Lth mig 21. Russian Aviation
IN model range Soviet jet fighter aircraft The Su 30SM aircraft occupies a worthy place. Despite his advanced age(the machine was created in the late 80s of the XX century), the thirtieth drying is still considered a mature, modern and combat-ready machine. According to all their flight and military technical specifications The newest Russian aircraft is considered a 4+ generation fighter, capable of adequately resisting any potential enemy in the air.
Background to the creation of the aircraft
In connection with the increase in the theater of potential military operations associated with the expansion of the military presence of the NATO bloc, there was an urgent need in the USSR to have a combat aircraft capable of operating over long distances. Huge length state border and underdeveloped airfield network in Central Asia and on Far East did not allow the country's air defense units to effectively prevent intruders from entering the airspace. Available on equipment of military units Air defense The new Su-27 interceptor fighters, although considered excellent combat vehicles, were poorly suited for conducting long-term patrols of Soviet air borders.
It should be noted that the level of technical equipment of fourth-generation military aircraft, which included the “27th Sukhoi,” significantly increased the physical and psychological stress on pilots. Alone, in conditions of a long stay in the air, pilots could not fully use the capabilities of radar avionics. This certainly affected combat effectiveness aviation technology, especially when exploitation was allowed modern cars in a combat situation. Even the high professionalism of the pilots did not allow them to fully realize their combat potential. new technology, not to mention the perfection of flying skills.
According to the pilots of the combat units, the presence of a co-pilot in the crew of the aircraft could solve the problem. Such a tandem would immediately increase combat effectiveness jet plane. In a combat situation, when it is necessary to simultaneously carry out numerous actions related to control airship, the second pilot would solve the problems of analyzing the combat situation and the air situation as a whole. Moreover, during long flights, the presence of a second crew member became very appropriate both from a psychological point of view and in terms of increasing the safety of aircraft control.
As often happens in such situations, the solution to the problem appeared on the surface. The two-seat version of the Su-27 aircraft available in combat units of the Air Force and Air Defense has shown in practice that the two-seat version of the aircraft will be able to cope with the assigned tasks. In addition, the training aircraft was practically in no way inferior in flight performance to single-seat combat vehicles; all that remained was to give the idea of a two-seat combat interceptor a clear outline. Creation work new car began at the Sukhoi Design Bureau back in the mid-80s on the basis of the Su-27UB training aircraft. Within two years active work has yielded results in many areas. In 1988, the first experimental aircraft with the index T-10U-5 and serial number 01-02 on board rolled out onto the concrete of the Irkutsk Aviation Plant, where the Su-27 was assembled. On next year The second prototype T-10U-6 took off. Ultimately, both vehicles became prototypes for the future Su-30MS fighter.
Almost complete external resemblance a new machine with the Su-27UB training aircraft, an identical aerodynamic layout and the same power plant made it possible to immediately begin mass production of the new combat fighter. This was facilitated by the high reliability of the training version of the “twenty-seventh” in operation. Over the next two years, the refinement of individual components of the machine continued, and the development of experimental products in accordance with factory requirements. The decision to begin serial production of the aircraft under the designation Su-30 was made after the collapse Soviet Union, in 1991. Six months later, in April 1992, the first production vehicle took off - multi-role fighter generation IV+ Su-30.
The story of a new aircraft for the Air Force and Air Defense of the new Russia
The trials that befell the Soviet defense complex Due to the collapse of the USSR, many promising projects in the field of modern weapons were buried. However, in the situation with the Su-30 aircraft important role played a role in the beginning of serial production of a promising car. Serial production subject to insufficient funding from the defense department, progress was made slowly. However, there was no need to talk about the large-scale supply of new fighters to combat units. To fix difficult situation, The Sukhoi Design Bureau, on its own initiative, began developing an export version of the Russian fighter. Possibility of access to international market weapons could not only save heavy economic situation the parent enterprise, but also, if possible, to ensure a decent future for the promising machine.
The result of the work of the aircraft designer KB and IAPO specialists was a modernized version of the Su-30MK aircraft (modernized, commercial), designed for delivery to foreign customers. It was practically the same two-seat Su-30 fighter only with increased combat capabilities. The number of suspension points has increased, which accordingly led to an increase in the combat load of the vehicle from 4 to 8 tons. The fighter's loaded weight exceeded 38 tons. The modernization affected the aerodynamic components of the vehicle and power plant. The engine life of two AL-31F engines was increased from 900 hours to 1500. The modernized aircraft was planned to be supplied to the needs of the Indian Air Force, with the subsequent organization of production and assembly of aircraft at Indian factories. After lengthy and difficult negotiations, a contract was signed in 1996 for the supply of 40 SU-30MK fighters to the Indian Air Force. According to the terms of the contract, delivery was carried out over the next five years, with constant increase combat capabilities of aircraft and their performance characteristics.
