Su-27 vs F-16

By: Rocco

Comparing the Sukhoi Su-27 “Flanker” vs the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon? Start with the quick spec breakdown below, then dive into the story for the bigger picture.

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Sukhoi Su-27 “Flanker”
Fighter Jets
Sukhoi Su-27 “Flanker”
ICAO: SU27 Status: Inactive Visit aircraft page
Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon
Fighter Jets
Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon
ICAO: — Status: Inactive Visit aircraft page

General

Units
Sukhoi Su-27 “Flanker”
Manufacturer
Sukhoi
ICAO code
SU27
Produced
1985–Present
Price
$37 million (1900)
Engine
2 × Saturn/Lyulka AL-31F turbofans
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
2 × 27,600 lbf · 123 kN +89% (total)
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
Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon
Manufacturer
Lockheed Martin
ICAO code
—
Produced
1978–Present
Price
$18 million (1900)
Engine
1 × Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
29,160 lbf · 130 kN -47% (total)
Avionics
Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
1

Dimensions

Sukhoi Su-27 “Flanker”
Cabin width
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Cabin height
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Cabin length
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Exterior length
71 ft 10 in 21.90 m 71 ft 10 in 21.90 m +45%
Tail height
19 ft 5 in 5.92 m 19 ft 5 in 5.92 m
Fuselage diameter
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Wing span
48 ft 3 in 14.70 m 48 ft 3 in 14.70 m +48%
Baggage volume
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon
Cabin width
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Cabin height
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Cabin length
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Exterior length
49 ft 5 in 15.06 m 49 ft 5 in 15.06 m -31%
Tail height
— — —
Fuselage diameter
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Wing span
32 ft 8 in 9.96 m 32 ft 8 in 9.96 m -32%
Baggage volume
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m

Weights

Sukhoi Su-27 “Flanker”
Max payload
9,900 lb 4,500 kg 9,900 lb 4,500 kg -37%
Fuel capacity
3,080 gal 11,659 L 3,080 gal 11,659 L +264%
Max takeoff weight
67,000 lb 30,500 kg 67,000 lb 30,500 kg +59%
Max landing weight
46,300 lb 21,000 kg 46,300 lb 21,000 kg
Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon
Max payload
15,800 lb 7,150 kg 15,800 lb 7,150 kg +59%
Fuel capacity
845 gal 3,199 L 845 gal 3,199 L -73%
Max takeoff weight
42,300 lb 19,200 kg 42,300 lb 19,200 kg -37%
Max landing weight
— — —

Performance

Sukhoi Su-27 “Flanker”
Max cruise speed
1,546 kt · 1,779 mph 2,863 km/h 1,546 kt 1,779 mph 2,863 km/h +35%
Approach speed
129 kt · 148 mph 239 km/h 129 kt 148 mph 239 km/h
Rate of climb
54,000 ft/min 274 m/s 54,000 ft/min 274 m/s +8%
Range
1,906 nm · 2,190 mi 3,530 km 1,906 nm 2,190 mi 3,530 km -16%
Service ceiling
62,000 ft 18,900 m 62,000 ft 18,900 m +24%
Takeoff distance
1,480 ft 450 m 1,480 ft 450 m +30%
Landing distance
2,050 ft 620 m 2,050 ft 620 m +36%
Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon
Max cruise speed
1,147 kt · 1,320 mph 2,124 km/h 1,147 kt 1,320 mph 2,124 km/h -26%
Approach speed
— — —
Rate of climb
50,000 ft/min 254 m/s 50,000 ft/min 254 m/s -7%
Range
2,280 nm · 2,620 mi 4,220 km 2,280 nm 2,620 mi 4,220 km +20%
Service ceiling
50,000 ft 15,200 m 50,000 ft 15,200 m -19%
Takeoff distance
1,130 ft 350 m 1,130 ft 350 m -23%
Landing distance
1,500 ft 460 m 1,500 ft 460 m -26%

About the Sukhoi Su-27

The Sukhoi Su-27 is a Soviet-built fourth-generation twin-engine fighter aircraft. Counted amongst the highly capable planes in the Russian arsenal, the multirole fighter consists of an impressive avionics suite. It can deploy several surface-based weapons to maximize its combat capability.

Due to its remarkable performance characteristics, the Su-27 has become notorious for being one of the favorites amongst experienced pilots since its introduction in 1985. Its reputation for excellence earned it prestigious honors, such as winning nine out of ten Bek Air combats between 1995 and 2002 or becoming involved in aerobatic demonstrations like Russia’s famous Knights Airshow Team.

So far, more than 1,500 fighters have been produced, serving the air forces of Kazakhstan, India, and Vietnam as their primary aircraft.

