Russian Air Force Sukhoi Su-27 Crash
A Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker combat jet operated by the Russian Air Force crashed on July 29th with the loss of a pilot, according to a spokesman. The crash took place in Eastern Russia- in the Primorye Territory - during the course of a standard training flight.
"One of the pilots was killed, and the other survived the crash", Lieutenant Colonel Vladimir Drik stated, adding no evidence had emerged regarding damage to any people or property on the ground.
Su-27 Operators, Developments
The Su-27 Flanker is an air superiority fighter in widespread service with the Russian Air Force, as well as with the Ukraine, China and Vietnam, to name but three. The prototype having first flown over thirty years ago, a number of developments from the basic airframe have evolved in the intervening years.
Russian Arms Sales
One of these, the Su-30 - together with the -27 - accounts for a large portion of Russian overseas arms sales. In 2007, more than 50 Su-27/ Su-30 airframes were exported, representing half of the revenue generated by Russian export group Rosoboronexport.
Su-27 Crashes
Three years ago, another Su-27 was involved in a crash while transiting between St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad. Given that the incident occurred on territory owned by Lithuania, Russia subsequently paid the country damages totalling $23,000.
Six years ago, meanwhile, a Su-27 operated by the Ukrainian Air Force crashed at a public airshow, killing 85 spectators and injuring in excess of 100 more.
The incident still stands as the worst airshow accident of all time.
Source - Armed Forces International's Aviation Expert
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