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Looking a little more than just 'happy', AM Ray Funnell prepares to become the first Western pilot to fly Russia's most potent air superiority fighter. In the rear cockpit is VictorPugachev, Sukhoi chief test pilot and now famous for his stunning Cobra manoeuvre. (Ken Lewellyn)
Flying the Su-27 Flanker
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As Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) of the RAAF I visited Asian Aerospace ’90whichwas held in Singapore from 14-18 February 1990.
During the visit, I was offered a flight in the Soviet’s latest air defence fighter, the Sukhoi Su-27. The invitation to fly the aircraft came from the head of the Sukhoi Design Bureau, Mr Mikhail Simonov. Mr Simonov and I had met previously during the Australian Bicentennial Air Show in October 1988. This association was renewed at Asian Aerospace and the offer to fly the aircraft was made by Mr Simonov during formal discussions between us. The offer was repeatedby General Auipova, the Deputy Chief of the Soviet Air Force, at his meeting with me on 16 February 1990. On that day I was given a briefing on the cockpit of the aircraft by Victor Pugachev, a Soviet test pilot and one of the demonstration pilots of the Su-27 at Asian Aerospace ’90.
The briefing for the actual flight took place in the Soviet Chalet at Changi International Airport. It was conducted through an interpreter as Victor Pugachev speaks little English. At the briefing and at the insistence of the Soviets it was decided that I would handle the radio and all air traffic control negotiations. It was also determined that I would fly from the front seat of the aircraft.
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