Su-27: leaving for the last flight, you should not look back
Following our good friend Thomas Nedwick from The Driwe, we will look after the departing history aircraft Su-27.
More than enough has been written about the history of the Su-27, including on our pages. We confine ourselves to general data that, as the Su-27 aircraft made its first flight in 1977, in 1982, aircraft began to arrive in aviation parts, since 1985 their operation began. Adopted on August 23, 1990.
The Su-27 is the base aircraft of the Russian Air Force. Based on the Su-27, a large number of modifications have been developed: the combat training Su-27UB, the carrier-based fighter Su-33 and its combat training modification Su-33UB, multi-role fighters: Su-30, Su-27M, Su-35, front-line bomber Su -34. Third in the world in terms of quantity, the most common type of Russian-made combat aircraft.
At the time of the start of the SVO, there were 20 units on the list in service with the Russian Aerospace Forces. Su-27, 10 pcs. Su-27UB, 47 pcs. Su-27SM and 24 pcs. Su-27SM3. In addition, a number of Su-27P aircraft are in storage.
According to official data, by the end of 2020, the almost complete decommissioning of the Su-27P and Su-27SM aircraft, which were ending their flight life, was expected. Naturally, with the beginning of the SVO, the aircraft continued to serve, which was repeatedly recorded by both our and Western media.
According to the official videos from the Russian Ministry of Defense, the Su-27 continues to be used in various modifications, despite the fact that the model is clearly inferior to its successors, the Su-30 and Su-35. In one of the last videos of the Zvezda TC, the “main character” was the Su-27SM, a candidate for retirement.
Despite the decision to decommission the aircraft, the flight life of which casts doubt on the expediency of their use, they continue to serve in the same Crimea. The Su-27SM was shown conducting combat air patrols carrying two R-27 medium-range air-to-air missiles and four R-73 short-range air-to-air missiles.
Indeed, the aircraft in the video bears traces of a fairly long operation. This is not the most modern modification, such a conclusion can be drawn from the pilot's helmet, which is not equipped with a helmet-mounted aiming system, characteristic of later models of the Su family aircraft.
This video allowed some foreign experts to draw conclusions about the deplorable state of the Russian Aerospace Forces fleet and seriously talk about the fact that "everything is not as rosy as the Russian OFSMI say."
Let me disagree.
For starters, you should look at the video of the TC "Zvezda". It is clear what it is, but it contains a certain amount of accurate information that allows us to draw certain conclusions.
Su-27SM belong to the 38th IAP, which is based at the Belbek airbase. That is, we are talking about an airfield in the rear, since Belbek is a suburb of Sevastopol, not Melitopol.
Accordingly, the Su-27SMs patrol the airspace over the peninsula in general and the Sevastopol base in particular. Which, in fact, is not surprising. Quite an acceptable role for such an aircraft.
According to the Zvezda TV channel, Su-27SMs provide top cover for attack aircraft and bombers, as well as combat helicopters. In addition, when patrolling the airspace, the tasks of intercepting small air targets (UAVs) are solved.
So, the picture is not of a total shortage of aircraft, but of the air defense of Crimea by the forces of aircraft, let's say, of the second line, which makes it possible to free up new aircraft to perform more important tasks in the NMD zone.
Judging by the reports of the Governor of Sevastopol, Mikhail Razvozzhaev, the Su-27s are coping with the assigned tasks. Reports of UAVs shot down by pilots of the regiment appear systematically, which allows us to conclude that in this role the Su-27 is quite fit for service. Given that the likelihood of Ukrainian UAVs penetrating Russian airspace over Crimea is a real threat, the need for constant patrols is clear and understandable.
Despite the attacks at the beginning of the NWO, the infrastructure apparently did not suffer losses, and therefore is used in full. And not modernized Su-27s are also used. Why? There is a certain meaning. To fly the resource of aircraft and write it off with a clear conscience, driving "dryers" over the Crimea, expecting that they will be replaced in accordance with the plans by single-seat Su-35S and double Su-30M2. At least some Su-30M2s have already arrived in Belbek and are being used for crew training.
It is quite obvious that the Su-27, whose range is more than 3 kilometers, can also be used in patrol overflights of the Black Sea. And not just “maybe”, but it is involved. In September of this year, it was the Su-27 that “missed” a missile during the incident with the RC-135W “Rivet Joint” electronic surveillance aircraft of the Royal Air Force of Great Britain over the Black Sea.
The situation did not become tense, the missile, which seemed to have started "accidentally" did not hit the British aircraft, both sides agreed to consider the incident settled, but since then RAF RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft have been accompanied by Typhoon fighters in flights over the Black Sea. Just in case again.
If you delve into history, you can find many cases of contacts between the Su-27 and representatives of the NATO bloc. The life of the aircraft was long and eventful, it must be admitted. However, today the Su-27 is gradually leaving the arena, because that's it, it's simply not worth delaying longer - the aircraft becomes obsolete much faster than design work is underway to modernize it.
Here it is worth mentioning the modernization of the Su-27. The Su-27 service life renewal program in the form of Su-27SM modernization was launched in 2003, the program primarily affected the Su-27, the production of which began back in 1982. Twenty-year-old aircraft received a new weapon control system SUV-VESH, which additionally ensures the use of X-31A anti-ship missiles.
