Last updated: February 18, 2026
✈️ Aircraft Specifications
| Designation | Su-27 |
| Manufacturer | Sukhoi |
| Country of Origin | Russia/Soviet Union |
| First Flight | 1977 |
| Length | 21.94 m (72 ft) |
| Max Speed (Mach) | 2.35 |
| Max Speed (km/h) | 2,500 km/h |
| Service Ceiling | 18,500 m (60,699 ft) |
| Range | 3,530 km (2,192 mi) |
| Engine | 2× Saturn AL-31F turbofans |
| Crew | 1 |
| Status | Active |
Overview
The Su-27 Flanker is the Soviet answer to the F-15 Eagle—a large, supremely agile air superiority fighter that stunned the aviation world when it first demonstrated the ‘Pugachev Cobra’ maneuver at the 1989 Paris Air Show, pitching to 120° angle of attack and recovering without losing altitude.
Design & Development
The Su-27’s blended wing-body design with widely-spaced engines and twin tails provides exceptional maneuverability and internal fuel capacity. Its integrated defense suite, Infrared Search and Track (IRST), and helmet-mounted sight gave it formidable beyond-visual-range and close-combat capabilities. The airframe spawned an entire family: Su-30, Su-33, Su-34, and Su-35.
Operational History
The Flanker family serves with Russia, China, India, and numerous other nations. The Su-27 lineage is the most commercially successful modern Russian combat aircraft, with over 800 of all variants exported worldwide. Its supermaneuverability demonstrations continue to draw crowds at air shows globally.
Armament
- 1× GSh-30-1 30mm cannon (150 rounds)
- Up to 10 hardpoints, 8,000 kg total
- R-27 (AA-10 Alamo) medium-range
- R-73 (AA-11 Archer) short-range with HMS
- R-77 (AA-12 Adder) BVR missiles
- Kh-29/31 air-to-ground
- Unguided bombs and rockets
Video
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is the Su-27 Flanker?
The Su-27 has a top speed of Mach 2.35 (1,553 mph / 2,500 km/h).
What is the Pugachev’s Cobra maneuver?
A dramatic maneuver where the Su-27 pitches to 110° angle of attack while maintaining flight path, demonstrating exceptional agility.
How many Su-27s were built?
Over 680 Su-27s, plus thousands of derivatives (Su-30, Su-33, Su-34, Su-35).
Is the Su-27 still in service?
Yes. The Su-27 serves with Russia, China, India, and several other nations.
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