Sukhoi Su-27 “Flanker”

The air superiority fighter built for long-range dominance.

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Sukhoi Su-27SKM – © Dmitriy Pichugin

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Overview

Sukhoi Russia ICAO: SU27 1985–Present $37 million

The Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker entered service in the 1980s as a Soviet response to Western fourth-generation fighters. Designed for long-range air superiority missions, it combined high maneuverability with powerful radar systems. The aircraft became the foundation for numerous derivatives.

Live Fleet Activity (SU27)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × Saturn/Lyulka AL-31F turbofans
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
2 × 27,600 lbf · 123 kN
Avionics
Sukhoi Search and Track Radar / Fire Control, OEPS-27 IRST, OEPS-27 electro-optical targeting system
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
1 economy · 1 business
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
71 ft 10 in  ·  21.90 m
Tail height
19 ft 5 in  ·  5.92 m
Fuselage diameter
—
Wing span
48 ft 3 in  ·  14.70 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
67,000 lb  ·  30,500 kg
Max landing weight
46,300 lb  ·  21,000 kg
Max payload
9,900 lb  ·  4,500 kg
Fuel capacity
3,100 gal · 11,700 L · 9,300 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
1,546 kt  ·  1,779 mph  ·  2,863 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
129 kt  ·  148 mph  ·  239 km/h
Range
1,906 nm  ·  2,190 mi  ·  3,530 km
Fuel burn
0.62 nm/gal  ·  0.30 km/L
Ceiling
62,000 ft  ·  18,900 m
Rate of climb
54,000 ft/min  ·  274 m/s
Takeoff distance
1,480 ft  ·  450 m
Landing distance
2,050 ft  ·  620 m
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Russian fighter Su-27K (later designated Su-33)

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Operational Context

Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker — air superiority fighter

The Su-27 first flew in 1977 and entered service in 1985. Its large blended wing-body design provides internal fuel capacity and agility. The aircraft was developed to counter advanced NATO fighters.

Two AL-31F turbofan engines producing approximately 27,500 pounds of thrust (122 kN) each with afterburner power the fighter. Maximum speed exceeds Mach 2. Maximum takeoff weight surpasses 66,000 pounds (29,937 kg).

The Su-27 has served in multiple air forces and spawned several advanced variants. Its maneuverability and range remain key characteristics. The platform continues to influence Russian fighter development.