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Sukhoi Su-30 (Flanker-C)

1996 4TH GENERATION MODERN AIRCRAFT

History

The Sukhoi Su-30 was originally developed as a further development of the existing Su-27 "Flanker" series, but eventually became a completely new brand of its own. The aircraft uses a multi-mission design framework based on the Su-27, but includes a second crew (tandem), an improved data link, and an extended service life. Production of this production model began in 1992 and is ongoing at the time of writing (2017).

Operators (outside of Russia) including Algeria, Angola, China, Belarus, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Uganda, Venezuela and Vietnam have built around 540 to date, making the combat platform the Suho A key product in the Iraqi fighter lineup.

Large fighters of the Su-27 family form the backbone of the Russian Air Force and Navy fleet. It has proven to be a versatile, high-performance combat platform that has delighted generations of airshow audiences and has been embraced by former Soviet states and allies around the world.

Developments like the Su-30, Su-34 and Su-35 will only keep the product line strong and make the product a viable tool on the modern battlefield.

The Su-30MKI introduced thrust vectoring engine nozzles and forward canards, greatly improving maneuverability and internationally developed avionics. The product was jointly developed by Sukhoi India and Hindustan. The Su-30MKA is followed by customer Algeria, but with French and Russian avionics. The Su-30MKM is based on the Su-30MKI and has been adapted to Malaysian requirements. The Su-30SM is based on the Su-30MKI model, produced by the Irkut company, and is an advanced Su-30 equipped with modern equipment for Russia.

The Su-30SME designation is used to sell the Su-30SM abroad.

The Su-30MKK ("Flanker-G") was sold to China, and some time later the modernized form was called the Su-30MK2. Indonesia and Uganda also received this type. The Su-30MK2V is a variant of the Su-MK2, slightly redesigned and sold to Vietnam.

The Su-30MKV is an export version of the Su-30MK2, sold to Venezuela. The Su-30MK2 formed the basis of the Su-30M2, which were inventoried by the Russian Air Force.

Since entering Russian service, the Su-30 has played a role in the ongoing civil war in Syria. Despite falling prey to Western competition in some ways, the series still tops several potential operators' lists.

The Su-30SM variant serves the Russian Air Force and Navy. It is based on the Su-30MKI and Su-30MKM variants. The first flight was recorded on September 21, 2012, and the service launch arrived on January 12, 2018. These are powered by AL31-FP turbofan engines.

Specification

Basic

Year:

1996

Status:

active, on duty

Staff:

Production

[635 units]:

Sukhoi Design Bureau Russia

Roles

- Fighter

- Ground Attack

Dimensions

Length:

21.93m

Width:

48.23 ft (14.7 m)

Height:

6.36m

Weight

Curb Weight:

17,700 kg

MTOW:

34,500 kg

(Difference: +37.038lb)

Performance

2 x Saturn AL-31FL afterburner turbofan engines, each producing 27,560 pounds of thrust (16,750 pounds dry).

Performance

Maximum Speed:

1,317 mph (2,120 km/h; 1,145 knots)

Service Limit:

56,759 ft (17,300 m; 10.75 mi)

Maximum range:

1,864 miles (3,000 km; 1,620 nautical miles)

Rate of climb:

45,275 ft/min (13,800 m/min)

Armor

Standard, Fixed:

1 x 30mm GSh-30-1 built-in automatic cannon.

External ammo can be any combination of the following:

R-27ER1 (AA-10C) "Alamo" medium-range air-to-air missile, R-27ET1 (AA-10D) air-to-air missile, R-73E (AA-11) air-to-air missile - air-to-air missile Missiles, R77 RVV-AE (AA-12) air-to-air missile, Kh-31P anti-radiation air-to-surface missile, Kh-31A anti-radiation air-to-surface missile, Kh-29T /L laser-guided missile, Kh-59ME air-to-air missile Ground missiles, etc.

KAB-500KR bomb, KAB-1500KR bomb, FAB-500T bomb, OFAB-250-270 bomb, etc.

There are also disposable fuel tanks.

Changes

Su-27PU - Designation of the two-seat long-range interceptor; renamed the Su-30 series; based on the two-seat Su-27UB trainer.

Su-30 - name of the base series; added development designation to the new Su-30 design with canards; aerial refueling probe.

Su-30K - Designation of the export variant of the base model of the Su-30.

Su-30KI - single-seat variant; developed as Su-27S upgrade and Indonesian export order model.

Su-30KN - Standardized Su-30 upgraded from Su-27UB, Su-30 and Su-30K models.

Su-30M - Modified Su-27PU as a multi-role fighter.

Su-30MK - export variant of the Su-30M

Su-30M2 - Improved Su-30MK; wing canards added; thrust vectoring.

Su-30MKI - Indian modernized flank; modified avionics; canard implementation; thrust vectoring.

Su-30MKK - Chinese export version.

Su-30MKM - Based on Su-30MKI model; modified avionics; sold in Malaysia.

Su-30MKV - Venezuelan export; similar to Su-30MK2.

Su-30MK2 - Su-30MKK variant with improved electronics; anti-ship missile regulations.

Su-30MK2V - Vietnam export model.

Su-30MK3 - Su-30MKK model with Zhuk MSE radar system; provides anti-ship missile Kh-59MK.

Su-30SM (Flanker-H) - Variant of Su-30MKI/MKM; Russian Air Force and Navy model; produced by Irkut; first flight September 2012; assumed January 2018.