Posted on 11/02/2017 3:31:47 AM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
MOSCOW, November 1. /TASS/. A Russian multipurpose fighter bomber may get a one-seat variant as an attack aircraft, Russia’s Aerospace Force ex-commander and Chairman of the Federation Council Defense and Security Committee Viktor Bondarev told TASS on Wednesday.
"My opinion is that a new attack aircraft should be made on the basis of the Su-34 after all. This is a splendid plane. It is maneuverable and has eight tonnes of the bomb load against four tonnes carried by the Su-25. It has excellent characteristics… I believe that it is simpler and easier to make a cockpit for one pilot and leave all the rest as it is," he said. A new attack aircraft will actually have the same engines as the Su-34, he added.
"An attack aircraft will always be needed. The Su-25 has been upgraded to the Su-25SM3 version. It has a very reliable airframe and huge modernization and repair potential. I believe it will fly for another 10-15 years. Naturally, we will have to replace it eventually and today various options are being considered," the Aerospace Force ex-commander said.
As a source in the defense industry told TASS, experimental design work on developing an attack aircraft on the basis of the Su-34 bomber is expected to begin in 2018.
Russia’s Defense Ministry signed the first contract on the delivery of Su-34 aircraft to the troops in 2008.
The Russian Armed Forces are expected to get a total of 150-200 such planes. This aircraft can carry up to eight tonnes of combat load and develop a speed of up to 1,900 km/h and its operation range is 4,000 km.
More: http://tass.com/defense/973608
No A-10 this!
Misprint, misdirection or they expect to rely on air to mud missiles, of which they can carry only so many...
More like a Squirt ‘n’ Skiddadle.
That’s the “standard” load for the SU-27 and Mig-29 variants (the 34 is derived from the SU-27). European fighters also carry a similar number for their 27mm and 30mm guns.
The F-35A’s internal gun has only 182 rounds.
I read somewhere that in the paired crew of the Sukhoi the crew can actually stand up inside of the cockpit.
And they climb aboard through a through a ventral port with a ladder.
I imagine with a single crew member maybe they will put in a racquetball court or a buffet line with chafing dishes..?
Non stealthy but as far as aesthetic goes this basic airframe I think is one of the most beautiful in the world, probably the most beautiful.
I doubt it is similar to an SU-25/A-10 role. Probably more like an F-15 Strike Eagle.
The work load on single pilot operation is very high in a combat situation. You really need a GIB on board.
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