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Aviation History
1996
1996 - 2497.PDF
Sukhoi plans to fly foreplane- equipped two-seat Su-30MK DOUGLAS BARRIE/LONDON SUKHOI EXPECTS to fly a foreplane-equipped derivative of its basic two-seat Su-30 in the next few months, according to senior managers at the Irkutsk manufacturing plant, where the prototype is being built. The canard design was first asso ciated with the Su-27K and Su- 27M. Sukhoi also claims that the Su-30MK will be fitted with thrust-vector control and, poten tially, a phased-array radar. Irkutsk officials suggest that the canard Su-30MKwill complement the thrust-vectoring Su-2 7M proto type. This aircraft, number 711, has been dubbed the Su-37, although it is not known whether the Russian air force has die fund ing to support a production order. It is also unclear what relationship the Su-37 has to the Su-35, as Sukhoi has previously called the Su-27M. The canard Su-30MK project may have been at least partially funded by the Indian air force. In dia and Russia have agreed in prin- On view as a model at Famborough, the real thing could make its debut soon ciple for New Delhi to receive up to 40 Su-30MKs, in two batches. Delivery timescales will dictate which model of the Su-30MK India initially receives. It has been suggested that aircraft in the first batch will have a similar configura tion to that of the initial Su-3 OMK, powered by Lyulka/SaturnAL-3 IF enginess ratherthan AL-37FUs, as the thrust-vectoring variant of the engine is designated. The Indian air force has also approached Russian radar-design house NIIP about acquiring the N-011 phased-array radar now in development. The N-011 is in tended for derivatives of the Su- 27M and also for Mikoyan's mori bund fifth-generation fighter. Competing Russian radar designer Phazotron also continues to offer alternative designs for these air craft, sparking speculation as to whether the NIIP programme has encountered funding or technical problems. If Sukhoi is to fit the Su-30MK with foreplanes and thrust vector ing, it will also need to include the digital flight-control system and associated cockpit systems which are now being test-flown on air- craft711. • Israel equips Apache attack helicopters with Heltfire 2s T HE ISRAELI AIR FORCE has begun to arm its Mc Donnell Douglas AH-64 Apache attack helicopters with Lockheed Martin Hellfire 2 anti-tank mis siles. The air force is the first for eign customer for the improved missiles, which have been ordered so far only by the US Army and Marine Corps. . The Israeli air force already op erates earlier versions of the weapon. The Hellfire 2 has im proved flight-control and homing systems, in addition to an enhanced warhead. Israel has been using the Hellfire air-to-surface missiles in several attacks which have recently carried out against Hizbulah gueril la centres located in southern Lebanon. J an Swedish defence unit takes first upgraded Saab 105 jet trainer THE SWEDISH DEFENCE Materiel Administration, FMVJ has taken delivery of the first re-engined Saab 105 jet trainer. The aircraft, carrying the Swedish air force designation SK60, has new Williams Rolls FJ44 engines. Atest aircraft, used by Saab Mili tary Aircraft, has also been deliv ered to FMV for further testing as part of a modification programme scheduled to continue through to 1998, covering 105 of the aircraft. Nine will be delivered by Saab this year. The Swedish air force Flight Training School at Ljungbyhed is also involved in die work. The new twin-engined Saab 105 is believed to be 14% more fuel efficient and to require less main tenance than its Turbomeca Au- bisque-powered predecessor. The Saab 105 was first flown in 1963 and initial deliveries took place in 1965. Some 150 aircraft were ordered by Sweden. The up grade is expected to keep the air craft operating in training, attack, reconnaissance and liaison roles well beyond the year 2010. • NEWS IN BRIEF • HORNET BUILD-UP McDonnell Douglas has flown the fifth F-18E/F. Air craft E5, a single-seater, is the first of two avionics and weapon-system testbeds in the seven-aircraft flight-test programme. SECURITY, SAFETY The interior and exterior cameras of the FlightVu Digital Video Recorder can pick up and replay incidents, monitor instruments, watch the loading operation or add stunning views to in-flight entertainment systems. Did you miss us at Farnborough, Call us now DM Aerospace, UK Tel. +44 161 727 3200 Fax. +441617941583 FLIGHT INTERNATIONAL 18 - 24 September 1996 17
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