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SU-34/32FN Fullback Long range fighter-bomber

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Webmaster:
Unfortunately, I don't know the latest status either, but it's a bit further along than F-111C/C said. This is what I know:

1) Red 01 and Red 02 were the first two production-standard aircraft handed over to the RuAF for state trials in late 2006, delivery in 2007. Red 01 is said to be the final prototype, code 49, upped to standard. Red 02 seems would then be 48. According to my info there was a 8 month delay between hand-over and actual first delivery to the test unit. Six more were to follow the same year, but deliveries didn't materialize afaik.

2) Red 03 was delivered, not sure when exactly, still working that out before I update my Su-34 section. First real new one it seems, so production should be underway now on the other 5.

3) March 28, 2009, (March 27 according to NAPO  :-\) Medvedev flew the aircraft Red 03. Stating, an order would be placed for 24 aircraft, with 32 to be in service by 2015. I think this confirms the initial order of 8 (3 delivered so far).

4) NAPO (Sukhoi owned) / RuAF refers to it as Su-34, while the Sukhoi site still lists it as Su-32 (possibly maintained for export customers, as the earlier Su-32FN/MF demonstrators, or just out-of-date).

5) 32 by 2015 is less than 50% of the previously envisaged 70. Don't think they couldn't produce more, but I think allocation of the defence funding package has possible changed (more money towards nuclear and long-range, pak-fa maybe) and shrinking as a result of the economic crises and drop of energy prices. Just speculating.


Regarding the other questions:


--- Quote ---I'm not sure that's right but that's what caught my attention the weights. 
--- End quote ---
Weight: I know! I am not sure they can trusted either, although compared to the other Flankers, it's not inconceivable.

Weapons load:  8000 kg (17,637 lb)
This number is the same as reported for the Su-35/30, I am suspicious of this number, as I know it hasn't been changed since the first publication on the Su-34. But looking at more recent empty / normal / max weights figures, it seems it has gained about 4000 kg in weight and 2000-2500 kg in fuel, so if you then look at the others, then indeed you end up with a 8000 kg max load. But maybe that just is because the figures have been extrapolated/calculated on the basis of limited data available. The 8kg max on the Su-27 was achieved by structural reinforcements. I am thinking the Su-34 might be capable of more at the expense of fuel, whereas on the Su-27SMK/Su-30MK2 it's the hard limit. I'm no aerospace engineer though.


--- Quote ---12 pylons I thought Su-30s have 14?
--- End quote ---
12


--- Quote ---Another question I have is why not standardized production and go with a duel role Su-35 to carry out both mission types.  I don't see the payload differences between the two like between a F-111 and F-15E, to produce both models in such tough times. 
--- End quote ---
Because it needs the range that the Su-35 can only offer with external fuel, limiting its load carrying. Then there's the second cockpit, better attack radar / TFR and EW equipment that would make the Su-35 too heavy and expensive for export of the air dominance role. I would have suggested fitting that 117S engine to the Su-34 though, not sure where they stand on that. May be impossible now without further changes (needs bigger intakes).


--- Quote ---Just going by this web page it's late 90s tech 2000/2001 that's it, I didn't see any upgrades to the program maybe I miss something.  So tech wise the few Su-35 built are most likely more advance in some areas I assume computer power wise at least right? 
--- End quote ---
Uhm, I think you have to consider that most webpages are written on the basis of 2000/2001 publications, reporting on 1990s projects in their early 'proof of concept' stages, which have been on hold since, resumed with know-how and experience gained with other projects. What I am trying to say is that in the 90s, they didn't have a lot yet. Those prototypes didn't have full mission suites.


Taking a bit of a risk here, and adding some found pictures:

Regarding the cockpit pics, they are from the pre-production/later prototypes. It may have changed.

iluveagles:
I have the max take off at 97,795lb and the max ordnance load at 17,636lb. Max ceiling is 55,755lb. It's AL-31FM engines are rated at 29,320lb st a piece. Other than that, the performance is very close the the Su-27 Flanker-B.

Which gives it a speed that is not quite as fast as the F-15 or the F-111. It's max take off is bigger than the -15 and -111, but I think the aircraft itself weighs significantly more or at least that would logically make sense since the engines are so much bigger, but the aircraft flies slower than the -15 and -111.

I'd say that it's not even a close match for the F-15E and it is probably a match for the F-111, depending on the avionics that the -34 has in it and the updated avionics that that -111 has(for the Aussies) and had when it was still in service here in the US. The clincher is whether the Su-34 is actually a decently designed aircraft, the F-111 is not the exactly the aviation design marvel of the 20th century.

Eagles

Webmaster:

--- Quote from: iluveagles on May 05, 2009, 03:14:15 AM ---It's AL-31FM engines are rated at 29,320lb st a piece.

--- End quote ---

AL-31FM? May be planned. They're still flying with the basic AL-31F 27,560 lb for now.

They aren't much bigger or heavier than the F100/F110...

iluveagles:
Says who?

I was refering to the whole aircraft...

Webmaster:

--- Quote from: iluveagles on May 06, 2009, 01:15:58 AM ---Says who?

--- End quote ---

Yefim Gordon, 2009, Russian Air Power, Midland Publishing.

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