The Su-30 has proven a commercial success around the globe with operators in India, Malaysia and Venezuela.
The Sukhoi Su-30 (NATO codename of "Flanker-C") is an air superiority and strike fighter version of the Su-27 "Flanker" series. The aircraft is essentially a multi-role aircraft based on the Su-27PU two-seat, long range interceptor which, itself, is based on the Su-27UB two-seat trainer. As it stands, the Su-30 can operate in all-weather and is equally capable of air-to-air and air-to-surface engagements as needed and has seen some of its variants profit in the global foreign sales market. The Su-30 can favorably be compared to the Boeing F-15E "Strike Eagle" multi-role fighter-bomber version of the successful F-15 Eagle air superiority fighter.
The Su-30 features a crew of two seated in tandem. The rear-placed pilot is offered up a beneficial view above and over the front pilot. An airbrake extended upwards just aft of the second cockpit position. Externally, the Su-30 retains much of the look of the base Su-27. The undercarriage is of a tricycle arrangement with the main gears sporting single wheels.
Standard armament remains the GSh-30-1 30mm cannon. Other armament on the aircrafts 12 hardpoints (under wing and fuselage) consist of air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles, laser-guided bombs and missiles and conventional drop bombs. Anti-radiation missiles are also part of the impressive armament load. Weapon placement can also be supplemented by external fuel tanks for increased range.
The aircraft achieved first flight in 1989 and was officially added to the Russian inventory in 1996.
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