The Fearless Falcon: Tracing the Legacy of Sukhoi Su-30 MKI

 

	Image 1 IAFs Su-30 MKI

The Russian designed Sukhoi Su-30 MKI and produced in collaboration with India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, represents a synergy of engineering brilliance and tactical excellence. It stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of two nations, resulting in a fighter aircraft that has established its dominance in the skies.

In this blog, we will delve into the various aspects that make the Su-30 MKI a true force to be reckoned with.

 

History:

The Su-30MKI was designed by Russia's Sukhoi Corporation beginning in 1995 and built under licence by India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).  The Su-30MKI is derived from the Sukhoi Su-27 and has a fusion of technology from the Su-37 demonstrator and Su-30 program, being more advanced than the baseline Su-30. The avionics were developed by Russia, the display navigation and electronic warfare by Israel and India. The first prototype, Su-30I-1, made its first flight in July 1997. Production began at the Irkutsk plant in 2000. The first pre-production aircraft completed its maiden flight in November 2000.

After two years of evaluation and negotiations, on 30 November 1996, India signed a US$1.462 billion deal with Sukhoi for 50 Russian-produced Su-30MKIs in five batches. In December 2000, a deal was signed at Russia’s Irkutsk aircraft plant for a full technology transfer. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has ordered 272 aircraft, of which 50 were to be delivered by Russia in 2002-2004 and 2007. The rest of 222 planes are to be produced under license at HAL's Indian facilities in 2004. In total, India has 272 Su-30 MKIs.

 

DESIGN CHARATERISTICS

Airframe and Bodywork

 

The twinjet multirole air superiority fighter is constructed of titanium and aluminium alloys. The twin stabilisers and horizontal tail consoles are joined to tail beams. The semi-monocoque fuselage head includes the cockpit, radar sections and the avionics bay. The section between the engine nacelles houses the equipment bay, fuel storage and the brake parachute mechanism. The aircraft has a length of 21.9m, wingspan of 14.7m and a height of 6.4m. The maximum take-off weight of Su-30MKI is 38,800kg.

COCKPIT

                             

Image 2Cockpit of a upgraded Su-30 MKI

The cockpit accommodates two pilots. The forward cockpit display includes a customised version of Israeli Elbit So 967 HUD, and seven multifunction Liquid-Crystal Displays, six 127 mm × 127 mm and one 152 mm × 152 mm. The rear cockpit has a large monochrome display for air-to-surface missile guidance.

The Su-30MKI on-board health and usage monitoring system (HUMS) monitors almost every aircraft system and sub-system, and can also act as an engineering data recorder. From 2010, indigenously designed and built HUDs and Multi-Function Displays (MFD) were produced by the Delhi-based Samtel Group Display Systems.

AVIONICS

	Image 4: N011M Bars Radar System.		Laser Optical Locator.

The Su-30MKI is also equipped with a N011M passive electronically scanned array radar, OLS-30 laser-optical locator system and Litening target designation pod to guide air-to-surface missile and laser guided munitions.

 

The N011M Bars radar system provides long-range detection and tracking of targets, along with advanced air-to-air and air-to-surface modes. The aircraft also features an advanced electronic warfare suite, which includes radar warning receivers, electronic countermeasures, and a chaff/flare dispensing system, enhancing its survivability in hostile environments. Additionally, the Su-30 MKI is equipped with a digital fly-by-wire flight control system, allowing for precise manoeuvrability and enhanced stability. The integration of these cutting-edge avionics ensures that the Su-30 MKI remains a formidable force in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, making it a vital asset in modern aerial warfare.

PROPULSION

               

       

 

The aircraft is powered powered by two Lyulka-Saturn AL31FP turbofans, each rated at 12,500 kgf of full after-burning thrust, which enable speeds of up to Mach 2 in horizontal flight and a rate of climb of 230 m/s. The aircraft has a maximum unrefuelled flight range of 3,000km. The in-flight refuelling system of Su-30MKI provides a maximum range of 8,000km with two refuellings.

WEAPONS

The Su-30MKI is armed with a 30mm Gsh-30-1 cannon with 150 rounds of ammunition. The aircraft features 12 hardpoints capable of carrying external stores of up to 8t. The aircraft can launch a range of air-to-surface missiles, including Kh-29L/T/TYe, Kh-31A/P, Kh-59M and Nirbhay.

The Su-30MKI fleet of IAF was fitted with air-launched version of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and was successfully tested in November 2017. The BrahMos can strike targets within the range of 290km. The IAF completed the successful integration of the cruise missile on the fighter, with the third live firing of the missile from the aircraft in December 2019.

 

        S-30 MKI dropping a Brahmos missile

The aircraft can also carry Vympel-built R-27R, R-73 and R-77 air-to-air missiles, as well as rocket pods, KAB-500 and KAB-1500 laser-guided bombs.

 

The Su-30MKI is fitted with a Tarang radar warning receiver (RWR) indigenously developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The aircraft also integrates chaff / flare dispensers and active jammers.

INDIAN AIR FORCE

 

The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is the most potent fighter jet in service with the Indian Air Force in the late 2000s. The MKIs are often fielded by the IAF in bilateral and multilateral air exercises. On 26 February 2019, four Sukhoi Su-30MKIs escorted Mirage 2000s into the Pakistani airspace for the Balakot Airstrike on an alleged Jaish-e-Mohammad camp. The following day, two Su-30MKIs on combat air patrol were reportedly attacked by multiple Pakistani F-16s using AMRAAM missiles. The missiles were successfully dodged according to India.

On 8 October 2019, during the Indian Air Force Day celebrations, the IAF reportedly flew the Su-30MKI that Pakistan claimed to have shot down.

The achievements of the Su-30 MKI in the Indian Air Force include maintaining air superiority, conducting precision strikes on ground targets, extending operational reach, participating in joint exercises, and aiding in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. These accomplishments highlight the aircraft's versatility, operational effectiveness, and its significant contributions to the Indian Air Force's mission success.

 

 

In conclusion, the Su-30 MKI stands as a testament to the advancements in modern fighter aircraft technology. With its impressive avionics, including the state-of-the-art radar system and electronic warfare suite, coupled with its extensive arsenal of weapons, the Su-30 MKI demonstrates unparalleled combat capabilities. Whether engaging in air-to-air combat or striking ground targets, this aircraft offers exceptional manoeuvrability, precision, and versatility. The Su-30 MKI continues to serve as a formidable asset in the Indian Air Force, embodying the pinnacle of aeronautical engineering and playing a crucial role in safeguarding national security.

           

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