Su27

The Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker is a twin-engine, air superiority fighter developed by Sukhoi for the Soviet Air Forces. Introduced in the late 1980s, it became one of the most capable and widely produced fighters of its generation, with a design focused on long-range interceptions, dogfighting performance, and all-weather operation. The Su-27 also spawned a large family of variants for different roles and operators.

Development of the Su-27 began in the 1970s to counter contemporary Western fighters such as the F-15 Eagle. It was designed to combine high maneuverability, substantial payload, and extended range. The first flight occurred in 1985, and production continued through the 1980s and 1990s at facilities including KnAAPO in Russia. The design emphasizes a robust fly-by-wire compatible flight control system, a two-seat training variant, and an aerodynamically efficient airframe with a large air intake and a swept-wing configuration.

The core airframe is powered by two AL-31F turbofan engines, delivering substantial thrust and enabling high-speed performance. Armament includes a single 30mm cannon and multiple external hardpoints able to carry a mix of air-to-air missiles of varying ranges, as well as air-to-surface stores on later variants. Avionics typically feature a multi-mode radar and targeting systems suitable for beyond-visual-range engagements, yet the exact equipment varies by variant.

The Su-27 family includes single-seat and two-seat versions, as well as derivatives such as the Su-27S, Su-27UB, and naval variants like the Su-27K/Su-33. Export versions (e.g., Su-27SK) and numerous improvements led to widely distributed operators, including Russia, China, and several other countries.