Sukhoi Su-27/30/33/35/37 Flanker series & Su-34 Fullback - History, Design, Performance & Dissection (Part 2)

By bet is on the right one being AL-41. Looking at that photo and photo of Su-27 with a flat nozzle you can see similarities between “regular” engines on both photos

Here is 710 next to t-50. Cannot tell difference in nozzle

I also have 710 next to first serial su35s let me find those pics

41F1 and 41F1S probably indistinguishable visually. At least at that distance. Could be some differences in maintenance hatches and such because of different control system thats about it

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Honestly cannot tell, looks identical to me. Actually maybe inside of nozzle looks different? Although if that’s from one being semi closed vs the other being fully open… who knows
Compare to 1995 photo

Right one is AL-41, I’m pretty sure, left engine looks identical to 1995 photo

TVC on Su-35 is 2d but V-shaped, just like on Su-30SM

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You literally can see on a video I posted above that Su-35 nozzles can move horizontally, Su-30SM can’t do that

Video literally shows that they move in one axis, just tilted

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It looks like that because of the fish eye lense

If you look at the rudders, you are able to see that those aren’t moving when the nozzles are moving “outward”


Here is the default position.

Here is fully tilted in Yaw axis position.

Rudders don’t move in both positions

You can see it go in vertical axis…
Which also results in yaw movement too.

yes, but can you say that it was moved like that because of the limitations of nozzles or because it was set this way by FCS?

I apologize for asking this question so suddenly. Why were the Flanker series aircraft designed to be so large? Was it because of their weapon load?

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You want long detailed as hell answer or short answer lol, I’ll post a translated section on the su27 series book if you want long answer. Also no need to apologize for asking a question we all here to learn

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Anything you feel like answering is fine.
I’m a complete amateur, so I can only play the role of an audience member seated in the theater. I’m grateful for any answer you give :)

According to Су-27. История истребителя (history of fighter) the large size of the Flanker series was due to:
• Fuel capacity and range: one requirement was to intercept American bombers and escorts at great distances over the USSR’s territory. This required a very large internal fuel capacity, which in turn needs a bigger fuselage.
• Integrated structure: The central fuselage was designed as one with the wing center section, housing main fuel tanks and landing gear bays. This made to the size of the midsection of the plane
• Aerodynamics: The blended wing fuselage layout allowed the Su-27 to achieve low wing loading despite its size, which gave good maneuverability but also contributes to its size (it’s why it looks like a flying wing)
• Systems and weapons volume: The aircraft had to carry a large, powerful radar (N001/N011 family), OLS IRST, and a heavy air-to-air missile load (10+ missiles).
So yeah pretty simple reasons really

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Another little trivia is ability to work in harsh weather conditions and from pretty much any airfield. Bigger size and weight increase stability and larger wing allows for more lift for shorter take offs and lower landing speeds.

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The only difference I could spot is the way in which the final stretch of the nozzle (turkey feathers if you will) fits into its assemble. Some retract more smoothly, while others leave a visible gap when fully expanded. I don’t know which engine is which, but that’s the only thing I could spot

Pics with circled differences

IMG_1897
IMG_1898
IMG_1899

It only look like that when the nozzle has move from it “center”.

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