Hugh Harkins

Sukhoi Su-27SM (3)/SKM Hugh Harkins

Sukhoi Su-27SM(3)/SKM - The purpose of this volume is to detail the Sukhoi Su-27SM(3)/SKM family of 4th+ generation multirole combat aircraft which emanated from an upgrade program for serial production Su-27S 4th generation air superiority fighter aircraft and a new build program for Su-27SKM and Su-27SM3 aircraft for the export and domestic markets respectively. The volume covers the evolution of the first generation Su-27 air superiority fighter, which was born out of the T-10 development program of the 1970's, leading to the 21st century Su-27SM(3)/SKM multirole combat aircraft through the anomaly that was the Su-30KI development of the late 1990's. No attempt is made to detail the plethora of developments that evolved from the Su-27 such as the two-seat Su-30 families, attention being fixed on the further development of the single-seat Su-27S into the Su-27SM(3)/SKM variants. All technical information regarding the aircraft, systems and weapons have been provided by the respective developers/manufacturers, as have many of the photographs and graphics. Certain elements of text, when pertinent, are taken from the volumes 'Sukhoi Su-35S 'Flanker' E, Russia's 4++ Generation Super-Manoeuvrability Fighter' and 'Sukhoi Su-30MKK/MK2/M2 - Russo Kitashiy Striker from Amur'.