MOSCOW. Dec 29 (Interfax-AVN) - The Sukhoi aircraft corporation has implemented the plan of tests of the SU-30MK Flanker two-seater multifunctional fighter for the year 2001, Alexander Zudilov, head of Sukhoi's fight tests and operational development base, said on Saturday.
State tests of the plane will be fully completed in 2002, Zudilov told Interfax-Military News Agency.
The SU-30MK is distinguished by advanced maneuverability and stability in various flight modes, including critical ones. Its armament includes almost existing aircraft weapons of air-to-air and air-to-surface classes. R-73E, R-27TE1, R-27RE1 and RVV-AE missiles belong to the first class while H-29TE, H-59M, H-31P and H-31A missiles belong to the second category. The plane also carries a 30mm GSh-301 gun.
The SU-30MK can use powerful KAB-500 and KAB-1500 guided bombs, as well as unguided projectiles and conventional bombs. The plane can function as an air supremacy fighter or as a strike aircraft destroying ground and naval targets. "Combat use of the SU-30MK's armament was practiced at the Air Force State Flight testing Center in the town of Akhtubinsk, Astrakhan region. The tests confirmed high efficiency of the armament," Zudilov said.
The plane's arms control system comprises a modern optic- electronic sighting and navigation system, a phased array radar, the latest system of radar counteraction and communication operating in the metric, decimetric and ultrashort wave bands, in- build means of control over the fighter's systems, CD and color videotape recorders of flight data. The system of on-board radio- electronic equipment enables the fighter to fly on low altitudes in the automatic terrain doubling mode.
The SU-30MK has a maximum combat load of 8t, 12 suspension points, maximum take-off weight of 38t, range of flight of 3,000km without refueling and 5,200km with one aerial refueling.
According to Zudilov, China and India are the main importers of the SU-30MK. Russia has designed special modifications for each of the two countries taking into account requests of the customers.