Su-27IB & Su-27SM news

Series Deliveries of Su-27IB Airplanes to Start from 2006

Series deliveries of Su-27 fighters, which the Novosibirsk Aviation Production Association (NAPO) produces, will start in 2006, the general director of the Sukhoy Aviation Holding Company (AKhK), Mikhail Pogosyan, has reported.

Series production of the Su-27IB airplane will start from 2006,” M. Pogosyan said,

He reported that the link-up to tests of the eighth airplane of this series, work on construction of which is being completed at NAPO, will allow staying within the intended times for the start of the Su-27IB airplane into series production.

Among other prospective directions of NAPO work, which is included in the Sukhoy company, M. Pogosyan named in particular, the upgrade of Su-24 airplanes, including for the interests of foreign customers.

M. Pogosyan reported that complications connected with the realization of an export contract for the delivery of Su-24 airplanes has been overcome and he expressed confidence that the contract will be fulfilled before the middle of next year.

NAPO also is building Su-24 airplanes in the interests of Russia’ defense ministry, An-38 airplanes, and also is involved in the RRJ (Russian Regional Airplane) program and a number of other projects.

M. Pogosyan said that in the coming years NAPO’s volume of production will grow 4 – 5 times.

Source: 28.07.04, Interfax

and

Upgraded Su-27SM Airplane Maximally Approximates Fifth Generation Airplane

The Komsomol?sk-on-Amur Aviation Production Association is realizing the upgrade program for the Su-27 multirole fighters into the Su-27SM variant developed by the Sukhoy OKB. The first five Su-27SM fighters reached the Russian air force inventory at the end of 2003. A task was set in place for 2004 to complete state tests and upgrade 12 Su-27 fighters to comply in full with the air force tactical-technical task. The whole fleet of Russia?s Su-27 air force fighters is subject to the upgrade. This work is going on within the framework of the state defense order, and also using non-budgetary funds which are earned and attracted from Sukhoy Aviation Holding Company export contracts.

The upgraded Su-27 are distinguished by an appreciably increased combat effectiveness. An modified radar has been installed on them which allows the use of television guided missiles with the aid of prior target designation from the radar set and also to carry out bombing in poor weather conditions and at night. The Su-27SM airplane is equipped with a new reconnaissance system.

Source: 28.07.04, Interfax

So 12 more Su-27SMs by the end of this year, and the article says that the whole fleet is subject to upgrade.