Sukhoi Su-30 Multi-Role Flanker
Role: interceptor, airborne command, multi-role fighter
Builder: Sukhoi, KnAAPO, IAIA (former IAPO), HAL (license production)
Variants: Su-30 (Su-27PU), Su-30I, Su-30K, Su-30KI, Su-30KN, Su-30M, Su-30MK, Su-30MKI, Su-30MKM, Su-30MKK, Su-30MK2, Su-30MK2V, Su-30MKV, Su-30MK3
see also Flanker variants list
Operators: Russia, Algeria, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Uganda, Venezuela, Vietnam
see also Flanker family operators list
Su-30: Two-Seat Interceptor & Command Post
The Su-27PU (later known as Su-30) was developed in the late 1980s as a
long range interceptor and airborne command post for the Soviet Air Defense
Forces. The two-seat Su-27UB combat trainer was selected as a basis for
this variant because it had the performance of a single-seat Su-27 and
the benefits of having a two-men crew.
To adapt the Su-27UB to its new role the aircraft was fitted with an
in-flight refuelling system to increase range and 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.
Since series production of the Su-30 started in 1991, the first aircraft being test flown
on 14 April 1992, only a handful have entered service with the
Russian Air Force.
Su-30MK: Multi-Role Twin-Seater
In 1993 Sukhoi converted the first series produced Su-30 into a demonstrator to market the multi-role version designated Su-30MK. MK standing for Modernizirovannyi Kommercheskiy ('modified commercial') indicating that this new version was developed especially for the export market. Centerpoint of the new version would be an upgraded multirole fire control system, depending on the customer's requirements. The air-to-ground capability of the aircraft is effectively greatly enhanced and a large variety of new guided missiles and bombs were added to the armament options. For the air-to-air role, the new RVV-AE (R-77) medium-range active radar homing missile was added to the options.
Su-30K & Su-30MKI: India's Twin-Seater Flankers
The first customer for the multi-role Su-30MK was India. To meet
the customer's demands the Su-30MKI variant was developed. The Su-30MKI
differs substantially from the original Su-30MK demonstrator.
The new variant is fitted with canards and new thrust vector controlled
(TVC) engines to boast the aircraft's manoeuvrability. The nozzles of
the AL-31FP engines are able to vector up to 15 degrees in both vertical
and lateral direction.
The Su-30MKI is fitted with the NIIP N011M
multimode phased array radar, which is also the radar of the
Su-35/37 advanced
single-seaters. The IRST system was replaced with an updated
version - OLS-30. The head-up display and navigation systems were replaced
with systems from the French manufacturer Sextant Avionique.
The first prototype Su-30MKI (Su-30I-1) was first flown on 1 July 1997, the
second prototype on 23 April 1998. Both of these were converted from
series produced Su-30s. The first batch of Su-30s for the Indian Air Force
was however delivered in the spring of 1997. These were of the Su-30K type
('commercial' version of the basic Su-30), sometimes also designated Su-30MK
since some limited upgrade work had been done. The Su-30K/MK fleet will be replaced
by new Su-30MKI aircraft, with Russia buying back the Su-30Ks.
India's orders for the Su-30MKI count 32 aircraft produced by Irkut, 140 license-built by HAL,
18 Irkut produced Su-30MKIs as Su-30K replacements, and an additional batch of 40 license-built
aircraft is being considered. As of mid-2007, at least 50 Su-30MKIs including the
first 32 produced by Irkut, are believed to have entered service.
See also Su-27 Operators: India
Su-30MKK: China's Multi-Role Twin-Seater
The Su-30MKK multi-role twin-seat fighter was developed for China. Like the Su-30MKI
it gas a twin-seat cockpit with modern multifuction displays and is equipped with
an in-flight refuelling system. In addition to these updates, the aircraft is also
fitted with the larger fins of the Su-35 design to accomodate more fuel. However it
does not have the canards and TVC engines for super manoeuvrability. The aircraft
carries the N001VE radar which is compatible with the RVV-AE missile. Like other Su-30MK
derivatives it carries a wide arrange of air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons on
12 hardpoints. The take-off weight however has been increased to 38,000 kg by airframe
and landing gear stengthening. This makes the Su-30MKK the only Su-27 derivative which
is capable of both maximum payload and maximum fuel carriage.
