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The Su-27 has seen limited action since it first entered service. Ethiopian Su-27s reportedly shot down five Eritrean MiG-29s;<ref name = "Milavia">{{cite web | url = http://www.milavia.net/aircraft/su-27/su-27_ops.htm | title = Su-27 operations | publisher = Milavia}}</ref>{{Verify source|date=July 2008}} in February 1999 and another on [[May 16]], [[2000]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://users.accesscomm.ca/magnusfamily/noname.htm | title = Air Aces }}</ref><ref>[http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_192.shtml Claims with No Names], Air Aces page.</ref>{{Verify source|date=April 2008}} The Su-27s were also used in CAP ([[Combat Air Patrol]]) missions, suppression of air defense, and providing escort for fighters on bombing and reconnaissance missions.<ref>"ke bahru be chilfa" (Ethiopian Air Force 2007 graduation publication, May 2007), pp. 72–3</ref>{{Verify source|date=February 2008}}<!-- This proves the Ethopians said it, not that it's true - need a neutral reliable source. --> In the [[War in Somalia (2006-present)]], the EtAF used their Su-27s to deadly effect, bombing [[Islamist]] garrisons and patrolling the airspace.
The Su-27 has seen limited action since it first entered service. Ethiopian Su-27s reportedly shot down five Eritrean MiG-29s;<ref name = "Milavia">{{cite web | url = http://www.milavia.net/aircraft/su-27/su-27_ops.htm | title = Su-27 operations | publisher = Milavia}}</ref>{{Verify source|date=July 2008}} in February 1999 and another on [[May 16]], [[2000]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://users.accesscomm.ca/magnusfamily/noname.htm | title = Air Aces }}</ref><ref>[http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_192.shtml Claims with No Names], Air Aces page.</ref>{{Verify source|date=April 2008}} The Su-27s were also used in CAP ([[Combat Air Patrol]]) missions, suppression of air defense, and providing escort for fighters on bombing and reconnaissance missions.<ref>"ke bahru be chilfa" (Ethiopian Air Force 2007 graduation publication, May 2007), pp. 72–3</ref>{{Verify source|date=February 2008}}<!-- This proves the Ethopians said it, not that it's true - need a neutral reliable source. --> In the [[War in Somalia (2006-present)]], the EtAF used their Su-27s to deadly effect, bombing [[Islamist]] garrisons and patrolling the airspace.


The Su27 entered Angolan service in mid-2000. It is reported that one Su-27 was shot down by [[SA-14]] MANPADs fired by [[UNITA]] forces on 19 November 2000.<ref name="Milavia" /><ref name="Cast">{{cite web | url = http://mdb.cast.ru/mdb/2-2001/ff/atdjm/#_edn24 | title = Moscow Defense Brief}}</ref>
The Su27 entered Angolan service in mid-2000. It is reported that one Su-27 in the process of landing,was shot down by [[SA-14]] MANPADs fired by [[UNITA]] forces on 19 November 2000.<ref name="Milavia" /><ref name="Cast">{{cite web | url = http://mdb.cast.ru/mdb/2-2001/ff/atdjm/#_edn24 | title = Moscow Defense Brief}}</ref>


Recently, in the [[2008 South Ossetia War]], Russia used Su-27s to gain airspace control over [[Tskhinvali]], the capital city of South Ossetia.<ref name="lenta888">[http://lenta.ru/news/2008/08/08/stopsheling/ Lenta.Ru: Georgian army forces falling back from Tskhinvali] {{ru icon}}</ref><ref name= "airplanes">[http://lenta.ru/news/2008/08/08/strikes/ Lenta.Ru: Russian airplanes are bombing Georgian army positions] {{ru icon}}</ref>
Recently, in the [[2008 South Ossetia War]], Russia used Su-27s to gain airspace control over [[Tskhinvali]], the capital city of South Ossetia.<ref name="lenta888">[http://lenta.ru/news/2008/08/08/stopsheling/ Lenta.Ru: Georgian army forces falling back from Tskhinvali] {{ru icon}}</ref><ref name= "airplanes">[http://lenta.ru/news/2008/08/08/strikes/ Lenta.Ru: Russian airplanes are bombing Georgian army positions] {{ru icon}}</ref>

