Su-30 / T-10PU-5 / T-10PU-6 / 10PU-4, P.O.Sukhoj

There are severe problems faced by Russian PVO:

• Aircraft and airfield number cuts;
• Infrastructure broken with decay of the USSR;
• Many observation radar stations left abroad;
• Shortages of airborne command and early warning aircraft;

This requires to switch to aircraft with increased range, flight duration and payload, equipped with advanced observation/tracking system. The Su-30 (Su-30K?) is a two-seat long-range version of the Su-27UB, intended as long-range interceptor, to fulfill those requirements.

With internal fuel tanks carrying 9400kg of fuel range of this aircraft can reach 3600km without refueling. Sharing of duties between pilot (aircraft control, close combat) and pilot-operator (long range combat, control over whole situation, coordination of up to 4 other fighters like Su-27) decreases combat stress on the crew. During continuous patrol flight pilot-operator can take control over aircraft to give pilot a break.

Radar system and optronics fire control complex allows simultaneously track 10 targets at range up to 100km and engage two at range up to 65km. Variety of ECM equipment fitted, including illumination warning system, active jamming station and passive chaff/flare dispensers.

Air refueling probe was first tested on the 2-seat Su-27UB. One of flights lasted 15h42min and covered 13440km with 4 refueling (Moscow - Komsomolsk-na-Amure - Moscow) was quite a test for aircraft and crew endurance.

During summer-fall 1988 two Su-27UB were rebuilt to became T-10PU-5/6 (factory designation 10-4PU) and flight tested same year.

Modification :

• Su-30MK with more hardpoints and seriously revised target detection/tracking system;

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Su-30 gallery:
• Russian Su-30 at Belgrade 1997 show, photos by Sasha Bosanac;

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More Su-30 links:
• Su-30 (Su-27PU)
• Military Parade Magazine - there are three issues on-line now for free, but soon it will go $$$/year;
• Article in the Air Force Herald magazine;
• Su-30 at Yanko's Russian Weapons Catalog; (added 8/18/97)
• Su-30, Sukhoi
• Su-30K

Modified December 11, 1996

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