We are all aware of that. However we can debate whether that decision is right or not. This is the purpose of the forum isn’t it? Info/idea exhange. We are not saving the world by talking here anyway.
On one hand, I tend to agree about the MKI part. I will never, ever claim MKI approaches to Su-34’s performance in strike role. Cockpit design, armor, range and nearly 22 tons of useful payload is clearly far ahead of what Su-30 is offering at the cost of less maneuverability. However, MKI was operational in 2002, Su-34 deployment took another 10 years. With money spent on Su-34, MKI could have been modified to be better suited to strike role. Lacks Range? Add wing EFTs. Lacks avionics? Upgrade radar and/or put a dedicated targeting pod. Lacks armor? Add MAWS and better ECM pods to compensate. Lacks Payload? Strengthen the airframe. Those would be simpler solutions to designing a new airframe and new radar/avionics set from scratch. With required modifications, MKI would match the Su-34 in many ways, excluding cockpit design, of course.
On the other hand I disagree, because Su-34 was in development since 1990s, and all the hard work on avionics and airframe was already done and by 2000s, there were 7 pre-production prototypes. Depending on the state of development, it might have required more money to upgrade MKI than building Su-34. For a paying customer (RuAF), it would be more tempting to wait for a few years to get a more capable product for similar price.
However I clearly disagree about going for Su-30 instead of Su-35. As an airframe, Su-30MKI only adds canards to to Su-30M, which is related to Su-27PU, and that is just the two seater version of baseline Su-27S. In other words, (I may be flammed for saying this but) Su-30MKI’s airframe is evolved/derived from, Su-27S and not much different technologically. IMHO MKI is the final evolution of the Su-27S airframe, where they reached the limit on engine size/thrust, avioncs fitment etc etc. Then come Su-35. Su-35 and Su-27 -if I understand correctly- is just like MiG-29 and MiG-29M: Looking similar from outside, but completely rebuilt internal structure. Such redesign would make Su-35 both lighter and stronger airframe which would support more powerful 117S, and possible provision for even more powerful engines. Bigger/different avionics bay to accomodate modern equipment. A redefined CG for newer electronics would improve agility. As such, I believe Su-35S is a leap ahead of Su-30MKI, and RuAF was right about pursuing it.
As for India, they already operate numerous MKI and they are already pursuing PAK FA, so I don’t think its logical for them to introduce Su-35 as a new aircraft type at this point.
however it is different.. because we already know Russia and India will purchase the Pak-fa.
in an MKI-PAK-FA combo, the Su-35 is not really needed. the Pak-fa will be the superior fighter than the Su-35 and the MKI is good enough to meet air defense demands until the Pak-fa comes into service. Indian funding is also turning the MKI into a more capable ground attack aircraft as well.
Sign In
