Sukhoi Su-30
The Sukhoi Su-30 (Cyrillic: Сухой Су-30) (NATO reporting name Flanker-C) is a twin-engine, two-seat military aircraft developed by Russia's Sukhoi Aviation Corporation. It is a multirole fighter for all-weather, air-to-air and air-to-surface deep interdiction missions.
The Su-30 started out as an internal development project in the Sukhoi Su-27 family by Sukhoi. The design plan was revamped and the name was made official by the Russian Defense Ministry in 1996. Of the Flanker family, only the Su-27, Su-30, Su-34 and Su-35 have been ordered into serial production by the Defense Ministry. All the others, such as Su-37, were prototypes.
The Su-30 has two distinct branches, manufactured by competing organisations: KnAAPO and the Irkut Corporation, both of which come under the Sukhoi group's umbrella. KnAAPO manufactures the Su-30MKK and the Su-30MK2, which were designed for and sold to China, and later Indonesia and Vietnam. Due to KnAAPO's involvement from the early stages of developing Su-35, these are basically a two-seat version of the mid-1990s Su-35. The Chinese chose an older but lighter radar so the canards could be omitted in return for increased payload. It is a dedicated strike fighter designed for long-range air-to-surface attack missions, similar to the American F-15E.
Irkut traditionally served the Soviet Air Defense and, in the early years of Flanker development, was given the responsibility of manufacturing the Su-27UB, the two-seat trainer version of the Su-27. When India showed interests in the Su-30, Irkut offered the multirole Su-30MKI, which originated as the Su-27UB modified with avionics appropriate for fighters. Along with its ground-attack capabilities, the series adds features for the air-superiority role, such as thrust-vectoring, forward canards and a long-range phase-array radar. Its derivatives include the MKM, MKA and MKV for Malaysia, Algeria and Venezuela, respectively. The Russian Airforce is in talks to buy from Sukhoi's mass production facility Irkut on 28 to 40 Su-30 C fighters.[2]
Development
Su-27PU long-range interceptor
While the original Su-27 had good range, it still did not have enough range for the Soviet Air Defense Forces (PVO, as opposed to VVS – the Soviet Air Force), which needed to cover the vast expanse of the Soviet Union. Hence, development began in 1986 on the Su-27PU, an improved-capability variant of the Su-27 capable of serving as a long-range interceptor or airborne command post. The two-seat Su-27UB combat trainer was selected as the basis for the Su-27PU, because it had the performance of a single-seat Su-27 and long-range missions require two crew members. A "proof-of-concept" demonstrator flew 6 June 1987, and this success led to the kick-off of development work on two Su-27PU prototypes. The first Su-27PU flew at Irkutsk on 31 December 1989, and the first of three pre-series models flew in 14 April 1992.
To adapt the Su-27UB to its new role, the aircraft was fitted with a retractable in-flight refuelling probe to increase range; the probe is offset to the left side of the nose and, to accommodate it, the IRST was offset to the right. The aircraft's avionics were changed, fitting special communications and guidance equipment to command formation flights of single-seat Su-27 interceptors. The rear cockpit received a large CRT display which provides the formation leader with tactical information regarding targets and interceptors. The navigation and fly-by-wire systems were also upgraded. It was fitted with an updated NIIP N001 radar, providing some ability for ground attack and to track and engage multiple aerial targets simultaneously.
Sukhoi offered the Su-27PU to be used as a "fighter controller", a sort of mini-AWACS, with the back-seater using the radar and data links to control other fighters. However, the PVO was not interested in buying the Su-27PU. All five Su-27PUs, with the new designation of "Su-30", ended up in PVO service in the training role. Deliveries to the 54th Interceptor Air Regiment at the advanced training base at Savostleyka began in 1996.
A Su-30M two-seat multirole variant was proposed for Russian use and a few may have been built in the mid-1990s for evaluation. Sukhoi also proposed an export variant, Su-30MK, where "MK" stood for "Modernizirovannyi Kommercheskiy" (Modernized Commercial). Sukhoi displayed a Su-30MK demonstrator at the Paris Air Show in 1993. A much more optimised Su-30MK demonstrator, rebuilt from the first production Su-27PU, was displayed in 1994.
