The Sukhoi is a twin-engine, high-speed, long-range fighter designed by the Russian Sukhoi design bureau at the end of the 20th century. It was developed to counter American fighters such as the F-15 Eagle. Thanks to its advanced design, exceptional maneuvering capabilities, diversified armament and modern avionics systems, the Su-27 is considered one of the most successful fighters of its generation. Over the years, it has been modernized and adapted in several variants to meet the specific needs of the Russian Air Force and importing countries. Renowned for its ability to perform impressive aerial maneuvers such as “Pugachev’s Cobra”, the Su-27 remains a key component of many air forces around the world.

Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker performance and maneuvers

The Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker is an impressive demonstration of Russian aircraft technology. Designed to rival America’s fourth-generation fighter jets, the Su-27’s performance is on a par with its international peers.

Su-27 performance

In terms of performance, the Su-27 stands out in several areas. Firstly, it has a maximum high-altitude speed of Mach 2.35, or around 2,500 km/h. This speed enables it to respond swiftly to air threats and to carry out effective air superiority missions.

The maximum altitude the Su-27 can reach is equally impressive. The aircraft can fly at a maximum altitude of 59,100 feet (18,000 meters). This gives it a tactical advantage, as it can fly higher than many other combat aircraft.

In terms of range, the Su-27 has a combat range of 1,500 kilometers without in-flight refueling. With its external fuel tanks, this range can be extended to over 3,000 kilometers. This makes the Su-27 a long-range fighter capable of missions far from its home base.

Specific Su-27 maneuvers

The Su-27 is also renowned for its ability to perform advanced aerial maneuvers. One of the most famous is the “Pugachev Cobra” maneuver. This maneuver, named after Russian test pilot Viktor Pugachev, involves the aircraft pulling its nose vertically upwards before dropping back into a normal flying position. This can be used to foil an infrared-guided missile by causing the missile to lose its thermal “target”.

Another impressive maneuver the Su-27 can perform is the “Kulbit“, also known as the “Frolov Chakra“. This complex maneuver sees the aircraft perform a 360-degree flip on itself while continuing to fly forward.

These maneuvers, while spectacular, illustrate the Su-27’s ability to fight and survive in a modern combat environment. They testify to the aircraft’s advanced design and its ability to compete with other fourth-generation fighters.

The Sukhoi Su-27 is an impressive fighter in terms of performance and maneuverability. Whether in terms of speed, altitude or range, the Su-27 has proven to be a strong competitor on the international scene. What’s more, its ability to perform advanced aerial maneuvers demonstrates its flexibility and versatility in a wide range of combat situations.

The Sukhoi-27: a versatile fighter aircraft

The Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker has been designed to fulfill a variety of roles in the Russian Air Force and other air forces that have acquired this aircraft. Here’s a look at some of the key roles it has fulfilled:

Air superiority: The Su-27’s primary role is air superiority. It was designed to engage and destroy enemy aircraft in the sky. Its high speed, maneuverability and powerful armament make it ideal for this role.

Interception: The Su-27 has also been used as an interceptor. Its ability to reach high speeds and climb rapidly to altitude enables it to intercept enemy aircraft before they can reach their targets.

Ground attack: Although primarily designed for aerial roles, the Su-27 has also been used for ground attack missions. It can carry a variety of munitions, including laser-guided bombs and air-to-ground missiles, enabling it to attack ground targets.

Reconnaissance: Some versions of the Su-27 are equipped with advanced reconnaissance equipment, enabling them to gather information on enemy positions and movements.

Training: The Su-27UB is a two-seat version of the aircraft used to train new pilots. It has two identical cockpits, enabling an instructor to take control if required.

Air defense: In some countries, the Su-27 has been used for air defense of national territory. Its range and firepower make it an ideal platform for repelling air incursions.

Use and missions of the Su-27 Flanker in warfare

Ukraine conflict: The Su-27 has been used extensively by the Ukrainian air force in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Russia has also deployed Su-27s in Ukraine. The specific details of the missions carried out by these aircraft are not fully known, but they were probably used for both air superiority and ground support.

Wars in Chechnya: The Su-27 was used by the Russian Air Force during the two wars in Chechnya in the 1990s and 2000s. The aircraft were used to provide air cover for ground troops and to carry out air strikes against Chechen militants.

Ethiopian-Eritrean conflict: Ethiopia used Su-27s during the Ethiopian-Eritrean conflict from 1998 to 2000. The aircraft played a key role in Ethiopia’s air defense, successfully shooting down several Eritrean aircraft.

Angola civil war: Angola used Su-27s during the country’s long civil war. The aircraft were used to carry out air strikes against UNITA rebels and to provide air cover for government troops.

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The Sukhoi Su-27, also known as the Flanker by NATO, is a Russian fighter that has played an important role in several conflicts since its introduction in the 1980s. Designed to rival aircraft such as the American F-15 Eagle, the Su-27 is a super-maneuverable, twin-engine fighter that excels in air superiority and interception roles.

It has been particularly active in Ukraine, where it has been used by both sides in the ongoing conflict. Indeed, Ukraine has lost at least a dozen Su-27s in the last 18 months, suggesting that it may still have up to 45 in service. The specific details of the missions carried out by these aircraft are not fully known, but they were probably used for air superiority, ground support and interception.

The Su-27 was also involved in an incident where a Russian aircraft struck the propeller of a US Air Force MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicle. This underlines the global reach of the Su-27 and its continued use in conflict zones. The Su-27 is a versatile fighter aircraft that has proved its worth in a variety of combat roles. Despite its age, it remains a key component of many air forces around the world.

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