Su-30SM2 Fighter with R-37M Hypersonic Missiles: What It Is Capable Of

The Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) are armed with fourth-generation Su-30SM2 multirole fighters. They represent a further development of domestic combat aircraft with an advanced complex of airborne radio-electronic equipment.

Su-30SM2 is the latest modification of the Su-30SM fighter. The aircraft received new AL-41F-1S engines from the Su-35S and the N035 Irbis radar.

The main weapon of the Su-30SM2 crew is the long-range R-37M missile. The range of use against high-altitude targets is up to 280 km, and against low-altitude targets - up to 200-220 km.

The fighter is also armed with new concrete-piercing aerial bombs. The ammunition is dropped from the aircraft on parachutes, then they separate from the parachutes and fly rapidly downwards. But the bombs do not explode immediately after falling, but first "dig" into the ground and detonate after a few seconds.

The Su-30SM2 is equipped with an Irbis-E airborne radar, capable of detecting a target such as a Su-27 fighter at a distance of about 370 km and providing simultaneous interception of eight targets with R-37M and R-77-1 missiles.

About the R-37M missile:

R-37M is a long-range air-to-air missile and is designed to engage both ground and air targets. The maximum flight speed of the missile is six times the speed of sound, that is, it is actually hypersonic.

The mass of the R-37M is more than 500 kg, the high-explosive fragmentation warhead is 60 kg. At the same time, the tactical and technical characteristics of the R-37M are not disclosed.

Earlier www1.ru reported that elusive Geran-2 kamikaze drones were equipped with a high-powered warhead

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