Derived from the famous Sukhoi aircraft family - Su-27UBK, Su-30K, Su-35, Su-37 - the Su-30MK epitomizes an "universal air warrior", capable of accomplishing a wide variety of combat missions at significant distances from the home base, in any weather conditions and severe jamming environment, both by day and night.

The Su-30MK super-manoeuvrable two-seater features enhanced capabilities to engage aerial threats (cruise missiles inclusive), as well as ground and sea-surface targets by air-to-air and air-to-surface guided and unguided weapons.

Missions and Capabilities

The multirole Su-30MK is adequately fitted for the entire spectrum of tactical and theatre combat employment scenarios, varying from counterair tasks (i.e. gaining air superiority, air defence, air patrol and escort) to counterland and countersea ones (suppression of hostile air defence, air interdiction and close air support). 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 mission. Due to duplicated flight control system, it can be also employed for realistic flight and combat training.

Distinctive Features

The Su-30MK aerodynamic configuration is an unstable-in-longitude triplane. To increase lifting effectiveness and enhance manoeuvrability of the aircraft, the canards are installed. They are deflected automatically to ensure flight at high angle-of-attack.

The integrated aerodynamic configuration, combined with the thrust vectoring control capability, results in unprecedented maneuverability. Equipped with a digital "fly-by-wire" system, Su-30MK is capable of performing a number of feat manoeuvres to counter missile threats and to dominate in dogfight.

The power plant incorporates two AL-31FP by-pass turbojet reheated engines. The total 25,000-kgf afterburning thrust ensures 2M horizontal flight speed, 1,350-km/h speed at low altitude, and a 230-m/s climbing rate.

Differential -deg deflection of engines' axisymmetric nozzles (with turn axes positioned at 32-deg angle to each other) enables pitch/yaw thrust vectoring control.

Substantial fuel reserve, together with in-flight refuelling capability, significantly diversifies stand off combat employment options, varying from prolonged patrols and escorts, to long-range interceptions and air-to-ground strikes. Additionally, two-member crew configuration contributes significantly to enhanced combat capabilities, due to rational distribution of workload between crewmembers.

Avionics

If compared with the predecessor, the Su-30MK avionics suite features a number of advanced components, including:

• integrated phased-array radar sighting system capable of detecting and tracking up to 15 air targets, while simultaneously attacking four of them;
• integrated optronic sighting-and-navigation system with a laser gyro navigation system;
• helmet-mounted displays, head-up-display, multifunction colour LCDs with image mixing capability;
• GPS system (GLONASS/NAVSTAR compatible).

The IR and laser sighting pods to detect and engage small-size ground targets are available for installation.

The aircraft features an automatic piloting capability at all flight stages including low-altitude flight in terrain-following mode, as well as individual and group combat employment against air and ground/sea-surface targets.

Automatic control system interconnected with the navigation system ensures en-route flight, target approach, flight to airfield and landing approach in automatic mode.

Weapons Mix

With diversified weaponry mix and up-to-date avionics suite installed, the SU-30MK is able to destroy multiple aerial threats (including those with low RCS) in dogfight and pre-emptive long-range engagements, as well as to hit ground/sea-surface targets with guided/unguided weapons at tactical/operational depth.

Basic Characteristics

Take-off weight (normal / maximum), kg	24,900 / 34,500
Fuel reserve, spec. weight 0.785 g/cu.cm (normal / maximum), kg	5,270 / 9,640
Max flight range, km:
with internal fuel reserve	3,000
with one in-flight refueling, km	5,200
Maximum take-off run at normal take-off weight (afterburner), m	550
Maximum landing run at normal landing weight, with drag parachute	750
Service ceiling, m	17,300
Maximum G-load, g	9
Dimensions (length / wing span / height), m	21.9 / 14.7 / 6.4

Additionally, customization of Su-30MK can be implemented. The multirole aircraft to be delivered to Indian and Malaysian Air Forces will be designated as Su-30MKI and Su-30MKM accordingly.

The Su-30MKI Programme

Deliveries

Su-30MKI multirole combat aircraft (derivative of the Su-30MK) for the Indian Air Force is developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau jointly with IRKUT, Saturn, Ramenskoe Design Bureau, and other Russian, French, Israel and Great Britain aircraft companies.

According to the contract signed in 1996, IRKUT Corporation will produce 32 Su-30MKI advanced multirole combat aircraft.

Initially, IRKUT delivered 18 Su-30K long-range interceptors to the Indian Air Force, 8 aircraft - in accordance with the contract signed in 1996, and 10 aircraft - in accordance with the contract signed in 1999. All those aircraft will be upgraded to Su-30MKI configuration.

Additionally, according to the contract of 1996, IRKUT will supply Indian Air Force with 32 brand-new Su-30MKIs.

The Su-3MKI's canards, stabilizers, and underboom fins will be manufactured by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Indian leading aircraft manufacturer, according to the Agreement signed between IRKUT and HAL in 2003. The empennage units, manufactured by HAL will be mounted at Irkutsk Aviation Plant on the Su-30MKI, which will be delivered to the Indian Air Force and other customers.

Licensed Manufacturing

According to the contract signed in Irkutsk on December 28, 2000, organization of Su-30MKI licensed manufacturing at HAL will be implemented by IRKUT, as the leading company, jointly with the Sukhoi Design Bureau, Saturn, Rosoboronexport, and some other Russian companies.

IRKUT will assist HAL in modernization of manufacturing facilities, which were previously employed for production of MiG-21 and MiG-27-type aircraft, supply HAL with the technological kits, necessary for production of Su-30MKI, and assist in mastering of Su-30MKI manufacturing technologies.

While mastering in licensed production, HAL will gain knowledge, expertise, and skills required for manufacturing of basic Su-30MKI components, including AL-31FP engines, aircraft aggregates, and avionics.

Overhaul Organization

The assistance in organizing overhauls logically follows assistance in licensed manufacturing. Overhauls will be implemented for Su-30MKIs delivered by IRKUT and for those manufactured by HAL.

Concurrent modernization of HAL facilities and technical assistance in establishing overhaul facilities for Su-30MKIs will be implemented by IRKUT, jointly with Russian participants of licensed manufacturing assistance programme.

The Su-30MKM Programme

The Su-30MKM is the modification of the Su-30MKI. Its avionics suite and weapons mix are tailored to meet requirements of the Malaysian Air Force. According to the contract of 5 August 2003, IRKUT will manufacture 18 Su-30MKMs. The development is carried out by Sukhoi Design Bureau in cooperation with Thales (France) and other Russian and foreign companies.

Contact Information

Mr. Vitaly Borodich, Vice-President on Su-30MK Project
tel. / fax: +7 (495) 777-21-01
e-mail: su30mk@irkut.com
address: Building 1, 68, Leningradsky prospekt, Moscow, Russia, 125315