Su-27 Flanker
by Staff EditorThe Russians fell behind the U.S. in the 1970s in terms of fighter design, but leveled the playing field in the 1980s, first with the MiG-29 Fulcrum, and then with the long-range air superiority Su-27 Flanker. This high-performance fighter has fly-by-wire flight controls and can carry up to ten air-to-air missiles and set records for altitude and take-off-speed. The Flanker has a unique rearward-facing radar for firing at trailing aircraft and an autopilot which can return the aircraft to right-side-up level flight at any altitude when the pilot presses a "panic-button.". The Su-27 was the forerunner of an entire family of planes, including a trainer, a naval fighter, strike fighter and two-seat version for specialized missions. The Su-27 is in service not only in Russia and other CIS countries but also in China and Vietnam.
Su-27 Flanker B Specifications
| Manufacturer: | Sukhoi |
| First Flight: | 4/1981 |
| Wingspan: | 48.2 ft. (14.7 m) |
| Height: | 19.4 ft. (5.9 m) |
| Length: | 71.9 ft. (21.9 m) |
| Max Take-off Weight: | 66,140 lbs. (30,000 kg) |
| Thrust: | 55,114 lb. (245 kN) w/ afterburners |
| Top Speed at Altitude: | Mach 2.3 |
| Ceiling: | 59,055 ft. (18,000 m) |
| Range: | 2,100 nm (3,900 km) |
| Crew: | One |