In 1999 Sukhoi converted the T10PU-5 (first Su-30 prototype) into the first Su-30MKK,
first flying on 9 May 1999. It was quickly followed on 19 May 1999 by the first
production Su-30MKK '501' built by KnAAPO made its maiden flight. In the summer of 1999
another production Su-30MKK was roled out, this aircraft carrying serial '502'
was painted in similar colors as the Chinese Su-27SK/UBK fleet. Series production has
begun of about 50 aircraft destined for the PLAAF. Follow up orders consist of the
updated Su-30MK2 and Su-30MK3 specification (alternative designations are Su-30MKK2 and
Su-30MKK3 respectively).
See also Su-27 Operators: China
Other Export Twin-Seaters
The multi-role two-seat Su-30MK variant are attractive candidates for many countries
that are in the market for a fourth generation fighter. Indonesia followed India
and China by obtaining two Su-30MKK variants. No official designation has been
appointed to this variant. They are believed to be equivalent to the PLAAF Su-30MKK variant,
generally referred to as just Su-30MK or Su-30MK(I). In the past, Indonesia cancelled a contract for single-seat
Su-30s (see below) because of monetary issues. The selection of the Su-30MK seems
more to be an issue of having a modern combat-capable trainer, than to have a multi-role
two-seater, since Indonesia also obtained two single-seat Su-27SK in the same deal.
In 2007, Indonesia placed a follow-up order of 6 aircraft to establish a full
Flanker squadron, with the order consisting of three Su-27SKM single-seater fighters and three Su-30MK2 two-seater
strike fighters. The latter were delivered in January 2009, with the single-seaters following in September 2010. Reportedly
the Indonesian government plans to acquire more Flankers in the near future.
See also Su-27 Operators: Indonesia
Vietnam also placed on order for a slightly modified version of the Su-30MK2,
reportedly designated Su-30MK2V and featuring upgraded communications suite and improved ejection seats.
The four two-seat aircraft were delivered in November 2004. In January 2009, another contract was signed for eight Su-30MK2V, with all
to be delivered in 2011.
See also Su-27 Operators: Vietnam
Malaysia signed a contract for 18 Su-30MKM fighters in 2003. The Su-30MKM is another
multi-role Flanker variant based on the Su-30MKI, tailored to the customer's requirements
with regards to its avionics suite. For example, Israeli-produced ECM systems as seen fitted on the Su-30MKI are
replaced by Russian and South African systems.
Two of Sukhoi's Su-30MKI pre-production aircraft (bort numbers 04 and 05)
served as Su-30MKM prototypes. The Su-30MKMs are being manufactured at the Irkutsk Plant
and the first two aircraft were formally handed over to the RMAF in April 2007 at Irkutsk,
before arriving in Malaysia on June 18, 2007. Deliveries were completed in 2008.
The Su-30MKM proposal was pitted against
the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet. Malaysia opted to order the Su-30MKM.
Malaysia currently operates a mixed fighter fleet, with
both the Russian Su-30MKM MiG-29N Fulcrum
and F/A-18D Hornet. RMAF officials were quick to counter
early reports that the new Su-30MKM aircraft would replace the Fulcrums, saying that the
MiG-29s will remain in service as a pure air defense fighter. By 2011, it was announced a replacement would be acquired.
Additional Su-30MKMs may be ordered, but currently the Su-35 is
available, although it seems more likely that a Western type will be selected this time.
See also Su-27 Operators: Malaysia
In 2005, Thailand formally requested information for the possible acquisition of the Su-30MK/MK2 However, the Saab Gripen was procured instead.
In 2006, Venezuela ordered 24 Su-30MK2 AMV (also known as Su-30MKV) multi-role Flankers with the
first deliveries taking place in late 2006.
The Su-30MKV is largely based on the Su-30MK2, produced by KnAAPO.
See Su-27 Operators: Venezuela for more information
In January 2006, Algeria signed a contract for 28 Su-30MKA. The Su-30MKA is a variant based on India's Su-30MKI and Malaysia's Su-30MKM developed by Sukhoi OKB and Irkut and produced by the Irkut Aircraft Production Association plant in Irkutsk. The Su-30MKA will feature French avionics, probably including the Thales Damocles laser designation and targetting pod, but is said to be closer to the Su-30MKI than the Su-30MKM. The first two aircraft arrived in December 2007, being handed over in January 2008. The remainder followed in 2009. See also Su-27 Operators: Algeria
First announced and apparently finalized in April 2011, although it had been in the works for over a year, the Uganda Defence Force became the newest Flanker operator ordering 6 or 8 Su-30MK2. The first two aircraft were delivered in July 2011. See also Su-27 Operators: Uganda
Su-30KI: Multi-Role Single-Seat Su-30
KnAAPO started development of an upgrade programme for the single-seat Su-27SK
in 1995, then designated Su-27SMK. The upgrade would improve range
and combat effectiveness by making it multi-role. The first phase
of this upgrade resulted in the Su-30KI single-seat tactical fighter
in 1998. Based on the Su-27SK, it was fitted with IFR probe, satnav
receiver, ILS/VOR navigation and landing systems, RVV-AE missile capability.
