Sukhoi Su-33 “Flanker-D”

The carrier-based Flanker built for naval air superiority.

Overview

Sukhoi Russia ICAO: SU33 1997–1999 $55 million

The Sukhoi Su-33 is a navalized derivative of the Su-27 designed for aircraft carrier operations. Reinforced for deck landings and equipped with folding wings, it provides air superiority capability at sea. The aircraft serves with the Russian Navy.

Live Fleet Activity (SU33)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × AL-31F afterburning turbofans
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
2 × 27,560 lbf · 123 kN
Avionics
Sukhoi Fire Control Search Track Rader, OEPS-27 electro-optical targeting system
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
1
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
72 ft 0 in  ·  21.94 m
Tail height
19 ft 5 in  ·  5.93 m
Fuselage diameter
—
Wing span
48 ft 3 in  ·  14.70 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
73,000 lb  ·  33,000 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
14,300 lb  ·  6,500 kg
Fuel capacity
3,200 gal · 12,100 L · 9,700 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
756 kt  ·  870 mph  ·  1,400 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
1,620 nm  ·  1,860 mi  ·  3,000 km
Fuel burn
0.51 nm/gal  ·  0.25 km/L
Ceiling
55,800 ft  ·  17,000 m
Rate of climb
64,350 ft/min  ·  327 m/s
Takeoff distance
1,310 ft  ·  400 m
Landing distance
1,480 ft  ·  450 m
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MAKS Airshow 2007. Su-33

Live fleet activity details

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All Active Aircraft Types
Flight Airline Reg Alt Speed Heading V/S

Operational Context

Sukhoi Su-33 Flanker-D — carrier-based air superiority fighter

The Su-33 first flew in the late 1980s as a development of the Su-27 adapted for carrier use. It features strengthened landing gear, an arresting hook, and folding wings for storage aboard ship. The aircraft was introduced into limited service in the 1990s.

Powered by two AL-31F turbofan engines producing approximately 27,500 pounds of thrust (122 kN) each with afterburner, the Su-33 can exceed Mach 2. Maximum takeoff weight is roughly 73,000 pounds (33,100 kg). It carries air-to-air missiles and limited strike ordnance.

The Su-33 operates from Russia’s aircraft carrier using ski-jump launch methods. Its primary mission is fleet air defense and air superiority. The aircraft represents the naval extension of the Flanker family.