SU-27 Flanker: Unbeatable museum quality best describes our handcrafted SU-27 Flanker model airplane. After passing through the hands of master craftsmen, the parts are sanded and primed many times. Talented artists then paint on the intricate details with great accuracy. A final coat of clear lacquer protects the SU-27 Flanker model and gives it a glossy finish. The SU-27 Flanker model airplane comes with a handsome mahogany-based chrome pedestal, and to ensure that it is ready for delivery, it undergoes various stages of quality control before being placed in its box. The SU-27 Flanker model airplane is perfect as an addition to a growing collection or as an exquisite gift to a loved one. SU-27 Flanker History: The Sukhoi SU-27 (NATO codename: Flanker) is the twin-engine front line fighter aircraft designed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau and manufactured by Irkut Corporation. Designed as a high performance fighter with a fly-by-wire control system, and the ability to carry up to 10 AAMs, the highly maneuverable Su-27 is one of the most imposing fighters ever built. It had its maiden flight on May 20, 1977. The Flanker is equipped to operate autonomously in combat over hostile territory, in escort of deep-penetration strike aircraft and in the suppression of enemy airfields. The aircraft provides general air defense in cooperation with ground and airborne control stations. The main feature for the success of the Su-27 design is its aerodynamic configuration, known as 'integrated aerodynamic concept' by its designers. This configuration is one with extremely blended wing and fuselage. The low-aspect ratio trapezoidal mid-wing is fitted with large leading-edge root extensions (LERX) and blending into the fuselage creating a single lifting body. The aircraft has a near-zero static stability and thus require a fly-by-wire system. The SDU-10 pitch-only fly-by-wire system controls the pitch of the aircraft to ensure stability and controllability for the pilot, increase aerodynamic performance, limit overload and angle of attack when needed and decrease the airframe aerodynamic load. This model has measurements of: Span: 12" Len: 11 3/4" and Scale: 1/48