Su 34 Fighter Bomber Specs
Introduction to the Su-34 Fighter Bomber
The Su-34, also known as the Fullback by NATO, is a Russian twin-engine, twin-seat, multi-role fighter bomber designed by the Sukhoi company. It is intended to replace the Su-24 Fencer. The Su-34 has a unique blend of stealth capabilities, advanced avionics, and a robust weapons payload, making it a formidable aircraft in modern air warfare.
Design and Development
The development of the Su-34 began in the 1990s as a derivative of the Su-27 Flanker. However, it has undergone significant modifications to become a distinct aircraft with enhanced capabilities. The Su-34 features a twin-seat cockpit with a side-by-side seating arrangement, providing better crew coordination during combat missions. The aircraft’s design incorporates composite materials and radar-absorbent materials to reduce its radar cross-section, enhancing its stealth capabilities.
Key Specifications
The Su-34 has the following key specifications: - Length: 23.34 meters (76.6 feet) - Wingspan: 14.7 meters (48.2 feet) - Height: 6.09 meters (20 feet) - Empty weight: 22,500 kilograms (49,600 pounds) - Maximum takeoff weight: 45,100 kilograms (99,400 pounds) - Powerplant: 2 x Saturn AL-31FM1 turbofan engines, 14,000 kilograms-force (31,000 lbf) thrust each - Maximum speed: Over Mach 1.8 (1,200 mph or 1,931 km/h) at high altitude - Range: 4,000 kilometers (2,500 miles) with external fuel tanks - Service ceiling: 17,000 meters (55,774 feet)
Avionics and Electronics
The Su-34 is equipped with advanced avionics and electronics, including: - Phazotron Kopyo-28 radar system with a range of up to 150 kilometers (93 miles) - WN-8010 computer system for flight control and weapons management - Domed nose housing for the IRST (Infrared Search and Track) system - Advanced electronic warfare (EW) capabilities for self-defense
Armament and Payload
The Su-34 can carry a wide range of weapons, including: - Air-to-air missiles: R-27, R-73, R-77 - Air-to-ground missiles: Kh-25, Kh-29, Kh-59 - Bombs: Up to 12,000 kilograms (26,455 pounds) of free-fall bombs, cluster bombs, and precision-guided munitions - Gun: 1 x 30mm GSh-30-1 cannon with 180 rounds
Operational History
The Su-34 entered service with the Russian Air Force in 2014. It has been deployed in various combat operations, including the Syrian Civil War. The aircraft has demonstrated its capabilities in ground attack missions and has been praised for its range, payload capacity, and advanced avionics.
🚀 Note: The Su-34's stealth capabilities and advanced avionics make it a highly effective multi-role fighter bomber in modern air warfare.
Comparison with Other Aircraft
The Su-34 can be compared to other multi-role fighter bombers such as the F-15E Strike Eagle and the Panavia Tornado. While each aircraft has its unique strengths and weaknesses, the Su-34 stands out for its range, payload capacity, and advanced avionics.
Aircraft | Length (m) | Wingspan (m) | Empty weight (kg) | Maximum takeoff weight (kg) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Su-34 | 23.34 | 14.7 | 22,500 | 45,100 |
F-15E Strike Eagle | 19.43 | 13.05 | 14,379 | 36,400 |
Panavia Tornado | 16.68 | 13.91 | 13,890 | 28,000 |
The Su-34’s advanced avionics and stealth capabilities make it a highly effective multi-role fighter bomber in modern air warfare. Its range and payload capacity also make it an excellent choice for ground attack missions.
In summary, the Su-34 is a highly capable multi-role fighter bomber with advanced avionics, stealth capabilities, and a robust weapons payload. Its range and payload capacity make it an excellent choice for ground attack missions, while its advanced avionics and stealth capabilities make it a formidable opponent in air-to-air combat.
What is the primary role of the Su-34?
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The primary role of the Su-34 is as a multi-role fighter bomber, capable of performing a wide range of missions, including air-to-air combat, ground attack, and reconnaissance.
What are the key features of the Su-34’s design?
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The Su-34 features a twin-seat cockpit with a side-by-side seating arrangement, composite materials and radar-absorbent materials to reduce its radar cross-section, and a unique domed nose housing for the IRST (Infrared Search and Track) system.
What is the Su-34’s maximum speed and range?
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The Su-34 has a maximum speed of over Mach 1.8 (1,200 mph or 1,931 km/h) at high altitude and a range of up to 4,000 kilometers (2,500 miles) with external fuel tanks.