The Su-27 Flanker embodies Russian air supremacy. For half a century, its very existence has been one of direct competition with the U.S. Air Force’s F-15 Eagle, dating back to the early days of the Cold War.
Sukhoi Design Bureau designed this jet, famous and admired for its maneuverability, speed, and huge range respectable top speed of Mach 2.35 and an operational range of 3,529 km.
The Su-27 is well made for air battles, both in air-to-air and air-to-ground engagements, with its 30mm GSh-301 gun and a wide variety of hardpoints for a huge array of different weapons.
Defensive countermeasures-APR-39A radar warning receivers and jamming technology affect not only this aircraft’s survivability but also that of any accompanying aircraft.
This is seen in operations over Syria and Ukraine.
The Su-27 was the complete opposite of the American response-the F-15 Eagle. For both countries, these fighters set standards.
The Cobra’s maneuvering, possibly due to a complex fly-by-wire system, testifies well to the agility of the Su-27; however, its avionics were considered less practical, demanding much more attention from the pilot.
The F-15 remains a first-tier fighter since it was introduced in 1976 due to its speed, agility, and advanced radar systems.
It has had an incredible fighting record of zero for the Eagles in combat.
Using both its near as well as far-range capacity, its AIM-7, AIM-9, and AIM-120 missiles give one to wonder if it ever should have been let anywhere near the enemy.
The Su-27 was sold to several countries around the world. The plane was successful in both India and Vietnam.
It also became embroiled in countless Cold War diplomatic incidents as well as conflicts in Africa.
Even though the Su-27 is old, it is one of the major aircraft in Russia’s military aviation and has come with different variants throughout the years.
With tensions ongoing, the argument about which aircraft dominates endures.
Its thrust-to-weight ratio and record-breaking climb-to-height capabilities suggest that the Su-27 has the potential to successfully turn inside the F-15 in a dogfight eventuality that analysts continue to study.