Revision as of 01:42, 14 June 2009

Su-27
Su-27UB of the Russian Knights aerobatic team
Role Air superiority fighter
Manufacturer Sukhoi Design Bureau
First flight 20 May 1977
Introduction December 1984
Status In production / In service
Primary users Russian Air Force
Chinese Air Force
Ukrainian Air Force
See Operators for others
Produced 1984-current
Number built 680
Variants Su-30
Su-33
Su-34
Su-35
Su-37
Shenyang J-11

The Sukhoi Su-27 (Су-27 in the Cyrillic alphabet) (NATO reporting nameFlanker’) is a one-seat Mach-2 class jet fighter plane originally manufactured by the Soviet Union, and designed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau. It was intended as a direct competitor for the large American fourth generation fighters, with long 3,530 km range, heavy armament, sophisticated avionics and high agility. The Su-27 most often flies air superiority missions, but is able to perform almost all combat operations. Complementing the smaller MiG-29, its closest American counterpart is the F-15 Eagle.

There are several related developments of the Su-27 design. The Su-30 is a two-seat, dual-role fighter for all-weather, air-to-air and air-to-surface deep interdiction missions; comparable to F-15E Strike Eagle. Su-33 ‘Flanker-D’ is a navy fleet defense interceptor for use on aircraft carriers; comparable to F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. Further versions include the side-by-side 2-seat Su-34 ‘Fullback’ strike variant and the Su-35 ‘Flanker-E’ improved air defense fighter.

Development

Background

In Template:Avyear the Soviet Union learned of the United States Air Force’s selection of McDonnell Douglas to produce the Fighter Experimental design (which was to become the F-15 Eagle). In response to that upcoming threat, the Soviets instituted the PFI (perspektivnyi frontovoy istrebitel, Advanced Frontline Fighter) program for an aircraft that could match the new American fighter on its own terms.

When the specification proved too challenging and costly for a single aircraft in the number needed, the PFI specification was split into two: the LPFI (Lyogkyi PFI, Lightweight PFI) and the TPFI (Tyazholyi PFI, Heavy PFI). THE LPFI program resulted in the MiG-29, a relatively short-range tactical fighter, while the TPFI program was assigned to Sukhoi OKB, which eventually produced the Su-27 and its various derivatives. The TPFI program is similar to the American F-X program, which resulted in the F-15 Eagle, while the LPFI program is similar to the Lightweight Fighter program, which spawned the F-16 Fighting Falcon and the Northrop YF-17, which itself led to the F/A-18 Hornet.

Design phase

The Sukhoi design, which was altered progressively to reflect Soviet awareness of the F-15's specifications, emerged as the T-10 (Sukhoi's 10th delta wing design), which first flew on 20 May 1977. The aircraft had a large delta wing, clipped, with two separate podded engines and a twin tail. The ‘tunnel’ between the two engines, as on the F-14 Tomcat, acts both as an additional lifting surface and hides armament from radar. While being developed, it was spotted by a spy satellite at the Zhukovsky flight test center near the town of Ramenskoe, resulting in the temporary codename of Ram-K. It was believed that the Ram-K was being developed in two versions: a swing-wing fighter similar in function to the Grumman F-14 and a two-seat fixed wing interceptor aircraft which in fact turned out to be the unrelated Mikoyan MiG-31.

T-10 in front of a Mil Mi-12.

The T-10 was spotted by Western observers and assigned the NATO reporting nameFlanker-A’. The development of the T-10 was marked by considerable problems, leading to a fatal crash on 7 May 1978. Extensive redesigns followed, and a heavily revised version, the T-10S, made its first flight on 20 April 1981. This, too, had considerable developmental problems, leading to another fatal crash on 23 December 1981.

Soviet Su-27 in-flight.

