MILAVIA > Aircraft > Su-27 > Variants Last updated: 20 April 2012
MILAVIA Aircraft - Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker

Su-27 Flanker Variants Overview

NOTE: Below you will find an extensive list of proposed and actual variants of the Su-27 Family, although extensive it may not be 100% complete or accurate. Series-produced variants that have entered or will soon enter operational service are highlighted.

1. Initial Development Prototypes: BACK TO TOP
T-10 bureau designation for the aircraft, two initial prototypes built for PFI program before selected. While all development aircraft are designated T-10-serial number, T-10 sans suffix is often used to refer to the initial prototypes. Followed by two prototype aircraft at Zhukovsky, and batch of five experimental aircraft by Komsomolsk-on-Amur factory (now: KnAAPO) plus one static airframe. NATO ASCC codename FLANKER-A
T-10S bureau designation for revised design adopted for Su-27 serial production. Three initial prototypes built (one static), followed by series-produced test aircraft. Compared to initial T-10: redesigned wings, fuselage nose section, gear placement and tail section. NATO ASCC codename FLANKER-B
2. Basic Su-27 series: BACK TO TOP
Su-27S based on T-10S design, Su-27 production standard version, with original air-to-ground capability. Initially produced for both PVO and VVS, later VVS only, at Komsomolsk-on-Amur. Often referred to as Su-27, without suffix -S.
Su-27P Su-27 production standard version for PVO, without air-to-ground weapons control system and wiring. Produced for PVO only at Komsomolsk-on-Amur. Often referred to as Su-27, without suffix -P.
Su-27PD Sole Su-27P prototype fitted with inflight refuelling probe. Later it was used by the ‘Test Pilot’ aerobatic display team, its radar and combat capabilities having been removed.
Su-27UB basic training two seater version, one static and two flying prototypes built. Series production at Irkutsk.
Su-27SK export version of Su-27S, N001E radar, modified IFF system, payload upgraded to 8,000 kg, strengthened front wheel and different tyres for the main gear. Gardenia ECM system optional instead of the Sorbitsya. Also with various localization options.
Su-27UBK export version Su-27UB, with payload and wheel strengthening improvements identical to the Su-27SK
Su-27SMK Proposed modernized export version based on the Su-27SK variant incorporating some of the improvements of the Su-27K and Su-27M. Phase I: increase internal fuel capacity to 9965 kg by fitting larger fuel cells, enable two 2,000 litre drop tanks, retractable refueling probe, increase number of hardpoints from 10 to 12, and modified N001M radar with R-77 capability. Phase II: integration of guided air-to-surface weapons and externally mounted weapons control system pod. Additional options included the Zhuk-27 radar, uprated engines, upgraded FBW control system and canards. One prototype converted by KnAAPO in 1995 from Su-27SK fitting the IFR probe.
Su-27SMK Second try for a multi-role Su-27SK, largely similar to the earlier Su-27SMK. Instead of Zhuk-27 radar, it is fitted with the N001VEP radar and firecontrol system, which has identical capabilities as the Zhuk-27 system. The cockpit is similar to the Su-30MKK with a third MFD.
Su-27SM Russian domestic version of the Su-30MK2-based SMK mid-life upgrade, with N001V radar which has an additional search/detection mode with greater range. Entering service today.
Su-27SM2 Stage two of the Su-27SM upgrade program. The Su-27SM2 upgrade package on offer to the Russian air force includes the NIIP Irbis radar, weapons system and engines of the Su-27BM (Su-35).
Su-27UBM upgraded version for PVO/VVS of Su-27UB, based on Su-30KN but without the IFR probe, 10 aicraft have to be rebuild until the end of 2001
Su-27UBM1 Upgraded version for Belarus of Su-27UB developed by 588th Aircraft Repair Plant and Russian Avionics design bureau.Similar to the Su-30KN upgrade: improved interface, digital control systems, air-to-ground precision guided weapons, RVV-AE air-to-air missiles, 5x 5in MFD instead of the monochrome TV display, upgraded N001 with new modes and improved detection ranges. So far two aircraft have been upgraded.
Su-27RV six replacement ‘Test Pilot’ display aircraft with westernised communications and inflight refuelling probes.
