extern
21.05.2006, 17:53
The Flanker Fleet -The PLA's 'Big Stick'
by Dr. Carlo Kopp
Published on May 3rd, 2006
The PLA's acquisition, since 1991, of nearly 300 Sukhoi Su-27/30 Flanker long range fighter aircraft, represents the single greatest investment in modern fighter aircraft seen since the Soviet re-equipment with the Su-27 and MiG-29 during the 1980s.
With further growth in this fleet now inevitable, currently planned and deployed numbers are approaching 400 aircraft, making this fleet numerically competitive with the US Air Force fleet of 400 legacy F-15A-D fighters, and 200 F-15E strike fighters.
By any conventional metric, the Su-27 and Su-30 represent direct equivalents to the US F-15C and F-15E, and offer superior capabilities to the US fighters in several key areas. The latest variants include all of the avionic and systems refinements historically exclusive to US and EU combat aircraft.
Comparing Sukhoi and US fighters: (Top) A PLA Air Force Su-27UBK shows the distinctive twin-engine and large wing features of the Su-27 and (Bottom) a US Air Force photo of the F-15 (t) and the F-22A (b) compared. The stealthiness of the 5th generation F-22A is obvious compared to the 4th generation Su-27 and F-15. Source: Internet and USAF.
KnAAPO Su-27SK Flanker B, Su-27UBK Flanker C and Shenyang J-11 Flanker B
China acquired its first Flankers very soon after the fall of the Soviet Union. Until then the Flanker was exclusive to Soviet Voyska-PVO and Frontovaya Aviatsia VVS units, and a jealously guarded asset in the Soviet fleet. Soviet Flankers were designed to fulfill the air superiority role in the European TVD, and provide long range air defense capability, to intercept SAC's B-52H and B-1B bombers performing SIOP sorties.
The first of these roles resulted in a design which was from the outset built to defeat the incumbent US Air Force F-15C. The Flanker B can match the speed, acceleration and climb performance of the F-15, exceed the instantaneous and sustained transonic turn performance of the F-15, exceed the radar detection range of the baseline APG-63 radar, and exceed the number of externally carried air-air missiles, compared to the F-15. The second of these roles resulted in the Flanker B carrying 22,000 lb of internal fuel, comparable to the fuel load of an F-15C or F-15E equipped with external Conformal Fuel Tanks (CFT). The Flanker was also equipped with a Fly-By-Wire flight control system, an OLS-27 Infra-Red Search and Track (IRST) / laser rangefinder package, to supplement the radar with a jam resistant fire control capability. The large pulse Doppler NIIP N-001/RPLK-27 Slot Back fire control radar, equipped with a 1 metre diameter Cassegrainian antenna – the largest used on any agile fighter, compared closely to the F-14's AWG-9, which was compromised by the supply of two Iranian F-14As after the collapse of the Pahlavi regime.
The weapons package included the then revolutionary thrust vectoring Vympel R-73/AA-11 Archer close in missile supported by the RLPK-27 Helmet Mounted Sight (HMS), semi-active radar homing, heatseeking and passive anti radiation variants of the Vympel R-27/AA-10 Alamo BVR missile, in long and short burn variants, with the newer Vympel R-77/AA-12 Adder or 'Amraamski' in development.
Modern Air-to-Air Missiles: The PLAAF has imported hundreds helmet-sighted R-73 AAMs (top) and active-guided or self-guiding R-77 medium range AAMs. Source: Internet
Wingtip mounted KNIRTI SPS-171/L005 Sorbtsiya phased array defensive ECM pods were developed, based on the internal jammer designed for the Backfire bomber.
In aerodynamic terms, the Flanker most closely resembles a fusion of features in the early fixed geometry wing VFX (F-14) proposals, but with the strake and fuselage blending of the F-16. The result is a design with tremendous vortex lift capability for tight maneuvering at high G loads. Low structural weight was achieved by the generous use of Titanium alloys, in quantities comparable to the later F-22A Raptor design.
