Sukhoi Su-30

Su-30
A Russian Air Force Su-30
Role	Multirole fighter[1]
Manufacturer	Sukhoi
First flight	31 December 1989
Introduction	1996
Status	In service
Primary users	People's Liberation Army Air Force Russian Air Force Algerian Air Force Venezuelan Air Force
Produced	1992–present
Number built	540+[2][3][4]
Unit cost	Su-30MK2: US$37.5 million in 2012[5]
Developed from	Sukhoi Su-27
Variants	Sukhoi Su-30MKI Sukhoi Su-30MKK Sukhoi Su-30MKM

The Sukhoi Su-30 (Russian: Сухой Су-30; NATO reporting name: Flanker-C) is a twin-engine, two-seat supermaneuverable fighter 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, the Su-27, Su-30, Su-33, Su-34 and Su-35 have been ordered into limited or serial production by the Defense Ministry. Only the Su-37 remained a prototype. The Su-30 has two distinct version 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, Uganda, Venezuela, 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 fighter with both air supremacy and attack capabilities, generally similar to the U.S. F-15E.^[6]

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. 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 canards, thrust-vectoring, and a long-range phased-array radar. Its derivatives include the Su-30MKM, MKA, and SM for Malaysia, Algeria, and Russia, respectively. The Russian Air Force operates several Su-30s and has ordered the Su-30SM version.

Development

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). The Air Defense Forces 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.^[7]

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-production models flew on 14 April 1992.^[8]

Design

The Su-30 is a multirole fighter. It has a two-seat cockpit with an airbrake behind the canopy.

Flight characteristics

The integrated aerodynamic configuration, combined with the thrust vectoring control ability, results in high manoeuvrability and unique takeoff and landing characteristics. Equipped with a digital fly-by-wire system, the Su-30 is able to perform some very advanced manoeuvres, including the Pugachev's Cobra and the tailslide. These manoeuvers quickly decelerate the aircraft, causing a pursuing fighter to overshoot, as well as breaking a Doppler radar-lock, as the relative speed of the aircraft drops below the threshold where the signal registers to the radar.^[9]

Powerplant

The aircraft's powerplant incorporates two Saturn AL-31F afterburning low-bypass turbofan engines, fed through intake ramps. Two AL-31Fs, each rated at 123 kN (28,000 lbf) 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 aerial refueling system increases the range to 5,200 km (3,200 mi) or flight duration up to 10 hours at cruise altitudes.^[10][11]

Avionics

The aircraft features autopilot ability at all flight stages including low-altitude flight in terrain-following radar 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.

Operational history

Syria

Several Su-30SMs were sent to Syria in the Russian military intervention in Syria to escort and provide target illumination for bombers that launch airstrikes against Islamist rebel groups.^[12][13] Su-30SM fighters were reportedly delivered to the Bassel Al-Assad International Airport in Latakia, Syria in September 2015. At least 4 Su-30SM fighters were spotted in a satellite photo.^[14] In late December 2015, there were 16 Su-30SMs at Khmeimim airbase.^[15] Su-30SM were initially tasked with aerial escort of Russian attack jets or strategic bombers. Later during the operations, they were tasked to air to ground duties too. On 21 March 2017, rebel forces launched a new offensive in the Hama province; few days later a video emerged showing a Russian Air Force Su-30SM striking ground targets with unguided air to ground rockets in a dive attack against the rebels.^[16]

Potential operators

Thailand formally requested information for the possible acquisition of the Su-30MK/MK2. However, the Saab Gripen was procured instead.^[17]

In February 2016, Russia and Belarus concluded a preliminary agreement that would see the export of an undisclosed number of Su-30s to Belarus.^[18]

The Iran defense minister announced in February 2016 of its country intention to buy an undisclosed number of the Su-30SM fighters.^[19]

In January 2016, Armenian Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan mentioned that Russia had discussed the possibility of supplying Su-30 fighters to Armenia during a four-day Russian-Armenian intergovernmental commission on bilateral military-technical cooperation.^[20]

Variants

Early variants

Su-30

Modernized Su-27UB. 5 units operated by the Russian Air Defence Forces.

Su-30K

Commercial (export) version of the basic Su-30. The Indian Air Force briefly operated some Su-30Ks in the late 1990s.

Su-30KI

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.^[21]

Su-30KN

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. Belarus consider updating ex-Indian Su-30K to the Su-30KN standard.^[22]

Su-30MK

Commercial version of Su-30M first revealed in 1993. Export versions include navigation and communication equipment from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.^[23]

Su-30MKI and derivatives

Su-30MKI

MKI stands for "Modernizirovannyi, Kommercheskiy, Indiski" meaning "Modernized, Commercial, Indian". Jointly-developed with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the Indian Air Force. It is the first Su-30 family member to feature thrust vectoring control (TVC) and canards. Equipped with a multinational avionics complex sourced from Russia, India, France and Israel.^[24]

Su-30MKA

A version of the Su-30MKI, except with French and Russian avionics for Algeria.^[25]

