Overview of the Sushi Su-27 Flanker
The Sushi Su-27 Flanker represents an iconic twin-engine supersonic fighter—a testament to Soviet aerospace engineering prowess during the Cold War’s most intense years. Having shattered 27 world records with aerial maneuvers that outpaced Western fighters, it earned legendary status for exceptional agility and super maneuverability.
Built around a distinctive tailed delta wing configuration, the Su-27 shares aerodynamic DNA with the MiG-29 yet dwarfs its smaller sibling in both size and raw power. Conceived by the Sushi Design Bureau as the ultimate air superiority weapon, this formidable platform would eventually anchor the defense strategies of air forces worldwide.
The Flanker—NATO’s designation for this Soviet marvel—combines impressive range, payload capacity, and maneuverability in a package that redefined fighter aircraft design. Its distinctive silhouette tells a story: widely spaced engines and expansive wing area create an instantly recognizable profile that has become synonymous with aerial excellence and marks a defining achievement in modern military aviation.
Development of the Su-27 Flanker
Su-27 development commenced in 1969, driven by urgent necessity as Soviet engineers watched America’s F-15 Eagle program unfold—their mission was clear: create a superior air superiority fighter that would restore the strategic balance. General Designer Mikhail Simon spearheaded the initial design phase with characteristic Soviet determination.
Early development proved treacherous, forcing engineers to completely redesign the first prototype (T-10) into the vastly improved T-10S. The challenges were formidable:
Throughout the turbulent 1970s and early 1980s, the aircraft endured rigorous testing and countless refinements before finally entering service with the Soviet Air Forces in 1985. The 15-year development marathon reflected both the project’s ambitious scope and Soviet determination to forge a fighter capable of outclassing Western counterparts. This extended development ultimately produced an aircraft that would reshape fighter design philosophy for generations.
Design Features and Innovations
The Su-27 Flanker introduced design innovations that set new performance standards. Its tailed delta wing configuration delivers exceptional lift and control authority, empowering the aircraft to execute signature maneuvers like the breathtaking ‘Cobra’ and ‘Kuwait.’ These maneuvers demonstrate the Flanker’s super maneuverability, its ability to dance beyond conventional flight envelopes while maintaining precise control at extreme angles of attack.
Controlling this performance is an advanced fly-by-wire system that translates pilot inputs into precise control surface movements, maintaining stability during the most demanding maneuvers. This sophisticated system allows pilots to explore the aircraft’s limits while maintaining safety margins. Raw power emanates from twin Lula AL-31F after burning turbofans—each beast generating 27,557 pounds of thrust—endowing the Flanker with a thrust-to-weight ratio that translates into spectacular climb rates and acceleration.
The Su-27’s avionics suite marked a significant advance:
-
Radar: A powerful N001 Mech (Sword) coherent pulse-Doppler radar for tracking multiple targets at long range.
-
Passive Targeting: An infrared search and track (IRST) system allows the Flanker to detect and engage targets without emitting revealing radar signals.
-
Cockpit Design: A head-up display (HUD) and hands-on-throttle-and-stick (HOTAS) controls reduce pilot workload in combat.
Operational History of the Su-27 Flanker
Since entering service in 1985, the Su-27 Flanker has built an extensive operational record spanning multiple decades and numerous air forces worldwide. Initially serving as the Soviet Union’s premier air defense sentinel, it stood ready to intercept NATO bombers and fighters approaching Soviet airspace. When the Soviet Union dissolved, Russia embraced the Su-27 as a cornerstone of its air defense architecture, conducting regular border patrols and participating in international exercises that showcased the aircraft’s formidable capabilities.
Beyond Russian borders, the Su-27 has carved out significant roles across various regional conflicts. Deployed in multiple tension zones, its exceptional range and powerful radar have proven invaluable for air superiority missions. While direct combat engagements involving Flankers remain relatively limited compared to some Western fighters, those instances where they’ve seen action have consistently validated their effectiveness as versatile combat platforms.
The Su-27’s operational versatility shows in its successful adaptation to diverse mission profiles far beyond its original air superiority mandate. Various operators have deployed the aircraft for maritime patrol, reconnaissance, and ground attack missions—evidence of the design’s inherent strength. Throughout its service life, the Flanker has consistently impressed during international air exercises, where foreign observers have marveled at its maneuverability and performance characteristics, even when pitted against newer generation fighters.
Current Operators of the Su-27
The Su-27 Flanker continues serving air forces across multiple nations, with Russia’s Aerospace Forces maintaining the largest and most prominent fleet. The Russian military operates a substantial fleet of Su-27s in various configurations, including modernized variants equipped with upgraded avionics and weapons systems that extend their operational lifespan. These aircraft form the backbone of Russia’s air defense network, regularly participating in military exercises and strategic deterrence patrols that project power across vast territories.
