Sukhoi Su-33
The Sukhoi Su-33 (Russian: Сухой Су-33; NATO reporting name: Flanker-D) is a Soviet/Russian all-weather carrier-based twin-engine air superiority fighter designed by Sukhoi and manufactured by Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Production Association, derived from the Su-27 and initially known as the Su-27K. Compared with the Su-27, the Su-33 has a strengthened undercarriage and structure, folding wings and stabilators, all for carrier operations. The Su-33 has canards, and its wings are larger than the Su-27 for a slower stall speed. The Su-33 has upgraded engines and a twin nose wheel, and is air refuelable.
| Su-33 | |
|---|---|
| A Russian Navy Sukhoi Su-33 | |
| Role | Carrier-based air superiority fighter and multirole fighter |
| National origin | Soviet Union Russia |
| Manufacturer | Sukhoi, Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Production Association |
| First flight | 17 August 1987 |
| Introduction | 31 August 1998 (official) |
| Status | In service |
| Primary user | Russian Navy |
| Produced | 1987–1999 |
| Number built | approx. 22 production aircraft |
| Developed from | Sukhoi Su-27 |
| Variants | Shenyang J-15 |
First used in operations in 1995 aboard the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov, the fighter officially entered service in August 1998, by which time the designation "Su-33" was used. Following the break-up of the Soviet Union and the subsequent downsizing of the Russian Navy, only 24 aircraft were produced. Attempted sales to China and India fell through. With plans to retire the Su-33 once they reach the end of their service life, the Russian Navy ordered the MiG-29K as a replacement in 2009.