Pre-order — Su-30MK2 AMV: Pirate of the Caribbean Skies!

[p][/p][p][/p][p]The Venezuelan Su-30 possesses a vast arsenal of weapons and is capable of brilliantly performing combat missions in both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat![/p][p][/p][p] [/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]In November 2005, official negotiations began between the Russian company Rosoboronexport and the Venezuelan government regarding the supply of multi-role Su-30 fighter aircraft. Initially, the possibility of purchasing 18-24 MiG-29M2/UB multi-role fighters was considered, but after a comparative analysis, Venezuelan specialists opted for the heavier and more versatile Su-30. The decisive factor was the demonstration flights of two aircraft — the Su-30MK and Su-30MK2 — delivered to Venezuela on July 2nd, 2006.  For 12 days, the Russian fighters underwent intensive testing, including participation in an air parade celebrating the 195th anniversary of the country’s independence.[/p][p][/p][p]On July 28th, 2006, a contract worth $1.6 billion was signed for the supply of 24 Su-30MK2 fighter jets in the AMV (Adapted to Venezuelan Modification) configuration to meet Venezuela’s requirements. The contract included not only the delivery of the aircraft, but also comprehensive maintenance, personnel training, infrastructure development, and the supply of weaponry. The first two fighters arrived in Venezuela on November 29th, 2006, aboard an An-124-100 transport aircraft. They were stationed at the Barcelona airbase, where the 13th “Simon Bolivar” Fighter Group began to be formed.[/p][p][/p][p]Deliveries continued in stages. The next two aircraft arrived on December 22nd, 2006, following with 12 aircraft in 2007 and the last 8 in the first half of 2008. This allowed two squadrons to be completely equipped, which significantly strengthened the country’s air defense capabilities. The Su-30MK2 AMV remains in service with Venezuela to this day.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the Su-30MK2 AMV![/h3][p]The Spearhead major update brings the Su-30MK2 AMV to the game, an export modification of the multi-role Su-30 Russian fighter jet used by the Venezuelan Air Force. Today, pre-orders for this premium jet monster are open. It features an impressive payload, advanced weaponry, and brilliant speed characteristics, so let’s take a closer look![/p][p][/p][p]The Venezuelan Su-30MK2 AMV is in many ways similar to the top-tier Sukhoi aircraft available in the Soviet/Russian aviation research tree already. It’s a heavy aircraft with powerful engines, 12 weapon hardpoints, a payload of over 8000 kg, all while being highly maneuverable and capable of reaching speeds exceeding Mach 2 with a combat load. The Su-30MK2 AMV has excellent avionics and equipment too! It features a good radar, a “Rita” voice warning system, a thermal imager and night vision, a helmet-mounted display, an RWR with a target identification and as many as 96 large-caliber countermeasures![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]When you open up the Secondary Weapons menu for this aircraft, you’ll probably feel overwhelmed due to the huge number of ready-made weapon combinations for any mission or play style, and that’s not counting the presets that you can create yourself! This Venezuelan modification differs from the older Su aircraft in its slightly different armament composition. In addition to the well-proven R-73 short-range missiles, R-27R semi-active radar homing missiles with a datalink, and jamming-resistant R-27ET missiles (all in export versions) for air combat, you’ll also be able to use the RVV-AE (which is the export version of the R-77) with active radar homing seeker. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]There are also some differences in the armament for destroying ground and sea targets. In addition to bombs and rockets, 500 and 1500 kg TV-guided bombs and Kh-29L and Kh-29TD air-to-surface missiles, you’ll also be able to use a new missile coming to War Thunder, the Kh-59M. This missile has an engine in an under-fuselage pod, allowing for an increased warhead mass and guidance system: TV, satellite, and inertial correction. As the Su-30MK2 AMV is a premium aircraft, all of its weapons will be available when purchasing this pack, when the next major update releases.[/p][p][/p][p]That’s all for today! The magnificent Su-30MK2 AMV is available for pre-order starting from today. If you pick it up now, when the Spearhead update releases you’ll receive the aircraft itself, unique in-game bonuses from the pre-order pack, free Premium days, and a hefty supply of Golden Eagles![/p][p]Please note that the vehicle's characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.[/p]