Zephyr Net

Russia Goes Operational with Upgraded Flanker
Aviation Week & Space Technology
10/02/2006, page 33


Alexey Komarov
Moscow

Douglas Barrie
London


Printed headline: Flanker Flourishes


Russian air force Su-27 Flankers are receiving a renewed lease on life with the delivery of 24 upgraded aircraft and a follow-on order for at least another 12.

The last of the initial batch of aircraft to be brought up to the Su-27SM standard has been delivered by the Komsomolsk-on-Amur production association (KnAAPO). Still at the KnAAPO site are 12 more basic Flankers, which are to be upgraded as part of an additional program in the 2007-09 period.

The upgrade allows the Su-27SM to be operated with a variety of air-to-surface weapons, and to support the Vympel R-77 (AA-12 Adder) active radar-guided missile in the air-to-air role. Previously, the basic air-to-air Flanker has been limited to carrying the semi-active Vympel R-27R/ER (AA-10 Alamo). Cockpit avionics are also improved, and the aircraft is fitted for air-to-air refueling.

The Flanker upgrade program is a key element in the Russian air force's short-to-medium-term capability road map. Unrealistic ambitions to revamp its combat inventory in the near term have been replaced by limited upgrade programs for a number of platforms. Besides the Flanker, upgrades are planned or being introduced for the MiG-31 Foxhound, MiG-29 Fulcrum, Su-25 Frogfoot, Su-24 Fencer and Tupolev Tu-160 Blackjack and Tu-95 Bear aircraft.


The only "new" aircraft being purchased prior to 2010 is the Su-34 (Su-27IB) strike version of the Flanker, with limited batch purchases getting underway. Two aircraft are to be delivered this year, followed by six in 2007 and 10 in 2008. An annual production rate of 8-10 aircraft is foreseen thereafter. A fifth-generation fighter is likely to enter service only after 2015.

The 23rd fighter regiment at Dzemgi air base in the Russian far east has received all of the 24 upgraded aircraft. The unit is working toward a full operational capability with the upgraded platform.

To provide a ground-mapping mode and support target designation, the aircraft's upgraded NIIP N-001 air-intercept radar is fitted with an additional channel and dedicated processor.

The upgrade also includes an improved inertial navigation system, the Glonass satellite navigation system (allowing the full integration of precision-guided bombs) and an improved electro-optical package to support the use of laser-guided weaponry such as the Vympel Kh-29L. The aircraft's radar warning receivers are also upgraded to provide targeting data for the Zvezda-Strela Kh-31P (AS-17 Krypton).