Russian Flanker and SU-3X Thread: Videos, Pictures, News, Views

[JayBird]

Just give it some time, the side with the upper hand in the dog fights will eventually leak out some more informations of the results. What's the fun if there is no bragging at the end.

 

[Miragedriver]

I find quite interesting piece of equipment in both

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versions, which usual Su-27UB doesn't have and it is special weapon control joystick on the right side of cockpit. Anyone have an idea, if this joystick is fixed in this position or WSO could bring it closer to himself to operate with it? It is in quite unusual position.

Back to bottling my Grenache

 

[aksha]

so super maneuverablity is still useful in close air combat, as is TVC
unlike what many say.

that the Indians used unveiled the N011M BARS in it full operationial power means ,that the MKI will be getting new radars soon.
and and it won't be just radars.
The SUPER 30 upgrades will include other upgrades from the PAK FA programme.

and i have a feeling that the Russian will be pleased that the flanker held its own against the Typhoon , this time.
after all that 2007 report from the indo-UK was damning for the MKI

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Indian air force pilots (IAF) flying their Su-30MKI Flankers provided stiff opposition for a UK Royal Air Force (RAF) Eurofighter Typhoon squadron during air combat maneuvering exercises just ended in the UK. Senior officers from both the IAF and the RAF were unwilling to discuss details, but AIN understands from informed sources with knowledge of the exercise that, in close combat, the thrust vector control (TVC) on the heavier Flankers more than compensated for the greater thrust-to-weight ratio of the Typhoon. The IAF is likely to buy another 30or 40 Su-30MKIs from the licensed Indian production line, boosting its fleet to close to300, especially after last week’s formal

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of the RFP for a Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA).

For Exercise Indradhanush IV, the IAF deployed four Su-30MKIs from No 2 Squadron based at Tezpur to RAFConingsby, assisted by mid-air refueling from an IAF Ilyushin Il-78 tanker. Logistics support was provided by anIAF C-17 and a C-130J, and these transports also carried a special forces unit that exercised with its RAFcounterpart, including paradrops. Three previous exercises in the series included two visits by RAF Typhoons to India and an Su-30MKI deployment to the UK in 2007. However, that exercise was constrained by Indian security rules that precluded the use of the Flanker’s N011M passive electronically-scanned array (PESA) radar. There were no such restrictions this time, although the rules that were agreed by both air forces for the exercise included a common maximum range for beyond-visual range (BVR) engagements. The Flanker and the Typhoon both carry a long-range infrared search and track (IRST) sensor that can supplement or replace BVR detection of opposing aircraft by their respective radars.

Scenarios for the two-week exercise gradually increased in complexity, ending with an 18-aircraft mission in which the four Flankers joined six Typhoons in a ‘Blue’ Force that was tasked to escort two C-130Js (one Indian, on British) into a drop zone, opposed by six jets of a ‘Red’ Force comprising RAF Hawks and more Typhoons. Although air-to-air engagement was the main focus of the exercise, the Flanker and Typhoon pilots also honed their air-to-ground skills. Typhoons performed simulated drops of Paveway II and IV laser-guided bombs. Although the Flankers can carry a much greater range of ordnance, they simulated only ‘generic’ weapons-dropping while in the UK.

The status and timetable is not entirely clear for India's plans to

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fleet with an AESA radar; new displays including the Thales Topsight HMDS; and new weapons including the Indian Astra BVRAAM and the

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. The ending of the MMRCA requirement could theoretically free up funds for the upgrade, and the additional licensed production, although some observers believe that more resources could be applied to the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) project with Russia, instead. Meanwhile, Dassault Aviation seems confident of a firm contract from India for 36 French-built Rafale fighters within a couple of months, in lieu of the MMRCA deal. Eric Trappier, CEO, told journalists at the company’s half-yearly-results press conference last week that the company was now committing to an increased Rafale production rate starting in 2018.

and this from another article

The Flanker pilots were also able to use their thrust-vectoring control (TVC) “super-maneuverability” capability activated by flipping a switch in the cockpit. One pilot told Aviation Week that they had used the yaw capability of the TVC to remain inside the tight turn radius of the Typhoon in order to keep the Typhoon in missile launch parameters.

