The Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) have recently enhanced their fleet with the addition of new Su-34 Fullback fighter-bombers, as reportedby the state defense conglomerate Rostec on April 5, 2024. This batch of aircraft, produced at the Novosibirsk V.P. Chkalov Aviation Plant which is part of United Aircraft Corporation (UAC, a subsidiary of Rostec), fulfills part of the state defense order, emphasizing the Su-34’s vital role in Russia’s frontline aerial warfare capabilities. After completing all necessary factory tests, the aircraft were delivered to the aerospace forces.
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The Su-34 during the International Aviation and Space Salon MAKS-2015 (Picture source: Vitaly Kuzmin)
The Su-34, a derivative of the Soviet-era Su-27 Flanker, is among Russia’s most sophisticated fighter-bomber platforms. Designed for tactical bombing, attack, and interdiction missions, this twin-engine, two-seat aircraft with an armored cockpit is equipped to engage effectively against both small and mobile targets. It features advanced avionics and can deploy cutting-edge aerial munitions like glide bombs, which enhance its ground target engagement range and bombing precision.
The aircraft from the latest batch has undergone rigorous testing at the Novosibirsk plant, which plays a crucial role in meeting the high production demands set by state defense orders. An upcoming modernization and technical re-equipment phase at the plant aims to boost production capabilities.
Yuri Slyusar, CEO of PJSC UAC and vice-president of SoyuzMash of Russia, has highlighted the ongoing importance of sustained production and worker commitment during critical times. The company plans to increase its workforce by recruiting over 1,000 production workers and engineering specialists this year to meet current and future demands.
Although the Su-34 has proven its operational worth, it has also faced losses, with at least 25 units reported destroyed since the start of the conflict in Ukraine, according to the Dutch open-source intelligence website Oryx. Despite these challenges, Russia continues to rely on the Su-34 to bolster its air power capabilities in hostile environments, supported by its sophisticated electronic warfare countermeasures.
The Sukhoi Su-34, also known as the Su-32 for export, is equipped with two Saturn AL-31F turbofan engines, each providing 79.4 kN of dry thrust or 122.6 kN with afterburner, enabling a top speed of 1900 km/h (1026 knots, 1181 mph) and a maximum Mach number of 1.6. The aircraft reaches a service ceiling of 15,000 meters (49,212 feet) and has a range of 1,100 kilometers (594 nautical miles, 684 miles). It weighs 22,000 kg (48,502 lbs) empty and has a maximum takeoff weight of 45,000 kg (99,208 lbs). The Su-34 spans 14.70 meters (48 ft 3 in) in width and measures 23.34 meters (76 ft 7 in) in length and 6.09 meters (19 ft 12 in) in height, with a wing area of 62.0 m² (667 ft²). Currently in production, it is designated by NATO as “Fullback” and has the ICAO code SU27.
Defense News April 2024
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