May 20 / Sukhoi Su-27 first flight
First Flight 20 May 1977
Sukhoi Su-27
The Sukhoi Su-27, also known by its NATO reporting name Flanker, is a twin-engine supermaneuverable fighter aircraft of Soviet origin designed and manufactured by the Sukhoi Design Bureau. Its development began in the late 1960s as a response to the United States’ new generation of fighter jets, such as the F-15 Eagle.
The first prototype of the Su-27, designated T-10, made its maiden flight on May 20, 1977. The aircraft demonstrated exceptional performance, including high manoeuvrability, speed, and range. The Soviet Air Force was impressed with its capabilities and ordered it into production.
The Su-27 entered service with the Soviet Air Force in 1985 and quickly gained a reputation as one of the most formidable fighter aircraft in the world. Its advanced avionics, powerful radar, and long-range air-to-air missiles made it a potent adversary to Western fighter jets.
The Su-27 saw combat for the first time during the Soviet-Afghan War in the 1980s, where it was used primarily for air superiority missions. It also saw action during the conflicts in Angola, Ethiopia, and Chechnya.
In the 1990s, following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Su-27 was adopted by several other countries, including China, India, Vietnam, and Indonesia. These countries have since developed their own variants of the aircraft, incorporating modern avionics and weapons systems.
The Su-27 has been continuously upgraded over the years to keep pace with technological advancements and maintain its competitiveness in the modern battlefield. Variants such as the Su-30, Su-35, and Su-37 have been developed, each offering improved performance and capabilities.
The Su-27 has also been used in airshows and aerial demonstrations around the world, showcasing its impressive manoeuvrability and agility. It has become a symbol of Russian military aviation prowess and remains in service with several countries to this day.
Overall, the Sukhoi Su-27 has proven to be a highly successful and versatile fighter aircraft. It has a long and storied history of service in various conflicts and air forces around the world, and its legacy continues to endure as one of the most iconic and respected fighter jets of the modern era.
Su-27 Facts
The Su-27 is powered by two Saturn AL-31F turbofan engines, each producing up to 27,500 pounds of thrust. This allows the aircraft to achieve speeds of over Mach 2.
The Su-27's maximum takeoff weight is approximately 38,000 kilograms (84,000 pounds), making it one of the heaviest fighter jets in service.
The Su-27 has a combat range of around 3,530 kilometres (2,200 miles) and a service ceiling of 18,500 meters (60,700 feet).
The aircraft is equipped with a powerful N001 radar system, which can track multiple targets simultaneously and engage them with long-range air-to-air missiles.
The Su-27 is known for its exceptional maneuverability. Its high thrust-to-weight ratio and advanced aerodynamic design allow it to perform complex aerial maneuvers such as the Pugachev’s Cobra and the tailslide.
The Su-27 has 10 hardpoints for carrying a variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, including R-27 and R-73 air-to-air missiles, guided bombs, and rockets.
The Su-27 has been exported to over 20 countries, with variants such as the Su-30 and Su-35 being developed to meet the specific requirements of different air forces.
The aircraft has been involved in numerous conflicts and airshows around the world, showcasing its capabilities and versatility in a variety of roles.
The Su-27 has a crew of one pilot and is equipped with a state-of-the-art cockpit, advanced avionics, and displays for enhanced situational awareness.
The Su-27 remains a key asset in the Russian Air Force and continues to be upgraded with modern technologies to ensure its effectiveness in modern combat scenarios.
