MOSCOW: Two more serial Su-34 frontline bombers went up in the sky from the runway airport of the Novosibirsk Aircraft Production Association (NAPO) and off to the place of their deployment at the air base in Voronezh. The first four aircraft arrived there on December 12. According to the official announcement of the Western Military Command, as from the beginning of the year 2012 all Su-34 aircraft will take part in the military drills.
The aircraft delivery is carried out in the framework of the five-year state contract signed in 2008 to supply 32 Su-34 frontline bombers to the Russian Defense Ministry.
In September 2011 the state joint testing of the airplane was completed and the official act was signed with the recommendation to put the plane into service of the Russian Air Force. In future the Su-34 aircraft will replace the fleet of the Su-24 frontline bombers currently in service.
The Su-34 can effectively attack land-based, sea- and airborne targets by day and night in all weathers using the entire suite of its airborne munitions, including high-precision types. In terms of operational capabilities this is a 4+ generation aircraft. Its active safety system, along with the newest computers, provides extra capabilities for the pilot and navigator to perform precise bombing and to maneuver under enemy fire. The excellent aerodynamics, large capacity internal fuel tanks, fuel-efficient bypass engines with a digital control system, in-flight refueling device and add-on fuel tanks enable the aircraft to fly long distances close to those of medium strategic bombers.
The aircraft features an outstanding flight performance, maintainability and maneuverability. It has long-range aiming systems and modern on-board communication and information exchange system with ground control stations, ground troops and surface ships as well as between aircraft of the group.
The Su-34 is armed with highly effective long-range air-to-surface and air-to-air guided weapons enabling multi-channel operational employment. It is equipped with a highly intelligent system of radar countermeasures and defense. The Su-34 has a sophisticated survival system, including an armored cockpit. The aircraft can perform missions at a low altitude in bypass and fly-by modes. There are immediate plans to increase the combat potential of the aircraft with new weapons.
