Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker - Warbird Tech Vol. 42 [Paperback]

Yefim Gordon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2006

Recognized as one of the best fighters of the 1990s, the Su-27 Flanker is a single-seat supersonic interceptor that is often declared the finest and most successful fighter of the Cold War era. Designed by Sukhoi OKB, the imposing fighter quickly gained popularity and respect from countries all across the globe. Intended to be a direct competitor to the new generation of American fighters such as the F-15, the Su-27 was designed with outstanding range, heavy armament, and high agility. Excellent performance, handling, and serviceability have made the aircraft popular with its pilots and ground personnel alike. Equipped with an analog fly-by-wire control system, a full avionics suite, and up to 10 air-to-air missiles, the Flanker also features a rearward-facing radar between the engines, allowing it to fire at targets behind the aircraft. Outfitted with two Lyul'ka AL-31F turbofans, each 12,500 kgp (27,557 lb st) with afterburning, the Su-27's high thrust-to-weight ratio and refined aerodynamics allow superb flight characteristics at high angles of attack. Yefim Gordon and Peter Davison are the authors of several books on Soviet aircraft including the Specialty Press titles Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-29 Fulcrum and Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-15 Fagot. Over 300 photos illustrate the story of the Su-27. Topics covered include design, development, structural detail, international production, trials, upgrades and generations, comparisons, overseas sales, and much more. This book is a must have for all warbird enthusiasts!

Editorial Reviews

Review

Internet Modeler, April 2006
"For those looking for a short synopsis on the Su-27, this is the perfect book to get. It presents a solid balance between overview and detail, which makes it the perfect general modeling reference. Its low price doesn't hurt, either."

Hyperscale, July 2006, reviewed by Ken Bowles
"Once more this Warbird Tech volume is of very high quality and a worthy investment for modeling reference. The book will serve both history buffs and modelers well."

International Plastic Modelers Society Journal, June 2006
"All in all, the Warbird Tech series are great resources for the modeler and also for the aviation enthusiasts. I highly recommend this publication."

--International Plastic Modelers Society Journal, June 2006

Product Details

• Paperback: 104 pages
• Publisher: Specialty Press (April 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580070914
• ISBN-13: 978-1580070911
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #562,590 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not Long Ago, this Book Would be Considered Top Secret, December 21, 2006

By 

John Matlock "Gunny" (Winnemucca, NV) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker - Warbird Tech Vol. 42 (Paperback)

In this book, Volume 42 in the Warbird Tech Series, their full treatment is given to the Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker. This is one of the most advanced fighter aircraft in use today. The basic design was begun in 1971, and really began volume production in about 1986, giving some idea of the time it takes to create a state-of-the-art aircraft design today. The Su-27 was designed in response to the United States development of the F-14 and F-15 fighters. It is large and fast, with exceptional range, heavy armament, and very high agility. Although little used in actual combat, the impressive air combat maneuvring capacity should make it an excellent dogfighter.

This aircraft has become a staple of Russia's sales on the international market with sales to the expected countries that were in the old Soviet Union, but also to other countries such as Mexico, Venezuela, India and China. Even the United States has purchased two aircraft, probably for military training.

Now that we are friends with Russia, it is great to see books such as this which not too many years ago would have been considered top secret.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A regular book, about a great Russian fighter, May 18, 2011

By 

Dalton C. Rocha (Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker - Warbird Tech Vol. 42 (Paperback)

I read this regular book, here in Brazil. This book is short, brief and easy to understand. There's also text about the Su-27 derivatives, such as the Su-33 and Su-35.
Even so, I have to give just three stars for it, because of these causes:
1- The photos are about two hundreds; but they are mainly in black and white. Between pages 65 and 72 there's many photos with color. Almost all photos are regular, in quality. About the half of this book are photos.
2- The text itself seems to be a group of magazine's articles about the Su-27 and it derivatives. There isn't enough text about this great fighter and its derivatives. Even the chapter 5, only about the Su-27 used in ships, isn't with enough text to read. Any chapter has enough text about its subject.
With regular photos and even more, just a regular text, this a regular book, about a great Russian fighter.

1 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Su-27...the new guy on the block!, January 9, 2007

By 

Armando R. Limon (Wheatland, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker - Warbird Tech Vol. 42 (Paperback)

Any one who's seen the F-15 fly knows that is a tough jet to beat, but with the Su-27, you've got a jet that likes to make sure everyone in the sky knows it is around!
The Su-27 is jet that was designed by builders who know what a pilot need in jet, from avionics to track & shoot down any thing that flies, to engines & aerodynamics that has no bounds to fly circles againts any & all who come up against it!
With new models of the flanker coming off the production line, it pays to know what the fellow across the street is flying!