16 Sukhoi Su-33 Flanker-D (279th OKIAP)
Flight tests of the T10K prototype, now known as the Su-27K, continued from 1987 to 1994. Updated from its original T10K specifications, the Su-27K received a strengthened undercarriage and structure, folding wings and stabilators, upgraded Saturn AL-31F3 afterburning turbofan engines and a twin-nose wheel. At the time, the Su-27K was in competition with the MiG-29K for selection as the primary carrier-borne fighter. The Su-27K had a higher maximum takeoff weight, fuel capacity, ordnance capacity, and capable of slower speeds whereas the MiG-29K was smaller, less expensive, could be used in greater numbers, and could carry more air-to-ground munitions. In the end, the Su-27K won the competition, entering service with the Russian Navy on the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier in August 1998 as the Su-33.
The aircraft was envisioned to be the primary carrier-based fighter for the Soviet Navy’s carrier fleet. However, after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the carrier building program was cancelled and the projected 72 aircraft required was cut to 24. These aircraft were deployed on the RNS Admiral Kuznetsov, the Russian Navy’s only operable aircraft carrier. The carrier’s cruises in the Mediterranean, the Atlantic, and the Arctic gave the newly-formed naval aviation squadrons time to practice carrier operations, such as take-off and landings, inflight refuelling, and simulated air-to-air and air-to-surface engagements. In 2015, the Kuznetsov sailed to Syria and Su-33s participated in military operations against ISIL and Al-Nusra terrorist groups, using 500 kg precision munitions to bomb ammunition warehouses and weapons production plants.
In this image, two Su-33s from Squadron 2 of the 279th Independent Shipborne Assault Aviation Regiment (OKIAP) sit fully armed on the deck of the RNS Admiral Kuznetsov. When not onboard the Kuznetsov, the 279th OKIAP is stationed at Severomorsk-3 Northern Fleet air base, east of Murmansk. In 2009, it was announced that the Russian Navy would procure 24 MiG-29Ks to replace the Su-33s in service, with deliveries to be completed by 2015. By this time, the Russian Navy decided to form a second fighter regiment, the 100th OKIAP, to augment the current force, with the MiG-29Ks assigned to this new unit. In 2016, the Su-33 received upgrades to its weapons delivery systems, receiving the SVP-24 targeting system and giving the aircraft a better strike capability. After receiving these upgrades, the Flanker-D is expected to serve with the Russian Navy for a few more years.
16 Sukhoi Su-33 Flanker-D (279th OKIAP)
Flight tests of the T10K prototype, now known as the Su-27K, continued from 1987 to 1994. Updated from its original T10K specifications, the Su-27K received a strengthened undercarriage and structure, folding wings and stabilators, upgraded Saturn AL-31F3 afterburning turbofan engines and a twin-nose wheel. At the time, the Su-27K was in competition with the MiG-29K for selection as the primary carrier-borne fighter. The Su-27K had a higher maximum takeoff weight, fuel capacity, ordnance capacity, and capable of slower speeds whereas the MiG-29K was smaller, less expensive, could be used in greater numbers, and could carry more air-to-ground munitions. In the end, the Su-27K won the competition, entering service with the Russian Navy on the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier in August 1998 as the Su-33.
The aircraft was envisioned to be the primary carrier-based fighter for the Soviet Navy’s carrier fleet. However, after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the carrier building program was cancelled and the projected 72 aircraft required was cut to 24. These aircraft were deployed on the RNS Admiral Kuznetsov, the Russian Navy’s only operable aircraft carrier. The carrier’s cruises in the Mediterranean, the Atlantic, and the Arctic gave the newly-formed naval aviation squadrons time to practice carrier operations, such as take-off and landings, inflight refuelling, and simulated air-to-air and air-to-surface engagements. In 2015, the Kuznetsov sailed to Syria and Su-33s participated in military operations against ISIL and Al-Nusra terrorist groups, using 500 kg precision munitions to bomb ammunition warehouses and weapons production plants.
In this image, two Su-33s from Squadron 2 of the 279th Independent Shipborne Assault Aviation Regiment (OKIAP) sit fully armed on the deck of the RNS Admiral Kuznetsov. When not onboard the Kuznetsov, the 279th OKIAP is stationed at Severomorsk-3 Northern Fleet air base, east of Murmansk. In 2009, it was announced that the Russian Navy would procure 24 MiG-29Ks to replace the Su-33s in service, with deliveries to be completed by 2015. By this time, the Russian Navy decided to form a second fighter regiment, the 100th OKIAP, to augment the current force, with the MiG-29Ks assigned to this new unit. In 2016, the Su-33 received upgrades to its weapons delivery systems, receiving the SVP-24 targeting system and giving the aircraft a better strike capability. After receiving these upgrades, the Flanker-D is expected to serve with the Russian Navy for a few more years.