[Gort]

I apologize to whoever started the thread about the upcoming Witty Su-27UBK, but for my very life I can’t find it anywhere. Did that thing tumble down a hole???

Anyway, I did a little research on the Gaincorp Su-27UBK Sukhoi I pre-ordered from The Flying Mule, and now I’m wondering if I should get the thing.

Short story, the real jet is a Sukhoi double-seater trainer. Russia exports this particular model to Asian customers—principally China. And, as you’d expect, China employs them as trainers. Which is fine, considering they've got to train their pilots on something. My problem is, I don't like trainers. They smack of second-stringers; they seem less significant than dedicated combat birds.

Am I just weird, or do any of you feel the same way?

To be fair about it, UBKs are fully combat capable: Given provocation, the Chinese would throw them into combat in a heartbeat, especially as their air force atrited. The Russians certainly would with theirs; why wouldn't the Chinese? UBKs can switch to guns almost immediately.

So maybe Witty's UBK would make a terrific addition to my other Su-27s anyway. If I've got the story right, these birds live double lives: They train, but they're killers beneath the skin. Besides, I like the Chinese dark-gray livery. Don’t ask me why, but I like it. It has a flesh-eating shark look.

Should I still get this model? Or should I cancel? Quick, tell me, 'cause the thing's almost here.

[Fly Navy 75]

Over to the crowd, but the Su-27UBK looks almost identical to a Su-30 (combat 2-seater that several air forces employ tactically). I say keep it. Does anyone know any visual difference between the -30 and the -27UBK?

[skidmarksdiecast]

Originally Posted by Gort

I apologize to whoever started the thread about the upcoming Witty Su-27UBK, but for my very life I can’t find it anywhere. Did that thing tumble down a hole???

Anyway, I did a little research on the Gaincorp Su-27UBK Sukhoi I pre-ordered from The Flying Mule, and now I’m wondering if I should get the thing.

Short story, the real jet is a Sukhoi double-seater trainer. Russia exports this particular model to Asian customers—principally China. And, as you’d expect, China employs them as trainers. Which is fine, considering they've got to train their pilots on something. My problem is, I don't like trainers. They smack of second-stringers; they seem less significant than dedicated combat birds.

Am I just weird, or do any of you feel the same way?

To be fair about it, UBKs are fully combat capable: Given provocation, the Chinese would throw them into combat in a heartbeat, especially as their air force atrited. The Russians certainly would with theirs; why wouldn't the Chinese? UBKs can switch to guns almost immediately.

So maybe Witty's UBK would make a terrific addition to my other Su-27s anyway. If I've got the story right, these birds live double lives: They train, but they're killers beneath the skin. Besides, I like the Chinese dark-gray livery. Don’t ask me why, but I like it. It has a flesh-eating shark look.

Should I still get this model? Or should I cancel? Quick, tell me, 'cause the thing's almost here.

If you're a true Flanker fan, I can't understand why you would even consider canceling it! It's not just a trainer, dude-- it's a Flanker trainer for cryin' out loud. And it looks very much like the Su-30MKK to boot. To answer your question... HELL NO. YOU SHOULD NOT CANCEL!

[hworth18]

Gort, I think you are looking in the wrong forum for the Su-27. Try Gaincorp....

A new SU-27 2-seater coming

In answer to your question, I think it is up to you. You are the final decider on whether you like the bird or not and if you get it, then decide you don't like it, you can always Ebay it or sell it here. I am sure there would be a few interested parties for it.

[11SQNLDR]

Get it, keep it, play with it - hell, strafe the cat, that's the joy of being a Flanker fan!!!!

The two seaters are equally as important as the single seaters IMHO.

[planenutsfrog]

IMHO trainers are one thing, and fighters like the Su-27UBK (and Mirage 2000B, Rafale B, F18F, F16D, etc...)are a totally different one : They are simply twin-seat combat aircraft...

[b-huj]

So let's put an end to this mystery please, IS there a Witty Su-27UBK? I am quite worked-up with the Gaincorp release that (although knowingly inaccurate) I want to get but cannot find on my side of the planet!!!

[flyXwire]

Mark said it best below, Gorto! Don't CANCEL your Witty or you'll probably regret it down road.

Originally Posted by skidmarksdiecast

If you're a true Flanker fan, I can't understand why you would even consider canceling it! It's not just a trainer, dude-- it's a Flanker trainer for cryin' out loud. And it looks very much like the Su-30MKK to boot. To answer your question... HELL NO. YOU SHOULD NOT CANCEL!

Now, this is really what I would like to see/prefer Witty or Gaincorp to do to their Flanker release someday!

[le differance]

I really have no idea why you'd want to cancel, but if you do, you'd better move quickly---the mule has begun shipping!
(I assume you mean the Gaincorp UBK, never heard of a Witty one...)

they have new pics up on their site, too---maybe that will help you make a final decision

[Gort]

I kept it. And thanks to my friends who talked me out of canceling. Wow, those pics on Martin's site are incredibly cool. Can't wait for this thing to arrive!