Legendary Su-34 aircraft: specifications

A special "branch" of military aviation is its bombers. The purpose of these aircraft is clear from their name: they are used to hit the enemy's ground and naval targets, using for this purpose a wide range of bombs and missiles. To date, long-range strategic bomber aviation is represented by Tu-95MS and Tu-160, "long-range" Tu-22M3, as well as front-line "bombers". The Su-34 and Su-24 are the latter. They perform tactical functions.

How justified is their existence?

It is important to understand that in modern combat aviation it is very difficult to distinguish an attack aircraft from a bomber or even a multipurpose fighter, since they are very similar among themselves both in appearance and in the range of tasks that can be performed by them. But this impression is mistaken: in particular, the same Su-34 aircraft, although very similar to fighters, are extremely vulnerable in air combat.

The form is given to them only to ensure high aerodynamic efficiency and fuel economy, which is extremely important for their long flight range and high bomb load. However, some modern fighters (for example, the domestic T-50 or the "American" F-35) may well be used as bombers. But specialized "bombers" are still better suited for this role, as they have a large range of action and can carry a large number of powerful bombs and / or missiles.

Current state of affairs

It should be noted that the NATO block of specialized bombers, which are the Su-34 aircraft, did not remain in principle, since they were replaced by universal airplanes. For example, the last specialized Lockheed F-117 was cut to metal in 2008. The role of tactical bomb-throwers in the radius of the front-line zone is now assigned to the F-15E and F-16, the fleet for these tasks uses F / A-18, the same "Hornet".

Against this background, our country stands apart, having at once two specialized bombers: Su-24 and Su-34. Today we will talk about the most modern modification. Moreover, the model of the Su-34 is unique, since it combines the features of a stormtrooper and a bomber. Unlike the Americans who wanted to make a "wunderwaffe" in the person of F-22, our engineers went on the path of greatest expediency, as a result of which the new machine effectively performs all its tasks.

Front-line bomber Su-34

Today, this aircraft has high hopes, as it must provide the basic power of the country's strike aviation. The on-board equipment of the machine is such that it can use all the existing domestic range of air-to-surface weapons. Initially, the Su-34 was created to replace the old Su-24M. At present, the production of this equipment is one of the priority directions of the entire defense industry, considerable funds are allocated for this purpose. And to argue with such a statement is very difficult.

If, during the bringing to the world of Georgians, our army had only two such aircraft, then, as of mid-2015, there were 69 of them in the troops. At the May Victory Parade , 14 such vehicles were seen. There is information that all these planes our country should have no less than 150-200 pieces.

Start of development

Alas, even the legendary Su-34 is not a purely Russian invention. His design was started as early as June 19, 1986. The prototype flew for the first time on April 13, 1990. It should be noted that Soviet engineers did not begin to develop a new machine from a "clean slate", using the Su-27 developments. This aircraft was created specifically to replace the Su-24, which has already become significantly outdated.

"Beginner" was intended to work at any time of the day or night, in all weather conditions, on ground and inland (in the situation) goals. A feature of the new machine was that the pilots could much more confidently counteract the attack of enemy aircraft. Of course, before the attack aircraft the Su-34 military aircraft does not hold out, but it is not a defenseless "duck" either.

Long way to debut

The main designer was Rolland Martirosov. As we said, the prototype flew back in 1990, but the further way of the machine to take on arms was inexcusably prolonged.

So, the main stages of the State running tests were completed only at the end of 2010. And only in 2014 the Su-34 military aircraft was officially adopted. Interestingly, the bomber went to the series ... already in 2006! The issue was held by the Sukhoi holding in the person of the Novosibirsk Aviation Plant named after the famous pilot Chkalov. Within the framework of two contracts signed in 2008 and 2012, 124 aircraft are expected to be delivered. Since last year, the Ministry of Defense has reported that production has already reached the level of 14-20 aircraft a year. So, in 2014, 18 machines were delivered, when as a plan, 16 units were provided.

Differences from the progenitor

As we said, the Su-27 became the predecessor of the bomber. By the way, according to the number of borrowings that were taken from him, this aircraft is the undisputed leader. So, even in the design of the legendary Su-47 Berkut, the Su-27 developments were used. However, we are distracted.

So, the "console" part of the wings was taken almost without changes, and the tail fins were also borrowed. However, the shape of the fuselage was significantly changed in order to improve the aerodynamic qualities. But kinship is still visible to the naked eye.