Designed by the Sukhoi bureau, the single seat Flanker B was manufactured by the KnAAPO plant, sited at Komsomolsk na Amure, and the dual seat Flanker C by the IAPO plant, sited at Irkutsk.
The Soviets deployed three variants. The V-PVO Su-27, a dedicated air superiority fighter, the FA-VVS Su-27S, a fighter bomber with comparable strike capability to an F-15A/C, and the fully combat capable dual trainer, the Su-27UB, comparable to the F-15B/D.
China's initial order for a regiment sized package of Flanker B/C came as a surprise to most Western analysts. By the mid 1990s it was clear that the PLA-AF intended a larger fleet, with disclosures of negotiations to license assemble up to 200 Flanker Bs in China. These were to be designated the J-11.
By the late 1990s China's domestic build of Flanker Bs was well under way. Like the imported Su-27SK and Su-27UBK, the J-11 is the baseline configuration of the Flanker. It lacks the aerial refuelling probe of later variants, has a 'steamgauge' cockpit comparable to the F-15A, and uses legacy weapons pylons and stations, limiting it to 'dumb' air to ground munitions. In this respect the Flanker B/C is a direct analogue to the F-15A-D models, primarily an air superiority fighter with a secondary but limited strike role. The aircraft have been photographed carrying Sorbtsiya ECM pods.
At this time the PLA is estimated to be operating 76 imported Flanker B/C and around 100 domestically built J-11 Flanker B. Chinese sources identify six regiments operating the Flanker B/C, these assigned to the PLA-AF 2nd Division at Suixi, Guangdong, the 6th Division at Yinchuan, Ningxia, the 7th Division (J-11) at Zhangjiakou, Hebei, the 14th Division (J-11) at Zhangshu, Jiangxi, the 19th Division at Zhengzhou, Henan, and the 33rd Division at Baishiyi, Chongqing.
KnAAPO Su-30MKK/MK2 Flanker G
China's acquisition of the Flanker B/C triggered a series of 'tit for tat' buys of Flanker variants across Asia. The most important of these was a complex import and coproduction deal with India, for the IAPO/Irkut Su-30MKI Flanker H, a derivative of the IAPO SU-30 Flanker F, but incorporating the N-011M phased array radar, thrust vectoring AL-31FP engines, digital flight controls, aerial refuelling probe, canard foreplanes, glass cockpit, and numerous other developmental features used in the Russian Air Force Su-27M/Su-35 Flanker E and Russian Navy Su-27K/Su-33 Flanker D.
In response to the Indian buy, the PLA-AF ordered the unique Su-30MKK Flanker G variant, acquiring 38 aircraft in 2001 and another 38 in 2003. Chinese sources claim three operational regiments are now equipped, assigned to the PLA-AF 3rd Division at Wuhu, Anhui, the 18th Division at Datuopu, Changsha, Hunan and the 29th Division at Quzhou, Zhejiang.
The Flanker G is an analogue to the F-15E Strike Eagle, and is a derivative of the Su-30PU series of dual seat interceptors, adapted to the strike role. The aircraft is structurally strengthened, has heavier undercarriage, an aerial refuelling probe, a color glass cockpit, and a radar and weapon system intended to deliver guided munitions, while retaining the full air to air capabilities of the Flanker B/C. Chinese sources claim some of these aircraft are plumbed for external fuel tanks and rated for a maximum takeoff weight of 85,000 lb.
