IRKUTSK. Oct 3 (Interfax-AVN) - Malaysian Defense Minister Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak visited the Irkutsk Aircraft Production Association (IAPO) on Thursday, the IAPO's press service told Interfax-Military News Agency.
"The Malaysian defense chief studied the production of Russia's most up-to-date planes, the SU-30MK and BE-200," the press service said.
Najib held meetings with officials of the Russian committee on military-technical cooperation with foreign nations, Rosoboronexport state-owned arms trader, Sukhoi military aircraft production corporation and IAPO to discuss development of Russian- Malaysian relations in the military-technical cooperation sphere.
According to unofficial data, Malaysia is considering procurement of a batch of new multifunctional fighters for its Air Force. Russia has offered its SU-30MKM two-seat multifunctional fighter intended for destruction of aerial, ground and surface targets. The plane can also be used as an aerial command post.
The U.S. F/A-18 Superhornet plane is competing for the contract as well. Experts say that the Russian and U.S. planes have the highest chances to win the tender.
The SU-30MKM is a derivative of the SU-30MKI fighter that Russia is supplying to India. The baseline plane was adjusted to Malaysian requirements.
The SU-30MK was exhibited at the latest Lima 2001 air show in Malaysia. It is a multifunctional fighter of Generation 4+. The aircraft is fitted with a cutting-edge radar making it possible to use an entire spectrum of aircraft armament from suspension points. This includes air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles with a range of up to 120km. The on-board radar guarantees tracking of up to 15 targets. Front horizontal surfaces are installed in the plane to enhance its carrier properties and improve maneuverability.
The aircraft is powered by two AL-31FN two by-pass engines with thrust vector control. It has an aerial refueling system, which enables the aircraft to stay in the air for up to 10 hours. The SU-30MK has a maximum take-off weight of 33,500kg, maximum flight speed of 2M, practical ceiling of 17.5km, flight range of 3,000km, flight range with one in-flight refueling of 5,200km, and maximum overload of 8.5g.
Experts believe that new radioelectronic equipment and armament, as well as superb maneuverability allow the SU-30MK to surpass current Western aircraft by 1.8 times in combat.
The BE-200 amphibian jet is one of the new developments of the Beriyev aircraft research and technical association located in the town of Taganrog. The plane's design provides for its application in a broad range of missions. The plane's baseline variant is intended for fire-fighting operations. In addition, the BE-200 can transport cargo and passengers, accomplish search and rescue missions on water, exercise environmental control and patrol the naval economic zone.