Chapter 527 Boarding the Su-27

"Sure." Simonov said, "Our fighter has a total of 12 external attachment points under the wings, with a maximum load capacity of eight tons."

After hearing Simonov's words, Andrei was completely relieved. It seemed that the problems that troubled the Su-27 prototype had been completely solved. If it weren't for the original radar, the Su-27 would never have been repeatedly modified in history. Now, the Su-27, which originally used the advanced flat-plate slot radar, has actually reached the level of the historical Su-27M.

"Yes, it seems that our big guy can also be hung on the Su-27 in the future." Andre said.

Among all the officers present, Andrei had the most combat experience. He continued to fly a certain number of hours on MiG-25 and MiG-31 every year. Last year, Andrei even successfully switched to MiG-29 and flew more than a dozen sorties. Andrei certainly had the most say in the development of Soviet military aircraft.

The MiG-25 and MiG-31 can only be said to be unconventional. In Andre's hands, they can still fight against the third-generation aircraft of the United States. However, with the continuous improvement of American fighters, these aircraft ultimately rely on high altitude and high speed to gain survival space, and close combat is absolutely not recommended. These have finally achieved a breakthrough with the Su-27.

It can be said that the Su-27, a long-range fighter with a strong interceptor style, can play the role of the MiG-31 when equipped with large air-to-air missiles. At the same time, the excellent close-range combat capability is not possessed by the MiG-31. The MiG-31 heavy interceptor is not suitable for large-scale equipment, and the Su-27 is the most suitable choice for the Soviet Union!

"Yes, our electronic system has made rapid progress in recent years." Hearing Andrei's words, Simonov was very emotional: "The radar contained in the nose of our fighter is comparable to the radar of the MiG-31 in terms of performance. Moreover, after being programmed, it can guide a large aircraft like the R-33. We plan to hang it on the fuselage rack between the air intakes. We can also mount the improved R-37 missile to prepare for sniping the enemy's early warning aircraft. In addition, our fighter can also mount various air-to-ground missiles, playing the role of a multi-purpose fighter."

The progress of electronic systems was beyond Simonov’s imagination. The dividends gained from the Far East War played a vital role in the development of the Soviet Union’s overall defense industry.

"Yes, our air force finally has more advanced fighter jets that can completely overwhelm the West." Andre said with emotion.

Until now, the West is still unable to get rid of the shadow of the MiG-25. In fact, this stainless steel fighter MiG-25 is completely outdated. Except for high altitude and high speed, its other performance is seriously backward and does not represent the future direction.

Watching the fighter plane continue to leave the production workshop, Andrei finally couldn't help but say: "Comrade Simonov, can I take part in the first flight of this fighter plane?"

As a newly manufactured fighter, it cannot be delivered to the troops immediately. It must be tested in the factory. After all performance indicators meet the requirements, it can be flown to combat units. In Shenfei, Andre is a test pilot who does this job. In fact, there are not many test pilots. Basically, he just flies around in the sky and confirms that there are no problems with the control and other aspects.

Simonov had complete confidence in this aircraft, but he absolutely could not let Andrei fly it for verification.

"General Andrei, this..." Simonov didn't know how to refuse. After all, without General Andrei's support, there would be no Sukhoi Design Bureau today, and no Su-27. However, General Andrei had never flown the Su-27. The most important thing was that if something happened to General Andrei here, he would not be able to take responsibility!

"I'm going to change into my flight suit." But Andre didn't give him a chance and ran straight to the back.

"Marshal Ustinov, General Andrei wants to test-fly this plane himself." So Simonov could only look to Marshal Ustinov for help, as he was the most senior person in the group.

"Okay, not bad." Ustinov had already climbed up the ladder and was looking into the cockpit. He admired it while looking. Although he could not understand what was inside, it looked very impressive, especially the display screen in the upper right corner. It was so flat that it did not look like a cathode ray tube. Could it be the latest liquid crystal display technology?

Then, he realized, "What? Andre wants to test fly?"

By the time Ustinov reacted, Simonov below had been waiting anxiously for five minutes, and in the distance, the pilot in full armor and wearing a helmet had already arrived.

Judging from the number on the flight suit, it was one of their test pilots. Simonov heaved a sigh of relief. The new one-piece flight suit, including the compensation suit, was different from the previous ones. General Andrei was sure that he hadn't even found the pilot's preparation room yet. Fortunately!

Even if General Andrei scolds him a few times, it is better than General Andrei flying this Su-27!

Thinking of this, Simonov said: "Pugachev, are you ready?"

The other party nodded.

"Then get on the plane, fly around for the leaders and then come down." Simonov said. As long as Pugachev got on the plane, Andrei would have no chance.

The other party nodded, and then, in the gaze of everyone, he stepped onto the plane's gangway.

Somehow, Simonov always felt that something was wrong. Watching the Su-27 start its engine and reach the take-off position with the help of the ground crew, Simonov suddenly remembered.

Damn it! How can you wear a helmet on the ground? Pilots usually carry their helmets with them and put them on after getting on the plane! But now, the other party was obviously afraid that he would be recognized, so he not only put on a helmet, but also put down his goggles!

Why didn’t I think of that just now!

At this moment, some people cheered. On the runway, the Su-27 fighter was turning on the afterburner and taking off quickly.

Sitting in the cockpit, Andre steadied his breathing.

Of course he knew the pilot's duty room, and when he saw Pugachev preparing to come out with his helmet, Andrei said, "I order you to change your clothes for me."

A higher-ranking official can be a huge help to others. Andrei put on his flight suit very quickly. He also put on a helmet because he was afraid that others would stop him. He did not even say a word to Simonov for fear of being exposed. After the fighter plane took off, no one could stop him.

Why? Andre couldn't tell. He had flown many aircraft types in the past few years, but the one he missed the most was still the Su-27! Now, with the opportunity to fly the Su-27, Andre could no longer control his emotions. He couldn't wait.

As for flight safety? There is no need to worry. Andrei believes that he has more experience flying the Su-27 than Pugachev.