Posted on 12/24/2009 11:03:44 PM PST by myknowledge
Three years after deciding to start production, the Russian Air Force received the first two production models of the Su-34 fighter-bomber. The original plan was to put 24 aircraft into service by 2010. It was hoped that they would eventually be able to buy a hundred. Apparently one goal of undertaking serial production was to encourage foreign purchases. No luck there yet.
The 45 ton Su-34 is a replacement for the 43 ton Su-24 bomber, which is beginning to show its age (over twenty years). There are 300 Su-24s on the books, but most of these are not fit for service. The Su-34 is most similar to the U.S. F-15E (a two seat fighter bomber version of the 31 ton F-15C.), and is yet another variant of the 33 ton Su-27. The Su-34 has a full set of defensive and offensive sensors (radars, targeting cameras, laser designators) and electronic warfare gear, and can carry eight tons of missiles and smart bombs. The aircraft can be refueled in the air.
By 2013, Russia now plans to have 32 Su-34s in service, at a cost of $36 million each (less than half the cost of an F-15E). Meanwhile, some of the more recently built Su-24s are being upgraded as the Su-24M2. Most of the 1,400 Su-24s built are over 25 years old, and many have been grounded several times recently because of age related problems. Prototypes of the Su-34 has been in the air for several years, and earlier versions of two seater Su-27 bombers were known as the Su-32.
GlobalSecurity.org - Su-34 Fullback
The Russian VVS plans to induct two operational fighter regiments (equivalent to USAF fighter wings) of Su-34 Fullbacks (32 in total). That's surely a far cry from the ~220 F-15E Strike Eagles in USAF service with 3 combat fighter wings (4th, 48th and 366th).
Cockpit layout and function looks more like our old friend the F-111
I know next to zip about fighter craft, but it seemed odd to see side-by-side stations. I am guessing one is pilot, the other weapons?
The Russians have been building knockoffs of US airplanes for years. Cuts down on engineering costs!
Correct. The left side seat is pilot, right side seat is WSO.
It ain’t got no cupholders!
Maybe I'd be better off flying cropdusters if I were to be a flier. I gather that there you have to get your nose out of the instrument panel.
Thanks for the response -- and Merry Christmas! (I am off for the night.)
Russians love teal cockpits. WHY?
Russians love teal cockpits. WHY?
The Su-34 combines the side-by-side cockpit of the F-111, along with a platypus nose design, to a modified Flanker airframe.
It does. The plane also has a backroom for the pilots
Maybe to match the color of the aircraft.
Isn’t this the Russian plane with the pilot’s toilet in it ?
I dunno, it’s been that way so long. Even their civilian ones had teal cockpits.
I’d like to know why, I’m guessing by now it’s a tradition.
Is this a new Christmas toy for boys?
Yes, it has a toilet behind the cockpit, for long ferry / transit flights. The Fullback is designed as a long range fighter-bomber.
Yes, it has a toilet behind the cockpit, for long ferry / transit flights. The Fullback is designed as a long range fighter-bomber.
Yeah, for the flyboys of the Russian VVS.
>>>> It ain’t got no cupholders!
It may have a bathroom though.
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