What does the Russian Air Force’s newest fighter aircraft model, which is also the mainstay of the 21st century, make other air forces afraid?
After more than 20 years of research, manufacturing and testing, the new generation tactical fighter-bomber Su-34 was officially accepted into the Russian Air Force’s service on March 20, 2014. The Su-34 will gradually replace the Su-24 as the main tactical bomber of the Russian Air Force in the 21st century.
Russian fighter aircraft SUKHOI Su-34.
The Su-34 fighter is designed according to an integrated aerodynamic scheme with a soft-linked wing to the fuselage; In addition to the arrow-shaped main wing and horizontal tail, there is also a fully dynamic horizontal tail at the nose, allowing increased maneuverability of the aircraft. The horizontal tail at the nose rotates synchronously to allow the aircraft to change altitude, and rotates apart to control the tilt angle. The vertical tail of the Т-10V is of a two-way type, with directional steering cantilever.
The cockpit with more space allows the pilot to have enough space to operate and relax if necessary.
Compared to the Su-27, the Su-34 has a larger cockpit and a different body shape due to the layout of the crew and part of the equipment on board. The outstanding feature of the Su-34 is the nose with a rather large cockpit covered with titanium armor, with 2 driver seats for the pilot to be placed equally.
Pilots can board the plane using the front wheel cavity of the Su-34.
Unlike the Su-24, the pilot can enter the new bomber’s cockpit through the fork cavity first. Cockpit height at the back of the driver’s seat allows the pilot to stay upright and move his body when needed. In addition, in the cockpit there are sanitary facilities and cabinets for storing and warming food. All these solutions allow to significantly increase the working capacity of the crew during long flights. The flight length of the T-10V according to the capabilities of the pilots is estimated at 10 hours (if this factor is not taken into account, the aircraft’s continuous flight time thanks to the refueling system is limited only by the fuel reserve). work of the engines).
Food and drink containers ready for the pilot are mounted right behind the driver’s seat.
A detail instead of a toilet dedicated to pilots allows them to “resolve sadness” even while flying the Su-34.
The Su-34 is designed to penetrate enemy air and ground air defense systems and destroy priority targets on the ground and at sea with bombs and missiles. Su-34 is capable of both air-to-air and surface-to-surface combat, so it can destroy mobile and stationary surface and water targets in all weather and climate conditions, regardless of night. day.
The onboard radar of the Su-34 allows to detect flying targets at a range of up to 120km, and at the same time stick to 10 targets and shoot 4 of them. Ground target detection range depending on size is from 30-100km. The highlight of the Su-34 is its ability to use all existing high-precision weapons of the Russian Air Force.
In terms of firepower, the Su-34 fighter is equipped with a 30mm GSh-30-1 automatic aviation cannon (with 150 rounds of ammunition) similar to the older Su-27/Su-30. and on the aircraft there are 12 suspension points including 8 points under the wings and 4 points under the fuselage to mount weapons with a total weight of 8-12 tons. Depending on the combat mission, the aircraft can be equipped with different types of bombs. The Su-34 can be equipped with R-27, R-73 and R-77 guided air-to-air missiles, KAB-500, KAB-1500 guided bombs, rockets or 500kg bombs.. … When performing naval service missions, the Su-34 can carry tanks containing radio buoys or auxiliary oil tanks.
Su-34 fighter jets fire missiles.
The Su-34’s aiming-navigation system includes a multi-function radar with a phased array antenna V004, an infrared navigation device, a laser rangefinder and a television camera… All necessary information about flight parameters, path flight and targets… are processed by the onboard computer and displayed on multi-function color screens in the cockpit.
Panoramic view of the cockpit of the Su-34 fighter jet.
The SU-34 fighter jet is powered by two Lyulka AL-35F turbofans with high-temperature turbochargers providing 7,800kgf (kilograms of force) thrust each in maximum thrust and 12,500kgf in thrust mode. force increase.
Su-34 has a normal take-off weight of about 39 tons, maximum 45.1 tons. The Su-34 can reach speeds of up to 1,900km/h at a high ceiling and 1,100km/h at low altitudes and hang external weapons. The combat radius of the Su-34 is 1,130km and when on patrol duty, with a huge fuel capacity of up to 15,400 liters, it can fly 4,000km without refueling. With three in-flight refueling, the Su-34 is capable of flying up to 14,000km.
Su-34 aircraft flying in tactical formations.
Su-34 aircraft to be equipped into upcoming squadrons, it also needs an active safety system with an element of artificial intelligence. This system allows the aircraft to perform any acrobatic maneuvers to make the Su-34 more flexible in combat, it also allows the aircraft to glide over treetops and the ground at a maximum speed of 1,400km. /H. The Su-34 can fly TERCOM (Terrain Contour Matching – fly along low terrain) , fly around to avoid unexpected obstacles and fly through enemy ground air defense areas. Aircraft pilots thanks to such systems can bomb with high precision, operate in secret, destroy enemy weapons, missiles and defensive “shields” .
It can be said that the Su-34 excels in flexibility as well as versatility, both as a bomber and as an interceptor, with a long range. Compared to multi-role fighters, the Su-34 scores points thanks to its ability to attack the ground, compared to bomber fighters, it is much better in its ability to fight air and ship.