Su-33 Flanker-D

The Sukhoi Su-33 Flanker-D (formerly known as the Su-27K) was built by Sukhoi Design Bureau during the early 1980's as a need for a carrier based aircraft to counter the U.S. F-14A Tomcat. First flying on May of 1985, it was destined for greatness, until the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. Entering service in 1994, it was to be used on Russia's aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov. The changes from the Su-27 Flanker include canard fore-planes, strengthened landing gears,shortened vertical stabilizer,folding wings and horizontal stabilizer and an arrestor hook.

Ace Squadrons/Aces

 * ECMDAF 370th AW, 9th TFS/Strigon Squadron (EAF/AC6)


 * FENIKS (EAF/AC6)


 * 156th Tactical Fighter Wing Aquila (AC6, Ace of Aces)

Specifications

 * Crew: 1
 * Powerplant: 2x Lyulka AL-31F afterburning Turbofans (27,650 lbs of thrust)
 * Max Speed: Mach 2.17 (1,430 mph or 2,300 km/h)
 * Stalling Speed: 150 mph or 240 km/h
 * Range: 1,860 mi or 3,000 km

Standard Weapons

 * Gun: 1 x 30mm Gsh-30-1 Autocannon
 * Missile: R-60MK (AA-8) 'Aphid' AAM

Special Weapons

 * QAAM: R-73 (AA-11) 'Archer' AAM
 * XMAA: R-77 (AA-12) 'Adder' AAM
 * RCL: UV-16-57

Related Development

 * Su-27 Flanker
 * Su-30 Flanker-C
 * Su-32 Strike Flanker
 * Su-35 Super Flanker
 * Su-37 Terminator