The next phase implements new advanced avionics, computers, phased array
and weapons.
The Su-30KI (No 40-02) prototype being converted from the Su-27SMK
demonstrator, first flew on 28 June 1998. The aircraft
is painted in a grey-black-blue paintjob and first was revealed at the MAKS
'99 international aerospace show.
Earler in 1997 Indonesia placed an order for 24 Su-30KI fighters, believed to be
the same standard as the 'Su-30KI upgrade' although some sources say
it was specifically developed for Indonesia. The order was cancelled and the Su-30 seems now to be reserved
for the combat two-seaters.
Su-30KN: Multi-Role Upgrade
The Irkutsk Aircraft Industrial Association (IAIA - Irkut), jointly with Sukhoi Design Bureau, "Russkaya Avionika" Design Bureau and Russia's Air Force developed an upgrade for operational two-seat fighters, the Su-27UB, Su-30 and Su-30K. The Su-30K prototype was upgraded to Su-30KN standard. The first phase of the upgrade enables the aircraft to operate guided ASM and bombs by adding a new mission computer, upgrading the N001 radar and weapons control system. The cockpit has been equipped with colour MFDs. It also adds to the RVV-AE (R-77) missile to its inventory. This first phase can be followed up by a second stage upgrade which enhances the air-to-air capabilities by replacing the slotted antenna with a phased-array antenna. Other suggested improvements include modern avionics and bigger MFDs.
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Sources:
- AFM (2002-2008). various reports, Air Forces Monthly, Key Publishing Ltd, UK.
- AFM (2007). Indian Su-30K for Su-30MKI Swap, Air Forces Monthly #231, June 2007, p. 23, Key Publishing Ltd, UK.
- AFM (2007). News Briefs, Air Forces Monthly #231, June 2007, p. 19, Key Publishing Ltd, UK.
- AFM (2007). Malaysia's First Two Su-30MKMs Handed Over, Air Forces Monthly #232, July 2007, p. 32, Key Publishing Ltd, UK.
- AFM (2008). Algeria's First Two Su-30MKAs Arrive, Air Forces Monthly #239, February 2008, pp. 22, Key Publishing Ltd, UK.
- AFM (2008). Sukhoi Su-30s Presented to Malaysian Government, Air Forces Monthly #239, February 2008, p. 26, Key Publishing Ltd, UK.
- AFM, 2009. Indonesia Finalises Sukhoi Deal, Air Forces Monthly #251, February 2009, p. 24, Key Publishing Ltd, UK.
- AFM, 2009. Indonesian Su-30MK2s Delivered, Air Forces Monthly #252, March 2009, p. 27, Key Publishing Ltd, UK.
- AFM, 2009. Latest Indonesian Su-30MK2 Now Active, Air Forces Monthly #253, April 2009, p. 5, Key Publishing Ltd, UK.
- Fomin, Andrei (2000). Su-27 Flanker Story, RA Intervestnik, Moscow, Russia.
- Fomin, Andrei (2007). Su-30MK Production Update, Air Forces Monthly #234, September 2007, p. 28, Key Publishing, UK, 2007
- Fomin, Andrei (2007). Indonesia Planning More Russian Purchases, Air Forces Monthly #236, November, p. 21, Key Publishing Ltd, UK.
Su-27PU (T10PU-05) prototype
Su-30 at the Farnborough Airshow
Su-30MK multi-role demonstrator
Su-30MKI prototype
IAF Su-30K of the HAWKS display team
Delivered IAF Su-30MKI
Second Su-30MKK prototype '502'
Series produced Su-30MKK still in primer
Indonesian Su-30MKK/MK2 variant
Venezuelan Su-30MKV
Su-30KI single-seat fighter
Su-30KI single-seat fighter
Su-30KN Irkut's upgrade
Su-30KN test-firing ASM
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