The Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker is one of the premiere fighter-interceptor aircraft of the world, but until recently, little was known about it. The Su-27 has been around in various forms, since 1977—but it is a Russian air-plane, and that meant it was a secret airplane, until about 1987. Before the 1989 Paris air show, the dreaded Flanker was not much more than a few fuzzy photographs and a hint or two from mysterious Moscow—coupled with dire warnings from the NATO force officers who had to plan to fight it. Well, things have changed. The Russians aren't exactly handing out the blueprints for their most advanced weapons systems, but they're a great deal more candid than they used to be—for many reasons. The principal reason is that they no longer consider war with the "capitalist imperialist" West a significant threat, and they finally believe that revealing basic details about major weapon systems will not compromise their security. Another reason for the lighter security is that their airplanes are very good in uniquely Russian ways and are getting recognition for their excellent qualities. That's new, and for the Russians it is very healthy.
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