Although there are special models in the Flanker fighter family like the Su-34 or Su-35, the Su-33 is really the strangest variant.
Su-33 Flanker-D is a naval version, specially designed based on the Su-27 Flanker prototype to operate on Russia’s only aircraft carrier – Admiral Kuznetsov.
Although similar in appearance to the Su-27, there are many differences on the Flanker-D, such as a reinforced chassis, more technical landing gear, a large tail wing, folding wings, and AL engines. -31F3 powerful.
These modifications are designed to optimize take-offs and landings from short aircraft carrier runways. Another notable difference lies in the fact that the Su-33 has more weapon hangers than the Su-27 – up to 12 compared to 10.
Su-33’s armament includes 30mm Gsh-30-1 cannon, Flanker-D is equipped with air-to-air, air-to-ground, and air-to-ship missiles, aviation bombs, unguided rockets, and attack equipment. electronic warfare external suspension.
But in fact, the Su-33 cannot effectively use a number of important weapons when performing anti-surface and anti-ship functions, which makes the fighter suspect when Russia classifies it as “multipurpose”.
Despite being called a multirole fighter, in fact, the Flanker-D is an air superiority fighter, although its performance is nothing short of outstanding.
Since the Su-33 entered service in 1999, at least three of the 35 aircraft shipped were lost in accidents, one of which crashed during a demonstration in the summer of 2001. Deployment on the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov also faced many challenges.
When Russia’s sole aircraft carrier was deployed to the Mediterranean to participate in the military operation in Syria, a Su-33 crashed during a landing attempt, prompting the Russian Navy to move its entire squadron into the sea.
Realizing that the heavy Flanker-D had too many disadvantages, the Russian Navy expressed its desire to replace the Su-33 with a smaller and lighter MiG-29K, which was also more suitable for deployment on an aircraft carrier.
Although the MiG-29K is not as maneuverable as the Su-33 and has a relatively short range, it has much better ground attack capabilities and a wider selection of air-to-air missiles as well as air-to-air missiles like a guided bomb.
The MiG-29K also incorporates a more sophisticated electronic warfare system and relatively reliable radar to support ground attack capabilities. The aircraft is manufactured at a relatively cheap price, accompanied by many times lower maintenance costs.
In the past, Russia has repeatedly attempted to export the Su-33, identified as potential customers as China and India, both of which operate modified Soviet-era aircraft carriers.
However, negotiations with China broke down, and Beijing eventually opted for the Chinese-made Shenyang J-15 fighter jet – an unlicensed copy of the Su-33.
Although there are some reports that Russia’s Su-33 fleet is being upgraded, it is difficult to know for sure about the future of this fighter.
Although there are some reports that Russia’s Su-33 fleet is being upgraded, it is difficult to know for sure about the future of this fighter.
