Intro
Discover the Su-34 Fullback Fighters exceptional capabilities. Learn about its advanced avionics, precision-guided munitions, and multi-role design. Explore its supersonic speed, range, and maneuverability features. Find out how this Russian-built aircraft excels in air-to-air and air-to-ground combat, making it a formidable opponent in modern warfare.
The Sukhoi Su-34 Fullback is a Russian-made multi-role fighter bomber that has been in service since the mid-2000s. With its advanced avionics, precision-guided munitions, and robust design, the Su-34 has become a formidable force in modern airpower. Here are five things you might not know about this impressive aircraft.
The Su-34 is a derivative of the Su-27 Flanker, a highly maneuverable and successful air superiority fighter. However, the Su-34 was designed from the outset as a strike aircraft, with an emphasis on range, payload, and precision. Its designers took the basic Su-27 airframe and modified it to accommodate a new, side-by-side cockpit arrangement, which provides improved crew comfort and visibility.
Design and Development
The Su-34's design reflects its role as a long-range strike aircraft. It features a lengthened fuselage, which provides increased internal fuel capacity and space for additional avionics. The aircraft's wings are also slightly modified, with a revised leading edge and increased span to improve lift and stability during low-speed flight. The Su-34's engines are the same Saturn AL-31F turbofans used in the Su-27, but with modified exhaust nozzles to reduce infrared signature.
Main Features
- Lengthened fuselage with increased internal fuel capacity
- Modified wings with revised leading edge and increased span
- Side-by-side cockpit arrangement
- Advanced avionics, including phased array radar and electronic warfare systems
- Precision-guided munitions capability
Combat Capabilities
The Su-34 is designed to deliver a wide range of munitions, from precision-guided bombs and missiles to unguided rockets and cannon rounds. Its advanced avionics and sensor systems enable the aircraft to detect and engage targets at long range, day or night, and in adverse weather conditions. The Su-34 can also carry a variety of air-to-air missiles, making it a capable air-to-air combatant.
Weapons Capability
- Precision-guided bombs and missiles
- Unguided rockets and cannon rounds
- Air-to-air missiles
- Electro-optical and infrared sensors for targeting and navigation
Operators and Service History
The Su-34 is currently in service with the Russian Aerospace Forces, where it has seen combat in several conflicts, including the Syrian Civil War. The aircraft has also been exported to a few countries, including Algeria and China. The Su-34 has gained a reputation as a reliable and effective strike aircraft, capable of delivering precision-guided munitions in a variety of environments.
Operators
- Russian Aerospace Forces
- Algerian Air Force
- People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)
Specifications
- 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 (49,600 lb)
- Maximum takeoff weight: 45,100 kg (99,400 lb)
- Engines: 2 x Saturn AL-31F turbofans
- Thrust: 2 x 14,000 kgf (30,800 lbf)
Gallery of Su-34 Fullback Fighter
Su-34 Fullback Fighter Image Gallery
What is the Su-34 Fullback's primary role?
+The Su-34 Fullback is a multi-role fighter bomber, designed to deliver precision-guided munitions in a variety of environments.
What are the Su-34's key features?
+The Su-34 features a lengthened fuselage, modified wings, and a side-by-side cockpit arrangement. It also has advanced avionics, including phased array radar and electronic warfare systems.
Who are the primary operators of the Su-34?
+The Russian Aerospace Forces are the primary operators of the Su-34, although it has also been exported to Algeria and China.
We hope you've enjoyed learning about the Su-34 Fullback fighter bomber. With its advanced avionics, precision-guided munitions, and robust design, this aircraft has become a formidable force in modern airpower. Whether you're a military aviation enthusiast or simply interested in learning more about this impressive aircraft, we encourage you to share your thoughts and questions in the comments below.