I found another caption for the image with a bit more detail.
“The N001VEP+Pero phased-array radar (PESA) on Su-30 No. 597. In 2003, NIIP proposed a new lightweight, space-fed reflectarray antenna intended to replace the N001 radar antenna without requiring a completely new radar design. The radar was also proposed for the Su-30MK3.”
Document is dated 2023, the video was from 2021 I think. Makes it all even more strange
I have a trustworthy source my imagination that says that Pero is used on Su-27SM3
Is the thing on the top of the cockpit and both of the wings the new MAWS system?
no i think the box was related to GPS/navigation equipment
Rather looks like SATCOM.
Only the Algerian one get Maw, this is just a communication device
I got asked a very weird question.
Does anyone know why the MKK derivatives can’t use A2A missiles on the innermost wing pylon but can use air to ground?
Most probable answer is wiring. F-16s also can’t use A2A weapons on innermost pylons, but can use A2G
I figured it was mostly just the cost.
I checked the book you sent me a while ago and I found this.
Also the original.
Page 552 of this book.
One comes out of the other I think. Because Su-27M can use A2A weapons on all of its pylons, so is Su-33 or MKI.
If I had to guess, china wanted the extra A2G hardpoint of the 27M, but didn’t want the extra cost of putting the newer wings that can use a ton of A2A onto the Su-30 platform?
I don’t know. But considering the state of the PLAAF in the late 90s early 00’s it would make sense that they would want a cheap but capable aircraft.
It is still a wing similar to Su-27M because Su-27 wing doesn’t have pylons there at all. But by not installing connectors, data buses (USSR and Russia at the time weren’t big on standardised data buses iirc) and FCS upgrades you can make it not as expensive?
I mean I would assume so.
Comparing the two Su-30 derivatives the MKI variants are probably a lot more expensive than the MKK variants.
Well, MKI in itself is more expensive because India wanted a bunch of shit integrated, and also paid for technology transfer. But looking at MK2 contracts, they are around 80 mil USD a piece. MKI of the latest batches with domestic Indian stuff go around 110-120 mil USD. Hilariously enough, Su-30SME costed Myanmar around 66 mil USD per unit
Yeah, because Indians are famous for de-bloating projects.
Overpaying for Rafales because they simply can. But honestly i am impressed with SME cost, 66 millions is with all additional service, training and weaponry, just the jet itself is like 35 mils. F-16 Block 70 is what, 60 mil per airframe itself?