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[aksha]

Just give it some time, the side with the upper hand in the dog fights will eventually leak out some more informations of the results. What's the fun if there is no bragging at the end.

and @thunderchief and @Air Force Brat @b787

Not only did the MKI shoot down two typhoons in a 2 VS 1 wvr DOGFIGHT,
it defeated them 12-0 in dogfights

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In all dog fighting exercises, IAF Sukhois were able to turn sharply into the extremely agile Typhoons (on top)


NEW DELHI: In some of the most intense international air combat exercises ever featuring the Indian Air Force, IAF pilots flying Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighters had a resounding 12-0 scoreline in their favour against Royal Air Force Typhoon jets in Within Visual Range (WVR) dogfighting operations.

In subsequent Large Force Exercises (LFE) which featured combined Eurofighter Typhoon and Su-30 formations, the IAF jets were somewhat less successful but consistently held an edge over the Typhoon.

In an exclusive interview, Group Captain Ashu Srivastav, the Contingent Commander in the exercises, told NDTV that the performance of his pilots was "exceptional." According to Group Captain Srivastav, who happens to be the IAF's most experienced Su-30 pilot, his pilots showed "flexibility and adaptability to a new environment and operating conditions and on this benchmark, I would rate them exceptional."

The 10-day exercises which commenced on July 21 was the fourth edition of the Indo-UK Bilateral exercise called 'Indradhanush'. IAF aircraft and personnel were based out of three Royal Air Force bases: four IAF Su-30 fighters operated out of RAF Coningsby, C-17 and C-130J Hercules transports were positioned at Brize Norton and Garud Commandos of the IAF operated alongside British forces at RAF Honington. The IAF also deployed an Ilyushin IL-78 air to air refuelling tanker at Brize Norton.

The IAF fleet departed India on July 15, with the fighters refuelling twice mid-air ahead of their first pit-stop at Taif in Saudi Arabia (near Jeddah). The formation then proceeded to Athens on July 16, refuelling once before their arrival. After another halt for one night, IAF aircraft flew onto the UK again refuelling once mid-air.

For the Royal Air Force, the chance to train against the Russian-designed Su-30, arguably the finest fourth generation fighter aircraft in the world, is rare. India is the largest international operator of the super-maneuverable fighter and was equally keen to pit the skills of its Top Guns against the RAF's new Eurofighter Typhoon, the mainstay of the RAF's fighter fleet.

The first week of the exercises pitted the Su-30, which NATO calls the Flanker, in a series of aerial dogfight scenarios. First, there were 1 v 1 encounters, where a single jet of each type engaged each other in Within Visual Range (WVR) combat, firing simulated missiles to a range of two miles. The exercises progressed to 2 v 2 engagements with two Eurofighters taking on two Su-30s and 2 v 1 exercises where two Sukhois took on a single Typhoon and vice versa. Notably, in the exercise where a lone Su-30 was engaged by two Typhoons, the IAF jet emerged the victor 'shooting' down both 'enemy' jets.

In all dog fighting exercises, IAF Sukhois were able to turn sharply into the extremely agile Typhoons using their thrust-vectored engines to keep the RAF jets locked in their sights. The Su-30's advanced Infrared Search and Track System (IRST), a passive sensor, which cannot be tracked, proved to be a distinct advantage for the IAF's pilots in close-combat maneuvering. Both the IAF and RAF used the full capabilities of their onboard radars, albeit in training mode, which meant that actual radar frequencies used in combat conditions were never exposed for confidentiality reasons. However, the detection ranges of the radars of both aircraft were not curtailed per se. This was air combat as close to the real thing as possible.

The pilots themselves ranged from young Flight Lieutenants to senior Group Captains from either side drawn directly from Typhoon squadrons and the IAF's 2 Squadron, The Winged Arrows, based in Kalaikunda. The idea was for both sides to expose their operational pilots to a modern frontline platform of the same class. Accordingly, the IAF did not deploy any senior pilots serving with its Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE).

By the time the exercises shifted to Large Force Engagements (LFE) in the second week, IAF pilots were comfortable operating in British conditions. The Large Force Engagements saw mixed formation scenarios where the IAF operated its jets alongside RAF Typhoons in air battles against fellow Su-30s flying together with other Typhoons.


