War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

F-16C

2024-07-24T00:29:57Z

U113394448: /* Pros and cons */

{{About
| about = American jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-16 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f_16c_block_50
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was a major improvement over the previous variants of the F-16. The previous Block 42 aircraft weighed 3,000+ lb (1,360 kg) over the early F-16s. To offset the increased weight, General Electric developed the F110-GE-129 which greatly increased thrust at both low and high altitudes. The Block 50 also received the Westinghouse APG-68(v)5 radar (upgraded to the -68(v)7 in later production models) which was much faster and generally more reliable. One of the biggest additions to the Block 50 was the ability to fire new ground attack munitions. The USAF received the first F-16 Block 50 in late 1991 and many more were sent to foreign countries as well.

Introduced in [[Update "Sons of Attila"]], the '''{{Specs|name}}''' is an excellent top-tier aircraft. The improved General Electric F110 greatly increases the performance of the Block 50 against enemy aircraft. It excels in dogfighting thanks to its relatively light airframe and better engine. The Fighting Falcon has access to AIM-9M Sidewinders with a smokeless motor and improved IRCCM, making them an incredibly dangerous missile, especially from rear aspect. Players should be more than satisfied with the F-16C Block 50 against both aircraft and ground targets.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

The F-16C performs similarly to the F-16A ADF, with a better engine and roll rate. When the plane is heavy (full fuel load, lots of ordnance), its maneuverability isn't amazing, but it isn't bad. However, when the plane is light (low fuel and most of the ordnance is depleted), it is much more maneuverable and is one of the best dogfighters in the game. It has a great roll rate, but this is only with the "New boosters" modification. This mod is incredibly potent, drastically increasing roll rate. It's incredibly quick as well, hitting 1500+ km/h on the deck coming at the cost of maneuverability, which is especially noticeable without the boosters.

It turns incredibly well, but the pilot needs to manage speed as it won't turn very well at high speed, especially when compared to an F-14 or MiG-29.

The engine is very strong, giving the F-16C a favorable thrust-to-weight ratio and climb rate. Due to the weight of its upgrades, however, it's not as maneuverable as the earlier F-16 variants, but is still an excellent aircraft.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 10,973 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,108 || 2,073 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.1 || 20.5 || 259.5 || 248.3 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
|2,235||2,170||18.9||19.5||344.1||300.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| 1,555  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || - || 470 || 463 || ~12 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 680 || < 750 || < 700 || -
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric F110-GE-129 || 1
| colspan="2" | 9,070 kg || colspan="3" | 441 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 12m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 42m fuel
|-
| 1,805 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
| 10,044 kg || 10,606 kg || 11,374 kg || 12,317 kg || 17,874 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 12m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 42m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 6,960 kgf || 11,484 kgf
| 1.14 || 1.08 || 1.01 || 0.93 || 0.64
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 7,241 kgf (1,200 - 1,400 km/h) || 16,488 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.64 || 1.55 || 1.45 || 1.34 || 0.92
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

The F-16C has no armour and, as such, lackluster survivability. The aircraft's inherent instability is exacerbated with damage, as well; it is very hard to fly if you lose a wing or your tail, and even minor airframe damage can cause the jet to enter a flatspin, or at the very least hinder its maneuverability.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs) !! EEGS
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|M61A1 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon, wing root-mounted (512 rpg)
* 120 x countermeasures

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}


The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10
| rowspan="20" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
| || || 3 || 3, 6 || || || 3, 6 || 3 || ||
|-
! [[Mk 82 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye]] bombs
| || || 3 || 3, 6 || || || 3, 6 || 3 || ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84]] bombs
| || || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 84 Air (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 Air]] bombs
| || || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[GBU-12 Paveway II (277 kg)|277 kg GBU-12 Paveway II]] bombs
| || || 2* || || || || || 2* || ||
|-
! [[GBU-24 Paveway III (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb GBU-24 Paveway III]] bombs
| || || 1* || 1* || || || 1* || 1* || ||
|-
! [[BLU-27/B incendiary]] bombs
| || || 2 || 2 || || || 2 || 2 || ||
|-
! [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rockets
| || || 57 || || || || || 57 || ||
|-
! [[Hydra-70 M247]] rockets
| || || 19 || || || || || 19 || ||
|-
! [[AGM-65D]] missiles
| || || 1, 3 || || || || || 1, 3 || ||
|-
! [[AGM-65G]] missiles
| || || 1 || || || || || 1 || ||
|-
! [[AIM-7M Sparrow]] missiles
| || || 1 || || || || || 1 || ||
|-
! [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[AIM-9M Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[AIM-120A]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! LITENING II targeting pod
| || || || || 1* || || || || ||
|-
! 300 gal drop tanks
| || || || || || 1 || || || ||
|-
! 370 gal drop tanks
| || || || 1 || || || 1 || || ||
|-
| colspan="11" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 2,000 kg
|-
| colspan="12" | * The LITENING II pod must be equipped when carrying guided bombs
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}

