Su-30MKK

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The Su-30 MKK (Russian: Mnogofunktzionniy Kommercheskiy Kitayski; Multifunctional Commercial for China) is a modification of the Su-27 SK manufactured since 1999 by KNAAPO, JSC. KNAAPO stands for Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Production Association, Joint Stock Company. The MKK is currently operated by the People's Republic of China. [1]

1 History
- 1.1 Deliveries
2 Weapons
3 Engines and avionics
- 3.1 MK2 and MK3 models
4 Assessment of Su-30MKK/MK2
5 Related content

[edit] History

China and Russia began negotiations for the purchase of the Su-30MK multirole fighter in 1996. The initial deal of 38 aircraft valued at about US$2 billion was agreed upon in August 1999. The variant specially configured according to the requirements of the PLAAF was designated as the Su-30MKK. [2] In January 2003, the PLANAF ordered 24 Su-30 MKK2's which are improved variants of the original MKKs. [3]

[edit] Deliveries

Su-30 MKK

The PLAAF's 3rd Aviation Division based at Wuhu AFB, Anhui Province received the first batch of 10 aircraft from KnAAPO, in December 2000, the remaiing 28 were delivered by the end of 2001. A second batch of 38 more aircraft was ordered in July 2001, with these aircraft delivered in 2003. These aircraft are operated by the PLAAF 18th Air Division which is based at Changsha AFB, Hunan Province. [4]

Su-30 MKK2

Twenty four Su-30 MKK2 were ordered by the PLANAF in January 2002, these were all reported to have been delivered by August 2004 [5]

[edit] Weapons

The Su-30MKKs and MK2s in Chinese service are capable of carrying a wide range of Russian made guided-precision munitions. Total weapons load is eight tons, and the following a brief list of some of the weapons carried by Chinese Su-30s.

Ground strike and anti-ship

Kh-31P anti-radiation missiles
Kh-29T and Kh-59ME TV guided missiles
KAB-500L and KAB-1500L laser guided bombs
Various unguided bombs and rockets

Air combat

R-73 short-range IR AAM
R-27 medium-ranged semi-active radar and IR guided missiles
R-77E active radar guided AAM

Electronic systems

Sorbtsiya ECM pods

Su-30MK2 additional weapons cleared for

Kh-31A radar guided anti-ship missiles
Kh-59MK radar guided anti-ship missiles

[edit] Engines and avionics

The main powerplant are two AL-31F engines that provide great manaeuverability and thrust. Range can be extended with the in flight refuelling probe.

The Su-30MKK features a glass cockpit, and an NIIP N001VEP fire-control radar (range 100 km, capable of engaging two air targets simultaneously). The primary difference of the Su-30MK2 model is its improved radar which is the upgraded N001VEP radar, with longer range coverage and able to guide more variety of weapons systems.

[edit] MK2 and MK3 models

With its longer ranged radar, the MK2 was designed for more dedicated use as a maritime strike aircraft, thus these aircraft ordered by China are currently being operated by the Naval Air Force. The MK2 also features a better C4ISTAR (command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance) capability than the MKKs.

The MK3 was to possibly feature either the Phazotron Zhuk-MS radar, or a new "Panda" radar developed by Tikomirov. Either radar would significantly improve the Su-30s air target detection range to 190km and surface detection range at 300 km. It is not certain whether the PLAN or PLAAF would order any of these aircraft, despite their significant advantages with their advanced radars.

[edit] Assessment of Su-30MKK/MK2

Although not as advanced as the Indian MKI model, nonetheless the Chinese aircraft were delivered at least two years before the MKI was ready, and is significantly less expensive^{[citation needed]}.

The Su-30MKK has allowed China's military forces to possess an aircraft in the same class as the US F-15E, and at least comparable if not superior to most regional 4th generation fighters. Its vast array of Russian munitions enable Chinese Su-30s to engage land or ship targets at long ranges with high precision. Chinese Su-30s in air combat are just as potent, being the first Chinese combat fighter to be armed with the R-77E Active Radar Homing AAM (though this missile will be progressively arming other Chinese Flankers).

At least three have been lost in accidents so far, but this is to be expected by intensive training and early usage of the aircraft. Chinese Su-30s have been seen exercising frequently, indicating the PLAAF and PLANAF are actively training these elite units and giving them more flying experience.

Su-30MKKs and especially the MK2, with their long range radars and Russian made weapons would undoubtedly be a great threat to US Navy ships operating near the Chinese coasts. The KH-31A for instance has a long range and its ramjets provide a quick attack speed (around Mach 2.5) that could penetrate current air defenses of ships (even the sophisticated AEGIS). Chinese Su-30s will undoubtedly replace some of the old and vulnerable H-6 Badger bombers from strike or anti-ship roles, as these new fighter-bombers can deliver munitions more accurately while possessing just as much range and weapons load as these old bombers.

China has since made two other advanced attack aircraft available. The JH-7A is a much more advanced version of the basic JH-7. This design has entered service with the PLAAF and PLANAF. One advantage of the JH-7A is its economical price compared to the more expensive Su-30. Unlike the Su-30, the JH-7A is compatible with both Russian and Chinese munitions, making it much more flexible. One disadvantage of the JH-7A of course is its lack of effective air combat capability that makes it more vulnerable than the Su-30.

The second indigenized attack aircraft is the J-11B. The J-11 had traditionally been the licensed built variants of the Russian Su-27SK, but recently the Chinese have delivered J-11s that feature more indigenous parts and avionics.^{[citation needed]} The J-11B will possess high agility, exceptionally high air combat capabilities, heavy weapons load, advanced radar, and compatibility with Russian and Chinese munitions.^{[citation needed]} Depending on the rate of deployment, the J-11B will probably be a superior machine overall to the Su-30MKK.^{[citation needed]}