Design
The Su-30 is a multirole fighter. It has a two seat cockpit with an airbrake behind the canopy.
The Su-30MK is capable of accomplishing a wide variety of combat missions at significant distances from the home base, in any weather conditions and during radar jamming, both by day and night. This multirole aircraft is adequately fitted for the entire spectrum of tactical and operational combat employment scenarios, varying from counter-air tasks (i.e. gaining air superiority, air defence, air patrol and escort) to ground attack, suppression of enemy air defences, air interdiction, close air support and maritime attack. Additionally, the Su-30MK can perform ECCM and early warning tasks, as well as exercise command-and-control over a group of aerial combat assets performing joint missions. It has a 9 g load manoeuvrability.
Flight characteristics
The Su-30MK's aerodynamic configuration is an unstable-in-longitude triplane. To increase lifting effectiveness and enhance manoeuvrability of the aircraft, foreplanes are installed. They are deflected automatically to ensure controlled flight at high angles-of-attack. Foreplanes, however, are installed only in some Su-30 variants like the Su-30MKI.
The integrated aerodynamic configuration, combined with the thrust vectoring control ability, results in unprecedented manoeuvrability and unique takeoff and landing characteristics. Equipped with a digital fly-by-wire system, the Su-30MK is able to perform some very advanced manoeuvres. They include the well-known Pugachev’s Cobra and the Bell. This allows the aircraft to rapidly strip airspeed, causing a pursuing fighter to overshoot.[3] While performing a somersault manoeuvre the aircraft makes 360-degree turn in the pitch plane without any loss of altitude. In the Controlled Flat Spin manoeuvre the aircraft performs several full turns in the horizontal plane, with zero forward speed, virtually on the spot.
Powerplant
The aircraft's power plant incorporates two Saturn AL-31F afterburning low-bypass turbofan engines. Two AL-31F turbofans, each rated at 12,500 kgf (123 kN, 27,550 lb) of full afterburning thrust ensures Mach 2 in level flight, 1,350 km/h speed at low altitude, and a 230 m/s climbing rate.
With a normal fuel reserve of 5,270 kg, the Su-30MK is capable of performing a 4.5-hour combat mission with a range of 3,000 km. An in-flight refuelling system increases the range to 5,200 km (3,200 mi) or flight duration up to 10 hours at cruise altitudes.[4][5] The long range significantly increases deployment options. The missions vary from prolonged patrols, and escorts to long-range intercepts and ground attacks.
The thrust vectoring engines on some Su-30 variants have nozzles with turn axes positioned at 32-deg angle to each other. The differential ±15-degree deflection of the engines' asymmetric nozzles enables pitch/yaw thrust vectoring control. Depending on the manoeuvre to be performed, nozzles deflections can be synchronised with or differ from the deflections of horizontal tail planes.
Two-member crew
A two-member crew configuration contributes significantly to enhanced combat capabilities, due to rational distribution of workload between crew members. While the first pilot flies the aircraft, controls weapons and performs manoeuvring dogfight, the co-pilot employs BVR air-to-air and air-to-ground guided weapons in long-range engagements, monitors tactical environment to ensure situational awareness, and performs command-and-control tasks in group missions.
Avionics
- Radar: Either a N001VE or Phazotron N010 Zhuk-27 or an N011M BARS pulse Doppler passive electronically scanned array radar. Capable of detecting and tracking up to 15 air targets, while concurrently attacking four of them. The N011M BARS radar (featuring a 20-m/65.6-ft resolution) ensures detection of large sea-surface targets at a distance of up to 400 km (250 mi), and small-size ones at a distance of up to 120 km (75 mi).
- Other avionics include an integrated optronic sighting-and-navigation system with a laser gyro navigation system; helmet-mounted displays, a head-up-display, multifunction color LCDs with image mixing ability; and a GPS system (GLONASS/NAVSTAR compatible).
- IR and laser sighting pods to detect and engage small-size ground targets are available for installation. The aircraft is provided with an ECCM facility intended to subvert hostile electronic and electro-optical countermeasures.
