F-15 Eagle vs Su-27
Spec-driven on-paper analysis — who wins what scenario.
Spec table
| Spec | F-15 Eagle | Su-27 |
|---|---|---|
| Max speed (mph) (mph) | 1,650 | 1,553 |
| Max speed (Mach) (Mach) | 2.5 | 2.35 |
| Combat radius / range (mi) | 3,450 | 2,193 |
| Service ceiling (ft) | 65,000 | 62,523 |
| MTOW (lb) | 68,000 | 67,726 |
| Empty weight (lb) | 28,000 | 36,112 |
| Payload (lb) | 23,000 | 17,637 |
| Endurance (hr) | 4 | 4 |
| Length (ft) | 63.8 | 71.9 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 42.8 | 48.2 |
| Thrust-to-weight ratio (MTOW) | 0.85 | 0.81 |
Green = leader on that dimension. Higher is treated as better for all rows shown.
On-paper verdict
- Max speed (mph): F-15 Eagle (+6%)
- Max speed (Mach): F-15 Eagle (+6%)
- Combat radius / range: F-15 Eagle (+57%)
- Service ceiling: F-15 Eagle (+4%)
- Empty weight: Su-27 (+29%)
- Payload: F-15 Eagle (+30%)
- Length: Su-27 (+13%)
- Wingspan: Su-27 (+13%)
- Thrust-to-weight ratio (MTOW): F-15 Eagle (+5%)
Beyond Visual Range (BVR, > 40 nm)
Su-27 entered service 9 years later, so it generally fields a more modern radar generation (AESA vs. mechanically-scanned arrays in older airframes) and longer-range BVR weapons. In BVR engagements, the newer-radar aircraft typically wins the first-shot opportunity.
Within Visual Range (WVR, dogfight)
F-15 Eagle carries a thrust-to-weight ratio of 0.85 versus 0.81 for Su-27 (using MTOW; combat-weight T/W is meaningfully higher for both). The higher T/W gives F-15 Eagle better instantaneous acceleration after a turn, better energy retention through a sustained turn, and a more vertical fight option. Su-27 likely depends more on energy-management discipline to come out on top in a knife fight.
High-altitude intercept
F-15 Eagle is faster (Mach 2.5 vs 2.35) AND has a higher service ceiling (65,000 ft vs 62,523 ft), so it dominates the high-altitude intercept profile — chasing down a bomber at the edge of the atmosphere is its kind of fight.
Strike / strategic mission
F-15 Eagle reaches 3,450 mi unrefueled — 57% more range than the other (2,193 mi). In strike profiles where the target sits deep behind enemy lines, the longer-legged aircraft engages without tanker support. F-15 Eagle carries 23,000 lb of payload (30% more), letting it hit the target with more weapons or stand off with larger / longer-range munitions.
Frequently asked questions
Which is more agile, F-15 Eagle or Su-27?
By thrust-to-weight ratio (a strong proxy for instantaneous turn performance), F-15 Eagle leads with 0.85 versus 0.81. Agility in actual combat also depends on wing loading, flight-control law, pilot skill, and energy-management discipline.
Which has the longer combat radius?
F-15 Eagle: 3450 mi vs 2193 mi (manufacturer-published unrefueled range; actual combat radius is typically 30-50% lower depending on weapons load and reserves).
Which has the more modern radar / avionics?
F-15 Eagle entered service in 1976, Su-27 in 1985. The newer-service-entry airframe usually carries a more modern radar generation, though both have received upgrades over their lifetime.
Could they realistically face each other in combat?
Both are operated by major air forces. Whether they have actually flown against each other in combat or only in exercises depends on the specific airframes and political climate. The reference pages link to documented service histories.
Is this comparison authoritative?
No. This is a spec-driven on-paper analysis. Real combat outcomes are dominated by pilot skill, training quality, doctrine, tactics, ground-controlled-intercept support, electronic warfare, and weapons-loadout choices — none of which appear in the public spec sheet. Treat this as a starting point for further research, not a verdict.
Sources
Spec values pulled from each aircraft's reference page in the gallery, which aggregates manufacturer-published figures with Wikipedia-cited sources:
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