Originally designed as a deep penetration fighter/interceptor to surpass the F-15, the Su-27 has developed into what some consider to be the most capable multi-role aircraft in the world. Its incredible agility (as exemplified by the "Cobra" maneuver), large payload (up to 10 air-to-air missiles), and off-boresight targeting ability (via a helmet-mounted targeting system) make the Flanker a formidable opponent.%n
