Sukhoi To Deliver Russian Air Force Fighters

Aviation Week and Space Technology ^ | 11/18/2010 | Aviation Week and Space Technology

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

Sukhoi plans to hand over a new batch of Su-34 fighters to the Russian air force by year-end.

The aircraft are currently undergoing flight testing at the Novosibirsk NAPO assembly facility, company officials say. Although they would not specify the total number, four aircraft are believed to be involved.

This will be the first batch to be handed over since the contract signing in 2008, which calls for the delivery of 32 fighter bombers through 2013. The air force already operates five Su-34 strike aircraft from the preproduction batch.

During the Vostok 2010 military exercise last July, these aircraft flew nonstop for the first time with inflight refueling from the European part of Russia to “attack” their targets in the country’s Far East.

The Su-34 is based on the Su-27UB design, but features a new forward section with a cockpit providing side-by-side seating for a two-person crew, increased takeoff weight and expanded combat load-out. The strike aircraft can engage land, sea-based and airborne targets with a vast range of missiles and bombs, including precision weapons. The Su-34s should gradually replace the aging fleet of Su-24 bombers.

[massatoosits]

Not much you can tell me about Romney, as for the 34’s, one more system designed for carrier group interdiction...mice against elephant...same as sea skimming torpedo/missiles...same as any cheaper system designed to take down carrier group. I hope the boys in the defense dept keep their thinking caps on even at night.