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 airplane is capable of effectively hitting ground, sea, and aerial targets using the whole range of aircraft ammunition, including precision weapons, while facing enemy interference, counter-fire and information countermeasures, regardless of the time of day or weather conditions, in any geographical area. It is classified as a fourth-generation airplane according to its combat capabilities. Due to the availability of its active safety system along with its state-of-the-art computers, the pilot and the flight navigator have additional capabilities at hand allowing them to perform direct spot bombing and maneuver under enemy fire. Excellent aerodynamics, the high capacity of integral fuel tanks, highly-efficient bypass turbofan engines, the in-flight refueling system, as well as additional drop-tank carrying capability, combined with the comfortable cockpit, ensure a flight duration of up to 10 hours without loss of crew capacity. The airplane’s digital avionics equipment is based on open architecture principles, which considerably facilitates the replacement of its systems and equipment with newly-developed counterparts.

The airplane boasts high flight performance; serviceability; maneuverability; long range of aiming systems; an up-to-date airborne communications system; and equipment for data exchange with ground control stations, land forces and sea-surface ships, as well as between airplanes. The Su-34 carries highly effective long-range guided air-to-surface and air-to-air weapons with multi-channel use capability. The airplane is equipped with a highly-intelligent radar counteraction and defense system. The Su-34 has a well-developed damage control system, including armored cockpit. Work is currently underway to enhance the combat potential of these airplanes through the inclusion of new air-delivered ordnance in the weapons range.