- The aircraft features autopilot ability at all flight stages including low-altitude flight in terrain-following mode, and individual and group combat employment against air and ground/sea-surface targets. Automatic control system interconnected with the navigation system ensures route flight, target approach, recovery to airfield and landing approach in automatic mode.
Unit Costs
- A standard Su-30K is estimated at US$34 million.[6]
- A Su-30MKK variant is estimated at US$53 million.
Variants
- Su-27PU
- Long range interceptor based on two-seater Su-27UB trainer. Later renamed Su-30.
- Su-30
- Testbed fighter with canards added.
- Su-30K
- Commercial version of the basic Su-30.
- Su-30KI (Flanker-B Mod. 2)
- Sukhoi proposal for upgrading Russian AF single seat Su-27S. Also proposed export version for Indonesia, 24 were ordered but subsequently cancelled due to the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis.[7] the only single seat in Su-30 family.
- Su-30KN (Flanker-B Mod. 2)
- Upgrade project for operational two-seat fighters, the Su-27UB, Su-30 and Su-30K. This was cancelled in Russia but later revived as Su-30M2. Belorussia is updating their Su-30K to the Su-30KN standard.[8]
- Su-30M
- An upgraded Su-27PU with multirole capabilities.
- Su-30MK
- Commercial version of Su-30M first revealed in 1993. Export versions include navigation and communication equipment from Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.[9]
- Su-30M2
- A Su-30 version from manufacturer KnAAPO based on the Su-30MK with canards and optional thrust-vectoring. The Russian Air Force placed an initial order for the variant in 2009. Factory tests were completed in September 2010.[10][11][12]
- Su-30MKI
- MKI stands for "Modernizirovannyi, Kommercheskiy, Indiski" meaning "Modernized, Commercial, Indian". Jointly-developed with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the Indian Air Force. Includes thrust vectoring control (TVC) and canards. Equipped with a multinational avionics complex sourced from Israel, India, Russia and France.[13]
- Su-30MKK
- Export version for China. MKK stands for Modernizirovannyi, Kommercheskiy, Kitayski or "Modernized, Commercial, China".
- Su-30MKM
- A derivative of the India-Russian MKI,[14] the MKM is a highly specialised version for Royal Malaysian Air Force (M is for 'Malaysia' ). It includes thrust vectoring control (TVC) and canards but with avionics from various countries. It will feature head-up displays (HUD), navigational forward-looking IR system (NAVFLIR) and Damocles Laser Designation pod (LDP) from Thales Group of France, MAW-300 missile approach warning sensor (MAWS), RWS-50 RWR and laser warning sensor (LWS) from SAAB AVITRONICS (South Africa)[15] as well as the Russian NIIP N011M BARS PESA radar, electronic warfare (EW) system, optical-location system (OLS) and a glass cockpit.[16]
- Su-30MKV
- Export version for Venezuela is most likely to be similar to the Su-30MK2. This is based on the presence of two such demonstrator models (No. 0460 and No. 1259) from the KnAAPO facility that took part in July 2006 national day parade in Caracas.
- Su-30MK2
- Su-30MKK with upgraded electronics that enabled support for anti-ship missiles.
- Su-30MK2V
- Su-30MK2 variant for Vietnam with minor modifications.[17]
- Su-30MK3
- Su-30MKK with Zhuk MSE radar and Support for Kh-59MK anti-ship missile.
- Su-30MKA
- A specialised version for Algeria is similar to the MKI, but will principally be equipped with French and Russian avionics. It will feature head-up and multifunction displays from the Thales Group and Sagem of France.
