Article Posted on : - Sep 24, 2012

The new Su-30SM is a derivative of the Su-30MK multirole fighter jet (in picture). A Sukhoi photo

MOSCOW (BNS): A Su-30SM multirole fighter aircraft, being developed for the Russian military, has undergone its maiden test flight last week.

The modern two-seat super-manoeuverable aircraft, designed by Russian aircraft maker Sukhoi and manufactured by the Irkutsk Aviation Plant, a branch of JSC Irkut Corporation, took to the skies on September 21.

The flight lasted two hours and passed flawlessly, Irkut said.

The Su-30SM is a further development of the Su-30MK combat aircraft family (supplied to India.)

It has been designed as per the requirements of the Russian Air Force in terms of radar system, radio and recognition system, ejection seats and a number of support systems. The weaponry configuration has also been changed.

The new warplane is capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground missions with a wide variety of precision-guided munitions. The aircraft features thrust-vectoring engines to enhance manoeuverability.

The Russian Defence Ministry had signed a contract with Irkut Corporation in March 2012 for the delivery of 30 Su-30SM multirole fighters to Russian military.

The modern jets are slated to be delivered in 2015.