Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker development came about in response to the need
for Russia to meet the advances in technology of U.S. aircraft.
The Sukhoi
Su-27 Flanker prototype first flew in 1977 with production aircraft deployed with the
Russian Air Force in the mid 1980's.
The Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker employs extensive use of titanium in its fuselage to keep weight down.
The Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker fuselage acts as a lifting body.
This enables wide separation between the aircraft's two engines, improving
intake airflow, and safety should one engine become disabled.
Sukhoi Su-27 Flankers are definitely a fighter pilot's aircraft, with an abundance of
power and relatively light wing loading. These qualities make for a fast
accelerating, highly maneuverable aircraft.
The Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker was the first aircraft to perform the cobra
maneuver.
Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker aircraft newest versions incorporate thrust vectoring engines and canards which further
enhance their maneuverability.
In addition to Russia, Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker aircraft are
used in the Angolian, Belarussian, Chinese, Ethiopian, Indian, Indonesian,
Kazakhstani, Syrian, Vietnamese, Ukranianean, and Uzbekistani air forces.
Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker aircraft newest versions, equipped with the latest radars and weapons systems, are among the most capable aircraft in the world.