* 2 x 370 gal drop tanks + 1 x 300 gal drop tank
* 2 x AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-7M Sparrow missiles
* 6 x AIM-120A missiles
* 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 38 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets
* 2 x AGM-65D missiles
* 6 x AGM-65D missiles
* 2 x AGM-65G missiles
* 12 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 12 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 4 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 4 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 Air bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 4 x 277 kg GBU-12 Paveway II bombs (1,108 kg total)
* 4 x 2,000 lb GBU-24 Paveway III bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 8 x BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==


The F-16C is a purebred squad fighter, performing most efficiently with allied help. A group of 3–4 F-16s is a deadly force to be reckoned with, no matter the enemy. To get the most out of the Block-50, focus on assisting allies and cleaning up baited targets. The F-16 can be a menace by dipping in and out of fights, utilizing its effective HMD to sling AIM-9Ms at slow and distracted opponents. However, due to poor high-speed manoeuvrability, the F-16 should never be found alone, especially by multiple enemies. Poor high-speed agility can reduce responsiveness times for pilots, giving pursuing enemies crucial space for positioning. The F-16 can be easily overwhelmed when outnumbered, so the best way to combat the weakness is to avoid it altogether. By using careful target prioritization, a Block-50 can kill enemies and free up allies for assistance at the same time. Through practice, you will learn your plane by heart, finally unleashing the full potential of this vicious aircraft.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Access to potent AIM-9M missiles with the bonus of a smokeless motor
* Access to a LITENING II TGP in contrast to other F-16 variants
* Large variety of guided ground ordnance
* Better radar than previous F-16s
* Has TWS (Track While Scan)
* Upgraded F110-GE-129 engine with significantly more thrust
* Advanced AN/ALR-56M RWR that can detect a variety of threats
* Access to a voice warning system (Betty)
* Access to a helmet-mounted display (JHMCS) that allows players to obtain and fire missiles off the boresight

'''Cons:'''

* Bad top speed manoeuvrability
* High fuel consumption
* Worse flight performance than previous F-16s
* sanfi_live use this plane

== History ==

Concluding MSIP III, the Block 40/42 F-16CG/DG "Night Falcon" fleet weighed 3,000+ lbs over the original F-16A/B fleet. Intended to carry more armament than the original A/Bs, the CG/DGs had their airframes strengthened compared to even the fairly recent CD/DDs, and had improved avionics, as the primary intent behind the Night Falcon: LANTIRN integration. While this wasn't as much of a problem for the Block 40s, the Block 42s suffered heavily, still using the F100-PW-220E introduced with the Block 25. These engines still produced roughly the same thrust as the original F100-PW-200s that was featured on the F-16As.

As a result, the USAF launched the Increased Performance Engine (IPE) program to increase the thrust of the F-16. Pratt & Whitney procured the F100-PW-229, and General Electric procured the F110-GE-129, both rated at 29,000 lb of thrust (129 kN). Both were much more powerful than their predecessors, providing the Block 50/52 fleet much desired thrust. The F110, found in the Block 50, featured a thirty-percent increase in thrust at low altitudes and a ten-percent increase at higher altitudes. The Block 50 also received the Westinghouse APG-68(v)5 radar which had increased reliability and was much faster. The cockpit retained its previous monochrome MFDs and FOV HUD, while having upgraded systems, such as the AN/ALR-56M RWR and AN/ALE-47 countermeasure system. From the Block 50D/52D onwards, the Block 50/52 fleet was unofficially designated the F-16CJ/DJ. These F-16s received the Harm Avionics/Launcher Interface Computer (ALIC), allowing for autonomous employment capability of HARMs, and the integration for AGM-88 HARMs, the Lockheed Martin AN/AAS-35(V) Pave Penny laser spot tracker (also featured on the right hand side of the A-10A's and early A-10C (pre Suite 7, as this was superseded by more system integration)'s nose), and the Texas Instruments (now Raytheon) AN/ASQ-213 Harm Targeting System (HTS). The HTS is mounted on the starboard intake hardpoint, and is able to detect, classify, and range ground radar threats, passing this information to the HARM and cockpit displays. The Block 50 was also capable of using new munitions, such as the AGM-65G Maverick, JDAM munitions, AGM-154 JSOW, AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and PGU-28/B SAPHEI rounds.

