The Su-33 is a Russian carrier-based fighter, developed from the Su-27 for operations from the aircraft-carrying cruiser "Admiral Kuznetsov". The first flight of the prototype took place in 1987, and the aircraft was adopted into service in 1998.
In total, about two dozen production Su-33s were built. The aircraft are operated by the 279th Separate Shipborne Fighter Aviation Regiment of the Northern Fleet.
"Pervy Tekhnichesky" answers three main questions about the 4th generation combat machine.
What missiles does the Su-33 carry?
The Su-33 received 12 hardpoints and can carry up to 6500 kg of combat load. The main armament for air combat consists of R-27 medium-range missiles and R-73 short-range missiles. The maximum fighter configuration includes eight R-27s and four R-73s.
Exactly four R-73s is the maximum number: these missiles are placed on the four outermost wing hardpoints.
For ground attacks, the Su-33 can use unguided rockets and free-fall bombs. It is possible to suspend up to 80 S-8s, up to 20 S-13s, or four heavy S-25s. The maximum caliber of conventional aerial bombs reaches 500 kg.
What radar is on the Su-33?
The aircraft received the N001K "Mech-K" radar complex, also known as product Ts001K. It belongs to the N001 radar family created for Su-27 fighters.
The antenna mirror diameter is approximately 950–960 mm. The radar allows detecting aerial targets at a distance of up to 100 km in the forward hemisphere and about 40 km when detecting from behind.
The complex is capable of simultaneously tracking up to 10 aerial targets and ensuring the use of medium-range missiles.
Speed, cannon, and dimensions
The Su-33 is equipped with a built-in 30-mm GSh-30-1 cannon with 150 rounds of ammunition.
The fighter's length is about 21.2 m, wingspan is 14.7 m, and maximum takeoff weight reaches approximately 33 tons. Two engines allow the Su-33 to accelerate to about 2300 km/h at altitude. The practical ceiling is about 17 km.
For operation on an aircraft carrier, the aircraft received reinforced landing gear, a tailhook, and folding wings. Takeoff from the deck is performed from a ski-jump, and during landing, the aircraft hooks onto an arrester wire.