Search the Internet          Tips

Tipnis co-pilots Su-30 MKI: PTI

He described the aircraft, after a 22-minute flight, as 'extraordinary'.

''It is extraordinary. The Su-30 MKI has enormous power and tremendous manoeuverability. Even at zero speed, there is full control... it's far more superior,'' he told reporters after the flight at the Yelahanka air force base.

''You can do whatever you want to do with it,'' he said.

According to analysts, the Su-30 MKI fleet is expected to spearhead the Indian Air Force frontline combat force for more than a quarter of a century into the new millennium.

India had on December 28 last year signed a deal with Russia for technology transfer and licensed manufacture of 140 Su-30 MKI aircraft in India, at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

Bangalore-based HAL chairman C G Krishnadas Nair and senior HAL officials said there were no plans for a joint venture with the Russian Sukhoi Corporation for manufacture of the fighter aircraft and noted the agreement was only for licensed production.

Under the deal, the first Su-30 MKI will be delivered by HAL to IAF during 2004-2005, HAL officials said.

Tell us what you think of this report