The first Block 50 F-16 was delivered to the USAF in November of 1991, and by early 1997, over 300 were delivered to four different customers.

After 2005, the USAF stopped receiving new F-16s, although they continued to upgrade their fleet, as seen with the Common Configuration Implementation Program (CCIP), and Post Block Integration Team (PoBIT).

The CCIP brought the Block 40/42 fleet and 50/52 fleet to the same upgrade program, including upgrades such as a more powerful central processor, color cockpit displays, the Sniper XR targeting pod (Phase IB), the "Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System" (JHMCS) (Phase II), the AN/APX-113 IFF transponder (as seen with the "bird slicers" on the top of the nose of the F-16C in game), an improved Westinghouse APG-68(v)9 radar, electronic Horizontal Situation Indicator, and the Link-16 data link, amongst other improvements. This upgrade also provided shared commonality with the well-known Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) program, bringing the now combined 40/42/50/52 fleet to about M4.2 standard, though this varied depending on the airframe. The US F-16 fleet also ran through a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) parallel to CCIP, providing valuable structural refurbishment to ensure the airframe's survivability, increasing the original 8,000 flight hours to nearly 14,000. These modernized F-16s were redesignated as F-16CM/DM regardless of block, further signifying commonality with MLU F-16s.
[[File:F-16c thunderbirds 2022.jpg|thumb|400px|F-16Cs of the USAF Thunderbirds performing a Diamond Formation, October 2022.]]

Smaller individual upgrades have taken place, too, such as integration of more advanced countermeasures systems such as Raytheon's AN/ALE-50 towed decoy system, and Elbit System's Passive Airborne Warning Systems (PAWS). Larger upgrades include the Block 50/52 Plus, which includes many upgrades seen in CCIP (such as AN/APX-113, APG-68(v)9, HMCS capability), while also adding features such as an on-board oxygen generating system (OBOGS), and the capability for Conformal Fuel Tanks (CFTs). D variant Block 50/52 Pluses also have a distinct spine, accommodating for lost space involved with integrating the second seat, although the spines seen on F-16s heavily vary depending on the operator and Block. The Have Glass programs are dedicated to minimizing the F-16's radar cross section throughout the platform's lifetime. The most modern iteration, Have Glass V, utilizes ferromagnetic paint.to absorb radar energy, and recoats the canopy in a distinctive, darker finish.

A variety of nations operate the Block 50/52 to this day, including but not limited to Chile, Egypt, Greece, Iraq, Israel, Poland, Singapore, South Korea, and Turkey. Each customer has their own separate upgrades involved, depending on the nation's need.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f_16c_block_50 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
F-16 Viper Demo Team skin.png|F-16C Viper Demo Team skin
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|f3sRtaPqENE|'''The Shooting Range #376''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:26 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[F-16 (Family)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8429-development-f-16c-block-50-the-more-the-merrier-en|[Devblog] F-16C Block 50: The More The Merrier!]]

{{AirManufacturer General Dynamics}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

Su-27

2023-12-31T22:27:30Z

U113394448: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card
|code=su_27
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

Shortly after the Vietnam War, both the United States and the Soviet Union got to work on a new generation of fighter aircraft that favoured manoeuvrability and dogfight performance over top speed, after seeing how badly "missile truck" designs like the [[F-4 Phantom II (Family)|F-4 Phantom II]] performed against more nimble aircraft that were as much as 20 years older. In 1969, the Soviet Union received details through spies on the USAF's F-X program and the aircraft it was leading to, the [[F-15A|F-15 Eagle]]. As a result, the Soviets also decided to adopt a "Heavy support" doctrine with their new generation of fighters, with a smaller amount of a larger, more powerful aircraft supporting a larger amount of smaller, cheaper "frontline" aircraft just as the US was going to do with the F-15 and [[F-16 (Family)|F-16]] respectively. The design of the heavy fighter was handed to OKB Sukhoi, which quickly produced the T-10 prototype. The T-10 had many shortcomings, and after a lot of work with {{Annotation|TsAGI|Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute of Moscow}} to iron out the issues, the Su-27 would take to the skies for the first time in 1977. Development would continue further, and the first true "production models" would only enter service in 1985, beginning a fruitious life in Soviet service, and later in Chinese, Ethiopian, Vietnamese, Eritrian, Indonesian, Ukranian, Kazakh, Uzbekh, and Russian service with many aircraft of the type still seeing combat today.

