Sukhoi Su-34

Sukhoi Su-34 (NATO reporting name: Fullback) is a Soviet-origin Russian twin-engine, twin-seat, all-weather supersonic medium-range strike fighter and fighter-bomber. Developed from the Su-27 Flanker air superiority fighter by the Sukhoi design bureau under Mikhail Simonov, it is designed for high-precision strikes against heavily defended ground, surface, and air targets in all weather conditions, day or night. The aircraft entered service with the Russian Aerospace Forces in 2014 and has seen extensive combat use in conflicts including the Russian military intervention in the Syrian civil war and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Development and design

The Su-34 originated from the Soviet Perspektivnyy Frontovoy Istrebitel-Bombardirovshchik (PFI-B) program in the 1980s, seeking a dedicated successor to the Su-24 Fencer. The design leveraged the proven Lyulka AL-31 engines and aerodynamic platform of the Su-27, but incorporated a revolutionary side-by-side cockpit housed in a distinctive flattened, armored "platypus" nose, enhancing crew coordination and survivability. Key design features include a Phazotron N011 Bars passive electronically scanned array radar, a Khibiny electronic warfare suite, and a Sh-141 weapon control system for engaging targets with guided munitions like the Kh-29, Kh-31, and Kh-59. The airframe is heavily armored, with a titanium "bathtub" protecting the cockpit, and includes a small galley and toilet for long-duration missions, earning it the nickname "Hellduck."

Operational history

Following its first flight in 1990 as the Su-27IB, the program faced protracted development due to the dissolution of the Soviet Union and funding shortages. Initial low-rate production began at the Novosibirsk Aircraft Production Association plant in the early 2000s. The Su-34 achieved initial operational capability with the Russian Air Force in 2007 and was formally accepted into service in 2014. Its combat debut occurred during the Russian military intervention in the Syrian civil war, where it conducted airstrikes against targets affiliated with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and other opposition groups. Since the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Su-34 has been a primary platform for launching air-to-surface missiles like the Kh-59 and deploying glide bombs, but has suffered significant losses to Ukrainian Surface-to-air missile systems, including the MIM-104 Patriot and S-300.

Variants

The primary variant is the baseline Su-34. The export version is designated the Su-32FN, marketed for coastal defense roles. An upgraded model, sometimes referred to as the Su-34M or modernized Su-34, began entering service around 2020, featuring improved Avionics, new Synthetic-aperture radar, enhanced Electronic countermeasures like the Khibiny-M, and compatibility with a wider array of precision-guided munitions such as the Kh-38 and KAB-500S.

Operators

The sole operator is the Russian Aerospace Forces. The aircraft are assigned to various regiments, including those based at Morozovsk, Shagol, and Voronezh Malshevo air base. Plans for export to countries like Algeria have been reported but not realized. The Russian Naval Aviation also operates the type for maritime strike duties.

Specifications (Su-34)

General characteristics * Crew: 2 (pilot and weapons systems officer) * Length: 23.34 m (76 ft 7 in) * Wingspan: 14.7 m (48 ft 3 in) * Height: 6.09 m (20 ft 0 in) * Empty weight: 22,500 kg (49,604 lb) * Max takeoff weight: 45,100 kg (99,428 lb) * Powerplant: 2 × Saturn AL-31 or Lyulka AL-41F1S afterburning turbofan engines * Maximum speed: Mach 1.8+ at altitude * Combat range: 1,100 km (680 mi, 590 nmi) on a hi-lo-hi mission with 12,000 kg ordnance * Service ceiling: 15,000 m (49,000 ft) Armament * Guns: 1 × GSh-30-1 30 mm autocannon * Hardpoints: 12 with a capacity of up to 12,000 kg (26,455 lb) of ordnance, including Air-to-air missiles (R-73, R-77), Air-to-surface missiles (Kh-29, Kh-31, Kh-59), Anti-ship missiles (Kh-35), Anti-radiation missiles (Kh-58), guided bombs (KAB-500, KAB-1500), and unguided rockets and bombs.

Category:Sukhoi aircraft Category:Strike aircraft Category:Aircraft first flown in 1990