A special "branch" of military aviation is its bombers. The purpose of these aircraft is clear from their name: they are used to hit enemy ground and sea targets using a wide range of bombs and missiles. To date, long-range strategic bomber aviation is represented by Tu-95MS and Tu-160, long-range Tu-22M3, as well as front-line bombers. The latter are the Su-34 and Su-24 aircraft. They perform tactical functions.
How justified is their existence?
It is important to understand that in modern combat aviation it can be very difficult to distinguish an attack aircraft from a bomber or even a multi-role fighter, since they are very similar to each other both in appearance and in the range of tasks that they can perform. But this impression is erroneous: in particular, the same Su-34 aircraft, although they are very similar tofighters in air combat are extremely vulnerable.
They are shaped only to ensure high aerodynamic efficiency and fuel economy, which, given their long range and high bomb load, is an extremely important condition. At the same time, some modern fighters (for example, the domestic T-50 or the "American" F-35) may well be used as bombers. But specialized "bombers" are still better suited for this role, as they have a large range and can carry a large number of powerful bombs and / or missiles.
The current state of affairs
Note that the NATO bloc has no specialized bombers, which are the Su-34 aircraft, in principle, since their place was taken by universal aircraft. For example, the last specialized Lockheed F-117 was cut into metal back in 2008. The role of tactical bombers within the radius of the front line is now assigned to the F-15E and F-16, the fleet uses the F / A-18, aka the Hornet, for these tasks.
Against this background, our country stands apart, having two specialized bombers at once: Su-24 and Su-34. Today we will talk about the most modern modification. Moreover, the model of the Su-34 aircraft is unique, as it combines the features of an attack aircraft and a bomber. Unlike the Americans, who wanted to make a “wunderwaffe” in the face of the F-22, our engineers took the path of the greatest expediency, as a result of which the new machine effectively performs all its tasks.tasks.
Front-line bomber Su-34
Today, great hopes are placed on this aircraft, as it should provide the main power of the country's strike aircraft. The onboard equipment of the machine is such that it can use the entire existing domestic range of air-to-surface weapons. Initially, the Su-34 aircraft were created to replace the old Su-24M. At present, the production of this equipment is one of the priorities of the entire defense industry, and considerable funds are allocated for this purpose. And it is very difficult to argue with such a statement.
If during the bringing to peace of the Georgians, our army had only two such aircraft at its disposal, then, as of mid-2015, there were 69 of them in the troops. At the May Victory Parade, 14 such machines were seen. There is information that our country should have at least 150-200 of these aircraft.
Begin development
Alas, even the legendary Su-34 aircraft is not a purely Russian invention. Its design began on June 19, 1986. The prototype first flew on April 13, 1990. It should be noted that Soviet engineers did not begin to develop a new machine from scratch, taking advantage of the developments in the Su-27. This aircraft was created specifically to replace the already significantly outdated Su-24.
"Novichok" was designed to work at any time of the day or night, in all weather conditions, on ground and surface (according to the situation) targets. The peculiarity of the new machine was thatpilots could more confidently resist the attack of enemy aircraft. Of course, the Su-34 military aircraft is not up to attack aircraft, but it is not a defenseless "duck" either.
Long way to debut
Rolland Martirosov was appointed chief designer. As we said, the prototype flew back in 1990, but the further path of the machine to adoption was inexcusably delayed.
Thus, the main stages of the State sea trials ended only at the end of 2010. And only in 2014, the Su-34 military aircraft was officially put into service. Interestingly, the bomber has gone into series … since 2006! The issue was handled by the Sukhoi holding represented by the Novosibirsk Aviation Plant named after the famous pilot Chkalov. Within the framework of two contracts concluded in 2008 and 2012, the delivery of 124 aircraft is expected. Since last year, the Ministry of Defense has reported that production has already reached the level of 14-20 aircraft per year. So, already in 2014, 18 cars were delivered, when the plan provided for 16 units.
Differences from the progenitor
As we said, the predecessor of the bomber was the Su-27. By the way, in terms of the number of borrowings that were taken from him, this aircraft is the undisputed leader. So, even in the design of the legendary Su-47 Berkut, developments on the Su-27 were used. However, we digress.
So, the cantilever parts of the wings were taken from the "donor" with virtually no changes, and the tail unit was also borrowed. However, the shape of the fuselage has been significantly changed in the name of improvingaerodynamic qualities. But the relationship is still visible to the naked eye.