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (NATO reporting name: ''Flanker'') was introduced in [[Update "Air Superiority"]] as the top-end heavy fighter for the USSR tree, capping off the Sukhoi line and beginning its transition from high speed fighter-bombers to the venerable Flanker family. The Su-27 is a jack of all trades yet a master of almost none, and that playstyle is its strongest suite. The Flanker carries a very generous amount of air to air missiles (ten), including up to six heat-seeking missiles with HMD targeting, and four of the infamous R-27ER coupled with the strong N001 Mech radar. The Flanker's lethal missile selection allows it to dispatch distracted many enemies at safe distances, and when push comes to shove, the Flanker's inherently unstable airframe and fly-by-wire control systems allows it to perform high angle-of-attack manoeuvres and partial post-stall manoeuvres at lower speeds, including the famed Cobra manoeuvres. All in all, the Su-27 should be played as a jack of all trades, and fits best into a very aggressive playable due to its lethal missiles, great avionics and sensors, and nimble flight performance. One must, however, be aware of various enemies you can encounter in the Flanker, such as all the aircraft that carry IRCCM missiles due to the Flanker's large heat signature as a result of the two massive AL-31 engines, but also be careful of dogfighting aircraft from the F-15 Eagle family, as the Eagle's superior TWR and high-speed handling as a result of the stable airframe will give F-15 players an advantage in some scenarios.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at _,___ m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | ___
|-
! Upgraded
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| 1,540  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || - || 652 || 600 || ~__ || ~__
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 680 || < 750 || < 700 || -
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Saturn AL-31F || 2
| colspan="2" | 16,420 kg || colspan="3" | 417 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 13m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 44m fuel
|-
| 1,520 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
| 19,240 kg || 20,614 kg || 22,711 kg || 25,820 kg || 33,798 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 13m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 44m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 7,219 kgf || 11,656 kgf
| 1.21 || 1.13 || 1.03 || 0.90 || 0.69
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 7,219 kgf (0 km/h) || 15,640 kgf (1,540 km/h)
| 1.63 || 1.52 || 1.38 || 1.21 || 0.92
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs) !! Lead indicator
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|GSh-30-1 (30 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon, wing root-mounted (150 rpg)
* 96 x large calibre countermeasures

The Su-27 uses the same 30 mm autocannon as the MiG-29 with the same limited ammunition count of 150 rounds. Although it is not as forgiving as the American M61 Vulcan and demands precision, it has no spool up time and will deal heavy damage to any aircraft it hits. Something to note is that the Su-27's cannon is mounted on the right side of the fuselage, whereas the MiG-29's mount is on the left.

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}


The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="5%" | 1 !! width="5%" | 2 !! width="5%" | 3 !! width="5%" | 4 !! width="5%" | 5 !! width="5%" | 6 !! width="5%" | 7 !! width="5%" | 8 !! width="5%" | 9 !! width="5%" | 10
| rowspan="19" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[OFAB-100 (100 kg)|100 kg OFAB-100]] bombs
| || 1 || 6 || 6 || 6 || 6 || 6 || 6 || 1 ||
|-
! [[FAB-250M-62 (250 kg)|250 kg FAB-250M-62]] bombs
| || || 1, 2 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[OFAB-250-270 (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250-270]] bombs
| || 1 || 1, 2, 6 || 1, 5 || 1, 4 || 1, 2 || 1, 5 || 1, 2, 6 || 1 ||
|-
! [[OFAB-250Sh (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250Sh]] bombs
| || || 1, 2 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[FAB-500M-62 (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500M-62]] bombs
| || || 1, 2 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[FAB-500Sh (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500Sh]] bombs
| || || 1, 2 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[ZB-500 incendiary]] bombs
| || || 1, 2 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[S-8KO]] rockets
| || || 20, 40 || || || || || 20, 40 || ||
|-
! [[S-13OF]] rockets
| || || 5, 10 || || || || || 5, 10 || ||
|-
! [[S-25O]] rockets
| || || 1, 2 || || || || || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[S-25OF]] rockets
| || || 1, 2 || || || || || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[S-25OFM]] rockets
| || || 1, 2 || || || || || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[R-27ER]] missiles
| || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[R-27ET]] missiles
| || || 1 || || || || || 1 || ||
|-
! [[R-27R]] missiles
| || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[R-27T]] missiles
| || || 1 || || || || || 1 || ||
|-
! [[R-73]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
| colspan="11" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 8,040 kg Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}

