Sukhoi-30 jets have a design flaw, says Air Chief Browne

Pune: Air Chief NAK Browne today said the Indian Air Force (IAF) has identified a 'design flaw' with the Russian-made supersonic fighter aircraft Sukhoi-30 though nothing is wrong with its 'airworthiness'.

"We have identified a Fly-By-Wire problem with the aircraft. It is a design issue and we have taken it up with the designing agency," he told reporters on the sidelines of a function held to mark Golden Jubilee celebrations of Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune.

Referring to the December 13, 2011 crash of a Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft near here, the Air Chief said that more checks were being implemented to ensure that such incidents do not happen again.

The aircraft had crashed at Wade Bholai village soon after it took off from Lohegaon air base. Two pilots of the fighter plane managed to bail out safely.

"There is nothing wrong with the aircraft or its airworthiness. I have myself flown the aircraft," he said.

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On proposed acquisition of the French Rafale aircraft, Air Chief Browne said the negotiations in this regard were progressing well and could be finalised by the end of the financial year.

In reply to a question, he said the IAF had an "elaborate plan" at hand to change over from old to new fleets.

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