Function: Tactical fighter bomber.





History: Developed in the late 1980's as a variant to the Su-27 Flanker B, the Su-27IB (or Su-34) is a new tactical fighter bomber intended to replace the aging fleet of Russian Su-17, Su-24, and MiG-27 attack aircraft currently in service. Based on the Su-27UB two seat in line trainer, the Su-34 first flew in April of 1990 with the first purpose built tandem side by side seat prototype flying in December of 1993.





Description: As a strike aircraft, the Su-34 incorperates an advanced multi-function phased array radar capable of terrain following and avoidance for high speed, low level operations. In addition, the Su-34 features a rearward facing radar capqable of detecting, tracking, and directing R-73 or R-77 AAMs at persuing enemy aircraft. In addition to its capabilities as a strike aircraft, a version is being fielded to replace the Su-24MR for service as a tactical reconnaissance aircraft (similar in function to the RC-4 Phantom II) and airborne electronic warfare (similar to the EF-111 Raven). This version will incorperate sideways looking radar, signal gathering and classification equipment, television, infrared, laser and photographic abilities into a single, fully integrated package. The Su-34 is currently entering service with the Russian Airforce with Naval and export versions under development.





General Characteristics, Su-34 Flanker



Designer:

Sukhoi Design Bureau





Power Plant:

Two Lyulka AL-31MF afterburning turbofans





Thrust:

29,320 pounds each





Length:

21.94 meters (71.98 feet)





Height:

5.93 meters (19.45 feet)





Wingspan:

14.7 meters (48.22 feet)





Speed:

2,500 kmh (1,553 mph) at 30,000 feet



1,400 kmh (870 mph) at sea level





Ceiling:

18,000 meters (59,055 feet)







Weight:

23,249 kilograms (51,257 pounds) empty





Maximum Takeoff Weight:

44,359 kilograms (97,796 pounds)





Range:

4,000 kilometers (2,485 miles) on internal fuel; capable of in-flight refueling





Crew:

Two





Armament:

One GSh-30-1 30mm internally mounted cannon with 225 rounds of ammunition



17,635 pounds (8,000 kilograms) of external ordinance including missiles, rockets, gravity bombs, and guided munitions carried on 11 hardpoints





Date Deployed:

1997