When talking about the distinctive features of the Su-27 series fighter, we have to mention the eye-catching "patch" in the lower right corner of its nose. At first glance, this "patch" seems a bit abrupt and out of place with the design of the fighter, but it actually carries important functions. Professionals call it: skinned flame shield.

  The Su-27 series fighter is equipped with a GSh-30-1 30mm cannon at the wing root position on the right side of the fuselage. The gun position of this gun is designed just on the edge wing. When fire is opened, the muzzle flame will hit the fuselage and the driver's cockpit. In addition, the cannon launch is not only accompanied by high temperatures, but also produces strong airflow impact. In order to meet these challenges, military workers cleverly designed a special alloy plate at the bottom right of the nose, which was like applying a "patch" to the nose.

  The alloy material used in the skin flame barrier not only has excellent thermal protection performance, but also maintains stable physical and chemical properties in extreme environments. It can effectively absorb and disperse the huge heat generated when the cannon is fired, preventing the heat from being transferred directly to the fuselage structure, thereby avoiding the risks of material deformation, aging and even melting caused by high temperatures.

  In terms of design, the skinned flame shield also cleverly balances the need for weight reduction and durability enhancement. Through precise alloy ratios and advanced manufacturing processes, this seemingly plain "patch" is actually light and sturdy, with little extra impact on the aircraft's flight performance. At the same time, its corrosion resistance ensures that it can maintain a good working condition for a long time even under harsh climate conditions, thereby extending the service life of the aircraft. What is even more commendable is that the shape and angle of the skinned flame blocker have been carefully calculated to ensure that it can guide the airflow smoothly during high-speed flights and avoid unnecessary turbulence and drag, which is of great significance to improving the maneuverability and range of the fighter. In actual combat, the GSh-30-1 30mm cannon and its matching skinned flame blocking provide pilots with important firepower support for close-range aerial combat, and enhances the survivability and combat flexibility of the fighter.

  In theory, the skinned flame shield can be covered with paint. But once fire is opened, the blazing muzzle will quickly ablate and destroy the coating. Therefore, although the skinned flame blocking may be "obtrusive" in appearance, it is an integral part of the design of the Su-27 series fighter.

  Today, skinned flame blocking plates have been widely used in various military aircraft, becoming an important component to ensure safe shooting of aircraft. As an important part of traditional weapon systems, it will continue to protect pilot safety and ensure that the cannon works effectively. As modern warfare demands for air combat capabilities continue to increase, the technology of skinned flame blocking plates is also continuing to develop and improve. The new flame blocking plate adopts more advanced materials and structural design, further improving its high temperature resistance and impact resistance, and can better adapt to the needs of modern warfare.

[Editor in charge: Wang Jinzhi]