Both the F-15 and Su-27 have sophisticated and highly efficient aerodynamics, in particular their wings which have a deceptive simplicity. Seen here is an Su-27 from the Akhtubinsk Miltari Test Centre.

Comparative radar and missile ranges for the Su-27S and F-15C MSIP.

Comparative plan views of the F-15C and Su-27.

Sukhoi Su-27P Flanker air-to-air missile load.

It is likely that the Indian Air Force's 24th Squadron 'Hunting Hawks' at Puna will become the world’s first operational squadron to fly thrust-vectoring fighters. In the meantime, its Su-30MKIs still lack hydraulically-actuated vectoring engine nozzles, canard surfaces, air-to-surface software, and Sextant Avionique systems.

One of the most amazing manoeuvres demonstrated by current generation fighters is the Cobra. An Su-35 is seen here recovering from this 'impossibly' high incidence manoeuvre.

Both the F-15 and Su-27 have sophisticated and highly efficient aerodynamics, in particular their wings which have a deceptive simplicity. The F-15, for example, has no leading edge high lift devices at all. Seen here is F-15C 83-0027/‘FF’ from the 27th Fighter Squadron/1st Fighter Wing.

Flown by Lt Col May, this F-15C 80-0003/'EG' of the 59th TFS/33rd TFW brought down an Iraqi helicopter with a Sparrow on February 2, 1991. American, Israeli, and Saudi F-15 pilots have scored air combat victories over F-4s, Mirage F 1s, MiG-21s, MiG-23s, MiG-25s, MiG-29s, Su-7s, Su-22s, Su-25s, and three helicopters while incurring no losses.

On final approach at Nellis AFB, this F-15C of the 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW), displays its large dorsal speed brake, a feature copied by Sukhoi when the original T10 brake configuration (main undercarriage doors acting as airbrakes) proved ineffective.

Air refuelling is a standard procedure for US fighters and has been since the mid fifties, whereas those of the V-VS are yet to rely operationally on this range and endurance extending technique. This F-15 was photographed from the boom operator’s station of a Boeing KC-135. Note the open refuelling receptacle in the port wing root.

McDonnell Douglas F-15C Eagle MSIP air-to-air missile load.

Whereas all developments of the F-15 have largely retained the basic external configuration, As may be seen from this view of the Su-34 variant, Sukhoi has incorporated major aerodynamic changes, including a side-by-side cockpit configuration and extended tail boom. The latter can house rearward looking radar, rearward firing missiles (Archer) or a magnetic anomaly detector. Its roles have been described as tactical fighter bomber and naval strike fighter.