The equipment of the aircraft was radically changed, the RLPK-27VESH radar sighting system, the OEPS-27MK optical-electronic sighting system, the SILS-27ME windshield display system and the state identification interrogator. RLPK-27VESH is a further development of the RLPK-27E radar sighting system of the Su-27SK aircraft, supplemented by an air-to-surface channel. Plus a new optical-location station OLS-27MK and a new helmet-mounted target designation system "Sura-K".
The work is so large-scale that the language does not turn to be called modernization. At the output, a practically new aircraft, with very impressive capabilities at that time. For 2002, it's just a job well done.
Next was the modernization of the Su-27SM2 and Su-27SM3. The batches of these aircraft were frankly small, they can even be called a study in the field for further possible upgrades. The weapon control system was improved by an order of magnitude, AL-31F-M1 engines were installed, the airframe design was strengthened, which made it possible to place additional weapon attachment points.
Importers have noticed that analog gauges have begun to give way to multifunctional displays and data entry panels.
This is also a definite improvement, but in general, what was added to the combat system from the Su-30MK2 modification (produced for China), in my opinion, was more significant. We improved the capabilities of the sighting system, both from the side of radar and from the side of electro-optics. Infrared search and target tracking in IR mode. A more powerful on-board computer that calculates all these processes.
In general, the improvements that gradually entered the Su-27 and remained in it made it possible to significantly improve the combat capabilities of the aircraft. In addition to the R-27 and R-73, the aircraft was able to take on board (respectively, use) the X-31A anti-ship, X-29 anti-radar (L, T, TD), as well as laser-guided bombs. In addition, a new air-to-air missile with an active radar seeker, R-27, was introduced into the Su-77 range. This further strengthened the capabilities of the Su-27, as it was originally designed to work as an air defense fighter.
By the way, Ukrainian pilots in their interviews have repeatedly said that the R-77-1 gives Russian pilots advantages that do not cause positive emotions in the pilots of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
In addition, improvements have also affected the electronic filling of the aircraft. The navigation system received a new model of the GPS receiver, the Bereza radar warning indicator was replaced with a more modern Pastel, and the modules of the Sorption electronic warfare complex were replaced with Khibiny.
In general, the path from the Su-27 to the Su-27SM was quite decent in terms of replacements and upgrades.
When the SVO began, in addition to the Su-27, Su-30 and Su-35 were deployed in Crimea. More modern and efficient aircraft took over the priority tasks, and the Su-27 was left with the issues of patrolling and direct defense of the Crimean airspace.
Everything looks quite logical: newer aircraft, which have a better chance of performing combat missions in the face of enemy opposition, are engaged in priority tasks, while older aircraft play secondary roles. This is normal, you must admit that sending the Su-27 to work on Ukrainian air defense systems would be simply stupid. If problems arise with more modern aircraft, then what about the Su-27, for which the task of getting away from the same Buk is simply impossible?
Some Western and Ukrainian (especially) media are trying to convince readers that the work of the Su-27 in the rear should be considered solely in the context of the poor performance of the Russian Aerospace Forces, which proved incapable of gaining air superiority.
It is worth agreeing that, in the light of recent events in Belgorod, confidence in the Aerospace Forces and Air Defense (which is now part of the Aerospace Forces) continues to decline, since attacks on old Russian territory are already becoming commonplace. Here one can blame attacks on strategic and long-range airfields by old Soviet unmanned aerial vehicles, and attacks on Belgorod with the help of long-destroyed Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine - and there is a lot of truth in these accusations.
Increased attention to the problems of Russian air defense is a completely normal thing. Russian citizens have the right to be protected from any encroachment on their lives. And the Russian army is OBLIGED to provide the full range of protection measures, and not just what is possible at the moment.
Speaking about our today's object of consideration, how the Su-27 modern air combat aircraft is so outdated that we simply don’t want to talk about it. It really is time for him to a well-deserved historical pedestal, because no upgrades can force out the relevance for this old car.
Cut into metal - yes, it will be wide, but not prudent. It’s easier to really use it to the end, in such secondary roles, although, what the hell are they, secondary ones, if Russian cities are under attack from the ground and air?
Another question is that we have not so many Su-27s of all modifications left, about a hundred aircraft. Of course, these are actually two regiments, but the question arises that, now, they will work out their resource and leave the stage. So, what is next? Believe that in Komsomolsk-on-Amur they will be able to fulfill an order for 76 Su-57 units? Not funny. They will not be able to, this is already clear, understandable and confirmed today.
Yes, and it makes no sense to throw expensive and untested aircraft from the Ukrainian meat grinder, even if it seems like the fifth generation. They are simply not needed there.
And, speaking of what will happen after the departure of the Su-27, we will say that there will be ... Su-27!
In fact, the Su-30, and the Su-35, and even the Su-34 - all of them are essentially nothing more than the Su-27. 45 years ago, a prototype of a simply unique aircraft was launched into the air, in which so much was laid that the descendants continue to be quite relevant and modern.
Moreover, we have yet another upgrade of the Su-35, and this will be the subject of material in the very near future in the “Armaments” section, because this upgrade, if everything goes as planned, will be able to provide the Su-35 with a rather impressive future. And what will happen at the end is a separate question altogether.
The designers, who laid such a huge potential for development in the Su-27, have created a masterpiece. More than 40 years of operation and the models that make up the shock core of the Russian Aerospace Forces only confirm this. And with the departure from the scene of the Su-27 itself, nothing ends. And even more so, one should not consider the transfer of the aircraft to service in the rear as something that shakes the foundations of the Aerospace Forces. Everything is not so bad, although it would be better.
Just really, it's time to change the Su-27 to newer models. The whole question is how to do it.
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