Sukhoi Su-27, Su-30, Su-35 & Su-37 Flanker, Su-34 Fullback and Shenyang J-11, J-15 & J-16
Whereas the contemporary MiG-29 was designed as a short range fighter, the Su-27 Flanker was built for the longer range. It is significantly larger than the MiG and has a bigger, longer nose. Both aircraft are quite similar in appearance with their double vertical stabilisers and double, wedge shaped air intakes underneath the fuselage with space between. Both have air intakes under the forward fuselage and wing leading edge extensions, while the middle and rear fuselage are below the wings, making it a mid-wing configuration. The forward fuselage measures about half of the total length. The bubble canopy pops out more than that of the Fulcrum.
The Su-27 family has space in between the intakes, but unlike the MiG-29 the nose gear retracts forward. The space between the air channels and engines remains until the end of the fuselage. The end of the fuselage extends beyond the exhausts, creating a so-called stinger tail, typical for the Su-27 family. Although short, the wings can be regarded more as swept wings than (cropped) delta wings.
The Su-27 was to be co-produced in China as the Shenyang J-11, but the Chinese quickly developed their own versions, effectively copying the Sukhoi design. Still they are highly similar in appearance as the original Russian aircraft, so they are described here.
This photo shows the space between the engines, where a cone ("stinger tail") extends from the rear fuselage.
Different versions
The different versions of the Flanker family can be distinguished by
- the presence of canards
- the shape of the canopy
- the width of the front fuselage
- the length of the "stinger tail"
- the number of wheels on the nose gear
- the presence of thrust vectoring nozzles
Details will be added later.
Confusion possible with
MiG-29 Fulcrum
The other Soviet fighter from the 1970s/1980s is also the one that resembles the Su-27 family the most. Differences include the nose gear of the Fulcrum retracting backwards and the shorter nose. The forward fuselage of the Flanker points down a little, while that of the MiG-29 is straight. At the back the Sukhoi has ventral fins, which the MiG hasn't. Finally, the larger Su-27 has a characteristic stinger tail, extending from the rear fuselage in between the engines.
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25/MiG-31
The vertical stabilisers of the MiG‑25 and MiG‑31 are similarly shaped as the Su-27 (and MiG‑29). Also these aircraft have wedge shaped air intakes, but at the side of the fuselage. Finally, they have no bubble canopy.
McDonnell-Douglas F-15 Eagle
The F-15 has the same basic characteristics as the Su-27 family, with one big difference: the wedge shaped air intakes are at the side of the fuselage instead of underneath. Also the engines are next to each other.
Grumman F-14 Tomcat
The similarities between the Su-27 and F-14 are limited to a double tail and much space between the engines. The F-14 however has air intakes at the side of the fuselage, variable sweep wings and a two seat cockpit as standard.