The Large Force Engagements saw 4 v 4 engagements at beyond visual range and graduated to a massive 8 v 8 engagement featuring 16 aircraft in the skies near Coningsby. IAF pilots shared tactical information with RAF pilots in their formations using radio communications since the IAF's data-link system (which shares critical sensor data with friendly aircraft) was not compatible with the Link 16 system in use with NATO aircraft like the Typhoon.

Asked about the performance of IAF pilots in these Large Force Engagements, Group Captain Srivastav told NDTV his pilots performed "fairly well" though "quantifying [the results] is difficult". It was not unexpected for the IAF to "lose" one or two jets (over all the Large Force Engagements put together) given that the movement of each formation was directed by fighter controllers coordinating an overall air battle. Both sides agreed to simulate their Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Missiles at 25 miles for offensive missions and 22 miles for defensive scenarios.

IAF C-130 and Il-78 jets also participated in the Large Force engagements where they were "defended" by the fighter formations they were flying with against 'enemy' attacks.

The IAF also encountered no serviceability issues with any of its participating jets. All Su-30s were available for the daily exercises which took place over two blocks, one in the morning, the other in the afternoon for a total of eight sorties daily.

Praising the support the IAF received from the RAF, Group Captain Srivastav told NDTV, "The hosts were very good. They were ready to extend exceptional support."

 

[JayBird]

Oh my god..... Flanker won 12-0? I was expecting one side will have a slight degree of advantage over the other, but never such a extremly lopsided result. That must be kind of embarrassing for the Royal Air Force even for a friendly exercise.

 

[aksha]

That must be kind of embarrassing for the Royal Air Force even for a friendly exercise.

yes it is ,particularly with the rumours of the MMRCA competition being feilded again.
where the typhoon was the second in the run.

 

[SinoSoldier]

Oh my god..... Flanker won 12-0? I was expecting one side will have a slight degree of advantage over the other, but never such a extremly lopsided result. That must be kind of embarrassing for the Royal Air Force even for a friendly exercise.

To be frank, I have a feeling that the Royal Air Force may not be putting their best foot forward, intentionally or not, after reading about them losing out to PAF F-16s as well.

 

[aksha]

To be frank, I have a feeling that the Royal Air Force may not be putting their best foot forward, intentionally or not, after reading about them losing out to PAF F-16s as well.

but would you do that to an air force to whom you are trying to sell 90 fighters particularly when there has been rumours that the MMRCA competition will be held again,(

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)
and when eurofighter (the germans especially) and gripen have been the biggest lobbyists even after the rafale has been chosen.

i am sure , you will not want to show a possible customer that your aircraft is very bad .???
particulary when th customer is having a goodlook at the aircraft
and tell him that aircraft that he already has is not only cheaper but also superior even in BVR????

if you are correct , then the Eurofighter consortium is likely to send those pilots to a firing squad.
because they have not only completely assured that the EF ,will never enter IAF stables.
but also because every future customer is likely to think thrice before evaluating the Typhhon after reading that article.

 

[JayBird]

but would you do that to an air force to whom you are trying to sell 90 fighters particularly when there has been rumours that the MMRCA competition will be held again,(

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)
and when eurofighter (the germans especially) and gripen have been the biggest lobbyists even after the rafale has been chosen.

i am sure , you will not want to show a possible customer that your aircraft is very bad .???
particulary when th customer is having a goodlook at the aircraft
and tell him that aircraft that he already has is not only cheaper but also superior even in BVR????

if you are correct , then the Eurofighter consortium is likely to send those pilots to a firing squad.
because they have not only completely assured that the EF ,will never enter IAF stables.
but also because every future customer is likely to think thrice before evaluating the Typhhon after reading that article.

I have to agree with aksha here. You don't intentionally or not losing 12-0 to another air force no matter how friendly the exercise was. From the article it sounded like Indian Flankers wipe the floor with eurofighters. I think Sukhoi needs to order some nice vodka for the Indian pilots and thank them for one of the best free advertising event for the flankers of all time.

 

[SteelBird]

12 - 0? You must be kidding! If MKI is that good, why would India go for Rafale?