Su-30SM multi-role fighter performed its maiden flight

Su-30SM fighter developed by Sukhoi design bureau and intended for Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) performed its first flight today; the jet took off from the airfield of Irkutsk Aviation Plant – the branch of Irkut Corporation (forming part of United Aircraft Corporation), said in the joint statement of Irkut Corporation and Sukhoi Company. AEX.ru

The jet was piloted by the test-pilots of Sukhoi Company:

- captain – Kostin Sergey Vladimirovich, class 1 test-pilot;
- navigator – Malovechko Pavel Nikolaevich, the honored test-pilot of Russia.

The sortie duration was 2 hours. The flight was successful.

"The multi-role super-maneuverable Su-30SM fighter is the member of Su-30MK family. The specialists of Sukhoi design bureau tailored the jet in accordance with the requirements of Russian air forces in the area of radar, radio communication and state identification systems, catapult seat and some support systems. The aircraft armament has also been changed. The contract on delivery of 30 multi-role Su-30SM fighters during a period until 2015 was signed by Russian MoD and Irkut Corporation in March 2012", - said in the statement.

The RF Minister of Defense, Anatoly Serdukov, stated that the acquisition of advanced super-maneuverable two-seated Su-30SM fighters will significantly improve the air forces’ combat strength. In addition, the jet’s capabilities will help improve the quality of pilot training, which is very important in light of increasing the purchase amount of the next-generation combat aircraft.

Source : ruaviation