Why can't IAF SU-30s do formation take offs

[Windjammer]

Albeit, formation take offs and landings may be usually practised for display purposes, however it's also a requirement during hot scrambles to get interceptors airborne in quick time to either intercept the threat or maintain station. Thus such formation take offs are practised utilising their premier assets by the air forces all over. Below are some such examples, however in some circles it's argued that after some costly mishaps, the IAF has dropped this practice with their front line aircraft, the SU-30 MKI, thus reducing the aircraft's reaction time to any oncoming threat.

 

[Chanakyaa]

One more "valid" reason why F16s are better.

 

[Michael Corleone]

that would be weird, maybe they don't do it as often? any indian insight on this?
@Nilgiri

 

[Raider 21]

Albeit, formation take offs and landings may be usually practised for display purposes, however it's also a requirement during hot scrambles to get interceptors airborne in quick time to either intercept the threat or maintain station. Thus such formation take offs are practised utilising their premier assets by the air forces all over. Below are some such examples, however in some circles it's argued that after some costly mishaps, the IAF has dropped this practice with their front line aircraft, the SU-30 MKI, thus reducing the aircraft's reaction time to any oncoming threat.

View attachment 504735

They can, maybe we don't see more of it. I watched a video a few years back of Su-30MKIs taking off with a student leading with an instructor on the right wing.

 

[SQ8]

They can, maybe we don't see more of it. I watched a video a few years back of Su-30MKIs taking off with a student leading with an instructor on the right wing.

Had someone tell me about FoD potential if the runway wasn’t inspected properly and the lead kicked up something into the wingman.
Considering that the Al-31 is already prone to FoD more than usual, perhaps they just prefer less operational risk; doesn’t mean they can’t.

 

[Clairvoyant]

Albeit, formation take offs and landings may be usually practised for display purposes, however it's also a requirement during hot scrambles to get interceptors airborne in quick time to either intercept the threat or maintain station. Thus such formation take offs are practised utilising their premier assets by the air forces all over. Below are some such examples, however in some circles it's argued that after some costly mishaps, the IAF has dropped this practice with their front line aircraft, the SU-30 MKI, thus reducing the aircraft's reaction time to any oncoming threat.

View attachment 504735

I haven't yet seen a single Pakistani F.16/Mirage/F.7/JF.17 formation execute a formation takeoff or landing so does that mean that these fighters also cant execute formation takeoff or landings.

 

[gangsta_rap]

@Windjammer what kind of a post is this? how does it matter?

 

[Village life]

To avoid birds, it does not mean they can not take off in formation, secondly a large and heavy bird hence formation flights creates air turbulence and vertical and horizontal vortexes, so a little miss calculation can cause a costly mishap so why to take risk in normal condition,

 

[Sharky]

Stupid post of the day award goes to..

 

[Aryan0395]

this claim comes from a multinational exercise that took place in Britain where IAF pilots refused to take off in formation right after other fighters had taken off because this engine is very susceptible to foreign material and multiple take off do tend to kick off a lot of dust particles.

The reason was basically precaution, since aircrafts in britain and pilots didnt want the plane getting damaged and risk having the engine to be replaced, which will have to be brought in from Russia which would be a logistical nightmare and could take up months (since its britain and Russia wouldnt want to send spare in there).

Back home, if need arises they do take off in formation and do practise for the same but not very often, just enough to be able to carry it out meticulously in case of actual need.

 

[Windjammer]

Had someone tell me about FoD potential if the runway wasn’t inspected properly and the lead kicked up something into the wingman.
Considering that the Al-31 is already prone to FoD more than usual, perhaps they just prefer less operational risk; doesn’t mean they can’t.

I have seen a promotional video of even some airliners taking off in a formation but as i said the IAF stopped this practice with the MKIs at least after a couple of mishaps....which ironically didn't involve the type.

@Windjammer what kind of a post is this? how does it matter?

It's a query, shouldn't be too difficult to understand.

Stupid post of the day award goes to..

To the one liner idiot.

I haven't yet seen a single Pakistani F.16/Mirage/F.7/JF.17 formation execute a formation takeoff or landing so does that mean that these fighters also cant execute formation takeoff or landings.

In the OP, i deliberately didn't post the PAF image since that would be hard to digest for some, however since you are in somewhat oblivion, here are a couple of videos of PAF, one in which a PM is on board during formation take off.

 

[Sheraz Patriot]

With due respect dear windjammer don't think about this because they have too many MKIs and more airbases. If they fly only MKI one from each base would be more than enough considering our airpower and Air Force strategy of defence only.

 

[Mace]

@Imad Afridi, you got set up. Classic windy move

In the OP, i deliberately didn't post the PAF image since that would be hard to digest for some, however since you are in somewhat oblivion, here are a couple of videos of PAF, one in which a PM is on board during formation take off.

 

[Foxtrot Delta]

I have personally seen formation take off of two aircraft f16s in 2013. I think the original post is talking aboit like formation of five or more aircraft take off and land at the same time.

 

[Raider 21]

I have personally seen formation take off of two aircraft f16s in 2013. I think the original post is talking aboit like formation of five or more aircraft take off and land at the same time.

Four Vipers at Sargodha 1996.....different times.....