The production Su-27 (sometimes Su-27S, NATO designation 'Flanker-B') began to enter VVS operational service around Template:Avyear, although manufacturing difficulties kept it from appearing in strength until Template:Avyear. The Su-27 served with both the PVO and Frontal Aviation. In V-PVO service it was primarily an interceptor, supplanting older aircraft like the Sukhoi Su-15 and Tupolev Tu-28. Although the Su-27 has some capacity to carry air-to-ground weapons, in Frontal Aviation service its primary role was neither air support nor battlefield air superiority[citation needed] - it was intended as an aerial interdictor, tasked with fighting its way past enemy (presumably NATO) lines to strike tanker and AWACS aircraft. Soviet planners knew that NATO forces possessed an advantage because of these assets, and believed that attacking them directly would limit NATO’s ability to maintain an extended air campaign. [citation needed] The Su-27 retains that role in CIS service, with later marks capable of carrying long-range "AWACS killer" missiles such as the Vympel R-37 and, potentially, the Novator K-100 when it enters production.

From 1986 a special Su-27 designated P-42, rebuilt from the prototype T-10S-3 aircraft and stripped to minimum weight, began to set the first in a series of performance records for rate of climb and altitude, the aircraft setting 27 new class records between 1986 and 1988.

Design

Su-27 from Russian Knights aerobatic team on landing at Kubinka airbase
Landing at Kubinka, Russia.
MAKS Airshow-2007. Su-27SK

The Su-27’s basic design is aerodynamically similar to the MiG-29, but it is substantially larger. It is a very large aircraft, and to minimize its weight its structure has a high percentage of titanium (about 30%, more than any of its contemporaries). No composite materials were used. The swept wing blends into the fuselage at the leading edge extensions and is essentially a delta, although the tips are cropped for wingtip missile rails or ECM pods. The Su-27 is not a true delta, however, because it retains conventional tailplanes, with two vertical tailfins outboard of the engines, supplemented by two fold-down ventral fins for additional lateral stability.

The Su-27’s Lyulka AL-31F turbofan engines are widely spaced, both for safety reasons and to ensure uninterrupted airflow through the intakes. The space between the engines also provides additional lift, reducing wing loading. Movable guide vanes in the intakes allow Mach 2+ speeds, and help to maintain engine airflow at high alpha. A mesh screen over each intake prevents debris from being drawn into the engines during take-off.

The Su-27 had the Soviet Union’s first operational fly-by-wire control system, developed based on Sukhoi OKB’s experience in the Sukhoi T-4 bomber project. Combined with relatively low wing loading and powerful basic flight controls, it makes for an exceptionally agile aircraft, controllable even at very low speeds and high angles of attack. In airshows the aircraft has demonstrated its maneuverability with a Cobra (Pugachev’s Cobra) or dynamic deceleration - briefly sustained level flight at a 120° angle of attack. Thrust vectoring has also been tested (and is incorporated on later Su-30MKI and Su-37 models), allowing the fighter to perform hard turns with almost no radius, incorporate vertical somersaults into level motion and limited nose-up hovering.

The naval version of the ‘Flanker,’ the Su-27K (or Su-33), incorporates canards for additional lift, reducing take-off distances (important because the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov has no catapults). These canards have also been incorporated in some Su-30s, the Su-35, and the Su-37.

In addition to its considerable agility, the Su-27 uses its substantial internal volume for a large internal fuel capacity. In an overload configuration for maximum range, it can carry 9,400 kg (20,700 lb) of internal fuel, although its maneuverability with that load is limited, and normal load is 5,270 kg (11,620 lb).

The Su-27 is armed with a single 30 mm Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-30-1 cannon in the starboard wingroot, and has up to 10 hardpoints for missiles and other weapons. Its standard missile armament for air-to-air combat is a mixture of Vympel R-73 (AA-11 Archer), Vympel R-27 (AA-10 'Alamo') weapons, the latter including extended range and IR guided models. More advanced Flanker variants (such as Su-30, -35, -37) may also carry Vympel R-77 (AA-12 Adder) missiles.

The Su-27 has a high-contrast tuneable HUD and a helmet-mounted sight capability, which, paired with the R-73 missile and the plane's superb agility make it one of the world's best dogfighter aircraft.

The radar proved to be a major developmental problem for the Su-27. The original Soviet requirement was very ambitious, demanding a multi-target engagement capability and 200 km range against "bombers" (16 m² RCS to match a Tu-16). This would greatly exceed the detection range of the F-15’s APG-63 (about 180 km vs a 100 m² RCS target) and be broadly comparable to the 1-ton Zaslon phased array radar used on the MiG-31.