Su-27KRT (‘Razvedchik Tseleukazatel’ or recon/target acquisition), proposed version
3. Su-30 series: See also Su-30 section BACK TO TOP
Su-27PU/
Su-30 		retractable air refueling probe, modified radar radar N001 (can attack 2 targets with R-27 simultaneously), upgraded navigation system, datalink APD-518, tactical displey SEI-31 in rear cockpit, rear seat position as mission commander for formations of single seat Su-27P/S. Two aircraft as Su-27UBK attrition replacements went to Vietnam. Remaining RuAF examples were supposed to be upgraded to Su-30KN.
Su-30I (‘Istrebeitel’ or fighter) test aircraft with canards added.
Su-30K export version of Su-30, 8 sold to India in 1997, but only in standard Su-27UB with retractable air refueling probe, next 10 with some French and Israeli systems in 1999. Aicraft from both batches planned to be rebuild to Su-30MKI standard, but ultimately traded in for new built aircraft.
Su-30K2 planned training version, side by side seats like Su-27KUB, assembling works on first prototype started in 1998, but was abandoned
Su-30KI KnAAPO/Sukhoi proposed single seat export version for Indonesia, incorporating the Su-27SMK phase I changes. Prototype rebuilt by KnAAPO from its Su-27SMK demonstrator, first flown on June 28, 1998. Further plans included improved avionics, cockpit, phased array, 12 hardpoints and extending the weapons suite. The Su-30KI prototype was also used by the RuAF for testing the R-77 in particular and served as yardstick for its Su-27 fleet mid-life upgrade.
Su-30KN testbed for Irkut developed upgrade of Su-27UBs on UBM/BM and Su-30/Su-30K
1. phase radar with A-G and mapping modes, added guided A-G weapons, GPS, single colour MFD`s MFI-55
2. phase avionics from MiG-29SMT, Mil Std. 1553B, 2-3 bigger MFDs MFI-68 in each position, stronger engines
4. Multi-Role Su-30 family: BACK TO TOP
Su-30M upgraded avionics, added full A-G capability, 12 hardpoints, first real multi-role aircraft in Su-27 family
Su-30MK initial export designation for the multi-role Su-30M marketed by Sukhoi
Su-30M2 proposed Su-30M upgraded with ESA radar N011M and avionics from Su-37, with canards and optionable with thrust vectoring engines. Designation re-used for domestic Su-30MK2 by KnAAPO, see below.
KnAAPO-built Su-30 multi-role variants See also Su-30 section
Su-30MKK KnAAPO produced Su-30MK for China with Su-27M vertical tails. Improved N001VE radar and IRST for the upgraded fire control system with air-to-surface modes. Armaments include R-77, Kh-29T, Kh-59MK, Kh-31A, TV guided KAB series, R-27 and R-73 series. Reportedly designated J-13 in China.
Su-30MKI(?) unofficial designation for the two MKKs types sold to Indonesia, not to be confused with Irkut's Su-30MKI for India.
Su-30MK2 Su-30MKK with upgraded electronics that enabled support for antiship missiles. Upgraded radar called N001VEP. Also intended to work with SAPSAN-E and Kupol M400 reconnaissance pods. Delivered MKKs is expected to be upgraded to this standard.
Su-30MK2V Su-30MK2 variant for Vietnam with minor modifications. Modifications include an upgraded communications suite and improved ejection seats.
Su-30MK2 AMV
Su-30MKV		 Aviacion Militar Venezolana (AMV - Venezuelan Military Aviation) version of the KnAAPO-produced Su-30MK2 for Venezuela. First delivered in December 2006. Also known as Su-30MKV.
Su-30MK(?) no official designation: Proposed Su-30MKK upgrade with NIIP Panda radar (N001VEP + Pero phased array antenna).
Su-30MK3 Su-30MKK with Zhuk-MSE radar. Support for Kh-59MK antiship missile. Developed for or in cooperation with China, reportedly cancelled due to dispute or concerns regarding technology/knowledge transfer.
