Project T10PU
Heavy interceptor fighter Su-27PU (Su-30)
PU for Punkt Upravlyeniya = Commanding Post
Su-30 it's the name of Su-27PU in service.
Manufacturer:
Irkutsk Aircraft Production Association (IAPO)
Goal:
Heavy interceptor fighter, capable to identifying targets and to assign targets to other interceptors (up to four Su-27P, that's why manufacturers designation of project was 10-4PU) using a tactical data link. Su-27PU should retain a full possibilities of air-combat like ordinary Su-27P. Was planned to use on north border of Soviet Union by air forces of the Protivo-Vozdushnoy Oboroni (PVO = Air Defence Air Force), replacing Tu-128 and co-operating with defensives MiG-31.
Tactical data link between commanding Su-27PU and four interceptors Su-27P.
Current (2008) status:
Four Su-30 in 3958th Air Base @ Savaslyeyka (ex. 54th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment, disbanded in 2005, converted to 359th AB).
Maybe two Su-30 were upgraded to Su-30KN standard and since 2006 are in Lipyetsk air base.
Few prototypes, rebuilded even two times, in hands of Sukhoi Design Bureau.
25
Ex. 2nd prototype of the Su-27UB (T10U-2, built 1985, no. 02) was converted in 1986 into experimental plane with air refueling probe and arrested hook. It was used in two projects: T10K (Su-27K) and T10PU.
1987-1988 aircraft performs long-distance flights with refueling from tankers Il-78 and Su-24 (with UPAZ-A refueling pod). In 07.1987 a non-stop flight from Moskov to Komsomolsk-on-Amur (N. Sadovnikov and I. Votincev) - more than 13.000 km!
After finishing of the equipment in 1989, aircraft renumbered to 25.
Experimental T10PU, 1986.
Former 5th prototype of Su-27UB (T10U-5) was converted in Irkutsk to 1st prototype of Su-27PU, mentioned above heavy interceptor fighter and commanding post. In 1990 get refueling probe. Camouflage is typical for Su-27UB, with green nose.
1st prototype of Su-27PU, 1990.
Former 6th prototype of Su-27UB (T10U-6) was converted in Irkutsk to 2nd prototype of Su-27PU. Camouflage is typical for Su-27UB, with green nose.
Few years later - at the end of 1997 - when contract to deliver Su-30 to India was realised, aircraft was converted - once again - to second prototype of indian Su-30MKI (number 06, manufacturers designation 10-4PMK-6), with canard foreplanes and AL-31FP (TVC nozzles) engines. First flight in 03.1998.
Serial numer 01-01 (79371010101).
First two of eight produced by IAPO interceptors were bought by insurance company "Jupiter" and shifted to LII and used to tests and display purposes (by "Test Pilots" aerobatic team leaded by Anatoliy Kvochur. First public appearance at MosAeroShow 1992. All military installations were removed, except air refueling probe.
Later this aircraft was donated to Sukhoi bureau for Su-30MK tests program. In 1996 converted to prototype of Su-30MK, export version of Su-30.
LII: Su-27PU, 1994, Test Pilots display team.
Serial numer 01-02 (79371010102).
First two of eight produced by IAPO interceptors were bought by insurance company "Jupiter" and shifted to LII and used to tests and display purposes (by "Test Pilots" aerobatic team leaded by Anatoliy Kvochur. First public appearance at MosAeroShow 1992. All military installations were removed, except in-flight refueling probe.
Later this aricraft was used as testbed in test programs of satellite navigation systems, new radars for upgraded Su-27UB's and Su-30's and new control systems. In 2001 converted to 2nd prototype of Su-30KN, in Irkutsk's upgrade program of Russia Air Force Su-27UB and Su-30.
LII: Su-27PU, about 1996, Test Pilots display team.
Converted Su-27UB. First flight 12.1992 (G. Bulanov and W. Maksimyenkov from IAPO).
Five serial Su-27PU were delivered to 54 GIAP (54th Guards Fighter Air Regiment) of PVO at Savaslyeyka, where 148th CBPiPLS was based (equipped with A-50 and MiG-31); after entering military service Su-27PU get official name Su-30.
148th Cyentr Boyevovo Primyenyenya i Pyeryeuchivaniya Lyotnovo Sostava (CBPiPLS), now 4th Centre of Combat Apllications and Re-training of Flying Personnel.
Five serial Su-30 almost for sure it was not new aircrafts, but converted serials Su-27UB, even with folded screen above front seat used to flying without visibility.
Sukhoi Su-30, 1993, 54 GIAP (54th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment) @ Savalyeyka.
As Su-30 no. 51. Later (1997) russian flags on tail fins.
Example of Sukhoi Su-30 from Savaslyeyka's guards regiment, 1998.
As Su-30 no. 51. Later (1997) russian flags on tail fins.
As Su-30 no. 51. Later (1997) russian flags on tail fins.
Sukhoi Su-30, 1999, Fairford air show.
As Su-30 no. 51.
All sources said that were 5 aircraft (nos. 51-55) in 54th Regiment, but I've never seen no. 55 on ANY photo, through last 15 years! And some sources said that one aircraft was not delivered to air force. Like 2+2=4, aircraft no. 55 was never delivered to Savaslyeyka and left in Irkutsk facilities.
As Su-30 no. 51.
In 1993 modernised to prototype of multirole Su-30M for russian air force.
Few years later - in 1996-1997 - when contract to deliver Su-30 to India was realised, aircraft was converted again, to first prototype of indian Su-30MKI (renumbered to 01, manufacturers designation 10-4PMK-1) with canard foreplanes (installed 07.1997) and AL-31FP (with TVC nozzles) engines. First flight in 12.1997. Destroyed in Paris Air Show in 06.1999 by V. Avyeryanov (pilots catapulted safetly).
Example of Sukhoi Su-27UB from 54th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment @ Savaslyeyka, 1998.