Over the next 7 years, Irkutsk aircraft manufacturers worked on the Indian order, assembling finished aircraft and creating material and technical resources for the subsequent maintenance of new equipment. Beautiful flight performance machines allowed Russian aircraft manufacturers to create on the basis Indian version The aircraft also has other, local modifications. Su-30MK aircraft in different options performance was supplied to the PLA Air Force, Vietnam and for air force Venezuela. In total, since the start of production of this aircraft, more than 500 Su-30MK fighters have been transferred to foreign customers under existing contracts.
Despite the rather successful fate of the vehicle in the export version, the Sukhoi design bureau did not give up attempts to attract the attention of the domestic defense department to its brainchild. Work in this direction was carried out taking into account strict requirements for the aircraft’s avionics and its electronic components. Upon completion design work Representatives of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation were presented with a home version of the Su-30 aircraft, which received the SM index. The design of this aircraft incorporates all the best and most advanced developments tested in export modifications. New Russian fighter The Su 30SM is designed in the context of the ideology of a new generation multi-role aircraft. The machine is capable of individual driving dogfight at a great distance from the base point, carry out assault strikes on ground targets, act alone and as part of a group.
A distinctive feature of the new aircraft is the ability to control other aircraft operating as part of a group. For long stays in the air, the aircraft is equipped with an in-flight refueling system.
Design features of the Su 30SM fighter
The new version of the thirtieth drying is a two-seat fighter. The crew of the car is a tandem of two pilots, located one behind the other in an extended cockpit. The cockpit on the new Su 30SM aircraft is similar to the cockpit of the export version of the aircraft, with the difference that the seat for the second pilot technically duplicates the seat for the first pilot. Electronic equipment The cabin is fully integrated with the airborne radar station. The aircraft is equipped with a developed communication system, ensuring not only constant contact between the aircraft and the ground, but also effective management a group of aircraft operating in the same manner.
In terms of its flight and technical characteristics, the thirtieth dryer is far ahead of its analogues created abroad. High aerodynamic culture combined with powerful engines provided the vehicle with unique maneuverability in the air. The machine is made according to the “triplane” design, with the addition of a front horizontal tail to the main structure. This detail made it possible to increase lift the aircraft and the stability of the machine when flying at high angles of attack.
The power plant of the Su 30SM fighter is represented by two domestic AL-31FP engines. The engine installation has one interesting feature– the axes of both engines are located at an angle of 32° to each other. In other words, the nozzles of turbojet engines are asymmetrical, which allows thrust vector control during flight. The nozzles on the engines live their own lives and can deviate in a given direction regardless of the position of the horizontal rudders. Significant contribution to increased maneuverability aircraft add remote control system electronic control and an integrated circuit of the aerodynamic layout.
The radar equipment of the vehicle deserves special attention. The plane has sighting system, capable of simultaneously controlling 15 air targets. Technical capabilities complexes allow you to attack 4 simultaneously air targets. Combat capabilities fighter aircraft have increased due to the installation of additional laser and infrared sighting equipment, which is looped on helmet system target designation. In addition to the fact that the glass on the pilot's helmet is an integral live display, the windshield of the canopy has multi-function indicators. All this provides the vehicle crew with a wide range of awareness of the situation in the air.
All machines produced to equip Russian VKS, are equipped with an optical-electronic and sighting-navigation system, operating in conjunction with the GLONASS satellite communication system. Thanks to this equipment, the aircraft can almost blindly enter a given area and attack targets at any time of the day. The navigation system is designed for individual flight in an automated mode and for providing the necessary flight information to a group of vehicles. Basic performance characteristics the machines are as follows:
- combat weight - 34 tons;
- maximum flight range 3000 km;
- practical ceiling more than 17 thousand meters;
- maximum speed over 2000 km/h.
According to the composition of weapons, Russian car Su 30SM surpasses everything domestic cars, which are in service with the Russian Military Space Forces. The permissible combat load is 8000 kg, which includes all types and means modern weapons, used to destroy air, ground and surface targets. The range of weapons includes:
- automatic 30-mm cannon GSh-30-1;
- air-to-air missiles (6 pcs.);
- unguided aircraft missiles;
- standard aerial bombs weigh 250, 500 kg.
In this combat equipment the Su-30SM aircraft is capable of solving the whole complex combat missions. Its enormous flight range and powerful, varied weapons make this vehicle a formidable force in any theater of war.