Su-30MKM

A derivative of the India-Russian Su-30MKI,^[26] the MKM is a highly specialised version for Royal Malaysian Air Force. 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)^[27] as well as the Russian NIIP N011M Bars Passive electronically scanned array radar, electronic warfare (EW) system, optical-location system (OLS) and a glass cockpit.^[28]

Su-30SM

A specialised version of the thrust-vectoring Su-30MKI and MKM variants for the Russian military, produced by the Irkut Corporation.^[29][30] Russia's Defence Ministry was impressed with the MKI's performance envelope and ordered 30 Su-30SMs, a localised version of Su-30MKI, for the Russian Air Force.^[31] The Su-30SM is considered as 4+ gen jet fighter.^{[32][33][34][35][36][37]} The new version has been upgraded based on Russian military requirements for radar, radio communications systems, friend-or-foe identification system, ejection seats, weapons, and other aircraft systems.^[38][39] The aircraft is equipped with the Bars-R radar and the wide-angle HUD.^{[30][39][40][41][42]} A contract for 60 of the multirole fighter was signed in March 2012 with delivery by 2016.^[43] On 21 September 2012 Su-30SM performed its maiden flight.^[44]

Su-30SME

Proposed export version of Su-30SM unveiled at the Singapore Airshow 2016.^[45]

Su-30MKK and derivatives

Su-30MKK

Export version for China. MKK stands for Modernizirovannyi, Kommercheskiy, Kitayski or "Modernized, Commercial, China".^[46] Its NATO codename is 'Flanker-G'.

Su-30MK2

Modernized Su-30MKK for China, Indonesia and Uganda with advanced avionics and weapons.

Su-30MK2V

Su-30MK2 variant for Vietnam with minor modifications.^[47]

Su-30MKV

Export version of Su-30MK2 for Venezuela.

Su-30M2

A version from manufacturer KnAAPO based on the Su-30MK2. The Russian Air Force placed an initial order for the variant in 2009. Factory tests were completed in September 2010.^[48][49][50] Twenty aircraft have been ordered; 4 in 2009 and 16 in 2012.^[51] At least 12 have been produced as of August 2014, all four from the first contract in 2009, and eight from the second contract of 2012.^[51] They are mostly to be used as combat training aircraft for upgraded Su-27SM fighters.

Operators

 Algeria

• Algerian Air Force has 52 Su-30MKAs in service^[52][53] and 14 Su-30MKAs on order as of 2015.^[54]

 Angola

• Angolan Air Force ordered 18 Su-30K fighters on 16 October 2013 as part of a $1 billion deal that also included other equipment and maintenance services for the country. The Su-30Ks were initially delivered to India in the 1990s, but were returned to Russia in 2007.^[55]

 People's Republic of China

• People's Liberation Army Air Force operates the Su-30MKK variant. The People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force operates the Su-30MK2 variant. As of 2012 China operates 76 Su-30MKK and 24 Su-30MK2.^[25]

 Belarus

• Belarusian Air Force has ordered 12 Su-30SM fighters.^[56]

 India

• Indian Air Force operates the Su-30MKI variant. Russia built the early Su-30MKIs; later Su-30MKIs are assembled indigenously under license by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. As of March 2016, 230 MKI are in service.^[57]

 Indonesia

• Indonesian Air Force (TNI - AU or Tentara Nasional Indonesia - Angkatan Udara) has ordered a combined 11 Su-30MK/MK2 fighters.^[58] As of September 2013 it has all Su-30MK/MK2s in inventory.^[58]

 Kazakhstan

• Kazakh Air Force ordered Su-30SM fighters in February 2015.^[59] The first 4 aircraft were delivered in 2015.^[60] The second batch of 2 jets were delivered in December 2016.^[61]

 Malaysia

• Royal Malaysian Air Force after a close visit to see India's Su-30MKI, ordered 18 Su-30MKMs 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.^[62] As part of the contract, Russia sent the first Malaysian cosmonaut to the International Space Station in October 2007.^[63] Malaysia has 18 Su-30MKMs in service as of 2014.^[64]

 Russian Federation

• Russian Air Force has 3 Su-30s and 20 Su-30M2 (all delivered)^[65] and 74 Su-30SM fighters as of July 2017 with 8 delivered to Russian Knights aerobatic team.^{[66][67][68][69][70][71][72]} An order for 28 Su-30SM fighters in April 2016 is to increase the total to 88 of the variant, with deliveries to be completed by 2018.^[73]
• Russian Naval Aviation - 28 Su-30SMs on order,^[74] with 50 planned. 17 aircraft were delivered as of late May 2017.^[75]

 Uganda

• Ugandan Air Force ordered 6 Su-30MK2s in 2010.^[76][77] The last two aircraft from the order were delivered in June 2012.^[78]

 Venezuela

• Venezuelan Air Force and the government of Venezuela announced on 14 June 2006 the purchase of 24 units of the Su-30MK2. The first two Su-30MK2s arrived in early December 2006 while another 8 were commissioned during 2007; 14 more units arrived in 2008.^[79][80] A second batch of 12 Su-30MKV was also being considered in 2009, it never proceed further.^[21] It has 24 Su-30MK2s as of January 2012.^[81] In October 2015, Venezuela announced the purchase of 12 more Su-30MK2 from Russia for $480 million.^[82][83]

