ gen block upgrade for Russian Su-27, featuring some technology of the Su-35BM; it includes Irbis-E radar, and upgraded engines and avionics.
Su-27SM3
Increased maximum takeoff weight (+3 tonnes), AL-31F-M1 engines, fully glass cockpit.
Su-27KUB
Essentially an Su-27K carrier-based twin-seater with a side-by-side cockpit, for use as a naval carrier trainer or multi-role aircraft.
Su-35BM/Su-35S
Also named the "Last Flanker" is latest development from Sukhoi Flanker family. It features improved thrust vectoring AL-41F1S engines, new avionics, N035 Irbis-E radar and reduced radar cross-section.
Su-27UB1M
Ukrainian modernized version of the Su-27UB.
Su-27UP1M
Ukrainian modernized version of the Su-27UP.
Su-27S1M
Ukrainian modernized version of the Su-27S.
Su-27P1M
Ukrainian modernized version of the Su-27P.
System
Alternative Designations
SU-27; NATO: Flanker A
Type
Multirole Fighter Aircraft
Manufacturer
Sukhoi
Crew
1 ea
Hardpoints
10 external pylons with a capacity of up to 4,430 kg
Dimensions
Length
21.9 m
Wingspan
14.7 m
Wing Area
62 m2
Height
5.92 m
Empty Weight
16,380 kg
Gross Weight
23,430 kg
Maximum Takeoff Weight
30,450 kg
Automotive
Engine Name
2 × Saturn AL-31F
Engine Type
Afterburning Turbofan
Engine Power
75.22 kN (16,910 lbf) thrust each dry, 122.6 kN (27,600 lbf) with afterburner
Fuel Capacity
9,400 kg Internal
Maximum Speed
2,500 km/h
Range
3,530 km
Service Ceiling
19,000 m
G Limits
+9 G
Rate of Climb
300 m/s
Main Gun System
System
Name
1 × 30 mm Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-30-1 autocannon
Type
Autocannon
Caliber
30 mm
Length
1,978 mm
Barrel Length
1,500 mm
Weight
46 kg
Barrels
1,500 mm
Action
Short recoil operated
Rate of Fire
1,500–1,800 rounds/min
Muzzle Velocity
900 m/s
Maximum Firing Range
1,800 m
Effective Firing Range
200-1,800 m
Ammunition
Type
Rifle
Caliber
30 mm
Shell
30×165 mm
Basic Load
150 Rounds
Missile System
Note
The SU-27 is equipped with a variety of Missiles which include: R-27R/ER/T/ET/P/EP air-to-air missiles; R-73E AAMs.
Rocket System
Note
The SU-27 is equipped with a variety of Rockets which include:
S-8KOM/BM/OM;
S-13T/OF;
S-25OFM-PU
Bomb System
Note
The SU-27 is equipped with a variety of Bombs which include: RBK-250 cluster bomb; RBK-500 cluster bomb.
Avionics
Navigation Radar
N001 multi-mode pulse-Doppler
Targeting System
OEPS-27 electro-optical targeting system
IRST
OEPS-27 IRST
Radar Warning Receiver
SPO-15 Radar Warning Receiver
Protection
Stealth Properties
None
Heat Signature Reduction
No
EW Countermeasures
Active Jamming Pod
Chaffs/Flares
Yes
Details
Country of Origin
Russia
Category
Multirole Aircraft
Air > Multirole Aircraft
Filter Label
S
Classification
Domain
Air & Air Defense
Equipment Status
Active
Dimensions
Length
21.9 m
Width
—
Height
5.92 m
Weight
23430 kg
Operators (13)
Russia
China
United States
Ukraine
Angola
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Indonesia
Kazakhstan
Mongolia
Uzbekistan
Vietnam
CFE Treaty
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