Also Known As:
Flanker-B, Su-27SK, Su-27SKM, Su-27SM (Variant provided to the Russian Air Force as upgrade to existing Su-27 aircraft)
Origin:Russia
Contractor/s:
Sukhoi
Description:
The Su-27, Flanker-B NATO-designation, is a single-seat, twin-engine, long range, air defense fighter designed to counter the F-15 Eagle and NATO fighter aircraft. It can accommodate R-27 and R-73 missiles for short, medium and long range air-to-air engagements. In addition, a built-in GSh-301 30mm gun provides very short range air-to-air engagement capability.
The Su-27 air defense fighter can also carry out escort missions in support of Tu-22M, Backfire NATO nickname, as well as other bomber/attack aircraft such as the Su-24, Fencer NATO nickname. Despite its size and weight, the Su-27 and its derivatives are the most maneuverable aircraft ever flew.
The Su-27 Flanker features an integrated Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system located in front of the cockpit's canopy. The IRST system together with a helmet-mounted sight, the R-73 advanced short range air-to-air missile, and Su-27's maneuverability outperforms any existing fighter aircraft in a short range air-to-air engagement.
The Su-27 entered service with the Soviet Air Force in 1984. About 400-500 Su-27s and Su-27UBs were delivered to the Soviet Air Force through early 1990s. China (80) and Vietnam (24) are the sole export customers for this aircraft. The Su-27SK fighters sold to China by Russia are known as the J-11 within the People's Liberation Army. China and Russia agreed up to 200 Su-27 and two-seat Su-27UBs to be produced in China.
Su-27SM and Su-27SKM are upgraded variants of the Su-27 Flanker air superiority fighter aircraft. Su-27SKM is being offered to the export market while the Su-27SM are being produced for the Russian Air Force under a modernization program intended to extend the service life of existing Su-27s. In addition to air superiority, Su-27SKM/SM feature air-to-ground capability using guided and unguided armament operating within a combat group or alone at all-weather conditions.
Specifications Accommodation: Crew 1
Guns: Main Gun Caliber 30 mm
Dimensions: Height 6 m, Length 21.9 m, Wingspan 14.5 m
Weights: Fuel Load 9,400 kg (20,723 lb), Max Weight 33,000 kg (72,751 lb), Payload 6,000 kg (13,228 lb)
Engine/s Performance: Thrust 55,100 lb (24,993 kg)
Performance: Ceiling 18,000 m (59,055 ft), Max Range 4,000 km (2,160 nm), Min Range 1,500 km (810 nm), Top Speed 781 mps (Mach 2.35)
Belarus
China
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Indonesia / 5 
Kazakhstan
Russia / 400 
Ukraine
Vietnam