[sukhoi-30mki]

The SU-34 is bigger than pretty much all serving US tactical aircraft; it’s loaded weight figures are twice as much as that of the F-18.

The only aircraft you could compare it with in role and dimensions is the F-111.

[Axeslinger]

Oh, I'm glad you went there. First, recall that the Russki's are the ones saying that the SU-34 is their answer for the same 3 roles that the Super Hornet is good for: Air to Air, Ground Attack, and Reconnaissance. So now, let's do some comparisons. Here are the published stats for the SU-34 and F18E/F.

SU-34:
Length: 72 ft 2 in
Wingspan: 48 ft 3 in
Height: 19 ft 5 in
Empty weight: 48,502 lb
Weapons load: 17,600 lb
Maximum speed: 1,180 mph
Combat radius: 680 mi
Service ceiling: 49,200 ft
Wing loading: 129 lb/ft²
Thrust/weight: 0.68

F-18E/F
Length: 60ft 1in
Wingspan: 44ft 8in
Height: 16ft
Empty weight: 32,081 lb
Weapons loadout: 17,750 lb
Maximum speed: 1,190 mph
Range: 1,275 nmi
Combat radius: 449 mi
Service ceiling: 50,000+ ft
Wing loading: 94.0 lb/ft²
Thrust/weight: 0.93

Notice that they look REMARKABLE similar! Except the Russki version is bigger, 50% heavier with a piss-poor thrust to weight ratio and 37% greater loads on the wings. (Therefore, it is less maneuverable and won't climb as well) But, hey, at least that SU-34 has got a toilet and a food warmer in it!

[Axeslinger]

Oh, and as a follow-on:

Re: "It's loaded weight figures are twice as much as the F-18." You're right. It's loaded weight is almost 100,000lbs. But that's because it has to carry that much more fuel to get the desired extra combat radius. There's that whole thrust to weight ratio again... Lots more fuel to lift MUCH more weight to go a bit farther.

But note that it's armament loadout weight is actually LESS than the F-18