Su-33 'Flanker' Armament
I am gathering information for a possible book on the Sukhoi Su-33 Flanker. I am trying to find out if the
Su-33 has twelve or ten hardpoints. If the answer is twelve hardpoints are these viable loads: eight
R-27 Alamo and four R-73 Archer missiles, or six R-27 and six R-73.
- question from name withheld
We're positive that the Su-33, a derivative of the Russian
Su-27 designed for use aboard aircraft carriers, has more
than 10
hardpoints--most likely 12 and possibly 14. In addition to the 2 wingtips, there are 3 hardpoints under each wing,
at least 1 under each engine duct, and 2 along the centerline. We're also almost positive that a load of 8 R-27
and 4 R-73 missiles is valid, but 6 of each seems unlikely.
Su-33 in the background
Photos indicate that short-range air-to-air missiles (AAMs) are carried on the wingtips and the two outermost wing
stations while long-range AAMs (or air-to-ground weapons) are carried on the other stations.
- answer by Jeff Scott, 18 November 2001
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