Some cool SU-27/30 info from Janes

Some extremely cool info about the SU-27/30 from Jane’s. Info posted by Xinhui in the CDF.

1. SU-30KI is being proposed by Sukhoi as a model for RUAF upgrade of its SU-27s. They include capabilities similar to the SU-30MKK, N011M, GPS, refueling probe, provision for targeting pods, VOR, DME, new navigation computer. Missile support includes R77, Kh31, Kh59T, Kh29T, KAB 500 and 1500 TV guided bombs (same capability as the SU-30MKK).

Also known MM or Minor Modification.

This has some confusion with the SU-30KI (for Indonesian export), but I think this SU-30KI and the Indonesian SU-30KI are very similar, and inspired by the Indonesian variant.

2. SU-27/30 BM (Big Modification). Just to summarize it to you, this upgrade brings the SU-27s to the SU-30MKI standard.

3. SU-27UBM. Parallel upgrade to the SU-30KN, with a number of planes completed. This brings the SU-27UB with R77 support, GPS, new computer, three MFD displays, new ground mapping mode for N001, and later improvements may include refueling probe and radar absorbent paint.

4. Chinese SU-27 losses. Three were damaged irreparably out of 17 damaged due to a bad typhoon in April 1997. Two written off from accidents. (Much less than what Taiwan is reporting—I personally believe one of them is a SU-27UBK.)

5. Chinese SU-27 and SU-30MKK license. Shenyang SU-27SK license is for 200 aircraft, but production of the SU-27SK will cease around the 80th aircraft, wherein the production license will switch to SU-30MKK.

6. Vietnam is reportedly looking for an SU upgrade similar to the SU-30KI mentioned above (with support for R77, Kh31, Kh29T, Kh59T, Kab500kr and Kab1500kr.)