8
$\begingroup$

Most but not all Russian Su-27's (and variants like the Su-30, -32, -33) have a device that looks like a headlight in front of the cockpit. What is it?

enter image description here

|improve this question|||||
$\endgroup$
14
$\begingroup$

It's the sensor of the IRST (InfraRed Search and Track) system. An IRST allow an aircraft to search and track aerial or ground targets using passive infra-red radiation only thus reducing the probability of being discovered (for example using a Radar Warning Receiver).

The Su-27 can use it's IRST to track a target at very long distance and engage it using IR homing AAMs like the R-73 "Archer" or the R-27T / R-27ET "Alamo" without using its radar.

Nowadays, many current fighter aircrafts use some sort of IRST, for example the Eurofighter Typhoon.

Typhoon's IRST sensor

|improve this answer|||||
$\endgroup$
7
$\begingroup$

That is the IRST which can be used for tracking aircraft passively.

|improve this answer|||||
$\endgroup$

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.