General Information

We all LOVE the SU-27 as the most remarkable Russian fighter jet, mostly favoring the 2-seater variant, the SU-27 UB, for its beautiful lines and unbeatable flight capabilities. That being said, with minor adjustments, the SU-30 variation can be achieved, offering a wider array of color schemes. We offer the necessary parts for both variants, including various fins and distinctive components. Optionally, we also offer canards, vector thrust, or single-engine conversions...

Simply one of the most impressive jets ever built.

The CARF-Models SU-27/SU-30 started as a project by a few modelers and was based on a handmade plug. When CARF-Models got their hands on it, all the technical solutions were created, and production molds were made. It is no secret that we struggled with the landing gear for many years. It's more complex than anyone would think, especially if you want to keep scale wheel sizes and door geometries. Finally, we cut ties with all gear manufacturers and approached the problem by designing it all ourselves, based on Electron ER-50 NG components. Due to the greatly increased reliability of today’s jet turbines, the twin-engine configuration is no longer a challenge for even a less experienced pilot, and over time, we have also created a single-engine conversion that works remarkably well. We designed vector thrust systems for it and made a canard version of the fuselage. Looking at it today, the SU-27 has a history of being worked on quite a bit, but with results and technical solutions so good that it is now simply one of the best planes ever created. 

ARF KIT Features

All parts are composite, fully detailed, painted in the molds, and fully functional in all respects of scale. Due to the complexity, we offer an ARF-Plus service in which retractable landing gear, gear door mechanisms, fuel tanks, and thrust tubes are already installed. In our opinion, the ONLY way to go is that there can't be any better value for money. We also offer a very special scale paint service, which we call hot section art. Try it yourself once, and you'll know it's a great investment to have us do it. Combine it with stencil application, flat clear coating, and weathering, and you have a stunning example of aviation history, right from the factory, perfectly made to order.

Surface Design

The basic ARF kit's components are highly prefabricated and, of course, fully functional at all scales. Everything is composite, painted in the molds, and highly detailed. Leading-edge slats, flaps, and speed brake doors are readily hinged. The canopy frame is installed and movable. All control surfaces are attached, control horns are installed, linkages and servo mounts are prepared, and gear mounts are ready for the CNC-milled landing gear to drop in. The internal structure of the fuselage is quite complex and therefore had to be engineered very well. There are quite a few highlights, such as the taileron mechanics and linkages, the engine and duct mounting, the rotating main gear installation, and the complex gear door functionality. It has also been a challenge to get enough longitudinal strength into that long, thin fuselage at minimal weight penalty. Due to the gear complexity, we recommend that anyone go with our ARF-Plus service and order the landing gear readily installed - it will save you headaches and guarantee success from day one.

Fuselage

Retractable Landing Gear

The SU-27's landing gear is a beautiful replica of the full-size gear. That, however, isn't as simple a design as one would think. The gear is swiveling forward when retracting, so the axis of rotation is all over the place, but 90 degrees. To accomplish this with a regular electron gear unit (NG units are used in this case), the angles of the gear plate and the gear unit itself must be precisely aligned. This has proven difficult for any modeler to do properly, so we recommend the ARF-Plus package, where the gear comes perfectly installed and aligned in the plane. Gear doors are simple and operated by 15mm Mini-Servos.

Engine Choices

The impressive size, with a 2.2 m wingspan and 3.2 m length, will still result in an aircraft just below the 25 kg limit, powered by 2 100-120 N engines. However, with dual vector thrust tubes, the engine size might go up considerably to 160-180N; the added weight will not allow building the plane below 25 kg (55 lb). For our USA customers, no problem; in Europe, one has to choose carefully which way to go. Optionally, we offer a single-engine conversion, and we know that it's hard to believe, the open-mounted single engine is not noticeable at all on the ground or in flight... and the performance with a single 210-220N engine is stunning!

Weathering and Hot Section

The weathering and hot section of the SU-27 UB/SU-30 are key areas where scale realism truly shines above its standards. The use of advanced painting techniques, airbrushing, and the work of very skilled people replicates the effects of heat, grime, and operational wear seen on the full-scale SU-27. These details not only enhance the model's visual appeal but also make it look like a true veteran of the skies.

ARF+ or PNP - Service

We offer an extremely high-quality assembly service, delivering an ARF+ or ready-to-fly PNP model – including complete servo and wiring installation, electric retractable landing gear, and pre-installed fuel tank. The cockpit, lighting system, thrust tube, and afterburner system can be installed as well. When you receive this model in the PNP version, final assembly takes just a few hours… A scale jet like our big SU-27 UB / SU-30 has never been easier to get airborne! At the same time, the pictures show what your model can look like once you’ve completed the build – a true masterpiece in both looks and engineering.

Accessories

For our SU-27 UB / SU-30, we offer a wide range of accessories. These include the electric retractable landing gear, fuel tanks, scale cockpit, lighting set, thrust tube, and an optional UAT. In addition, we offer high-quality MacGregor servos in combination with our very own CARF-Models servo arms – perfectly matched to the model and the demands of a high-performance scale jet.

Various Color Schemes

Like all our airplanes, the SU-27 UB / SU-30 is no different. They boast meticulously applied PU paintwork, expertly executed in the molds. Explore a gallery of our stunning scale paint schemes, showcasing past projects, some crafted to match unique customer requests. If you're seeking a personalized touch, we offer color swaps and fully custom designs developed through collaboration between you and our skilled artists. Below are a few standout examples:

Flying Performance

The CARF SU-27's remarkable flying performance reflects its meticulous design and engineering. Its aerodynamic profile, coupled with powerful turbine engines, enables dynamic maneuvers such as high-speed passes, tight turns, and smooth aerobatics with remarkable ease and precision. The aircraft's stability and responsiveness allow you to confidently explore its flight envelope, from graceful gliding to aggressive aerobatics, while its robust construction ensures reliability and durability even during high-stress maneuvers. Compared to other SU27/30s on the market, this plane excels due to its lightweight design. ALL maneuvers are so easy to execute due to the low wing loading, and you see and feel that in every fight. Goosebumps. Even though it is really not needed for an impressive air show performance, a thrust-vectoring system will make a real animal out of it. High alpha passes, tumbles, and spins, all the way to true hovering, and torque rolling becomes possible; only you, as the pilot, will be the limiting factor. For sure, it's a thrilling experience. Get prepared for more goosebumps...