Sukhoi Su-27K Sea Flanker Fighter Aircraft "Aircraft Carrier Admiral Kuznetsov" Russian Navy 1/72 Diecast Model by Hobby Master

Brand new 1/72 scale diecast model of Sukhoi Su-27K Sea Flanker Fighter Aircraft "Aircraft Carrier Admiral Kuznetsov, Mediterranean Sea" (1996) Russian Navy "Air Power Series" die cast model by Hobby Master. Brand new box. Detailed exterior. True-to-scale detail. Includes pilot figure. Has opening canopy. Includes display stand. Officially licensed product. Detachable ordnance loads. Manufacturer's original unopened packaging. Dimensions approximately Length- 12, Wingspan- 8 inches. Diecast metal and plastic construction for durability and a heavy, realistic feel. It is a highly detailed and accurate model, perfect for collectors and enthusiasts of military history. Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels, and surface details for an authentic representation of the real-life airplane. HISTORY ASPECTS: The Su-27K, also known as the Su-33, is a Russian carrier-based air superiority fighter derived from the Su-27 Flanker family. The aircraft was specifically designed for operations from the Russian Navy's aircraft carriers, with the Su-27K featuring strengthened landing gear, a tailhook for carrier landings, and the ability to fold its wings for easier storage aboard ships. In 1996, Su-27K Bort 109 was stationed aboard the Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov, which was conducting operations in the Mediterranean Sea. This period marked an important phase in the Admiral Kuznetsov's operational history, as the ship was actively involved in a number of naval exercises and patrols during the Russian Navy's efforts to project power and maintain a visible presence in international waters. The Su-27K Sea Flanker was part of Russia's naval air combat capabilities during the mid-1990s, especially during the deployment of the Admiral Kuznetsov in the Mediterranean. Armed with a variety of advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, including the KH-41 Moskit (SS-N-22 Sunburn) anti-ship missile, the Su-27K provided crucial support in ensuring air superiority and sea-based strike capabilities. The KH-41 Moskit missile, with its high speed and long range, was capable of delivering devastating strikes against enemy naval vessels, and its deployment aboard the Admiral Kuznetsov demonstrated the Russian Navy's evolving power projection strategy in the region. Although not directly involved in combat operations, these aircraft showcased the strategic flexibility of the Russian Navy in asserting its influence and readiness to engage in regional power dynamics. Throughout the 1996 deployment, the Su-27K Bort 109, alongside its sister aircraft, participated in a variety of missions, including combat air patrols (CAP), reconnaissance flights, and training exercises. The deployment was part of a broader effort by the Russian Navy to maintain a constant naval presence in international waters, often as a counterbalance to NATO and other Western powers in the Mediterranean region. While the Admiral Kuznetsov and its Su-27K fighters were not engaged in major combat operations during this period, their mere presence symbolized Russia’s determination to maintain its status as a global naval power capable of challenging rivals in strategic waters. This 1:72 scale provides an intricate and dynamic representation of this iconic naval fighter. Featuring precise detailing, including the KH-41 Moskit missile and the distinct markings of Bort 109, this replica captures the essence of Russian naval aviation. Perfect for collectors and military aviation enthusiasts, this model is a testament to the versatility and power of the Su-27K in the challenging environment of carrier-based operations. Add this piece to your collection and celebrate the legacy of Russian naval aviation.