- Su-30SM
- A specialized version of the thrust-vectoring Su-30MKI for Russian military.[18]
Operators
- Algeria
- Algerian Air Force has 28 Su-30MK fighters in service as of January 2010.[19] 16 more are on order to be delivered instead of 36 MiG-29SMT/UBT aircraft.[20][21]
- People's Republic of China
- India
- Indonesia
- Indonesian Air Force ordered three Su-30MK2 and received two on 26 December 2008 and the third in 2009.[22] The Indonesian Air Force has 2 Su-30MKs and 3 Su-30MK2s in service as of early 2009.[7] Another batch of 6 additional fighters were ordered in 2010.[23]
- Malaysia
- Royal Malaysian Air Force after a close visit to see India's Su-30MKI, signed a deal to purchase 18 of Su-30MKM in May 2003. The first 2 Su-30MKMs were formally handed over in Irkutsk on 23 May 2007, later arrived in Gong Kedak airbase on 21 June.[24] As part of the contract, Russia sent the first Malaysian cosmonaut to the International Space Station in October 2007.[25] Malaysia had 12 Su-30MKMs in service with 6 on order in November 2008.[26] Malaysia has had problems with support for the aircraft so it might purchase spare parts from China.[27]
- Russia
- Uganda
- Ugandan Air Force has ordered 6 Su-30MK2,[30] and received two on 8 July 2011.[31] The aircraft order cost is estimated at $740 million (Shs1.8 trillion).[32]
- Venezuela
- Venezuelan Air Force and the government of Venezuela on 14 June 2006, announced the purchase of 24 units of the Su-30MK2 aircraft. The first two Su-30MK2s arrived in the first week of December 2006 while another 8 were commissioned during 2007, fourteen more units have arrived in 2008 with the last 4 being delivered in August.[33][34] Has 24 Su-30MK2s in service as of early 2009. A second batch of 12 Su-30MKV is also being considered.[7]
- Vietnam
Specifications (Su-27PU/Su-30)
Data from KNAAPO Su-30MK page,[4] Sukhoi Su-30MK page,[5] Gordon and Davison.[39]
General characteristics
- Crew: 2
- Length: 21.935 m (72.97 ft)
- Wingspan: 14.7 m (48.2 ft)
- Height: 6.36 m (20.85 ft)
- Wing area: 62.0 m2 (667 ft2)
- Empty weight: 17,700 kg (39,021 lb)
- Loaded weight: 24,900 kg (54,900 lb)
- Max takeoff weight: 34,500 kg (76,060 lb)
- Powerplant: 2 × AL-31FL low-bypass turbofans
- Dry thrust: 7,600 kgf (74.5 kN, 16,750 lbf) each
- Thrust with afterburner: 12,500 kgf (122.58 kN, 27,560 lbf) each
Performance
Armament
The Su-27PU had 8 hardpoints for its weapon load, whereas the Su-30MK's combat load is mounted on 12 hardpoints: 2 wingtip AAM launch rails, 3 pylons under each wing, 1 pylon under each engine nacelle, and 2 pylons in tandem in the "arch" between the engines. All versions can carry up to 8 tonnes of external stores.
- Guns: 1 × GSh-30-1 gun (30 mm calibre, 150 rounds)
- AAMs: 6 × R-27ER1 (AA-10C), 2 × R-27ET1 (AA-10D), 6 × R-73E (AA-11), 6 × R-77 RVV-AE (AA-12)
- ASMs: 6 × Kh-31P/Kh-31A anti-radar missiles, 6 × Kh-29T/L laser guided missiles, 2 × Kh-59ME
- Aerial bombs: 6 × KAB 500KR, 3 × KAB-1500KR, 8 × FAB-500T, 28 × OFAB-250-270, nuclear bombs
Incidents and accidents
- 12 June 1999: Paris Air Show, Le Bourget, France, a Russian Su-30MK crashed — both pilots ejected safely and no one was hurt on the ground. (Video)
- 30 April 2009: an Indian Air Force Su-30MKI crashed near Jaisalmer. A pilot died.[40]
- 30 November 2009: an Indian Air Force Su-30MKI crashed near Jaisalmer. The pilots survived.[41]
- 13 December 2011: an IAF Su-30MKI crashed near Pune. Both the pilots ejected timely and survived the crash. [42]
See also
- Related development
- Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
- Related lists
References
- Citations
- ^ "Su-30MK page". Sukhoi. http://www.sukhoi.org/eng/planes/military/su30mk/. Retrieved 3 July 2011.
- ^ en.rian.ru
- ^ Discovering Novel Fighter Combat Maneuvers.
- ^ a b Sukhoi Su-30MK. KNAAPO.
- ^ a b "Su-30MK: Aircraft performance". Sukhoi. http://www.sukhoi.org/eng/planes/military/su30mk/lth/. Retrieved 3 July 2011.
