Sukhoi Su-34 Long-range interdictor (Russia)
Channel: Main Battle Tank
Date: 23/01/2023

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 The Sukhoi Su-34 (Western 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 distinguished by its side-by-side cockpit and 'platypus' nose.

   First flown in 1990, this aircraft was originally designated the Su-27IB. In 1995 a pre-production aircraft, designated as the Su-32, was revealed. Development was slow due to limited funding. Until 2004 a total of 8 pre-production aircraft were built for trials and evaluation. A couple of years ago Russian Air Force has adopted the Su-34 designation for this aircraft. The Su-34 officially entered service with the Russian Air Force in 2014. As of 2015 Russian Air Force operates 76 of these attack aircraft. It was stated that total Russia's requirement is for 200 interdictors of new type. The Su-34 is also proposed for export customers, however it received no orders to date. Upgrade programmes continue for surviving Russian Su-24s to extend their service lives.

   The Su-34 Fullback design retains the Su-27s basic layout, construction of the airframe, engines, most of its wing structure, tail and substantial part of onboard equipment. It also uses canards of the Su-30 for improved maneuverability. Aircraft has entirely new nose and forward fuselage with cockpit. The advantage of a side-by-side cockpit is that duplicate instruments are not required for each pilot. It is also more comfortable on longer missions. The Su-34 has a modern glass cockpit, with color multi-function displays. Nose section of the Fullback accommodates advanced multi-mode phased array radar, capable of terrain following. Cockpit and some other crucial components and systems are armored. Aircraft is fitted with comprehensive electronic counter measures equipment.

   This interdictor is armed with a 30 mm GSh-301 cannon with 180 rounds. Aircraft has 10 underwing and underfusealage hardpoints for a wide range of weapons, including air-to-air, air-to-surface, anti-ship and anti-radiation missiles, guided or free fall bombs. The Su-34 normally carries 4 000 kg of weapons, however maximum capacity is 8 000 kg. Primary air-to-air weapon is the R-77 (AA-12) missile. Two R-73 (AA-11 or Archer) short-range air-to-air missiles are typically carried on wingtip rails. The Su-34 has a rearward facing radar and can launch air-to-air missiles at pursuing enemy aircraft.

   For strike roles emphasis is placed on long-range standoff weapons, such as Kh-55, Kh-59, Kh-59M, Kh-25, Kh-29 air-to-surface missiles, Kh-31, Kh-35, Kh-41 Moskit, and P-800 Oniks anti-ship missiles, and Kh-58 anti-radiation missiles.

   Guided bombs include the KAB-500 and KAB-1500. Aircraft can also carry electronic warfare or reconnaissance pods. Capacity of internal fuel has been increased and three external fuel tanks can be carried. Aircraft also has in-flight refueling capability, that allows missions of up to 10 hours duration.

   This aircraft is also being proposed for the Russian Air Force to serve in the heavy interceptor, reconnaissance, electronic warfare and defense suppression roles.

Price for a single Su-34 is around $36 million.

Variants

   Su-34FN, proposed long-range land-based maritime attack and anti-submarine warfare aircraft;

Su-34MF, multi-role fighter-bomber.

Su-34M is a modernized version. This model was tailored for reconnaissance roles and air defense suppression. It was demonstrated with a Sych reconnaissance pod. The Su-34M could replace in Russian service the ageing Su-24MR reconnaissance planes. Russian MoD ordered a first batch of 8 modernized Su-34M aircraft. First 4 modernized aircraft were delivered in 2021. Another 4 followed in 2022. These bombers saw action in Ukraine and at least one of them was lost.