The Su27's first flight was in 1977, 5 years after the first flight of the F15. Previously the west had claimed that the Soviet Union was at least a generation behind in fighter technology. The Su27 closes this gap and is the first eastern fighter which many western experts have claimed to be the best in the world. The first production versions first flew in 1981 and were basic in their avionics fit, since then they have been upgraded and improved to having a number of Multi Function Displays (MFDs) and quadruplex fly-by-wire flight controls.
The Su27 along with the smaller and similar Mig29 represent a leap in Russian aerospace technology.
This is the basic single seat production version. It was first flown in 1981 and deliveries began in 1985. It has four channel analogue fly-by-wire, without mechanical backup. The Su27 like most modern fighters is inheriently unstable. During takeoff titanium metal mesh doors swing down over the air intakes to protect the engines from Foreign Object Damage (FOD). This feature like that of the Mig29's doors reflects their ability to operate for hastily prepared strips increasing their operational flexibility. The Su27 has a comprehensive sensors suit. The Phazatron N001 Zhuk track-while-scan coherent pulse doppler radar has a range of 103km, the laser range finder can be slaved to the pilots helmet mounted sight and be displayed on the wide angle HUD. The electro-optical search and track sensor allow the Flanker to search and track and enemy aircraft without radar emissions giving away their position. Both of the engines are linked to the flight control system to ensure optimum performance. This allows the Flanker to perform impressive manouvers such as 'Pougachev's Cobra' which no other aircraft previously has been able to perform.
| Specifications for the AL-31F | Data |
|---|---|
| Thrust, (sea level, static, dry), (kg) | 7 600 |
| Thrust, (sea level, static, after burning), (kg) | 12 500 |
| Internal fuel, kg | 9 400 |
| In flight refueling provision | Optional (though presently being fitted to those currently without it in Russian service). |
| Specification | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Wing Span | 14.70 m |
| Length (excluding nose probe) | 21.94 m |
| Height | 5.93 m |
| Wing surface | 62 m2 |
| Aircraft State | Weight |
|---|---|
| Empty | 17 500 kg |
| Normal take-off | 23 400 kg |
| Thrust to weight ratio | 1.07 |
| Maximum take-off | 33 000 kg |
| Thrust to weight ratio | 0.76 |
| Action | Data |
|---|---|
| Max speed at height | Mach 2.35 |
| Max speed at sea level | Mach 1.1 |
| Ceiling | 59 055 ft |
| Take off run | 1 475 ft |
| Landing run | 2 035 ft |
| Comabt radius | 930 miles |
| Maximum range | 2 285 miles |
| Number and Category | Type |
|---|---|
| One 30 mm cannon | 150 rounds |
| Up to 10 Air to Air missiles including: | R-27 (AA-10 "Alamo") |
| R-33 (AA-9 "Amos") | |
| R-73A (AA-11 "Archer") | |
| R-60 (AA-8 "Aphid") | |
| 8 819 lb of air to surface weapons | Most of the guided and free fall types in inventory |
Copyright © 1996 Andrew Juniper