Other than structural changes, the principal distinction in the Su-30MKK is the weapon system. The newer N-001V series radar has extensive air to ground modes, and the digital fire control system has interfaces to support a range of guided weapons. These include the Kh-59M/AS-18 Kazoo series, analogous to the US AGM-142 Have Nap, the Kh-31P/AS-17 Krypton ramjet anti-radiation missile, the KAB-500L and KAB-1500L laser guided bombs, analogous to the US Paveway series, the KAB-500Kr and KAB-1500Kr TV guided bombs, analogous to the US GBU-8 HOBOS, and the KAB-1500TK, analogous to the US GBU-15 electro-optical weapon. The Russians are currently testing the KAB-500S-E and KAB-1500S-E with satellite aided inertial guidance, analogous to the US JDAM series. The PLA-AF fleet is expected to be equipped with the Russian Sapsan-E FLIR/laser targeting pod, analogous to the AAQ-13 LANTIRN targeting pod used initially on the F-15E.
Su-30MKK and munitions: This photo of a PLAAF Su-30MKK on display also shows the range of guided and unguided bombs and rockets carried by this fighter-bomber. Source: Internet
The PLA-N Air Arm was evidently not satisfied with the domestically built JH-7 Flying Leopard strike fighter, and opted to expand its fleet by acquiring the Su-30MK2, a derivative of the Su-30MKK, with a rated maximum takeoff weight of 85,000 lb. The Su-30MK2 has an enhanced weapon system optimized for maritime strike, built around the N-001VEP radar. The radar will target the supersonic Kh-31A variant, equipped with an active radar seeker for anti-shipping strike. A radar guided derivative of the Kh-59M, the Kh-59Mk, was also developed for the PLA-N Flanker G. Chinese sources claim that 36 Su-30MK2 aircraft were ordered, with deployment as yet undisclosed.
The Russians were reported to be developing a third PLA variant of the Su-30, the Su-30MK3. This subtype was to incorporate the 'Panda' upgrade package for the N-001 radar, including a signal processor upgrade based on COTS software and a Ts-100 processor, and the new Pero phased array. The Pero, developed by NIIP and Ryazan GRPZ, is a reflective passive phased array antenna, replacing the legacy cassegrain design. It is lighter than the legacy design, but offers similar beamsteering agility to the latest Western AESAs. (...) линк: http://www.strategycenter.net/research/pubID.106/pub_detail.asp
by Dr. Carlo Kopp
Published on May 3rd, 2006
The PLA's acquisition, since 1991, of nearly 300 Sukhoi Su-27/30 Flanker long range fighter aircraft, represents the single greatest investment in modern fighter aircraft seen since the Soviet re-equipment with the Su-27 and MiG-29 during the 1980s.
With further growth in this fleet now inevitable, currently planned and deployed numbers are approaching 400 aircraft, making this fleet numerically competitive with the US Air Force fleet of 400 legacy F-15A-D fighters, and 200 F-15E strike fighters.
By any conventional metric, the Su-27 and Su-30 represent direct equivalents to the US F-15C and F-15E, and offer superior capabilities to the US fighters in several key areas. The latest variants include all of the avionic and systems refinements historically exclusive to US and EU combat aircraft.
Comparing Sukhoi and US fighters: (Top) A PLA Air Force Su-27UBK shows the distinctive twin-engine and large wing features of the Su-27 and (Bottom) a US Air Force photo of the F-15 (t) and the F-22A (b) compared. The stealthiness of the 5th generation F-22A is obvious compared to the 4th generation Su-27 and F-15. Source: Internet and USAF.
KnAAPO Su-27SK Flanker B, Su-27UBK Flanker C and Shenyang J-11 Flanker B
China acquired its first Flankers very soon after the fall of the Soviet Union. Until then the Flanker was exclusive to Soviet Voyska-PVO and Frontovaya Aviatsia VVS units, and a jealously guarded asset in the Soviet fleet. Soviet Flankers were designed to fulfill the air superiority role in the European TVD, and provide long range air defense capability, to intercept SAC's B-52H and B-1B bombers performing SIOP sorties.