The nose of the new machine was significantly extended, since there was no special antenna for the radar. The nose cone has acquired a more flattened and rounded shape. Inside this part there is also a separate radar antenna. The Russian Su-34 does not have a ventral crest.

Cabin and working conditions of pilots

The cabin is double, completely airtight. For the first time in airplanes of this class (all over the world, by the way) it is made in the form of a fully titanium capsule with a wall thickness of 17 mm. Its glazing, also following the example of the experience of the Mi-24 helicopter, is also armored. In many ways, this approach was caused by the proliferation of MANPADS, whose missiles are designed specifically for the defeat of pilots. Air in the cockpit of the pilots is heated or air-conditioned according to the situation. For the first time the scheme of landing the crew "shoulder to shoulder" was applied. This simplifies the interaction between pilots, reduces fatigue when performing complex maneuvers.

To the left is the pilot, to the right - the navigator. Unlike other tactical bombers, the Su-34 (photo of which is in the article) has such a spacious cabin that it can easily stand up and even walk. If the flight is long, the pilots can take turns sleeping in the aisle. There is also a microwave for warming up the ration and a bathroom. The pilots enter the cockpit from the stern, with the help of a folding ladder.

Combat capabilities of the machine

It is believed that the aircraft belongs to the class 4+. The on-board computer has a number of completely new programs that significantly increase the combat survivability of the machine, ensuring its high maneuverability. This will enable the navigator and the pilot to pay more attention to the actual bombing.

The aircraft has excellent aerodynamic characteristics, has capacious tanks for fuel, can be refueled in the air. The presence of high-efficiency engines with high economy, as well as the ability to install additional tanks allow you to make extremely long flights. Experience shows that the Su-34 can be in the air for at least 10 hours.

For pilots, the load does not exceed the standard load, since during the flight they can rest. An important difference of this model from its predecessor is full openness of radio electronic equipment, as well as its modular execution. Thanks to this, any component of the on-board electronics can be replaced with a new, more efficient analog. In general, this feature is typical for Sukhoi's products, thanks to which the cars of this brand took the dominant position in the Russian Air Force.

Shock capabilities and self-defense

The aircraft is characterized by high-resolution sights, a system for exchanging data with land forces, aircraft and surface ships. The use of this equipment makes it possible to interact better with various kinds of troops and increase the effectiveness of combat use. As we said, the machine is characterized by the ability to use all modern "smart" bombs and missiles, including those using multi-channel guidance systems.

Radar countermeasures and active jamming systems are another "highlight" that distinguishes the Su-34 aircraft (its characteristics we disassemble). This equipment dramatically increases the chances of a combat vehicle to survive in a maneuverable battle. Taking into account the armored cabin, the life of the pilots is protected at the highest level. Today, experts continue to work on improving the combat characteristics of this remarkable aircraft, focusing on expanding the variety of weapons that can be used by pilots to defeat the enemy.

Practical use

This bomber has already been used twice in real combat operations. The first episode dates back to 2008. Two of these aircraft were successfully used by our aircraft, suppressing the identified points of the Georgian missile defense system. To prevent enemy calculations to be directed at attack aircraft, the legendary Su-34 was also used for active jamming. In addition, Georgian beeches and C-125 conducted targeted strikes with special missiles. The main victory in the war experts recognize the complete destruction of the enemy radar 36D6-M, which was located near Gori. This is also the merit of the machine described by us.

Basic TTX

Finally, we describe the main technical characteristics of the aircraft examined by us:

• Full wingspan, meters - 14.7.
• Total area of the wing, m² - 62.
• The total length of the airframe, meters - 22.
• The maximum height of the fuselage, meters - 5.93.
• Maximum take-off weight, kg - 44 360.
• Engines - 2 TRDDF AL-31F.
• The maximum speed of the Su-34, km / h - 1900 km / h (M = 1.6 M).
• The maximum range of flight, km - 4500.
• Altitude ceiling, km - 17.
• The radius of combat use, km - 1100.
• The crew is two pilots.

What is the Su-34 (the photo you see above) is armed? For close combat, a 30 mm GSh-301 cannon can be used. Its standard ammunition is 180 rounds. The maximum weight of ammunition can be at once eight tons. Rockets and bombs can be attached to 12 pylons. To combat the radio-technical struggle from the enemy, the REB "Khibiny" complex is used.

Here he is, the Su-34, whose characteristics are examined by us in this article.