 Vietnam

• Vietnam People's Air Force operates 4 Su-30MKs and 20 Su-30MK2Vs in 2013.^[25] On 21 August 2013, Russia announced it would deliver another batch of 12 Su-30MK2s under a $450 million contract, with deliveries in 2014-2015.^[84]

Specifications (Su-27PU/Su-30)

Data from KnAAPO,^[10] Sukhoi,^[11] Gordon and Davison,^[85] deagel.com,^[86] airforce-technology.com^[87]

General characteristics

• Crew: 2
• Length: 21.935 m (73 ft)
• Wingspan: 14.7 m (48 ft 3 in)
• Height: 6.36 m (20 ft 10 in)
• Wing area: 62 m² (667 ft²)
• Empty weight: 17,700 kg (39,021 lb)
• Loaded weight: 24,900 kg (54,900 lb) with 56% fuel
• Max. takeoff weight: 34,500 kg (76,060 lb)
• Fuel capacity: 9,400 kg (20,724 lb) internally^[88]
• Powerplant: 2 × Saturn AL-31FL turbofans
  • Dry thrust: 74.5 kN (16,750 lbf) each
  • Thrust with afterburner: 122.58 kN (27,560 lbf) each

Performance

• Maximum speed: Mach 2.0 (2,120 km/h; 1,320 mph) at altitude
• Range: 3,000 km (1,860 mi; 1,620 nmi) at altitude
• Service ceiling: 17,300 m (56,800 ft)
• Rate of climb: 230 m/s (45,275 ft/min)
• Wing loading:
  
  • With 56% fuel: 401 kg/m² (82.3 lb/ft²)
  • With full internal fuel: 468.3 kg/m² ()
• Thrust/weight:
  
  • With full fuel: 0.86
  • With 56% fuel: 1
    
• Maximum g-load: +9 g

Armament

• Guns: 1 × 30 mm Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-301 autocannon with 150 rounds
• Hardpoints: 12 hardpoints with a capacity of up to 8,000 kg (18,000 lb) and provisions to carry combinations of:
  • Rockets:
    
    • S-8KOM/BM/OM
    • S-13T/OF
    • S-25OFM-PU
  • Missiles:
    
    • Air-to-air missiles:
      • R-27R/ER/T/ET/P
      • R-73E
      • RVV-AE
    • Air-to-surface missiles:
      • Kh-29T/L
      • Kh-59M/ME
    • Anti-ship missiles:
      • Kh-31A
    • Anti-radiation missiles:
      • Kh-31P
  • Bombs:
    
    • KAB-500KR general-purpose bomb
    • KAB-500OD bomb
    • KAB-1500KR GP bomb
    • KAB-1500L laser-guided bomb
    • FAB-500T GP bomb
    • BETAB-500SHP bomb
    • ODAB-500PM bomb
    • OFAB-250-270 bomb
    • OFAB-100-120 bomb
    • P-50T bomb
    • RBK-500 cluster bombs
    • SPBE-D bomb

Avionics

• Bars planar array radar
• OEPS-27 electro-optical targeting system

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.
• 17 September 2015: a Venezuelan Air Force Su-30MK2 crashed in Southern Venezuela, near the town of Elorza while intercepting a small drug-smuggling aircraft.^[89] Both pilots died.

See also

• Fourth-generation jet fighter

Related development

• Sukhoi Su-27/Shenyang J-11
• Sukhoi Su-33
• Sukhoi Su-34
• Sukhoi Su-35
• Sukhoi Su-37

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

• Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
• McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
• Dassault Rafale
• Eurofighter Typhoon
• Mikoyan MiG-35

Related lists

• List of fighter aircraft
• List of military aircraft of the Soviet Union and the CIS

References

• Gordon, Yefim and Peter Davison. Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker. Specialty Press, 2006. ISBN 978-1-58007-091-1. 

Further reading

• 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. 
• Williams, Mel (ed.). "Sukhoi 'Super Flankers'". Superfighters: The Next Generation of Combat Aircraft. Norwalk, Connecticut: AIRtime Publishing Inc., 2002. ISBN 1-880588-53-6. 

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Sukhoi Su-30 (category)

• Su-30MK page on Sukhoi.org
• Su-30 page on Milavia.net
• Su-30 page on GlobalSecurity.org
• Sukhoi Su-30MK Su-30MKM fighter aircraft page on Air recognition site
• Sukhoi Flankers – The Shifting Balance of Regional Air Power
• Su-27 Series at Greg Goebel's AIR VECTORS
• Su-30 page on Fighter Tactics Academy site
• Asia's Advanced Flankers on ausairpower.net
• Sukhoi Su-30 photo pool on Flickr
• YouTube video, Su-30 videos on patricksaviation.com, Su-30 videos on flightlevel350.com
• Malaysian SU-30MKM image on airliners.net
• Sukhoi Su-30 story in colours at mars.slupsk.pl