The Sukhoi Su-30 is a Russian supersonic fighter aircraft. It was developed from the Su-27 by the Soviet Union between 1989 and 1991, entering service with the Russian Air Force in 1996. In those years, Sukhoi was a Soviet, State-run firm. Now it is a Russian private company, which has built almost 700 Su-30 aircraft in different models. It is also used by Eastern European countries, Vietnam, Malaysia, Venezuela, and a few Arab countries. This versatile and fast fighter has seen combat action in the Second Chechen War, the Syrian Civil War, and the Russian-Ukrainian War.
Technical Characteristics
The Sukhoi Su-30 is a two-seat, jet aircraft. Due to its great maneuverability, payload capacity, and speed, it is considered a multirole combat aircraft, capable of performing interception, dog-fighting, and ground attack missions. Like the Su-27, it is fitted with cropped sweptback wings and twin tails. It has an airbrake, which is located right behind the aircraft canopy.
The modern Russian Airforce version, the Su-30SM (Flanker-H), features a pair of canards to improve flight stability and maneuverability. It is capable of performing dangerous and complicated maneuvers, such as dynamic decelaration and tailslide. It is powered by two Saturn AL-31F afterburning turbofan engines, with its air intakes being located on the belly of aircraft.
Below, the Su-30SM, the modernized version in service with the Russian Air Force.
Weapons
The Sukhoi Su-30SM is armed with one 30mm GSh-30 gun, two R-73 and R-77 air-to-air missiles. To carry out ground attack missions, it carries four Kh-59, or Kh-29, air-to-surface missiles, as well was anti-radiation missiles. Its payload capacity is 8,000 kg.
Specifications
Type: Multirole fighter aircraft
Length: 21.9 m
Wingspan: 14.7 m
Wing Area: 62 m²
Height: 6.36 m
Weight: 17.7 metric tons
Maximum Speed: 2,120 km/h (Mach 2)
Range: 3,000 km
Below, the Sukhoi Su-30 during military exercises in the skies over Russian territory
The dark-grey Su-30SM model parked on the tarmac of a Russian airbase
Another Su-30 on a military base in near the Finnish border