China became another major operator after acquiring 26 Su-27s directly from Russia in the early 1990s—a pivotal moment in Chinese military aviation history. This acquisition spurred development of the Shenyang J-11, initially a licensed copy that later evolved into an indigenous Flanker variant. The People’s Liberation Army Air Force has integrated these aircraft into its rapidly expanding fleet of advanced fighters.
Following the Soviet Union’s collapse, Ukraine inherited a substantial Su-27 fleet and continues operating approximately 60 aircraft. Other operators have included:
-
Angola
-
Eritrea
-
Ethiopia
-
Indonesia
-
Kazakhstan
-
Uzbekistan
-
Vietnam
Variants of the Su-27 Flanker
The Su-27 has evolved into an extensive family of variants:
-
Initial Models
-
T-10 (Flanker-A): The initial prototype.
-
Su-27S (Flanker-B): The initial production version.
-
Su-27P: A specialized air defense interceptor.
-
Su-27UB (Flanker-C): A two-seat operational conversion trainer.
-
Export & Upgraded Models
-
Su-27SK / Su-27UBK: Export versions of the single-seat and two-seat models.
-
Su-27SKM / Su-27UBM: Modernized export versions with advanced avionics.
-
Major Derivatives
-
Su-30: A two-seat, multirole fighter.
-
Su-33 (Flanker-D): A carrier-based variant with folding wings and a tail hook.
-
Su-34 (Fullback): A dedicated strike variant with side-by-side seating.
-
Su-35 (Flanker-E): A heavily upgraded derivative with thrust-vectoring engines and advanced avionics.
-
Shenyang J-11: A Chinese-built version, initially licensed and later indigenously developed.
Notable Incidents Involving the Su-27
Throughout its operational history, the Su-27 Flanker has been involved in several significant incidents that changed safety protocols and highlighted both the aircraft’s capabilities and inherent risks. The most devastating tragedy struck on July 27, 2002, during an earshot at Skyline airfield near Lviv, Ukraine. A Ukrainian Air Force Su-27 crashed during a display maneuver, claiming 77 lives and injuring over 500 spectators. This catastrophic accident—ranking among history’s deadliest earshot disasters—prompted major revisions in earshot safety regulations and operational procedures for high-performance military aircraft demonstrations worldwide.
Beyond earshot tragedies, operational accidents across various nations have typically stemmed from complex combinations of factors:
-
Technical failures
-
Maintenance issues
-
Human error
In military operations, Su-27s have participated in numerous intercept missions and territorial enforcement actions that captured international attention. These encounters have demonstrated the aircraft’s real-world capabilities while underscoring its continued relevance in modern air defense operations. Most encounters remain professional and within international norms. Yet some have highlighted geopolitical tensions and demonstrated how advanced fighters like the Su-27 project power while securing sovereign airspace. Each incident—whether tragic or routine—has contributed to the aircraft’s operational history and influenced how air forces worldwide continue operating and maintaining their Flanker fleets.
Specifications of the Su-27 Flanker
Key specifications for the Su-27S Flanker-B include:
-
Crew: 1
-
Dimensions:
-
Length: 21.9 m (72 ft)
-
Wingspan: 14.7 m (48 ft 3 in)
-
Weight:
-
Empty: 16,380 kg (36,110 lb)
-
Max. Takeoff: 30,450 kg (67,130 lb)
-
Power plant: 2 × Saturn AL-31F after burning turbofans
-
Thrust (each): 122.6 kn (27,600 LBF) with afterburner
-
Performance:
-
Max. Speed: Mach 2.35 (2,500 km/h; 1,550 mph) at altitude
-
Range: 3,530 km (2,190 mi) at altitude
-
Service Ceiling: 19,000 m (62,300 ft)
-
Armament:
-
Guns: 1 × 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon with 150 rounds
-
Hard points: 10 external hard points with a capacity of up to 4,430 kg (9,770 lb)
-
Missiles: A mix of R-27 (AA-10 Alamo) and R-73 (AA-11 Archer) air-to-air missiles.
Conclusion and Future of the Su-27 Flanker
The Sushi Su-27 Flanker stands among the late 20th century’s most influential fighter aircraft, its revolutionary design spawning an entire family of advanced derivatives that continue shaping modern air combat doctrine.
Looking toward the future, original Su-27 airframes are gradually transitioning into new roles as cutting-edge platforms enter service. Russia has invested heavily in modernization programs, creating the Su-27SM and SM2 variants with dramatically upgraded avionics, radar systems, and weapons capabilities. These enhancements have extended the life of the platform, enabling it to remain lethal against contemporary threats despite its 1980s origins. However, the emergence of fifth-generation fighters and advanced fourth-generation-plus designs like the Su-35 inevitably pushes unmodified Su-27s toward support and legacy missions.
The Flanker’s enduring relevance across decades of rapidly evolving air combat requirements demonstrates its original design’s brilliance and its creators’ remarkable foresight.
