03 Sukhoi Su-27IB
In the mid-1980s, the Sukhoi bureau began developing the new tactical combat aircraft from the naval trainer version of the Su-27K, known internally as the T10KM-2, to replace its Su-24 Fencer. Later renamed the Su-27IB (IB standing for istrebitel-bombardirovshchik, or “fighter-bomber”), the prototype retained the Flanker’s main undercarriage, which was strengthened to accommodate a 45 ton maximum gross weight, but sported a new distinctive nose housing a phased array multimode attack radar and a digital or “glass cockpit” configuration. Although developed in tandem with the two-seat naval trainer, the Su-27KUB, the two aircraft were not directly related.
In 1992, the Su-27IB was shown to the public at the MosAeroshow (later renamed the MAKS Airshow) but officially introduced on 13 February 1992 at Machulishi in Belarus. The aircraft flew the following year at the MAKS Airshow. The next prototype and the first pre-production aircraft, the T10V-2, first flew on 18 December 1993. This aircraft was different from the T10KM-2 in having modified vertical stabilizers and wing of the Su-35, twin tandem main undercarriage, and a longer “stinger” that housed the N012 rearward-facing warning radar, the drag chute, and fuel jettison outlet.
03 Sukhoi Su-27IB
In the mid-1980s, the Sukhoi bureau began developing the new tactical combat aircraft from the naval trainer version of the Su-27K, known internally as the T10KM-2, to replace its Su-24 Fencer. Later renamed the Su-27IB (IB standing for istrebitel-bombardirovshchik, or “fighter-bomber”), the prototype retained the Flanker’s main undercarriage, which was strengthened to accommodate a 45 ton maximum gross weight, but sported a new distinctive nose housing a phased array multimode attack radar and a digital or “glass cockpit” configuration. Although developed in tandem with the two-seat naval trainer, the Su-27KUB, the two aircraft were not directly related.
In 1992, the Su-27IB was shown to the public at the MosAeroshow (later renamed the MAKS Airshow) but officially introduced on 13 February 1992 at Machulishi in Belarus. The aircraft flew the following year at the MAKS Airshow. The next prototype and the first pre-production aircraft, the T10V-2, first flew on 18 December 1993. This aircraft was different from the T10KM-2 in having modified vertical stabilizers and wing of the Su-35, twin tandem main undercarriage, and a longer “stinger” that housed the N012 rearward-facing warning radar, the drag chute, and fuel jettison outlet.