The nose of the new car was significantly lengthened, since a special radar antenna did not fit there. The nose cone has acquired a more flattened and rounded shape. Inside this part is also a separate radar antenna. The Russian Su-34 has no ventral fins.
Cockpit and working conditions for pilots
Cab double, fully sealed. For the first time in aircraft of this class (in the whole world, by the way), it is made in the form of a fully titanium capsule with a wall thickness of 17 mm. Its glazing, following the example of the experience of the Mi-24 helicopter, is also armored. In many respects, this approach was due to the spread of MANPADS, the missiles of which are designed specifically to kill pilots. The air in the cockpit is heated or air-conditioned according to the situation. For the first time, the crew landing scheme "shoulder to shoulder" was applied. This simplifies the interaction between the pilots, reduces fatigue when performing complex maneuvers.
The pilot is on the left, the navigator is on the right. Unlike other tactical bombers, the Su-34 aircraft (whose photo is in the article) has such a spacious cabin that you can easily get up and even walk in it. If the flight is long, the pilots can take turns sleeping in the aisle. There is also a microwave oven for warming up rations and a bathroom. Pilots enter the cockpit from the stern, using a folding ladder.
Combat capabilities of the vehicle
The aircraft is considered to be class 4+. On-board computerhas a number of completely new programs that can significantly increase the combat survivability of the vehicle, ensuring its high maneuverability. This will enable the navigator and the pilot himself to pay more attention to the bombing itself.
The aircraft has excellent aerodynamic characteristics, has large fuel tanks, and can be refueled in the air. The presence of highly efficient engines with high efficiency, as well as the possibility of installing additional tanks, make it possible to make extremely long flights. Experience shows that the Su-34 can stay in the air for at least 10 hours.
The load on the pilots does not exceed the standard, as they can rest during the flight. An important difference between this model and its predecessor is the complete openness of electronic equipment, as well as its modular design. Thanks to this, any component of on-board electronics can be replaced with a new, more efficient analogue. In general, this feature is typical for Sukhoi products, thanks to which the machines of this brand have taken a dominant position in the Russian Air Force.
Strike ability and self-defense
The aircraft features high-resolution sights, a data exchange system with ground troops, aircraft and surface ships. The use of this equipment allows you to better interact with various types of troops and increase the effectiveness of combat use. As we said, the machine is distinguished by its ability to useall modern "smart" bombs and missiles, including those using multi-channel guidance systems.
Radar countermeasures and active jamming systems - this is another "highlight" that distinguishes the Su-34 aircraft (we are analyzing its characteristics). This equipment dramatically increases the chances of a combat vehicle to survive in a maneuverable battle. Given the armored cockpit, the life of the pilots is protected to the highest standard. Today, experts continue to work on improving the combat performance of this remarkable aircraft, focusing on expanding the variety of weapons that pilots can use to defeat the enemy.
Practical application
This bomber has already been used twice in actual combat. The first episode dates back to 2008. These two aircraft were successfully used by our aviation, suppressing the identified points of the Georgian missile defense system. To prevent enemy crews from aiming at attack aircraft, the legendary Su-34 aircraft was also used to set up active jamming. In addition, directed strikes were carried out against Georgian Buk and S-125 missiles with special missiles. Experts consider the complete destruction of the enemy 36D6-M radar located near Gori to be the main victory in that war. This is also the merit of the machine we are describing.
Basic performance characteristics
Finally, we will describe the main technical characteristics of the aircraft we examined:
- Full span, meters - 14, 7.
- Total wing area, m² - 62.
- Total length of the glider, meters - 22.
- Maximum fuselage height, meters - 5, 93.
- Maximum takeoff weight, kg - 44 360.
- Engines - 2 turbofans AL-31F.
- The maximum speed of the Su-34, km/h - 1900 km/h (M=1, 6M).
- Maximum flight range, km - 4500.
- Height ceiling, km - 17.
- Combat use radius, km - 1100.
- Crew - two pilots.
What is the Su-34 aircraft (you can see in the photo above) armed with? For close combat, the 30 mm GSh-301 cannon can be used. Its standard ammunition is 180 rounds. The maximum weight of ammunition can be eight tons at once. Rockets and bombs can be mounted on 12 pylons. To counter electronic warfare by the enemy, the Khibiny electronic warfare system is used.
Here it is, the Su-34 aircraft, the characteristics of which we have reviewed in this article.
