Sukhoi Su-27 variant
Sukhoi Su-27 Su-27SK
Export version of the Su-27S, with landing gear reinforced for a 33-tonne maximum take-off weight at Chinese request. Basis of the Shenyang J-11.
- 3,680 km
- Range
History
The Flanker for export
In 1991 the KnAAPO and Irkutsk plants developed the export versions of the Su-27: the single-seat Su-27SK and the two-seat Su-27UBK, the K standing for the Russian Kommercheskiy, "commercial". The Su-27SK was exported to China, Vietnam, Ethiopia and Indonesia.
What changes from the Su-27S
The landing gear was reinforced for a maximum take-off weight of 33,000 kg, a Chinese requirement so the aircraft could fly air-to-ground missions; the jamming pod was downgraded to the L203/L204. Maximum ordnance rises to 8,000 kg on ten hardpoints and adds, alongside the R-27 and R-73, S-8, S-13 and S-25 rockets and FAB-100, FAB-250 and FAB-500 bombs. Maximum speed is 2,430 km/h at altitude and 1,400 km/h at sea level, with an 18,000 m ceiling and 3,680 km practical range.
Descendants
Since 1998 the Su-27SK has been built under licence in China as the Shenyang J-11; the first licence-production aircraft, assembled in Shenyang from Russian-supplied kits, was flight tested on 16 December 1998. One hundred of these licence-built airframes were completed, designated J-11A.