Undercarriage of Su-27SK

To achieve this at a reasonable weight, the design team came up with a radar using electronic scanning for elevation and mechanical scanning for azimuth. Unfortunately, it proved too much for the Soviet microelectronics industry in the 1970s to achieve, and by 1982, the original Myesch program had to be abandoned and a less capable alternative array was selected. To make up the lost time, many matured technologies from the N019 Topaz radar, including an enlarged version of the twist-cassegraine array, on the MiG-29 was used, and as a result, the resulting N001 radar shared the same TS100 signal processor used on N019 Topaz radar, while N001V, the successor of N001, shared the same TS101M signal processor with N019M, the successor of N019. The radar only achieved a 140 km detection range versus the Tu-16, and could only engage a single target. Even then, the radar was initially beset by reliability problems and this caused the N001 to be accepted for service in 1991, half a decade after the Su-27 first entered service in 1986.

The first of the N001 series radar, the Tikhomirov (NIIR) N001 (NATO ‘Slot Back’), is a pulse-Doppler set with track-while-scan capability, but its processor is relatively primitive, making it vulnerable to false alarms and blind spots, as well as being more difficult to use. During the years, under the chief designer of N001 radar, Professor Viktor Konstantinovitch Grishin, the N001 radar has been upgraded many times, resulting in derivatives including N001V, N001VE, N001VEP, all of which are in service, including those exported Flankers. Professor V.K. Grishin was the chief designer of Zalson S-800 passive phased array radar on MiG-31, and the expertise would later contribute to the design of the replacement phased array radars for the N001 series.

Su-27UB cockpit showing IRST system.

It was apparent that there was limited room for improvement in the N001 series radar, and the Su-30 and Su-35/37 aircraft have the vastly superior Tikhomirov (NIIR) 'Bars' (Panther) N011M with a passive electronically scanned array, improving range, multiple target capability, and sensitivity. The Bars (Panther) radar is scheduled to be replaced by an even more capable successor, Irbis (Snow leopard)-E phased array radar in the near future. Tikhomirov (NIIR)’s competitor, Phazotron (NIIP) also offered similar radar with passive electronically scanned array.

The Su-27 has an infrared search and track (IRST) system in the nose just forward of the cockpit, which also incorporates a laser rangefinder. This system can be slaved to the radar, or used independently for "stealthy" attacks with infrared missiles (such as the R-73 and R-27T/ET). It also controls the cannon, providing greater accuracy than a radar sighting mode.

While the Su-27 and its immediate descendants (Su-35 and -37) have outstanding maneuverability and performance, the airframe design lacks stealth features, so the radar cross section (RCS) is large.

Operational history

Su-27 carrying R-27 missiles.

The Su-27 has seen limited action since it first entered service. Ethiopian Su-27s reportedly shot down five Eritrean MiG-29s;[1][verification needed] in February 1999 and another on May 16, 2000.[2][3][verification needed] The Su-27s were also used in CAP (Combat Air Patrol) missions, suppression of air defense, and providing escort for fighters on bombing and reconnaissance missions.[4][verification needed] In the War in Somalia (2006-present), the EtAF used their Su-27s to deadly effect, bombing Islamist garrisons and patrolling the airspace.

The Su27 entered Angolan service in mid-2000. It is reported that one Su-27 in the process of landing,was shot down by SA-14 MANPADs fired by UNITA forces on 19 November 2000.[1][5]

Recently, in the 2008 South Ossetia War, Russia used Su-27s to gain airspace control over Tskhinvali, the capital city of South Ossetia.[6][7]