* Without load
* 2 x R-73 missiles
* 6 x R-73 missiles
* 2 x R-27T missiles
* 6 x R-27R missiles
* 2 x R-27ET missiles
* 6 x R-27ER missiles
* 80 x S-8KO rockets
* 20 x S-13OF rockets
* 4 x S-25O rockets
* 38 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (3,800 kg total)
* 8 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 30 x 250 kg OFAB-250-270 bombs (7,500 kg total)
* 8 x 250 kg OFAB-250Sh bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 8 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 8 x 500 kg FAB-500Sh bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 8 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs
{{Navigation-End}}

The Su-27 has a fairly wide arsenal. The air-to-air armaments are generally similar to the [[MiG-29SMT]], with highly agile R-73 IR missiles for short-range combat and various marks of R-27 missiles for medium to long range engagements. However it has a large advantage in capacity over the MiG-29; a full air superiority loadout consists of four R-73s and up to six R-27s, which makes it an excellent missile truck for BVR jousting.

The extended-range R-27ER and R-27ET are the most capable members of the R-27 family and should be used once unlocked. The R-27ET (and its less advanced R-27T) can only be mounted on the inboard wing pylons for a maximum capacity of two, but this is sufficient for a couple of long-range sneak attacks to round out the Su-27's engagement capabilities. The inboard pylons can also mount R-73s instead for pilots who want to bring as many dogfight missiles as possible.

The Su-27 is limited to only unguided bombs and rockets for ground attack, so unlike the MiG-29SMT it cannot use TV-guided missile or bombs for standoff engagements. One notable feature is that it can carry up to four S-25O heavy bunker-buster rockets made famous by the [[Su-25]], which can be a fun surprise for combined battles when enemy SAMs are suppressed or confused. All rockets are mounted in double racks on the inboard pylons, leaving the other pylons available for R-73s, R-27s, or bombs in a multirole loadout.

== Usage in battles ==


The Su-27 is a fairly all-rounded aircraft, capable of of performing both air superiority and close air support duties, with the aircraft excelling at the former due to its ability to carry a massive arsenal of close to medium range air-to-air missiles like the potent and reliable R-73 and the maneuvreable and high speed R-27ER, whilst for more personal and intimate encounters the Su-27 sports a potent wing root 30 mm GSh-30-1 with EEGS integrated. The aircraft also has HMD (Helmet Mounted Display) integrated, allowing the pilot to designate radar lock-on selected target within the HMD's cubical arc which possesses a massive gimble room. One thing to note is that IR Missile lock is integrated into the HMD, allowing the HMD to lock your R-73 SRAAMs onto your enemies without the need to point your nose to lock, this gave the Su-27 a massive advantage in dogfights especially against opponents that lacked the same technology.

For ground support duties, the aircraft offers a decently diverse payload options, ranging from conventional and retarded bombs to unguided missiles which featured CCIP support. One glaring issue however is the lack of computer guided munition due to the aircraft inherent nature of being an air-superiority fighter.

In Air Realistic Battles, the Su-27 is a smooth operator, with excellent roll rate and turn speed. At the start of the battle, it's recommended for the player to load the aircraft with x4 R-73 SRAAMs and x6 R-27ER MRAAMs. After taking off, push for afterburner until you reached ~1200 km/h IAS and maintain it until contact is made. It's highly advise to stay on deck and follow the terrain to induce radar cluttering whilst en route to the combat zone, this will come in extremely handy when the opposition is field F-14A/Bs which could pop off AIM-54A/Cs Active Radar Homing (ARH) Missiles which could independently track target without the need for the Tomcat's radar constantly feeding informations back.

