The Su-30MKI is definitely not the only aircraft with thrust vectoring. It might be the only thrust-vectoring aircraft the IAF uses, but there are lots of other aircraft with thrust-vectoring, such as the Su-35 and -37, the PAK FA, and MiG-35.
Thrust vectoring is the ability for the exhaust nozzles of the aircraft to pitch and yaw, directing the thrust in some direction other than straight back. When used in concert with the normal control surfaces of the aircraft, this augments the aircraft's maneuverability, allowing it to pitch and turn at tighter angles. This makes the aircraft more lethal in a dogfight, as it helps get the aircraft's nose onto the enemy faster than the enemy can get its nose around to a lethal position.
The Su-30MKI is definitely not the only aircraft with thrust vectoring. It might be the only thrust-vectoring aircraft the IAF uses, but there are lots of other aircraft with thrust-vectoring, such as the Su-35 and -37, the PAK FA, and MiG-35.
ReplyDeleteThrust vectoring is the ability for the exhaust nozzles of the aircraft to pitch and yaw, directing the thrust in some direction other than straight back. When used in concert with the normal control surfaces of the aircraft, this augments the aircraft's maneuverability, allowing it to pitch and turn at tighter angles. This makes the aircraft more lethal in a dogfight, as it helps get the aircraft's nose onto the enemy faster than the enemy can get its nose around to a lethal position.