GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet vs Su-27 Flanker

Boeing F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet
Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Su-27 Flanker
Change comparison vs
Specifications
F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet Su-27 Flanker
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing Sukhoi
First flight 29 November 1995 20 May 1978
Year introduced 2001 1984
Number produced 632 units 680 units
Average unit price $70 million $30 million
Wing area 46.5 m² 62.0 m²
Wingspan 13.6 m 14.7 m
Height 4.9 m 5.9 m
Length 18.3 m 21.9 m
Maximum speed 1915 km/h 2500 km/h
Operational range 2,346 km 3,530 km
Service ceiling 15,940 m 18,500 m
Max. takeoff weight 29,900 kg 30,000 kg
Empty weight 14,550 kg 16,300 kg
Total thrust 2 x 9,979 kgf 2 x 7,670 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet and the Su-27 Flanker are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and Sukhoi respectively.

Top speed is 1,915 km/h for the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet vs 2,500 km/h for the Su-27 Flanker. The F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet has an operational range of 2,346 km vs 3,530 km for the Su-27 Flanker. The Su-27 Flanker operates at altitudes up to 18,500 m compared to 15,940 m for the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet.

The F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet has been produced in 632 units vs 680 for the Su-27 Flanker. Unit cost is $70M for the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet vs $30M for the Su-27 Flanker. The Su-27 Flanker first flew 17 years before the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet (1978 vs 1995).

Related Comparisons
F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet vs Rafale F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet vs MiG-29 Fulcrum F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet vs F/A-18 Hornet F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet vs Socata TBM F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet vs Su-25 Frogfoot F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet vs F-35 Lightning II

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet or Su-27 Flanker?
The Su-27 Flanker is faster with a maximum speed of 2,500 km/h compared to the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet's 1,915 km/h, a difference of 585 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet or Su-27 Flanker?
The Su-27 Flanker has a longer range at 3,530 km compared to the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet's 2,346 km.
Which can fly higher, the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet or Su-27 Flanker?
The Su-27 Flanker has a higher service ceiling at 18,500 meters (60,695 ft) compared to the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet's 15,940 meters (52,296 ft).
Which is heavier, the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet or Su-27 Flanker?
The Su-27 Flanker has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 30,000 kg compared to the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet's 29,900 kg.
Which is larger, the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet or Su-27 Flanker?
The Su-27 Flanker is longer at 21.9 meters compared to the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet's 18.3 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet or Su-27 Flanker?
The F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet is more expensive at approximately $70 million per unit compared to the Su-27 Flanker at $30 million.
Which entered service first, the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet or Su-27 Flanker?
The Su-27 Flanker entered service first in 1984, 17 years before the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet which entered service in 2001.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet or Su-27 Flanker?
The Su-27 Flanker has been produced in greater numbers with 680 units compared to 632 units of the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet.