The Sukhoi Su-33 is a Soviet/Russian all-weather carrier-based twin-engine air superiority fighter designed by Sukhoi and manufactured by Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Production Association, derived from the Su-27 and initially known as the Su-27K. Compared with the Su-27, the Su-33 has a strengthened undercarriage and structure, folding wings and stabilators, all for carrier operations. The Su-33 has canards, and its wings are larger than the Su-27 for a slower stall speed. The Su-33 has upgraded engines and a twin nose wheel, and is air refuelable.
Sukhoi Su-33
A Su-33 preparing to take-off from Admiral Kuznetsov in the Barents Sea, during a visit by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev
A Su-33 landing aboard the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier
Cockpit of Sukhoi Su-33.
A carrier-based aircraft is a naval aircraft designed for operations from aircraft carriers. Carrier-based aircraft must be able to launch in a short distance and be sturdy enough to withstand the abrupt forces of launching from and recovering on a pitching deck. In addition, their wings are generally able to fold up, easing operations in tight quarters.
An F/A-18C Hornet launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk
A Royal Navy Fairey Swordfish taking-off from HMS Tracker, 1943
An F-35B utilizes a ski-jump to become airborne off the deck of HMS Queen Elizabeth
The E-2 Hawkeye is one of the larger air frames on a carrier