The first four modernised multifunctional Sukhoi Su-30SM2 fighters have been manufactured at the Irkutsk Aviation Plant (part of United Aircraft Corporation). The Su-30SM2’s main areas of improvement over the Su-30SM is an advanced engine and a new phased array radar, which dramatically expands its combat capabilities, according to the report. At the same time, the fighter retained all the advantages of the basic version: supermanoeuvrability, long flight range and a wide arsenal of weapons. The Su-30SM fighter was tested with the AL-41F-1S only a couple of months ago. It is part a Russian MoD’s plan of achieving as much commonality with the Su-35 as possible.
The new engine for the Su-30SM2 is the AL-41F-1S TVC engine derived from the top-of-the-line Su-35 jet. The new engine will provide an increased thrust-to-weight ratio, lower fuel consumption and longer time between overhauls when compared with the outgoing Al-31FP engine. Also new in the Su-30SM2 is PESA radar, the N011M Bars-R derivative with increased detection and tracking performance (compared to the radar on the Su-30SM). The SM2 upgrade includes the OSNOD multi-channel communication and information distribution system which enables the aircraft’s integration in Russia’s new-generation command-and-control network.
The fighters have passed all the necessary tests and have been accepted by the military representation of the Russian Federation – Naval Aviation during a single day of acceptance of military products, which was held on 20 January 2022. The aircraft delivered were Bort numbers 78 Blue, 79 Blue, 80 Blue and 81 Blue. The head of the aircraft plant specified that as part of the modernisation of the Su-30SM2 aircraft, imported equipment was replaced with domestic analogues. The fighter received improved performance characteristics of the opto-electronic aiming and navigation complex, the ECM system and radar control system, providing increase in the detection range of air targets.
Irkutsk Aviation Plant is a company based in Irkutsk, Russia and established in 1932. It is a branch of Irkut Corporation, itself part of United Aircraft Corporation. As of 2014, 2,500 people work in the plant. The Irkutsk Aviation Production Association, one of the oldest defense enterprises of the Transbaykal region, builds the Su-27 Flanker trainer. Since becoming a joint-stock firm it has aggressively sought to expand its civil and consumer product lines while maintaining some aircraft production. Since its establishment in 1932, the plant has produced over 7,000 aircraft, including the Su-30 and Yak-130. It is also involved in the production of the MC-21 airliner.
UAC has begun deliveries of modernized Su-30SM2 fighters to @mod_russia pic.twitter.com/zmkFCRfE1W
— UAC Russia (@UAC_Russia_eng) January 21, 2022
