Sukhoi Su-33 Flanker-D

Summary

Description

The Su-33 is a Russian carrier-based multirole fighter aircraft. It is a variant of the Sukhoi Su-27 and was originally developed by the Sukhoi Company. The aircraft is specifically designed for use on aircraft carriers and has modifications to suit this role, such as strengthened landing gear, an arrestor hook, and folding wings for easier storage. The development of the Su-33 began in the 1980s, primarily to serve on the Admiral Kuznetsov, Russia's only aircraft carrier. It was initially designated as the Su-27K ("Korabelny" meaning "naval") before it was renamed the Su-33. The aircraft entered service with the Russian Navy in 1998.

The development of the Su-33 started in the 1980s as an extension of the Sukhoi Su-27 program. It was intended to provide the Russian Navy with an advanced carrier-based multirole fighter that could execute a variety of missions, including air superiority and ground attack. To adapt the Su-27 for carrier operations, a number of significant design changes were made.

One of the key modifications was the reinforced landing gear to withstand the stresses of carrier landings, which are considerably more demanding than land-based operations. An arrestor hook was also added to the aircraft to enable it to catch arresting wires during carrier landings. Other adjustments included corrosion-resistant coatings and modifications for easier maintenance while at sea.

The wings of the Su-33 are foldable to reduce its footprint when stored on the cramped deck of an aircraft carrier. The aircraft also features canards, which are small forewings near the cockpit, for better aerodynamic performance and increased maneuverability, particularly during low-speed flight conditions commonly encountered during takeoff and landing on carriers.

Although the Su-33 was a significant advancement for the Russian Navy, it has not been exported widely and has largely been eclipsed by newer designs in recent years.

Armament

The Su-33 is equipped with a GSh-30-1 30mm cannon with 150 rounds for close-in dogfighting. For air-to-air combat, the aircraft can carry a mix of short-range R-73 (AA-11 Archer) and medium-range R-27 (AA-10 Alamo) missiles. Some variants can also be fitted with the more modern R-77 (AA-12 Adder) missiles.

For ground-attack and anti-ship roles, the Su-33 can carry a variety of precision-guided munitions, including Kh-25 and Kh-31 air-to-surface missiles, as well as unguided bombs and rockets. For anti-ship missions, it can be armed with the Kh-41 Moskit or Kh-35 Uran anti-ship missiles.

The aircraft's payload capacity is somewhat limited compared to its land-based counterparts, owing to the constraints of carrier-based operations. Nonetheless, the Su-33 is capable of carrying up to 6.5 tons of munitions on its 12 external hardpoints.

Operational history

The Su-33 officially entered service with the Russian Navy in 1998, and its primary role has been to serve as the air wing for Russia's sole aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov. The aircraft has participated in several exercises and deployments, but its combat experience is relatively limited.

One of the most notable operational deployments of the Su-33 was during the Russian military intervention in Syria, which started in 2015. The Admiral Kuznetsov was deployed to the Mediterranean Sea, and Su-33s conducted air strikes against ground targets in Syria. However, the deployment drew criticism for various reasons, including the loss of at least two aircraft due to issues with the carrier's arresting gear.

In addition to the Syria deployment, the Su-33 has been involved in various naval exercises and has occasionally been deployed to areas like the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean for training and show-of-force missions. The aircraft has not seen extensive combat and has not been exported to other countries, limiting its operational exposure.

Over the years, there have been plans and discussions around modernizing the Su-33 fleet, including upgrading avionics and extending its range of compatible weapons. However, the aircraft is generally considered to be nearing the end of its service life, and it is expected to be eventually replaced by the more modern MiG-29K or a naval version of the Su-57.

Variants

• Su-33 (Su-27K): The standard production version developed for carrier operations, later renamed Su-33. It served as the basis for all other variants. Features included strengthened landing gear and an arrestor hook, foldable wings, canards, and improved avionics for carrier-based operations.
• Su-33UB (Su-27KUB): A twin-seat combat-capable trainer variant, featuring a redesigned forward fuselage to accommodate a second cockpit. Though it was proposed, this version has not entered into production.
• Su-33KD: This was a proposed multirole version featuring enhanced air-to-ground and anti-ship capabilities, including compatibility with newer weapons systems. However, it has not moved beyond the concept stage.

While there have been plans for further variants, including modernized versions with upgraded avionics and armament, they have not progressed beyond the proposal stage.

Technical specifications

Current operating countries

No country is operating the Su-33 Flanker-D in 2024.

All operators

Russia

Photo of Su-33 Flanker-D