After making visual contact with the enemy at any altitude beyond the range of 5 km+, you could attempt to acquire lock using your Radar or HMD mode and pop off a few of your R-27ER to shed some weight, note that the R-27ERs possessed IOG and DL features, the former allowed the missile to continue tracking with the last given parameters whilst the latter enables the missile to reacquire its target after lock is regained, this allowed for some tricky plays like popping off the missile at the enemy, this will encourage them to deploy Countermeasures (CMs) expecting lock to be lost or disrupted, however with the addition of DL, lock could be reacquired and the missile will resume its tracking unlike its contemporary like the the AIM-7M. This potentially allow the player to catch the prey off guard thinking that they've already gotten off the R-27ER's hook. At near tree top level, it's highly advise that the player use R-73s instead despite the Su-27's ability to reliably lock targets even at low altitude, it is in no way reliable enough to guide the R-27ERs lest you're flying at an even lower altitude than your enemy. If the fight devolves into an dogfights, the Su-27 are have some tricks up its sleeves, that being the Su-27's extremely maneuverable airframe at speeds below the thresholds between ~500-700 km/h IAS (another thing to note is that at speeds above 1200 km/h IAS, the vertical control surfaces will stiffen up). However if you find yourself at speeds higher than 700 km/h IAS, then the Su-27 has yet another toy that is yet to be unveiled, which is the addition of a massive airbrake, specifically designed to enable the aircraft to perform a tight turn even at high speed, regardless the use of this airbrake should be done in moderation as it bleeds the aircrafts speed at an astronomical rate which could be a double-edged sword or a lifesaver depending on the scenario it's used in, this enables the Su-27 to outmaneuver even the most maneuverable jets with a few exceptions like the JAS-39A/C Gripen and Mirage 4000. This allows the Su-27 to turn the table of the fight ever so slightly in its favor, allowing the aircraft to enter its maneuverable speed threshold which could help you get your HMD acquisition of the R-73 SRAAM on the assailant or just pepper them with your potent 30 mm with the help of EEGS (Note: R-73s IRCCM uses Gatewidth Tracking which is extremely flare resistant the closer the missile gets to it's target due to the IR tracking scope narrowing post-launch, this means it's highly recommended for the pilot to launch the missile preferably from or below 1 km for best effect).

'''Notable Opponents:'''

* '''F-16A/Cs''': F-16s are decently maneuverable, but what makes these aircraft deadly however is the addition of AIM-9M Missiles which they sport plenty of, these missile utilises a tracking suspension system, making it extremely hard for the Su-27 to dodge as the AIM-9M will immediately suspense lock when it detects multiple heat source whilst continuing to fly with latest parameter until it could reacquire IR tracking after there's one heat source left. One way to counter AIM-9Ms however is to sporadically flare whilst changing direction, this will cause the missile to overshoot as its tracking shuts down whilst detecting multiple heat sources.
* '''F-14A/Bs''': F-14s are capable of launching AIM-54A/Cs as aforementioned, which could be extremely infuriating to deal with. The only real counter to this is by flying flat on deck, however even the slightest mistake could resulted in you getting locked on by the AIM-54s if you don't fly close enough to the ground, however the Tomcat's combat prowess starts to diminish at closer ranges.
* '''F-15A/Js''': F-15s are perhaps one of the Su-27s greatest adversary. Equal in maneuvrebility, the F-15s could pull off many tight turn just like the the Su-27 combined with its use of AIM-9Ms, the Eagle could easy pick off the Flanker in close range engagements so caution is advise when engaging.
* '''JAS-39A/Cs''': Engagement against the Gripen is quite tricky for the Flanker, the aircraft possess possibly superior maneuvrebility than the Flanker and Eagle in some cases, combined the the Gripen's used of licensed built AIM-9Ms under the Swedish designation of RB-74(M)s, direct close in confrontation is ill-advised as most fight wouldn't end well for the Flanker.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Excellent acceleration and engine power
* Great airframe allowing for very tight turns at speeds between ~500-700 km/h IAS
* Featured dogfighting airbrake allowing for the execution of tight turns even at high speeds
* Massive assortments of Air-to-Air weaponry, capable of carrying a maximum of 10 missiles
* GSh-30-1 is hardhitting and capable of incapacitating most foes with a single well landed burst
* HMD is intergrated with IR tracking support allowing R-73s to be launch from unprecedented angles
* Can carry 6 R-27ERs which are the best SARH missile in-game

'''Cons:'''

* Massive airframe compared to most contemporaries which makes for an easy target
* Control surfaces stiffens at speeds higher than 1200 km/h
* Flares are deployed singularly one by one
* Has a tendency to snap its wing at high speed whilst rolling excessively

== History ==

''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/all/?q=%23su27 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==

''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8652-development-su-27-feisty-flanker-en|[Development] Su-27: Feisty Flanker!]]

{{AirManufacturer Sukhoi}}
{{USSR jet aircraft}}