In the second of a three-part review of fighter aircraft in Russian service, Combat Aircraft turns to the Sukhois. The Su-27 reset the standard in Russian fighter aviation — arguably it is the most important single type in Russia’s contemporary aviation history.
FORCE REPORT // RUSSIAN FIGHTERS
CONCEIVED IN 1969 as Russia’s answer to the F-15 Eagle, the Su-27 ‘Flanker’ has become the benchmark for all fighter aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS). The basic Su-27 has given rise to various derivatives, notably the Su-30 and Su-35 multi-role fighters, the Su-33 carrier-based fighter and the Su-34 ‘Fullback’ tactical bomber.
The first prototype of the Su-27 flew on May 20, 1977. However, it was far from the thoroughbred that was to follow.
Under the supervision of Mikhail Simonov — for which he deserves special tribute for overcoming several areas of resistance and bureaucracy — the design was thoroughly revised. Thus, the revised Su-27 made an altogether far more successful return to the air on April 20, 1981, and series production was launched at Komsomolsk-on-Amur during the summer of 1982.
The first operational unit equipped with the Su-27 was a fighter aviation regiment based at Dzyomgi at Ko…