The first of these roles resulted in a design which was from the outset built to defeat the incumbent US Air Force F-15C. The Flanker B can match the speed, acceleration and climb performance of the F-15, exceed the instantaneous and sustained transonic turn performance of the F-15, exceed the radar detection range of the baseline APG-63 radar, and exceed the number of externally carried air-air missiles, compared to the F-15. The second of these roles resulted in the Flanker B carrying 22,000 lb of internal fuel, comparable to the fuel load of an F-15C or F-15E equipped with external Conformal Fuel Tanks (CFT). The Flanker was also equipped with a Fly-By-Wire flight control system, an OLS-27 Infra-Red Search and Track (IRST) / laser rangefinder package, to supplement the radar with a jam resistant fire control capability. The large pulse Doppler NIIP N-001/RPLK-27 Slot Back fire control radar, equipped with a 1 metre diameter Cassegrainian antenna – the largest used on any agile fighter, compared closely to the F-14's AWG-9, which was compromised by the supply of two Iranian F-14As after the collapse of the Pahlavi regime.
The weapons package included the then revolutionary thrust vectoring Vympel R-73/AA-11 Archer close in missile supported by the RLPK-27 Helmet Mounted Sight (HMS), semi-active radar homing, heatseeking and passive anti radiation variants of the Vympel R-27/AA-10 Alamo BVR missile, in long and short burn variants, with the newer Vympel R-77/AA-12 Adder or 'Amraamski' in development.
Modern Air-to-Air Missiles: The PLAAF has imported hundreds helmet-sighted R-73 AAMs (top) and active-guided or self-guiding R-77 medium range AAMs. Source: Internet
Wingtip mounted KNIRTI SPS-171/L005 Sorbtsiya phased array defensive ECM pods were developed, based on the internal jammer designed for the Backfire bomber.
In aerodynamic terms, the Flanker most closely resembles a fusion of features in the early fixed geometry wing VFX (F-14) proposals, but with the strake and fuselage blending of the F-16. The result is a design with tremendous vortex lift capability for tight maneuvering at high G loads. Low structural weight was achieved by the generous use of Titanium alloys, in quantities comparable to the later F-22A Raptor design.
Designed by the Sukhoi bureau, the single seat Flanker B was manufactured by the KnAAPO plant, sited at Komsomolsk na Amure, and the dual seat Flanker C by the IAPO plant, sited at Irkutsk.
The Soviets deployed three variants. The V-PVO Su-27, a dedicated air superiority fighter, the FA-VVS Su-27S, a fighter bomber with comparable strike capability to an F-15A/C, and the fully combat capable dual trainer, the Su-27UB, comparable to the F-15B/D.
China's initial order for a regiment sized package of Flanker B/C came as a surprise to most Western analysts. By the mid 1990s it was clear that the PLA-AF intended a larger fleet, with disclosures of negotiations to license assemble up to 200 Flanker Bs in China. These were to be designated the J-11.
By the late 1990s China's domestic build of Flanker Bs was well under way. Like the imported Su-27SK and Su-27UBK, the J-11 is the baseline configuration of the Flanker. It lacks the aerial refuelling probe of later variants, has a 'steamgauge' cockpit comparable to the F-15A, and uses legacy weapons pylons and stations, limiting it to 'dumb' air to ground munitions. In this respect the Flanker B/C is a direct analogue to the F-15A-D models, primarily an air superiority fighter with a secondary but limited strike role. The aircraft have been photographed carrying Sorbtsiya ECM pods.
At this time the PLA is estimated to be operating 76 imported Flanker B/C and around 100 domestically built J-11 Flanker B. Chinese sources identify six regiments operating the Flanker B/C, these assigned to the PLA-AF 2nd Division at Suixi, Guangdong, the 6th Division at Yinchuan, Ningxia, the 7th Division (J-11) at Zhangjiakou, Hebei, the 14th Division (J-11) at Zhangshu, Jiangxi, the 19th Division at Zhengzhou, Henan, and the 33rd Division at Baishiyi, Chongqing.
