The Su-27, commonly known as the Flanker, represents a pinnacle in modern fighter aircraft design. Developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau and manufactured by Irkut, this twin-engine marvel stands as a testament to Russian aeronautical prowess. Codenamed Flanker by NATO, the Su-27 is designed to provide air superiority and is equipped to operate autonomously in combat over hostile territories. Let’s delve into a comprehensive exploration of this remarkable aircraft.
Table of Contents
Su-27 Specifications
| Specifications: | Details: |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Name | Su-27 Flanker |
| NATO Codename | Flanker |
| Designer | Sukhoi Design Bureau |
| Manufacturer | Irkut |
| Export Version | Su-27SK |
| Variants | Su-30M Flanker, Su-33, Su-35 |
| Production Started | 1982 |
| In Service With |
Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Vietnam China (licensed production as F-11), India (licensed local production) |
| Ordered |
50 (India) 140 (India, domestically built by HAL) 76 Su-30MKK, 24 Su-30MK2 (China) 2 Su-27SK, 2 Su-30MK (Indonesia) 10 (Mexico) 3 Su-27SKM, 3 Su-30MK2 (Indonesia) |
| First Delivery |
September 2002 (India) November 2004 (HAL, India) August 2004 (China) September 2003 (Indonesia) |
| Versions | Su-27SM |
| Improved Version Features | Improved fuselage for extra weapons payload, N001 radar, glass cockpit with three-colour multi-function displays, improved avionics |
| First Su-27SM Delivery | December 2003 |
| Construction | Highly integrated twin-finned aircraft Airframe: Titanium and high-strength aluminum alloys Engine Nacelles: Trouser fairings for a continuous streamlined profile Fuselage Head: Semi-monocoque construction, including cockpit, radar compartments, avionics bay |
| Weapons | 30mm GSh-301 gun with 150 rounds of ammunition Range of missiles, rockets, and bombs mounted externally on ten hardpoints |
| Countermeasures | Electronic countermeasures suite for individual aircraft, mutual, and group protection Pilot illumination radar warning receiver Chaff and infrared decoy dispensers Active multi-mode jammer in the wingtip pods |
| Sensors and Communication System | Phazotron N001 Zhuk coherent pulse-Doppler radar with track-while-scan and look-down/shoot-down capability Range: Over 100km against 3m² targets in the forward hemisphere, 40km in the rear hemisphere OEPS-27 Electro-Optic System: Infrared Search-and-Track (IRST) sensor collimated with a laser rangefinder Range of Electro-Optical System: 40-100km, depending on the aspect angle presented by the target Radio Communications Suite: Voice and data, VHF/UHF radio communications between aircraft and ground control stations within sight range, voice radio communication with ground control stations and between aircraft up to a range of 1,500km, encrypted data link for combat information exchange between aircraft, command guidance from ground control stations using automatic interception mode Electro-Optical Fire-Control System: Supplied by Urals Optical and Mechanical Plant (YOM3), Geofizika FLIR (Forward-Looking Infrared) pod, Radar Systems by Leninetz, Electronic Countermeasures Suite by TsNIRTI |
| Engines | Two AL-31F turbofan engines, designed by Lyulka Engine Design Bureau (NPO Saturn) Each engine has two air intakes: a primary wedge intake and a louvered auxiliary air intake |
Su-27 Flanker Development
The Su-27 entered production in 1982, and since then, it has been in service with several countries, including Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam. Additionally, it is built under license in China, known as the F-11. Variants such as the Su-30M Flanker, Su-33, and Su-35 have been developed, demonstrating the versatility and adaptability of the original Su-27 design.
India, for instance, ordered a total of 50 Su-30MK aircraft from Irkut, with the first entering service in September 2002 and the last being delivered in December 2004. Moreover, the Mexican Navy selected the Su-27 in May 2006, ordering ten aircraft, including eight single-seat and two Su-27UB two-seat trainers. Furthermore, Indonesia ordered additional Su-27SKM and Su-30MK2 aircraft in August 2007.
One of the significant developments was the Su-27SM, an improved version that provided a substantial upgrade for the Russian Air Force. Equipped with an improved fuselage for extra weapons payload, N001 radar, and a glass cockpit with three-color multi-function displays and improved avionics, the Su-27SM marked a significant advancement. The first Su-27SM was delivered in December 2003.
Su-27 Design
The Su-27 boasts a highly integrated twin-finned design, constructed with titanium and high-strength aluminum alloys. The engine nacelles are fitted with trouser fairings to provide a continuous streamlined profile between the nacelles and the tail beams. The central beam section between the engine nacelles comprises the equipment compartment, fuel tank, and brake parachute container.
The fuselage head consists of a semi-monocoque construction, housing the cockpit, radar compartments, and the avionics bay. The fins and horizontal tail consoles are attached to tail beams, ensuring stability and agility during flight.
Weapons on Su-27
Equipped with a 30mm GSh-301 gun with 150 rounds of ammunition and a range of missiles, rockets, and bombs mounted externally on ten hardpoints, the Su-27 is a force to be reckoned with. The aircraft’s infrared search and track system, laser rangefinder, radar, and helmet-mounted target designator provide detection, tracking, and attack capability.
