Little known facts about Su-30 fighter jet

(Baonghean.vn) - Sukhoi Su-30 (NATO reporting name: Flanker-C) is a multi-role fighter aircraft developed by Russia's Sukhoi Aviation Company and put into operation in 1996.

Vietnam's Su-30MK2. Photo: Sukhoi.

The Su-30 can reach a maximum speed of 2,120 km/h, a range of 3,000 km, and a maximum altitude of 17,300 m. The Su-30MK has 12 weapon hardpoints: 2 at the wingtips, 3 under each wing, 1 under each engine, and 2 at the junction between the engine and the wing.

All versions can carry 8 tons of weapons, while the Su-30MKK version is said to be able to carry 12 tons of weapons thanks to some composite parts that make the airframe lighter.

Uganda's Su-30MK2 design. Photo: Sukhoi.

There are up to 17 versions of Su-30, many of which are upgraded or adjusted to suit the ordering party, for example Su-30MKK is the export version for China, Su-30MKA is the export version for Algeria, Su-30MK2V is a special export version exclusively for Vietnam with additional improvements to suit the needs of combat operations at tropical seas,...

There are currently 9 countries using the Su-30 aircraft in their air forces. Among the names that own the Su-30MK2, Vietnam is considered the country that owns the largest number, with 36 Su-30MK2V. In the future, it is very likely that Vietnam will continue to buy the Su-30SM or more advanced versions such as the Su-35 to replace aging fighters such as the MiG-21 and Su-22.

The Su-30MK2 production batch for Vietnam is the last contract for this aircraft line carried out by Russia. After handing over to the customer, the factory will close this line to focus on more advanced lines such as Su-35S and PAK-FA T-50.

An Indian Su-30MKI crashed at the Pokaran firing range during a training exercise on February 19, 2013, both pilots ejected safely. Photo: thebharatmilitaryreview.

To date, the world has recorded 8 incidents or accidents involving the Su-30 fighter jet, of which India is the country that has suffered the most Su-30 fighter crashes.

Phu Binh

(Synthetic)