The Sukhoi Company has completed delivery of 12 new multi-purpose Su-27SM(3) fighters to the Russian Air Force. The last batch of aircraft was sent to the place of deployment. They were released under a state contract, signed between the Sukhoi Company and the Ministry of Defence at the MAKS-2009 air show. The production was organized at the Sukhoi’s KnAAPO aircraft plant in Komsomolsk-on-Amur.
The Su-27SM(3) fighter aircraft has a strengthened airframe to enable takeoff weight increased by more than 3 tons and additional suspension points to accommodate weapons. The fighters are equipped with new equipment and weapons complexes as well as with the new AL-31F-M1 turbofan engines produced by the MMPP “Salut”, which are characterized by high thrust and extended time between overhauls.
New and upgraded equipment installed at the aircraft allows the use of new “air-to-air” and “air-to-surface” extended range missiles. The capabilities of the aircraft under intense enemy air defense counter-measures were upgraded due to the application of a new set of ECM. The integrated information system (CIS) has improved the operational and technical characteristics of the aircraft. The information-control field of the cockpit was improved. The pilot’s cabin has become a “glass” one completely with 4 multifunctional displays installed, which allowed discarding 13 dial indicators. The new communications system provides a robust secure communication with command posts and between aircraft in the air.
The Su-27SM(3) as a multirole fighter is able to fulfill combat missions effectively using high-precision “air-to-surface” weapons, including satellite-guided bombs. When operating against air targets the Su-27SM(3) is nearly 2 times more efficient than its predecessor — the Su-27C, while in actions against ground targets it performs more than 3 times better.