Variants

Soviet-era

Left side scheme of a Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker B, first production series.
Left side scheme of a Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker B, last production series.
Russian fighter Su-27K (later designated Su-33) on a deck of Admiral Kuznetsov
Sukhoi Su-33
  • T10 ("Flanker-A"): Initial prototype configuration.
  • T10S: Improved prototype configuration, more similar to production spec.
  • P-42: Special version built to beat climb time records. The aircraft had all armament, radar and paint removed, which reduced weight to 14,100 kg. It also had improved engines.
  • Su-27 Preproduction series built in small numbers with AL-31 engine
  • Su-27S (Su-27 / "Flanker-B"): Initial production single-seater with improved AL-31F engine. The "T10P" designation is sometimes used for Su-27S single-seaters stripped of secondary strike capability.
  • Su-27UB ("Flanker-C"): Initial production two-seat operational conversion trainer.
  • Su-27SK: Export Su-27 single-seater.
  • Su-27UBK: Export Su-27UB two-seater.
  • Su-27K (Su-33 / "Flanker-D"): Carrier-based single-seater with folding wings, high-lift devices, and arresting gear, built in small numbers. They followed the "T10K" prototypes and demonstrators.

Post-Soviet era

  • Su-27PD: Single-seat demonstrator with improvements such as inflight refueling probe.
  • Su-27PU (Su-30): Two-seat limited production machine with improvements such as inflight refueling probe, fighter direction avionics, new flight control system, and so on.
  • Su-30M / Su-30MK: Next-generation multirole two-seater. Apparently a few Su-30Ms were built for Russian evaluation in the mid-1990s, though nothing much came of the effort. The Su-30MK export variant was embodied as a series of two demonstrators of different levels of capability.
  • Su-30MKA: Export version for Algeria.
  • Su-30MKI (Flanker-H): Substantially improved Su-30MK for the Indian Air Force, with canards, vectored-thrust engines, new avionics provided by several nations, and multirole capability.
  • Su-30MKK (Flanker-G): Su-30MK for the Chinese air force, with updated Russian-built avionics and multirole capability, but no canards or thrust-vectoring engines. The Chinese navy also bought similar "Su-30MK2" machines with enhanced antishipping attack capabilities.
  • Su-30MKM: A copy of Su-30MKI with special configuration for Malaysia.
  • Su-30KN (Flanker-B Mod. 2): Improved single-seater that features new electronics that allow the Su-30KN to perform new functions, most concerning navigation.
  • Su-30KI (Flanker-B Mod. 2): Improved single-seater with Su-30MK features for Indonesia deal that fell through, following in the steps of an "Su-27SMK" evaluation aircraft flown in the mid-1990s.
  • Su-27M (Su-35 / -37, Flanker-E/F): Series of improved demonstrators for an advanced single-seat multirole Su-27S derivative. The series also included a two-seat "Su-35UB" demonstrator.
  • Su-27SM (Flanker-B Mod. 1): Upgraded Russian Su-27S, featuring technology evaluated in the Su-27M demonstrators.
  • Su-27SKM: Single-seat multirole fighter for export. It is a derivative of the Su-27SK but includes upgrades such as advanced cockpit, more sophisticated self-defense electronic countermeasures (ECM) and an in-flight refueling system.[8]
  • Su-27UBM: Comparable upgraded Su-27UB two-seater.
  • Su-32 (Su-27IB): Two-seat dedicated long-range strike variant with side-by-side seating in "platypus" nose. Prototype of Su-32FN and Su-34 'Fullback'.
  • Su-27KUB: Essentially an Su-27K carrier-based single-seater with a side-by-side cockpit, for use as a naval carrier trainer or multirole aircraft.
  • Su-27BM (Su-35): Also dubbed "The Last Flanker" is latest development from Sukhoi Flanker family. It features newer avionics and new radar.

Operators

Operators of Su-27 and Su-30. Russia in dark red.
A Chinese Sukhoi Su-27UBK, a twin-seat version of the Su-27BK

Around 680 Su-27s were manufactured by the Soviet Union and Russia. This total includes only Su-27s and not later derivative aircraft.

