Su-34

Joint official tests of the Su-34 were completed in November 2010. The airplane entered service pursuant to Russian Governmental Resolution dated March 20, 2014 and was accepted by the Russian Air Force.

Production of airplanes of this type was arranged at the Sukhoi Group’s aircraft production site in Novosibirsk.

The state joint tests of Sukhoi Su-34 were completed on April 15, 2011. By the decision of the Government of the Russian Federation on March 18, 2014, the aircraft was put into service with the Russian Air Force.

The export analogue (prototype) of the Su-34 aircraft is the Su-34E fighter-bomber.

Su-34 is a multirole two-seat aircraft. Modifications developed basing on Su-34 include a reconnaissance aircraft and a jamming aircraft. It is possible to create a patrol aircraft for reconnaissance and patrolling marine areas.

The aircraft is distinguished by high flight performance and maneuverability, long-range targeting systems, a modern on-board communication and data exchange system allowing exchange with ground control stations, ground forces units and surface ships, as well as between aircraft. The aircraft uses high-precision guided air-to-surface and air-to-air long-range weapons with multi-channel capability, as well as a wide range of unguided weapons. It is equipped with a highly intelligent electronic countermeasures system and means to ensure combat survivability, including an armored crew cabin and armor plating of the most important areas of the aircraft.

Excellent aerodynamics, large internal fuel tanks capacity, highly economical bypass turbojet engines, and an in-air refueling system combined with a comfortable cabin allow the aircraft to stay in the air for up to 10 hours without loss of crew efficiency. A possibility to use up to three outboard fuel tanks expands the aircraft’s combat potential.

The digital avionics suite is built on open architecture principles, which makes it quite easy to modernize complexes and systems, including newly developed ones, which provides a high modernization potential.

In terms of combat capabilities, it belongs to the 4+ generation of aircraft. The presence of an active safety system on it, along with the latest computers, makes it possible for the pilot and navigator to conduct targeted bombing, maneuver in the conditions of enemy fire resistance.

According to pilots and navigators, the aircraft has good ergonomics, extensive automation at all stages of combat flight, and is convenient to pilot. An important advantage of Su-34 is the increased degree of autonomy of the aircraft operation. The aircraft has shown high efficiency and reliability during combat operations in regional armed conflicts in the Middle East in difficult climatic conditions of mountainous and desert terrain.

Flight performance Su-34E*

*export