LIPETSK. Dec 26 (Interfax-AVN) - A batch of upgraded SU-27SM Flanker fighters, transferred to the Lipetsk Air Force Center from the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Production Association on Friday, is superior to the SU-30MKK Flanker and the SU-30MKI Flanker as far as their combat capabilities are concerned, Lieutenant General Alexander Zelin, Deputy Air Force Commander-in- Chief, told Interfax-Military News Agency on Friday.
"SU-25SM upgraded feature the same cutting-edge technologies, introduced to the SU-30MKK and the SU-30MKI, exported to foreign states. The new fighter boasts still higher combat capabilities," Zelin said.
Unlike the SU-30MKK and the SU-30MKI exported, the SU-27SM is operated by a single pilot, rather than a two-man strong crew, Zelin said.
"We cannot provide the Russian Air Force with combat aircraft that may be worse than those exported," the general said.
According to him, these are aircraft, which had been operated in maneuver units and then progressed through modernization at KnAAPO. They now feature a new service life, appearance, and better combat capabilities.
"The aircraft now have much higher combat capabilities. The aircraft has become a multi-role one and is now fitted with new arms, which enables it to discharge new tasks," Zelin said.
"The SU-27SM will considerably improve combat capabilities of Air Force units," Zelin emphasized.
He noted that the SU-27SM upgraded was basically a totally new aircraft. "Not only have its avionics and armament been upgraded, but its airframe as well," he stressed.
"The aircraft is now fitted with a new power plant. The aircraft may be fitted with modernized power plants, including thrust vector control engines, manufactured by the Moscow-based Salyut Engineering Enterprise, without considerable redesign," Zelin said.
The SU-27SM is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, designed by the Aerokosmicheskoye Oborudovanie Corporation.
According to Zelin, aircraft, being fielded with the Air Force, feature a great potential for further modernization.
Five SU-27SMs upgraded arrived at the Lipetsk Air Force Combat and Conversion Training Center from Komsomolsk-on-Amur, having made two intermediate landings at Dzhida (Buryatiya) and Novosibirsk. The ferry flight was carried out by Air Force maneuver unit pilots.