New history of the Russian multi-role aircraft Su 30SM
After the Irkut Corporation and the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation signed a contract in 2012 for the supply of 30 Su 30SM aircraft for the Aerospace Forces, the aircraft began new story. Supply the latest fighters generation 4+ was to be carried out over the next 3 years. First production car, manufactured at the stand of the Irkutsk Aviation Plant, was lifted into the air in September of the same year. In November 2012, the first two Su-30SM aircraft were transferred to combat units of the Russian Aerospace Forces.
In the future, it is planned to increase the order to 50 vehicles. By 2018, units of the Russian Aerospace Forces and Navy should be replenished with another two dozen aircraft, which will gradually replace outdated modifications of the Su-27 fighters.
Of the vehicles transferred as part of the order from the Ministry of Defense, the main part went to equip units of the Russian Navy. In total, according to the latest data as of December 2017, the aviation units of the Russian Aerospace Forces and the Navy had 32 Su 30SM aircraft. Some of the vehicles as part of the Aerospace Forces aviation group take part in military operations on the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic. The pilots’ task is to detect ground targets, escort Su-24 bombers and Su-25 attack aircraft to strike the ground infrastructure of terrorist groups in Syria.
The excellent performance characteristics of the new aircraft allow Russian pilots to operate with maximum efficiency. The presence of powerful radar equipment on board Su 30SM aircraft provides Russian combat aviation with effective operation as part of a group.
Su-30 is a Russian two-seat fighter of the “4+” generation. Features ultra-high maneuverability and is designed for control airspace. Able to perform tasks in any meteorological conditions against air, sea and ground targets, can control group actions of other aircraft.
Photo of the Su-30SM in flight.
History of creation
The basis for the development was Su-27 fighter. Development of the prototype began in 1986. The designers were faced with the task of increasing the time the aircraft spent in the air and the flight range, for which the aircraft was equipped with the ability to refuel in the air, and the cockpit was modernized. In addition, it was developed new system weapons control.
Experimental flights of the first prototypes, in order to test new systems, were carried out from 1987 to 1989. The production Su-30 flew in 1992, after which the new two-seat fighter was adopted by the Russian Air Force.
Photo: a pair of Su-30SM in flight.
Beautiful photo flight of the Su-30.
Peculiarities
Characteristic feature aircraft - the presence of two crew members. In this case, the pilot pilots the machine and controls the melee weapon, and the operator carries out general flight navigation and monitoring the situation in the fighter’s area of operation. The operator also controls the aircraft's radar system and has the ability to control the actions of other vehicles operating in a group with the Su-30.
To carry out the tasks assigned to the fighter, it is equipped the following systems:
- an in-flight refueling system located in front of the pilot's cabin;
- special system pilot life support;
- tactical situation indicator, which allows you to control the actions of aircraft in a group;
- long-range navigation system.
System remote control allows you to control the thrust vector, which, together with the general aerodynamic design of the fighter, gives it unique maneuverability.
The Su-30 is capable of speeds of up to 1,350 km/h near the ground, and at altitudes of up to 2,125 km/h. The flight range is 3,500 km (excluding in-flight refueling), and the ceiling is 17.3 km.
Su-30 of the Russian Navy.
Su-30SM.
Photo of the Su-30.
Su-30 fighter: high-quality photo.
Su-30: close-up photo from above.
Su-30: close-up photo.
Su-30: photo from a lower angle.
Armament
Su-30 has 12 suspension points missile weapons and can carry up to 10 tons of combat load. For the fight on close range there are 6 missiles short range R-73 with thermal homing heads and an aircraft 30 mm gun. To hit targets at medium distances, the Su-30 has 6 air-to-air missiles (guided). In addition, the aircraft can carry 500-ton and 250-kilogram bombs (8 and 28 pieces, respectively).
The Su-30 is slowed down by parachutes.
Photo: Su-30 fighter takes off.
A pair of Su-30 and a pair of Su-27 in flight.
Modifications
- Su-30K – basic modification.
- The Su-30MK is an export version of the aircraft, in which the mass of the combat load, engine and airframe resources have been increased.
- Su-30MKI is a variant for the Indian Air Force.
- Su-30KN – the capabilities of the tactical situation indicator radar have been modernized and improved.
- Su30-MKK is a variant for the Chinese Air Force. Improved weapons for use against ground targets.
- Su30-SM – latest modification for the Russian Air Force, created in 2012.
There are also a number of modifications of the aircraft for deliveries to Algeria, Vietnam, Malaysia and Venezuela.
In a series of demonstration battles conducted by Su-30 fighters of the Indian Armed Forces, the aircraft showed absolute superiority over the F-15 and F-16 in 2005 (see photos of the F-15 and photo F-16), as well as over the European Typhoon fighter in 2015.