Su-30M2 KnAAPO-built domestic version based on the Su-30MK2. Four aircraft ordered in 2007, delivered in 2011. Reportedly new built aircraft from the Su-30MK2 production line
Irkut-built Su-30 multi-role variants See also Su-30 section
Su-30MKI Irkut produced export version for India with indigenous computers, French HUD Sextant VEH3000, nav. sys Totem INS/GPS, MFDs and some Israeli systems (RWR and ECM), first 32 built in Russia, first serial aicraft was flown on 26 November 2000, and then shown at Aero India. Final assembly plus license production at HAL. See Su-27 operators: India
Su-30MKM Irkut produced version for Malaysia based on the Su-30MKI with significant avionics changes. Israeli-produced systems are replaced by Russian- and South African-manufactured systems, with in particular ECM systems, such as the MAW-300 missile approach warning system, LWS-310 laser illumination warning system, SAAB Avitronics EWC electronic warfare controller. Also the Indian display processing unit of the Su-30MKI has been replaced by a Russian unit. Furthermore the Thales Damocles LD/TGP has been integrated.
Su-30MKAIrkut produced version of its Su-30MK for Algeria. The Su-30MKA is similar to India's Su-30MKI and Malaysia's Su-30MKM, but fitted with some alternative avionics. Like the Su-30MKM the French Thales Damocles LD/TGP is being integrated. First two examples commenced flight-testing in August 2007. Delivery of the first two aircraft started in December 2007 with official hand-over in January 2008. Sometimes the aircraft are referred to as Su-30MKI(A)
Su-30SM2 IAPO-built domestic version based on the Su-30MKI. 40 aircraft ordered in 2012, to be delivered by 2015.
5. Navalized Su-27K/Su-33 series: BACK TO TOP
Su-27K/
Su-33 		navalized fighter version, airframe with canards, folding wing and horizontal stabilizers, arrested hook, „navalized“ avionics, auto-landing systems, retractable air refueling probe, can carry buddy container UPAZ-A Sachalin, 12 hardpoints. See Su-33 section
Su-27KM/
Su-33M 		planned navalized Su-27M / multi-role Su-27K. See Su-33 section
Su-27KU proposed training version (seats side by side), resulted in combat-capable Su-27KUB trainer development, see next.
Su-27KUB/
Su-33UB 		navalized multi-purpose combat training version (seats side by side), new bigger wing with area 70 m2 (older 62 m2), wing span 16m (14,7m) with better aerodynamics (15-20% longer range with the same amount of fuel), bigger canards and horizontal stabilizers, radar N010-27. One prototype built.See Su-33 section
Su-27KRC proposed recon version of Su-27KUB
Su-27KPP proposed ECM version of Su-27KUB
Su-33MK proposed multi-role version of Su-27K for export, may have been revived for China several times before China's own J-15 was revealed, see entry further down.
Su-33(?) Designation unknown, proposed upgrade of the Su-33 based on the Su-27SM2. Possibly also Su-33M. Because the Su-27SM2 is a gradual upgrade, might result in Su-33M2. Abandoned as Russian Navy will replace Su-33s with the MiG-29K.
6. Multi role Su-27M series: BACK TO TOP
Su-27M/
Su-35 		upgraded airframe with canards, digital FBW, bigger radome and sting, ` higher vertical fins, 12 hardpoints, retractable air refueling probe, internal fuel 10250 kg, can carry 2 drop tanks each 2000 l, upgraded avionics, radar N011, rear looking radar N012 in sting, full A-G capability, glass cocpit (3 –4 monochrome MFDs). Small first batch produced entered service for state tests, a few ended up with the Russian Knights team. Offered for export as Su-35. See Su-27M section For the current Su-35, see section #8 below.
Su-37MR Proposed export version of the Su-27M with French avionics for UAE. Su-27M preproduction aircraft T10M-11 served as Su-37MR demonstrator.
Su-27MP/
Su-37 		ESA radar N011M, thrust vector control system, 4 colour MFDs See Su-37 section
Su-27UM/
Su-35UB 		Two-seat combat capable training version of the Su-27M aimed at export market to help Su-35 sales. One prototype built, first flown on August 7, 2000. Received bort number '801'. Later fitted with Zhuk-MSE radar for testing.
