Sukhoi SU-27

The Sukhoi Su-27 is one of the world's greatest fighter-interceptor aircraft, designed to penetrate deep behind enemy defenses to destroy the all-important AWACS and airborne refueling aircraft that are the keys to Western air superiority. The Flanker is a thoroughly modern interceptor with advanced turbofan engines and fly-by-wire controls that give it unbelievable agility for its size. Since its debut at the 1989 Paris air show where it stunned the audience with an unprecedented maneuver dubbed the "Pugachev Cobra," we have seen many beautiful photographs of the aircraft during demonstration flights and on the flight line, but what else do we know about this fascinating new Russian fighter? Little, until now. This book reveals every detail of the Su-27 and fighter operations at a Russian combat base. - Back cover.