KnAAPO Su-30MKK/MK2 Flanker G
China's acquisition of the Flanker B/C triggered a series of 'tit for tat' buys of Flanker variants across Asia. The most important of these was a complex import and coproduction deal with India, for the IAPO/Irkut Su-30MKI Flanker H, a derivative of the IAPO SU-30 Flanker F, but incorporating the N-011M phased array radar, thrust vectoring AL-31FP engines, digital flight controls, aerial refuelling probe, canard foreplanes, glass cockpit, and numerous other developmental features used in the Russian Air Force Su-27M/Su-35 Flanker E and Russian Navy Su-27K/Su-33 Flanker D.
In response to the Indian buy, the PLA-AF ordered the unique Su-30MKK Flanker G variant, acquiring 38 aircraft in 2001 and another 38 in 2003. Chinese sources claim three operational regiments are now equipped, assigned to the PLA-AF 3rd Division at Wuhu, Anhui, the 18th Division at Datuopu, Changsha, Hunan and the 29th Division at Quzhou, Zhejiang.
The Flanker G is an analogue to the F-15E Strike Eagle, and is a derivative of the Su-30PU series of dual seat interceptors, adapted to the strike role. The aircraft is structurally strengthened, has heavier undercarriage, an aerial refuelling probe, a color glass cockpit, and a radar and weapon system intended to deliver guided munitions, while retaining the full air to air capabilities of the Flanker B/C. Chinese sources claim some of these aircraft are plumbed for external fuel tanks and rated for a maximum takeoff weight of 85,000 lb.
Other than structural changes, the principal distinction in the Su-30MKK is the weapon system. The newer N-001V series radar has extensive air to ground modes, and the digital fire control system has interfaces to support a range of guided weapons. These include the Kh-59M/AS-18 Kazoo series, analogous to the US AGM-142 Have Nap, the Kh-31P/AS-17 Krypton ramjet anti-radiation missile, the KAB-500L and KAB-1500L laser guided bombs, analogous to the US Paveway series, the KAB-500Kr and KAB-1500Kr TV guided bombs, analogous to the US GBU-8 HOBOS, and the KAB-1500TK, analogous to the US GBU-15 electro-optical weapon. The Russians are currently testing the KAB-500S-E and KAB-1500S-E with satellite aided inertial guidance, analogous to the US JDAM series. The PLA-AF fleet is expected to be equipped with the Russian Sapsan-E FLIR/laser targeting pod, analogous to the AAQ-13 LANTIRN targeting pod used initially on the F-15E.
Su-30MKK and munitions: This photo of a PLAAF Su-30MKK on display also shows the range of guided and unguided bombs and rockets carried by this fighter-bomber. Source: Internet
The PLA-N Air Arm was evidently not satisfied with the domestically built JH-7 Flying Leopard strike fighter, and opted to expand its fleet by acquiring the Su-30MK2, a derivative of the Su-30MKK, with a rated maximum takeoff weight of 85,000 lb. The Su-30MK2 has an enhanced weapon system optimized for maritime strike, built around the N-001VEP radar. The radar will target the supersonic Kh-31A variant, equipped with an active radar seeker for anti-shipping strike. A radar guided derivative of the Kh-59M, the Kh-59Mk, was also developed for the PLA-N Flanker G. Chinese sources claim that 36 Su-30MK2 aircraft were ordered, with deployment as yet undisclosed.
The Russians were reported to be developing a third PLA variant of the Su-30, the Su-30MK3. This subtype was to incorporate the 'Panda' upgrade package for the N-001 radar, including a signal processor upgrade based on COTS software and a Ts-100 processor, and the new Pero phased array. The Pero, developed by NIIP and Ryazan GRPZ, is a reflective passive phased array antenna, replacing the legacy cassegrain design. It is lighter than the legacy design, but offers similar beamsteering agility to the latest Western AESAs. (...) линк: http://www.strategycenter.net/research/pubID.106/pub_detail.asp