Comparisons to Other Aircraft

The Su-27 steals World Records from the F-15

An Su-27 code named "P-42" set 27 world records between 1986 through 1988. All of the records were previously held by a special version of the USAF's F-15, which was duly named, "Streak Eagle". These years were a big shock to the West as the formidability of the Su-27 was only beginning to be realized. Soon however, the West would get its first look at the Su-27. This turned out to be both good and bad.

Option screen

This FA-18 is gonna overshoot!

The Su-27 Flanker versus the MiG-29 Fulcrum

In the 1960's, Russia defined the role it wanted from its next generation aircraft, both Sukhoi and Mikoyan Gurevich (MiG) battled for the order. Russia stated that it wanted a Interceptor capable of intercepting NATO's bombers, controlling air superiority, dominating ACM and BVR while being affordable, rugged and dependable. Mikoyan Gurevich decided that the requirements that Moscow was demanding simply could not be met by one aircraft. Thus, MiG convinced Moscow that there should be a compliment to the "super fighter" theory similar to what the American's had done with the F-15 and F-16. Moscow agreed and so MiG went out to create the MiG-29. The MiG-29 is a lightweight, close quarters aircraft similar to the American F-16 or F/A-18 but without the ground attack capability. MiG assumed that Sukhoi could never design a plane capable of meeting the goals set down by Moscow so they felt they had a edge in being able to create a superior plane than Sukhoi.

However, MiG found that when the Iron curtain fell in the early 1990's they were competing against the Su-27 for production orders since Russia could no longer afford to continue production of both aircraft. While the MiG-29 cost only half the price of the Su-27, the Flanker was just too much for the MiG. The Su-27 won the competition handily defeating the MiG-29.

Another B1 running from my AA-10

Touch Down!

The Su-27 goes Naval

Once of the true strengths of the United States' ability to project power is based on anchoring an 80,000-ton aircraft carrier off the coast of any potential adversary. During the Reagan years in the 1980's, the United States was on track to have 15 carrier battle groups active. It is my opinion that no other use of force is more intimidating and more upsetting to another country than for the United States to be able to project so much power anywhere in the world. During the 1980's Russia attempted to bring into service their first true non-V/STOL (vertical/short take off and landing) aircraft carrier. Again, MiG & Sukhoi were competing for aircraft orders to arm the new class of carriers. The victor in this battle was the Su-33 Flanker. This Flanker is navalized with folding wings, canards, strengthened undercarriage with twin nose wheel, arresting hook and a limited ground attack capability. The first Su-33 (designated Su-27K) was flown on August 17th, 1987.