7. Bomber Su-27IB series: BACK TO TOP
Su-27IB/
Su-32/
Su-34 		completely changed airframe, seats side by side, canards, bigger sting, flat radome, main undercarriage with two tandem wheels, 12 hardpoints, ESA radar B004, rear looking radar N012 in sting, new navigation sys., internal fuel 12 100 kg, max G limit 7G, can carry 3 drop fuel tanks each with 3000 l/ 2400 kg fuel, titan armour used on cockpit, some fuel tanks and partialy engines of weight 1480 kg, fixed geometry air intakes, without air brake, without ventral fins, retractable air refueling probe, added some stealth features and RAM, digital FBW, together 6 prototypes were built (2 used only for ground tests). Currently in production for RuAF orders at NAPO. See Su-34 section
Su-27R planned recon version of Su-27IB, probably the same equipment like Su-27KRC
Su-27IBP planned ECM version of Su-27IB, probably the same equipment like Su-27KPP
Su-32FN naval attack aircraft with SeaDragon FC system, MAD in place of N012, acoustic search system , sono buoys in pods, missiles Kh-31, Kh-35 Uran, Kh-41 Moskit, Yachont/Oniks, torpedoes, depth charges, rocket torpedos, prototype was T10V-5 introduced in FN standard in Le Bourget 1995, but was probably equipped with basic avionics See Su-34 section
Su-32MF proposed export version of Su-27IB See Su-34 section
8. 4++ Generation Su-35 series: BACK TO TOP
Su-35
/Su-27BM 		New Su-27 derivative (factory designation T-10BM) with redone airframe based on Su-27 basic design. Fitted with NPO Saturn AL-41F1 (izdeliye 117S) engines and improved avionics, including the new NIIP Irbis-E radar, to be built around a rotatable passive phased array. Unveiled at MAKS 2007. First prototype designated Su-35-1 with bort number 901 first flew on February 19, 2008. Three more prototypes built, second flying prototype '902', static test airframe '903' and third flying prototype '904'. '904' was lost during taxi trails prior to its maiden flight. Replaces the previous Su-35 effort with the T-10M/Su-27M series (which was designated Su-35 for the export market), reusing the Su-35 designation. See Su-35 section
Su-35S Russian Air Force version of the Su-35 (T-10BM). Differs from the export Su-35 standard by having local IFF, EW, communication systems and Irbis radar with more advanced operating modes. 48 on order as interim fighter until PAK-FA, all to be delivered by 2015. Series production at KnAAPO started in 2010, with first series-produced Su-35S maiden flight on 5 May 2011. See Su-35 section
9. Chinese Flanker versions: BACK TO TOP
J-11/J-11A Chinese designation for Su-27SK built by Shenyang under license.
J-11B Chinese developed Flanker derivative based on the Su-27SK (J-11) with 70% Chinese produced parts. Status unknown. Plans call for integration of the Chinese WS-10A turbofan. Possibly incorporating avionics from the Su-30MKK. Reportedly being in production for the PLAAF.
J-11BS Planned two-seater version of the J-11B, probably to be developed from a Russian-supplied Su-27UBK or Su-30MKK/MK2.
J-15 Shenyang built carrier-borne Flanker similar to the Su-27K (Su-33) for the Peoples Liberation Army Naval Air Force (PLANAF). Structurally similar to the Su-33, reportedly fitted with Chinese avionics developed for the J-11B including an anti-ship radar. Believed to have been first flown on August 31, 2009, with first simulated ski-jump take-off on May 6, 2010. Two aircraft confirmed, believed to have entered initial limited production at No 112 factory.
NATO (ASIC/ASCC) reporting names: BACK TO TOP
FLANKER-AT-10 prototype
FLANKER-BSu-27/Su-27SK (J-11)
FLANKER-CSu-27UB/UBK
FLANKER-DSu-27K/Su-33 (incl. J-15 now?)
FLANKER-ESu-27M (Su-35, Su-37)
FLANKER-FSu-27PU (Su-30), Su-30K/KN, Su-30M
FLANKER-GSu-30MKK, Su-30MK2, Su-30M2
FLANKER-HSu-30MKI, Su-30MKM, Su-30MKA, Su-30SM2
FULLBACKSu-27IB (Su-32, Su-34)
Note: NATO reporting names are officially classified, but have often been "leaked". For more recent variants, they are often based on guesswork by the aviation press [Parsh & Martynov, 2008]. [Webmaster: to my knowledge at least the last four in this list should be regarded as unconfirmed/guesswork]
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