The factory test-pilot, Gennady Matveenko, has performed the first flight on serial multi-role Su-27 fighter on June 2nd 1982 from the airfield of Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Production Association named after Y.A. Gagarin (KnAAPO). It became the symbol of fighter aviation of the late 20th century and gave birth to the whole family of jets: Su-27SМ, Su-27SК, Su-27SКМ, Su-30МК, Su-30МК2, Su-35. The first Su-27s were put into service in 1985.

The aircraft family created on the basis of Su-27 is currently operated by air forces of Russia and 30 other countries. The respected international magazine - «Flight International», named Su-27 one of the best combat aircraft of the 20th century, press-service of Sukhoi Company reports. AEX.ru

KnAAPO started working on Su-27 in 1976, in parallel with production of Su-17 aircraft and its modifications. The assimilation of the jet’s pilot and serial production required a great effort of plant’s engineers and workers. The new fighter was different from Su-17 in terms of design and technologies, while the government has set a very tight schedule. Nevertheless, the first test S-27s have been assembled in 1979 and the first serial ones (in a new serial configuration) – in 1981.

In mid-1980s KnAAPO was the only enterprise of the aircraft industry to manufacture all the single-seated modifications of Su-27. Since the end of 1990s the enterprise started assimilating the production of two-seated versions – ship-based Su-27KUB fighter trainer and multi-role Su-30МКК. The production of modernized multi-role Su-27M fighters was launched in 1992. At present the enterprise is manufacturing advanced multi-role “4++”-generation Su-35 fighters.

KnAAPO is also assimilating production of Prospective Airborne Complex – Frontline Aviation (PAK FA). Three test aircraft are undergoing ground and flight testing in Zhukovsky (Moscow Region).