Discover the wartime missions of the Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker, its technical characteristics and its key role in various conflicts and military operations.

The Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker is a fighter aircraft developed by the Sukhoi design bureau in the Soviet Union. Designed as a response to the American F-15 Eagle fighter, the Su-27 is known for its exceptional manoeuvrability, long range and ability to carry out air superiority missions. Since entering service in the 1980s, it has played a crucial role in various military operations around the world, becoming a mainstay of the air forces of several countries.

Technical characteristics of the Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker

Design and development

Development of the Su-27 began in 1969 in response to the US F-X programme, which led to the creation of the F-15 Eagle. The Su-27 was designed to excel in terms of range, short-field performance, agility and ability to carry heavy weaponry. The first prototype, designated the T-10, made its maiden flight in May 1977. However, initial problems led to several modifications before the final version, the T-10S, was approved for production.

Performance and capabilities

The Su-27 is powered by two AL-31F engines, each capable of producing 122 kN of thrust. It has a maximum speed of 2,500 km/h and an operational range of 3,530 km. The aircraft can operate at a maximum altitude of 19,000 metres and has a rate of climb of 325 m/s. These characteristics make the Su-27 an aircraft capable of competing with the best Western fighters of its time.

Weapons and equipment

The Su-27 is armed with a 30mm GSh-30-1 cannon with 150 shells and can carry up to ten air-to-air missiles on its carry points. Commonly used missiles include the R-27R1 (AA-10 Alamo-A) with semi-active radar guidance and the R-73E (AA-11 Archer) with infrared guidance. The aircraft is also equipped with infrared search and track (IRST) systems, laser rangefinders and Doppler pulse radars, enabling it to detect, track and engage targets at long range.

The Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker is distinguished by its versatility and reliability, having proven its effectiveness in a variety of operational environments. Its technical characteristics and performance have made it a valuable asset for the air forces that have adopted it.

Historical war missions

Conflict in Ethiopia and Eritrea (1998-2000)

Background to the conflict

The conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea, also known as the Badme War, broke out in May 1998 as a result of border disputes. Eritrea, which had gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993, invaded disputed territories, triggering an intense war that lasted until June 2000. The conflict resulted in heavy loss of life, with estimates varying between 70,000 and 300,000 dead, as well as large numbers of refugees on both sides.

The role of the Su-27 in aerial combat

Ethiopia acquired Su-27s directly from Russia to counter Eritrea’s MiG-29s. The Su-27s were deployed to achieve air superiority and were used for escort and interception missions. Ethiopian pilots often had to rely on their own capabilities to detect and engage enemy targets due to the limitations of the radar network in mountainous terrain.

Mission success and impact

During the air clashes of February 1999, Ethiopian Su-27s succeeded in shooting down several Eritrean MiG-29s, thus ensuring Ethiopia’s air dominance. These air victories considerably weakened Eritrea’s air capabilities, limiting their ability to carry out offensive operations.

Civil war in Syria

Su-27 participation in Russian operations

In Syria, Russia has deployed Su-27s as part of its military campaign in support of the Syrian government. The Su-27s have mainly been used for air defence and air superiority missions, protecting Russian and Syrian ground forces from air attacks and controlling Syrian airspace.

Air defence and air superiority missions

The Su-27s carried out patrol and interception missions, ensuring the protection of air bases and ground troops. They have also escorted bombers and attack aircraft on missions against rebel and terrorist positions.

Examples of notable missions

One notable example is the interception of an American reconnaissance aircraft by a Russian Su-27 over the Mediterranean in June 2019. This mission demonstrated the Su-27’s ability to protect Syrian airspace from foreign intrusion.

Surveillance and interception missions

National border surveillance

Examples of surveillance missions

Su-27s are regularly used for border surveillance missions, particularly in sensitive regions such as Russia’s northern border. For example, Su-27s have been deployed to monitor and intercept NATO reconnaissance aircraft approaching Russia’s borders in the Baltic Sea region.

The Su-27’s effectiveness in these missions

The Su-27 has proved highly effective in surveillance missions thanks to its long-range detection capabilities and great manoeuvrability. These surveillance missions help to deter intruders and maintain the security of national borders.

Aircraft interceptions

Notable incidents with foreign reconnaissance aircraft

One notable incident occurred in 2014 when Russian Su-27s intercepted an American RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea. The Su-27 escorted the aircraft out of international airspace, demonstrating the Su-27’s ability to respond quickly to intrusions.

Importance of these missions for national security

Interception missions are crucial to national security, as they help to control and prevent unauthorised reconnaissance activities near borders. Su-27s play a vital role in these missions, ensuring that potential intrusions are quickly detected and dealt with.

The Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker continues to demonstrate its value in a variety of military missions, ensuring air superiority and national security for the countries that operate it.

Training and demonstration missions

Pilot training

Role of the Su-27 in fighter pilot training

The Sukhoi Su-27, particularly the two-seat Su-27UB (Flanker-C), plays a crucial role in fighter pilot training. The Su-27UB is specially designed for advanced training missions, while retaining all the combat capabilities of the single-seat versions. The instructor sits in the rear cockpit and has dual controls, enabling pilots to be effectively trained in advanced flight and combat techniques.

The Su-27 is used to familiarise pilots with air combat manoeuvres, navigation and the use of sophisticated weapons systems. Its exceptional manoeuvrability and high performance make it an ideal training tool for preparing pilots for air superiority missions.

Training centres using the Su-27

Several training centres around the world use the Su-27 to train their pilots. In Russia, institutions such as the Lipetsk training centre are equipped with Su-27s for combat training. In addition, countries such as China and India, which also operate variants of the Su-27, have integrated these aircraft into their training programmes to improve their pilots’ skills.

Aerial demonstrations

Participation in air shows

The Su-27 regularly takes part in airshows and air shows, where it demonstrates its impressive capabilities. Events such as the Moscow Air Show (MAKS) and the Royal International Air Tattoo in the UK have often featured Su-27 flight demonstrations. These demonstrations showcase the complex aerobatic manoeuvres and power of the Su-27, attracting the attention of spectators and aviation experts alike.

Examples of outstanding performances

Among the standout performances is the ‘Pugachev Cobra’, a manoeuvre in which the Su-27 suddenly raises its nose to a very high angle before returning to a normal flight position. This manoeuvre, which demonstrates the aircraft’s extreme manoeuvrability, has been performed at numerous air shows, impressing the public every time. Another notable performance was at the Farnborough Air Show, where the Su-27 demonstrated its ability to perform tight turns and rapid climbs, highlighting its combat capabilities.

The Sukhoi Su-27 continues to play an essential role both in the training of new pilots and in aerial demonstrations, demonstrating its exceptional capabilities and its importance in the field of military aviation.

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