 Angola
People's Air and Air Defence Force of Angola. About 8 Su-27 and -27UB.[9]
 Belarus
Belarus Air Force. Received 23 Su-27s from Soviet Union.[9] Has 23 in service as of late 2008.[9]
 People's Republic of China
People's Liberation Army Air Force. China acquired 76 Su-27 fighters from Russia before signing an agreement in Template:Avyear to redesign China's own versions of the plane as the Shenyang J-11 (about 100 have been built by 2004).
 Eritrea
Eritrean Air Force. About 8 Su-27SK/27UB went to Eritrea in 2003.[9]
 Ethiopia
The Ethiopian Air Force operates 11 Su-27SK, 3 Su-27P, and 4 Su-27UB[9]
 Indonesia
Indonesian Air Force has 2 Su-27SKs in service as of early 2009. By 2010, the Indonesian Air Force is to receive 3 Su-27SKMs.[9]
 Kazakhstan
operates around 30 and is due a further 12 under agreement.[9]
 Russia
449 are in service with the Russian Air Force.[10] Russia presently plan to upgrade their aircraft to the Su-27SM standard, which will include a glass cockpit and a change to digital fly-by-wire. The radar is to be upgraded with a phased array (most likely Pero) allowing increased range. The self defense and navigation suites will also be upgraded, as well as an attack suite. They hope this will be completed by 2009.
 Ukraine
The Ukrainian Air Force has 74 in service as of November 2008.[11]
 Uzbekistan
has 25 in service.[9]
 Vietnam
Vietnam People's Air Force has 36 Su-27SKs [12]
 United States
Two Su-27s were delivered to the United States in 1995, probably for aggressor training.[9][13] Two more were bought from Ukraine in 2009.[14]

Former operators

 Soviet Union
Soviet Air Force and Soviet Anti-Air Defence

Specifications (Su-27)

Data from KNAAPO Su-27SK page,[15] Sukhoi Su-27SK page,[16] Gordon and Davison[17]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1 or 2

Performance

Armament

  • 1 × 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon with 275 rounds
  • 8,000 kg (17,600 lb) on 10 external pylons
    • Up to 6 × medium-range AA missiles R-27, 2 × short-range heat-seeking AA missiles R-73
      • Upgraded Su-27SM is capable of using R-77 instead of R-27

Su-27S armament

Incidents and accidents

The Su-27 is in a starring role in the SSI flight simulator game Su-27 Flanker.

It also appears in the sequel Lock On, in fact in this game among other aircraft you can fly the SU-27 Flanker B and the naval variant SU-33 Flanker D.

The SU-27 also appears in the YSFLIGHT flight simulator, and a certain SU-27 has a drogue parachute that is activated by using the thrust reversal control.

The SU-27 is also a playable plane in Tom Clancy's game H.A.W.X and some ACE COMBAT games

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References

  1. ^ a b "Su-27 operations". Milavia.
  2. ^ "Air Aces".
  3. ^ Claims with No Names, Air Aces page.
  4. ^ "ke bahru be chilfa" (Ethiopian Air Force 2007 graduation publication, May 2007), pp. 72–3
  5. ^ "Moscow Defense Brief".
  6. ^ Lenta.Ru: Georgian army forces falling back from Tskhinvali Template:Ru icon
  7. ^ Lenta.Ru: Russian airplanes are bombing Georgian army positions Template:Ru icon
  8. ^ KNAAPO - Production - Defense - Su-27SKM
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h i Niels Hillebrand (2008-10-11). "Su-27 Flanker Operators List". MILAVIA. Retrieved 2008-10-12.
  10. ^ SU-27 Flanker air superiority fighter, warfare.ru
  11. ^ "Directory: World Air Forces", Flight International, 11-17 November 2008.
  12. ^ http://www.milaviapress.com/orbat/vietnam/index.php
  13. ^ Gordon and Davison 2006. p. 101.
  14. ^ http://en.rian.ru/world/20090512/121553649.html
  15. ^ Sukhoi Su-27SK. KNAAPO.
  16. ^ Su-27SK Aircraft performance page. Sukhoi.
  17. ^ Gordon and Davison 2006, pp. 92, 95-96.
  18. ^ "Pilots blamed for air show crash". CNN. 7 August 2002.
  19. ^ "Su-27 Flanker fighter crashes in Russia's Far East, 1 pilot dead". RIA Novosti. July 29, 2008.
  • Gordon, Yefim and Peter Davison. Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker, Specialty Press, 2006. ISBN 978-1-58007-091-1.
  • Modern Combat Aircraft: Reference guide, pp. 50–51. Minsk, "Elida", 1997. ISBN 985-6163-10-2. Template:Ru icon

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