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Sukhoi Su-30

Su-30

Picture - Su-30 of the Russian Air Force in flight over Russia

Role: Multi-role fighter
Manufacturer: Sukhoi
First flight: 31 December 1989
Introduction: 1996
Status: Operational
Primary users: PLA Air Force (China) Indian Air Force Venezuelan Air Force See Operators section for others
Unit cost: US$33-45 million
Developed from: Sukhoi Su-27
Variants: Sukhoi Su-30MKI Sukhoi Su-30MKK

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 multi-role 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 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 organizations: 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 copy of 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 multi-role Su-30MKI, which originated as the Su-27UB modified with avionics appropriate for fighters. The series comes with additional features that are more common for the air-superiority role, such as thrust-vectoring, forward canards and a long-range phase-array radar, yet at the same time, maintains the two-seat configuration for ground-attack missions. Its derivatives include the MKM, MKA and MKV for Malaysia, Algeria and Venezuela respectively.

Development

Su-27PU long-range interceptor

While the original Su-27 had good range, it still did not have enough for certain air-defense tasks required by the PVO Strany ("PVO" or Protivo-Vozdushnaya Oborona - "Air Defense") whose requirements spanned the need 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 crewmen. 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 refueling 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 multi-role variant was proposed for Russian use and a few may have been built in the mid-1990s for evaluation.

Sukhoi 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 optimized Su-30MK demonstrator, rebuilt from the first production Su-27PU, was displayed in 1994.

Design

The Su-30 is a multi-role 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 in severe jamming environment, both by day and night.

This multi-role 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 defense, air patrol and escort) to ground attack, suppression of enemy air defenses, 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 9G load maneuverability.

Angle of attack

The Su-30MK's aerodynamic configuration is an unstable-in-longitude triplane (see relaxed stability). To increase lifting effectiveness and enhance maneuverability of the aircraft, canards are installed. They are deflected automatically to ensure controlled flight at high angles-of-attack. Canards, 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 maneuverability and unique takeoff and landing characteristics. Equipped with a digital fly-by-wire system, the Su-30MK is able to perform some very advanced maneuvers. 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. While performing a somersault maneuver the aircraft makes 360-degree turn in the pitch plane without any loss of altitude. In the Controlled Flat Spin maneuver 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 horizontal flight speed, 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 refueling system increases the flight duration up to 10 hours with a range of 5,200 km (3,231 miles) at cruise altitudes of 11-13 km.

The long range significantly increases deployment options. The missions vary from prolonged patrols, and escorts to long-range intercepts and ground attacks.

Diagonally 2D thrust vectoring control

Differential ±15-degree deflection of the engines' asymmetric nozzles (with turn axes positioned at 32-deg angle to each other) enables pitch/yaw thrust vectoring control. Depending on the maneuver to be performed, nozzles deflections can be synchronized 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 (248.5 mi), and small-size ones at a distance of up to 120 km (74.5 mi).
Other avionics include an integrated optronic sighting-and-navigation system with a laser gyro navigation system; helmet-mounted displays, a head-up-display, multi-function 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.
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. 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 canceled but later revived as Su-30M2. Su-30M An upgraded Su-27PU, first real multi-role aircraft in Su-27 family.

Picture - Su-30MK of the Indonesian Air Force

Su-30MK Commercial version of Su-30M first revealed in 1993. Export versions include navigation and communication equipment from Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. Su-30M2 Latest Su-30 version from manufacturer KnAAPO based on the Su-30MK without canards or thrust-vectoring. Four were ordered by Russian Air Force in 2009. Factory tests were completed in September 2010. Su-30MKI MKI stands for "Modernizirovannyi Kommercheskiy Indiski" meaning "Modernized Commercial India". Jointly-developed with India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the Indian Air Force. Includes Thrust Vectoring Control (TVC) and canards. Equipped with a multi-national avionics complex sourced from Israel, India, Russia and France. Su-30MKK Export version for China. MKK stands for Modernizirovannyi Kommercheskiy Kitaya or Modernized Commercial China. Su-30MKM A derivative of the India-Russian MKI, the MKM is a highly specialized 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) as well as the Russian NIIP N011M BARS PESA radar, electronic warfare (EW) system, optical-location system (OLS) and a glass cockpit. Others include Goodrich lights and communications suite from Rohde & Schwarz of Germany. 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. 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.

Operators

Picture - Operators of the Su-30 as of 2010

Algeria

Algerian Air Force has 14 Su-30MK fighters in service as of January 2010. 16 more are on order to be delivered instead of 36 MiG-29SMT/UBT aircraft.

People's Republic of China

People's Liberation Army and People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force were operating a total of 127 Su-30MKK and Su-30MK2 fighters according to September 2008 data from Jane's Information Group.
People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force had 23 Su-30MK2s in service as of January 2010. They were ordered in January 2003 and were received by August 2004.

India

Picture - Sukhoi-30MKI, Indian Air Force, Aeroindia 05.

Indian Air Force decided to purchase 50 Su-30 aircraft in 1996 and acquired the licence from Sukhoi and Russia to manufacture an additional 140 Su-30MKI aircraft. The Indian Air Force has received 105 Su-30MKIs of the 230 on contract as of October 2009. India is near completing an order for another 42 Su-30s in June 2010.

Indonesia

Indonesian Air Force ordered three Su-30MK2 and received two on 26 December 2008 and the third in 2009. The Indonesian Air Force has 2 Su-30MKs and 3 Su-30MK2s in service as of early 2009.

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. As part of the contract, Russia sent the first Malaysian cosmonaut to the International Space Station in October 2007. Malaysia had 12 Su-30MKMs in service with 6 on order in November 2008. Malaysia has had problems with support for the aircraft so it will purchase spare parts from China.

Russia

Russian Air Force (VVS) has operated a few Su-27PUs/Su-30s.

Uganda

Ugandan Air Force has ordered 6 Su-30MK2

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. Has 24 Su-30MK2s in service as of early 2009. A second batch of 12 Su-30MKV is also being considered.

Vietnam

Vietnam People's Air Force operates 4 Su-30MK2s as of January 2010. Vietnam reportedly signed a contract was for 12 more Su-30MK2s in 2009, but the contract was reduced to 8 fighters. On 20 July 2010, it was announced at Farnborough International Airshow that a contract for up to 20 Su-30MK2s had been signed with Vietnam.

Specifications (Su-27PU/Su-30)

Data from KNAAPO Su-30MK page, Sukhoi Su-30MK page, Gordon and Davison

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: 2x— 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

Maximum speed: Mach 2.0 (2,120 km/h, 1,320 mph)
Range: 3,000 km (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: 401 kg/m² (82.3 lb/ft²)
Thrust/weight: 1.0

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 x— GSh-30-1 gun (30 mm caliber, 150 rounds)
AAMs: 6 x— R-27ER1 (AA-10C), 2 x— R-27ET1 (AA-10D), 6 x— R-73E (AA-11), 6 x— R-77 RVV-AE(AA-12)
ASMs: 6 x— Kh-31P/Kh-31A anti-radar missiles, 6 x— Kh-29T/L laser guided missiles, 2 x— Kh-59ME
Aerial bombs: 6 x— KAB 500KR, 3 x— KAB-1500KR, 8 x— FAB-500T, 28 x— OFAB-250-270

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.
30 November 2009: an Indian Air Force Su-30MKI crashed near Jaisalmer. The pilots survived.
The Chinese have lost 5 Flankers, of which 4 are Su-30s. At least this much has made it to the public domain, owing to China's secretive nature.

4th generation jet fighter

Related development

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

Comparable aircraft

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

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

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Source: WikiPedia