The Sukhoi Su-27 HD

The Sukhoi Su-27 (Су-27 in the Cyrillic alphabet) (NATO reporting name Flanker) is a jet fighter plane originally manufactured by the Soviet Union, and designed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau. It was intended as a direct competitor for the new generation of American fighters (which emerged as the F-14 Tomcat, F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and F/A-18 Hornet), with long range, heavy armament, and very high agility. The Su-27 most often flies air superiority missions, but is able to perform almost all combat operations. Its closest American counterpart is the F-15 Eagle. From the Su-27 design came several related developments. The Su-33 Flanker-D is a Fleet Defense Interceptor that was developed from the Su-27 design for use on aircraft carriers. The main differences include a tail hook and canards. The Su-30 is a two-seat, dual-role fighter for all-weather, air-to-air and deep interdiction missions. Further versions include the Su-34 Fullback strike variant and the Su-35 Flanker-E improved air defense fighter. Operational history Su-27 carrying R-27 missiles. The Su-27 has seen limited action since it first entered service. Ethiopian Su-27s reportedly shot down five Eritrean MiG-29s;[1][verification needed] in February 1999 and another on May 16, 2000.[2][3][verification needed] The Su-27s were also used in CAP (Combat Air Patrol) missions, suppression of air defense, and providing escort for fighters on bombing and reconnaissance missions.[4][verification needed] In Angolan service, one Su-27 was shot down by a SA-14 MANPADS fired by UNITA forces on November 19th, 2000. Angolan Su-27 entered service in mid 2000.[1][5] Recently, in the 2008 South Ossetia War, Russia was using Su-27s to gain airspace control over Tskhinvali, the capital city of South Ossetia.