MOSCOW. July 15 (Interfax) - Russia is designing a new version of the Sukhoi Su-30SM multi-role fighter aircraft, a source in the aviation industry told Interfax.
"The Sukhoi Company has begun the design and development process to build an upgraded Su-30SMD fighter. This version will be equipped with the most advanced engine AL-41F-1S (Izdeliye 117C), which is now being installed on the Su-35 production aircraft," the source said.
According to the source, this work is conducted together with the Irkut Corporation, the serial manufacturer of the Su-30SM fighter jets.
"The test flights of the Su-30SMD with a new engine are to be conducted in 2020. Following the design and development works, it will be decided whether all combat fighters of this type should be equipped with this engine," the source said.