The range of air-to-air missiles carried by the Su-27 aircraft includes R-27R1 (NATO designation AA-10A Alamo-A), an all-aspect medium-range missile with semi-active radar homing, and R-27T1 (AA-10B Alamo-B) with infrared homing, with a range from 500m to 60km. Furthermore, the R-73E (AA-11 Archer) all-aspect, close-combat air-to-air missile with infrared homing has a range from 300m to 20km.
For air-to-ground missions, the Su-27 can carry 100kg, 250kg, and 500kg freefall and retarded aerial bombs, 500kg incendiary devices, 25kg, and 500kg RBK cluster bombs, as well as C-8, C-13, and C-25 unguided aerial missiles.
Countermeasures of the Su-27
The Su-27 is equipped with a new electronic countermeasures suite for individual aircraft, and mutual and group protection in the forward and rear hemispheres. The countermeasures system includes a pilot illumination radar warning receiver, chaff and infrared decoy dispensers, and an active multi-mode jammer in the wingtip pods.
Sensors and Communication System aboard Su-27
The Su-27 is equipped with a Phazotron N001 Zhuk coherent pulse-Doppler radar with track-while-scan and look-down/shoot-down capability. The range of the radar against 3m² targets is more than 100km in the forward hemisphere and 40km in the rear hemisphere. The radar can search, detect, and track up to ten targets with automatic threat assessment and prioritization.
Additionally, the aircraft has an OEPS-27 electro-optic system, including an infrared search-and-track (IRST) sensor collimated with a laser rangefinder. The range of the electro-optical system is 40-100km, depending on the aspect angle presented by the target.
The radio communications suite provides voice and data; VHF/UHF radio communications between aircraft and ground control stations within sight range; voice radio communication with ground control stations and between aircraft up to a range of 1,500km; an encrypted data link for combat information exchange between aircraft; and command guidance from ground control stations using automatic interception mode.
Electro-Optical Fire-Control System
The Su-27 is equipped with an electro-optical fire-control system, supplied by the Urals Optical and Mechanical Plant (YOM3), and a Geofizika FLIR (forward-looking infrared) pod. Russian electronic systems provider Leninetz supplies the radar systems and TsNIRTI the electronic countermeasures suite.
Engines of the Su-27
The Su-27SK is powered by two AL-31F turbofan engines, designed by the Lyulka Engine Design Bureau (NPO Saturn). Each engine has two air intakes: a primary wedge intake and a louvered auxiliary air intake. The twin-shaft, turbo-fan engine has after-turbine flow mixing, a common afterburner, an all-mode variable area jet exhaust nozzle, an independent start and a main electronic control, and a reserve hydromechanical engine mode control system. The high-temperature sections of the engines are made of titanium alloy.
A Su-27 fitted with AL-41F1 engines being developed by NPO Saturn took its first flight in March 2004. The uprated engine provides a thrust of 145kN (33,000lb).
In conclusion, the Su-27 Flanker stands as a testament to Russian engineering and design prowess. With its incredible capabilities, it continues to be a force to be reckoned with in modern aerial combat, providing air superiority and defense to various nations across the globe.
Read More Articles
- A Detailed Overview of the Su-35 Flanker-E Multirole Fighter
- US Air Force Successfully Conducts AI-Piloted Fighter Jet Dogfights
- Russian Su-35 Fighters Equipped with Stealth X-69 ALCMs
- Why Cyber Security is Essential: Exploring 5 Key Reasons
- Astra Space’s Financial Struggles: A Close Brush with Bankruptcy
- Introducing the Xogdor Rocket to the Military Realm
- The Formation of the LEO Owner Operators Affinity Group
- Expanding Satellite-to-Smartphone Connectivity
- Navigating Privacy and Safety in Adult Webcam Streaming
- Choosing Between Open Source and Proprietary LLMs
- Rethinking Food Packaging for a Sustainable Future
- Mastering Typography in Web Design
- Exploring Typography Trends for Digital Design in 2024
- Unlocking Sustainable Economic Growth Through Innovation
- Navigating the Financial Landscape of Executive Education and MBA Programs
- Understanding Information Technology: The Backbone of Modern Business
- Understanding Algorithms: Definition, Functionality, and Real-Life Applications
- Understanding Machine Learning: A Comprehensive Exploration
- Unlocking the Power of Machine Vision: Revolutionizing Industries
- Unlocking the Power of Expert Systems: Enhancing Decision-Making with AI
- Unlocking the Power of Natural Language Processing
- Unlocking the Secrets of Artificial Intelligence
- Optimizing Logistics with AI: Revolutionizing Efficiency in Package Routing
Frequently Asks Questions
What is the Su-27 Flanker?
