Sukhoi Su-34 Fullback |
Militarymedia.net | The Sukhoi Su-34 (NATO reporting name Fullback) was developed primarily for the strike/attack role to replace the Su-24 Fencer. It is a derivative of the Su-27 Flanker, easily distinguishable by its side-by-side cockpit and 'platypus' nose.
First flown in 1990, the aircraft was originally named the Su-27IB. In 1995 a pre-production aircraft, designated the Su-32, was revealed. Development is slow due to limited funds. As of 2004 a total of 8 pre-production aircraft were built for testing and evaluation. Several years ago the Russian Air Force adopted the designation Su-34 for this aircraft. The Su-34 officially entered service with the Russian Air Force in 2014. As of 2015 the Russian Air Force operated 76 of these attack aircraft. Mentioned, Russia's total needs are 200 new type interdictors. The Su-34 was also proposed to export customers, but has not received an order to date. The upgrade program continues for the surviving Russian Su-24s to extend their service life.
The design of the Su-34 Fullback retains the basic layout of the Su-27, the fuselage construction, engines, most of the wing structure, tail and most of the onboard equipment. It also uses canards from the Su-30 for increased maneuverability. The aircraft had a completely new nose and a forward fuselage with a cockpit. The advantage of a side-by-side cockpit is that duplicate instruments are not required for each pilot. It's also more comfortable on longer missions. The Su-34 has a modern glass cockpit, with a color multi-function display. The Fullback nose section accommodates an advanced multi-mode phased array radar, which is capable of following the terrain. The cockpit and several other critical components and systems are armored. The aircraft is equipped with comprehensive electronic counter action equipment.
Sukhoi Su-34 |
The Interdictor is armed with a 30 mm GSh-301 cannon with 180 rounds. The aircraft has 10 underwing and underfusealage hardpoints for a variety of weapons, including air-to-air, air-to-surface, anti-ship and anti-radiation missiles, guided bombs or free-fall bombs. The Su-34 normally carries 4,000 kg of weapons, but its maximum capacity is 8,000 kg. The primary air-to-air weapon is the R-77 (AA-12) missile. Two R-73 short-range air-to-air missiles (AA-11 Archer) are usually carried on wingtip rails. The Su-34 has a rear-facing radar and can launch air-to-air missiles to pursue enemy aircraft.
For the strike role, emphasis is placed on long-range weapons, such as the Kh-55 (AS-15 Kent), Kh-59 (AS-13 Kingbolt), Kh-25 (AS-10 Kerry), Kh-29 (US- 14 Kedge), air-to-surface missiles, Kh-31 (AS-17 Krypton), Kh-35 (AS-20 Kayak), Kh-41 Moskit, and P-800 Oniks anti-ship missiles, and Kh - 58 (AS-11 Kilter) anti-radiation missiles.
Guided bombs include the KAB-500 and KAB-1500. The aircraft can also carry electronic warfare or reconnaissance pods. The internal fuel capacity has been increased and three external fuel tanks can be carried. The aircraft also has in-flight refueling capability, allowing missions of up to 10 hours in duration.
Sukhoi Su-34 Fullback |
The aircraft is also being proposed for the Russian Air Force to serve in heavy interceptor, reconnaissance, electronic warfare and defense suppression roles.
Sukhoi Su-34 Fullback Variant
Su-34 FN, proposed long-range land-based maritime attack and anti-submarine warfare aircraft;
Su-34 MF, multi-role fighter bomber.