Sukhoi SU-30MKI
- Su-30 MKI (Flanker-H, NATO reporting name: Su-30 MKI) is a twin-engined, heavy-duty, all-weather and long-range air superiority fighter. It is a variant of the Su-30, developed by Russia’s Sukhoi aircraft manufacturer and built under licence for India’s Air Force by HAL.
- The Su-30MKI is a product of the Sukhoi Su-27, incorporating a blend of technology from both the Su-37 demonstrator and Su-30 program.
- According to the GOI, the MKIs are more expensive than the Su-30 from Russia or the Chinese MKK version. The differences in specifications, smaller scale of production and technology transfer, and license manufacturing fees are the reasons for the higher cost of the MKIs.
- An estimated 920 AL-31FP turbofans are to be manufactured at HAL’s Koraput Division odisha.
- The Su-30MKI possesses a combat range of 3,000 km using its internal fuel, guaranteeing a 3.75-hour mission.
- It is equipped with an in-flight refuelling (IFR) probe that retracts beside the cockpit during regular operations. This air refuelling system extends the flight duration to 10 hours, covering a combat radius of 3,000 km.
Role: Multirole fighter, air superiority fighter |
Origin: Russia / India |
Manufacturer: HAL |
First flight: Su-30МК: 1 July 1997, Su-30MKI: 2000 |
Design group: Sukhoi |
Introduction: 27 September 2002 |
Status: In service |
Primary user: Indian Air Force |
Developed From: Su-30 |
Crew | 2 |
Length | 21.935 m (72 ft 0 in) |
Height | 6.36 m (20 ft 10 in) |
Wingspan | 14.7 m (48 ft 3 in) |
Wing area | 62 m2 (670 sq ft) |
Empty weight | 18,400 kg (40,565 lb) |
Gross weight | 26,090 kg (57,519 lb) |
Max takeoff weight | 38,800 kg (85,539 lb) |
Fuel capacity | 9640 kg |
Maximum speed | 2,120 km/h (1,320 mph, 1,140 kn) / Mach2.0 at high altitude |