- ^ Su-30, FAS.org
- ^ a b c Sukhoi Su-27 – Operator List. MilAvia.net, 14 March 2009.
- ^ "Belarus may buy outdated Su-30 fighters from Russia".
- ^ HAL to supply for Sukhoi fighters to Russia
- ^ "First serial Su-30M2 completed test flights" (Press release). Sukhoi. 28 September 2010. http://sukhoi.org/eng/news/company/?id=3633. Retrieved 3 July 2011.
- ^ "Su-27 Flanker Variants Overview". Milavia, 18 February 2010.
- ^ http://lenta.ru/news/2011/11/10/su30m2/
- ^ SU30MKI
- ^ The Hindu: India, Russia to make fighter variant for Malaysia
- ^ [1]
- ^ "The first two serially produced Su-30MKM fighters for the Royal Malaysian Air Force has been demonstrated" (Press release). Irkut Corporation. 24 May 2007. http://www.irkut.com/en/news/press_release_archives/index.php?id48=252.
- ^ Russia, Vietnam ink submarine, arms deal, spacewar.com, 2009-12-21, accessed 22 December 2009
- ^ Karnozov, Vladimir. "Russian air force orders thrust-vectoring Su-30SM fighters". Flight International, 21 July 2011.
- ^ "World Military Aircraft Inventory". 2011 Aerospace. Aviation Week and Space Technology, January 2011.
- ^ city-dz.com (French)
- ^ [2] (French)
- ^ "Three Su-27SKM fighter jets are due to be delivered by 2010". armybase.us, 27 December 2008.
- ^ nasional.kompas.com
- ^ The Malaysia Deal: Offsets & Updates. defenseindustrydaily.com
- ^ Soyuz spacecraft takes first Malaysian into space. RT.com
- ^ "Directory: World Air Forces". Flight International, 11–17 November 2008.
- ^ China Humbly Launches Serial Production of Stolen Russian Fighter Jets
- ^ [3]
- ^ [4]
- ^ Russia signs $1.2 bln contract for jet fighter delivery to Algeria, Uganda | Russia | RIA Novosti
- ^ airliners.net, has a confirmed picture. The An-124s arrived in early July 2011. The first assembled Flanker did its engine runs on July 8; half Entebbe could hear it. On 11 July, the first UgAF Flanker flew, followed by AF 011 on 12 July. The 45-min flight was concluded with a spectacular demo.
- ^ Tabu Butagira, Martin Ssebuyira, 'New Russian-built jet fighters arrive'. Daily Monitor (2011-07-13).
- ^ Air Forces Monthly, August 2006 issue.
- ^ Chavez warns U.S. after getting Russian warplanes. RIA Novosti,
- ^ "World Military Aircraft Inventory". 2010 Aerospace Source Book. Aviation Week and Space Technology, January 2010.
- ^ "Russia To Build 12 Fighters for Vietnam: Reports". Defense News, 14 May 2009.
- ^ Francis, Leithen. "Vietnam reportedly buys 12 more Sukhoi Su-30MK2 fighters". Flight International, 11 February 2010.
- ^ "Russia Announces Military Aircraft Sale To Vietnam, Algeria". Defense News, 20 July 2010.
- ^ Gordon and Davison 2006, pp. 92, 95–96.
- ^ Pilot killed in SU-30 MKI crash in Jaisalmer
- ^ Su-30MKI fighter jet crashes in western India, pilots survive | Defense | RIA Novosti
- ^ http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/air-force-plane-crashes-near-pune-pilots-eject-safely-157576?pfrom=home-topstories
- Bibliography
- Eden, Paul, ed. The Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft. London, UK: Amber Books, 2004. ISBN 1-904687-84-9.
- Gordon, Yefim. Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker: Air Superiority Fighter. Airlife Publishing, 1999. ISBN 1-84037-029-7.
- Gordon, Yefim and Peter Davison. Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker. Specialty Press, 2006. ISBN 978-1-58007-091-1..
- Williams, Mel, ed. "Sukhoi 'Super Flankers'". Superfighters: The Next Generation of Combat Aircraft. Norwalk, Connecticut: AIRtime Publishing Inc., 2002. ISBN 1-880588-53-6.
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