Sukhoi Su-30MKK
Sukhoi / KnAAPO · Russia · first flew 1999 · fighter
The Sukhoi Su-30MKK is a twin-seat multirole export fighter developed specifically for the People's Liberation Army Air Force, differing from the Su-30MKI family in lacking canard foreplanes and thrust-vectoring engines. It is optimised for long-range strike and air superiority.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbofan, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 21.9 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Twin fin |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Chinese export Su-30 without canards — key distinguisher from MKI
- Twin AL-31F engines without thrust vectoring
- PLAAF's primary long-range strike fighter variant
A large twin-engine twin-tail Su-27 derivative without the canard foreplanes seen on MKI/MKM variants; the absence of canards and non-vectoring nozzles distinguish it from the Indian and Malaysian Su-30 versions.
Specifications
- The Sukhoi Su-30MKK has a length of 21.9 m (72 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 14.7 m (48 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 2120 km/h (1317 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
China placed the first order for the Su-30MKK in 1999 and the type entered PLAAF service in 2000, produced at KnAAPO (Komsomolsk-on-Amur). A naval variant, the Su-30MK2, followed for the PLA Naval Air Force. The MKK represented the largest export order for any Su-30 variant at the time.
Variants
The Su-30MK2 is the naval patrol variant optimised for anti-ship missions; both MKK and MK2 were delivered to China.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the People's Liberation Army Air Force and PLA Naval Air Force; not operated by any Western air force.
Related aircraft
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