The Su-27 Flanker is a twin-engine, highly maneuverable fighter aircraft developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau and manufactured by Irkut. It is designed to provide air superiority and is capable of operating autonomously in combat over hostile territory. The Su-27 is equipped for various missions, including escorting deep-penetration strike aircraft, suppressing enemy airfields, and providing general air defense in cooperation with ground-based and airborne control stations.
What is the NATO codename for the Su-27?
The NATO codename for the Su-27 is “Flanker”.
Which countries operate the Su-27 Flanker?
The Su-27 Flanker is in service with Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam. Additionally, it is built under license in China as the F-11. India also operates the Su-30MK, a version of the Su-27.
What are the variants of the Su-27?
The advanced versions of the Su-27 include the Su-30M Flanker, Su-33, and Su-35.
When did the Su-27 enter production?
The Su-27 entered production in 1982.
How many Su-27 aircraft were ordered from Irkut?
A total of 50 aircraft were ordered from Irkut. The first entered service with the Indian Air Force in September 2002, and the last was delivered in December 2004.
What are the features of the Su-27SM?
The Su-27SM is an improved version of the Su-27, providing a significant upgrade for the Russian Air Force. It is equipped with an improved fuselage for extra weapons payload, N001 radar, and a glass cockpit with three-color multi-function displays and improved avionics. The first Su-27SM was delivered in December 2003.
What is the construction of the Su-27?
The Su-27 is a highly integrated twin-finned aircraft. The airframe is constructed of titanium and high-strength aluminum alloys. The engine nacelles are fitted with trouser fairings to provide a continuous streamlined profile between the nacelles and the tail beams. The fins and horizontal tail consoles are attached to tail beams.
What are the weapons carried by the Su-27?
The Su-27 is equipped with a 30mm GSh-301 gun with 150 rounds of ammunition and a range of missiles, rockets, and bombs mounted externally on ten hardpoints.
What countermeasures does the Su-27 have?
The Su-27 is equipped with a new electronic countermeasures suite for individual aircraft, and mutual and group protection in the forward and rear hemispheres. The countermeasures system includes a pilot illumination radar warning receiver, chaff and infrared decoy dispensers, and an active multi-mode jammer in the wingtip pods.
What sensors and communication systems are aboard the Su-27?
The Su-27 is equipped with a Phazotron N001 Zhuk coherent pulse-Doppler radar with track-while-scan and look-down / shoot-down capability. It also has an OEPS-27 electro-optic system, which includes an infrared search-and-track (IRST) sensor collimated with a laser rangefinder. The aircraft’s radio communications suite provides voice and data, VHF/UHF radio communications between aircraft and ground control stations within sight range, voice radio communication with ground control stations and between aircraft up to a range of 1,500km, an encrypted data link for combat information exchange between aircraft, and command guidance from ground control stations using automatic interception mode.
What is the Electro-Optical Fire-Control System on the Su-27?
The Su-27 is equipped with an electro-optical fire-control system, supplied by the Urals Optical and Mechanical Plant (YOM3), and a Geofizika FLIR (Forward-Looking Infrared) pod. Russian electronic systems provider Leninetz supplies the radar systems and TsNIRTI the electronic countermeasures suite.
What are the engines of the Su-27?
The Su-27SK is powered by two AL-31F turbofan engines, designed by the Lyulka Engine Design Bureau (NPO Saturn). Each engine has two air intakes: a primary wedge intake and a louvered auxiliary air intake.
What is the range of the Su-27’s radar?
The range of the radar against 3m² targets is more than 100km in the forward hemisphere and 40km in the rear hemisphere. The radar can search, detect, and track up to ten targets with automatic threat assessment and prioritization.
What is the range of the Su-27’s electro-optical system?
The range of the electro-optical system is 40-100km, depending on the aspect angle presented by the target.
What types of air-to-air missiles does the Su-27 carry?
The range of air-to-air missiles carried by the Su-27 includes:
- R-27R1 (NATO designation AA-10A Alamo-A), an all-aspect medium-range missile with semi-active radar homing
- R-27T1 (AA-10B Alamo-B) with infrared homing and a range from 500m to 60km
- R-73E (AA-11 Archer) all-aspect, close-combat air-to-air missile with infrared homing and a range from 300m to 20km.
What types of ordnance does the Su-27 carry for air-to-ground missions?
Ordnance for air-to-ground missions includes:
- 100kg, 250kg, and 500kg freefall and retarded aerial bombs
- 500kg incendiary devices
- 25kg and 500kg RBK cluster bombs
- C-8, C-13, and C-25 unguided aerial missiles.
How many Su-27 aircraft did Mexico order?
In May 2006, the Su-27 was selected by the Mexican Navy. Ten aircraft are required, eight single-seat, and two Su-27UB two-seat trainers.
What is the Su-27 variant that was ordered by Indonesia?
Indonesia ordered two Su-27SK and two Su-30MK aircraft, which were delivered in September 2003. In August 2007, Indonesia ordered a further three Su-27SKM and three Su-30MK2 aircraft.
What is the total number of Su-27s ordered by China?
China ordered 76 two-seat Su-30MKK and 24 Su-30MK2 naval fighters. Deliveries were completed in August 2004.
