The Soviet answer to the F-15 Eagle and response to the trend in US fighters design toward improved maneuverability. A supersonic all-weather counter-air fighter, the Su-27 is equipped with a look-down/shoot-down weapons system and beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles. Its range, thrust-to-weight ratio and maneuverability are all significant improvements over earlier Soviet fighters; one of the world's foremost combat aircraft and a potent adversary. Over 200 color and b/w photos, line drawings and 10 color profiles; 80 pages.