The Sukhoi Su-27 keeps raising eyebrows everywhere with its incredible ability to maneuver at low speeds while remaining agile and reliable enough to fly great distances without refueling. It is no wonder this fantastic machine has been described by many as a dream come true for pilots!

About the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon

The General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon is a multirole fighter from the United States. It has been widely used by dozens of countries worldwide since production began in 1976. This iconic aircraft is best known for its incredible versatility. It can perform air-to-air combat, air-to-ground attacks, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions and be used for training pilots.

With its powerful Pratt & Whitney F100 engine, the F-16 can exceed speeds of Mach 2 and reach altitudes up to 15 miles high! Its lightweight fuselage makes it highly maneuverable and equipped with advanced avionics, so pilots can accurately navigate even in heavily contested airspace.

Thanks to its durability and excellent design, the F-16 is one of today’s most famous American military planes. From daredevil stunt shows to decisive combat maneuvers on international airfields, the sleek silhouette of an F-16 jet never fails to inspire awe and respect.

Difference between the Sukhoi Su-27 and the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon

The Sukhoi Su-27 and the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon are two of the most widely known combat aircraft. Developed during the Cold War by opposing forces, these planes remain popular today for their distinct features and flyover appeal.

The Su-27 is a super maneuverable fighter jet that became one of Russia’s most common fighter jets after its introduction in 1985. Notably heavier and endowed with more excellent folding wings, this potent plane boasts an extensive engine set able to propel it faster than Mach 2.

On the other hand, the F-16 was introduced in 1978 under much lighter design terms and was favored for its cost-effectiveness. While not as fast as the Su-27 and not equipped with tiny wings that fold at higher speeds, the F-16 is carefully built as an aerodynamically balanced aircraft that requires lower maintenance costs than many other military fighters.

Both perennial foes on aerial flight tests and playground simulations alike, these two machines remain iconic representations of a long since passed era of competition between nations.

Similarities between the Sukhoi Su-27 and the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon

The Sukhoi Su-27 and the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon are two of the world’s most widely used fighter jets. Despite belonging to different eras, these aircraft have much in common.

Both have twin engines and are highly maneuverable, allowing for extremely tight turns and fast flight. The wings on both jets feature a unique design that makes them highly aerodynamic and efficient during aerial dogfights.

Additionally, both come equipped with the latest avionics and sensor systems, permitting pilots to engage in combat at unimaginable ranges just a few decades ago.

The Su-27’s advanced fire control system gives it an edge over the F-16 regarding long-range engagements. At the same time, the latter is more reliable at low altitudes. Yet despite their differences, these two fighter jets remain some of the most iconic symbols of air superiority throughout the globe.

What’s better thing about the Sukhoi Su-27 

  1. The Sukhoi Su-27 is a powerful multirole fighter jet with many impressive features. Here are four of the best things about it:
  2. The Su-27 is incredibly maneuverable. Thanks to its twin engines and folding wings, it can perform tight turns at high speeds that would be impossible for other aircraft to match.
  3. It is highly reliable. Its advanced fire control system ensures that the Su-27 can engage targets at long ranges with precision and accuracy.
  4. Its avionics are top-of-the-line. The Su-27 has state-of-the-art sensors that allow accurate time tracking of enemy positions and movements.

What’s better About the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon

The General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon is a reliable and effective multirole fighter jet that is often favored for its cost-effectiveness.

Here are four of the best things about it:

  1. The F-16 is incredibly durable. Thanks to its lighter design, it requires much less maintenance than other military fighters. It can withstand considerable damage without any loss of performance.
  2. It is highly maneuverable. The F-16’s aerodynamic design allows it to make tight turns at lower speeds than other aircraft, making it an ideal choice for close-range engagements.
  3. Its avionics are up to date. It is outfitted with the latest sensors and systems that allow pilots to engage targets at long ranges.
  4. It is cost-effective. The F-16’s low maintenance costs and efficient design make it an ideal choice for governments looking to get the most bang for their buck.

In conclusion, the Sukhoi Su-27 and General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon are robust and reliable fighter jets with many advantages.

Conclusion

Overall, the J10 vs. J20 comparison is a testament to the evolution of military technology. Though designed decades apart, both aircraft offer impressive features and capabilities that make them formidable opponents in the skies. The J10 offers more maneuverability, while the J20 provides excellent range and stealth capabilities. Ultimately, it comes down to individual preferences regarding which fighter jet reigns supreme.

Regardless of which aircraft is chosen, there is no denying the J10 and J20 are two of the most impressive fighter jets ever built. These powerful machines will continue to weather the storm of international competition for years