No Aircraft Carrier: The Sukhoi Su-33, NATO reporting name Flanker D, is a single-seat, multi-role fighter designed as a naval interceptor for Russia’s aircraft carriers. Based on the Su-27, the Su-33 boasts impressive speed (Mach 2), altitude (55,000 feet), and range (~2,000 miles).

-Its 12 hardpoints support air-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, bombs, and a 30mm cannon. However, the Su-33 faces a critical issue: Russia’s only carrier, Admiral Kuznetsov, has been in repair for many years, leaving the Su-33 without a proper platform for carrier-based operations. This limitation undermines the Su-33’s intended role as a carrier-capable fighter.

The Sukhoi Su-33, a single-seat, multi-role fighter jet, was designed as a naval interceptor for the Russian Navy's aircraft carriers. Agile and fast, the Su-33 is powered by two Saturn AL-31K engines, enabling it to reach speeds around Mach 2 and operate at altitudes over 55,000 feet.

With 12 external hardpoints, it can carry a range of air-to-air and anti-ship missiles, bombs, and a 30mm cannon.

However, the Su-33 faces........

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