What's new

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

.
Unsubstantiated claim.

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.

Su-27/30 can takeoff from unprepared runways.

main-qimg-7bf5a837e2f6f4b1c13619add87d3b8d-c
 
.
Because their engines are too sensitive to exhaust from the fighter in front, that is why they take off with a gap of 90 seconds between take offs.





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.
 
. .
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.
You see, you can get away by this statement but had i made this claim, the Indian members would have demanded proof and everything else. I can also add that even without this, during this exercise, the IAF SU-30s had to abort missions at least on three occasions due to engine and system malfunctions. However, even though the MKI has higher ground clearance than the EFT, this wasn't the only reason for dropping this practice.
 
.

Pakistan Affairs Latest Posts

Country Latest Posts

Back
Top Bottom