MILAVIA - MILITARY AVIATION

Sukhoi Su-32/34 Bomber Flanker

Role: multi-role tactical bomber, maritime strike fighter
Builder: Sukhoi, NAPO
Variants: Su-32/Su-34 (T-10B, Su-27IB), Su-32FN, Su-34MF, Su-27R, Su-34P (Su-27IBP)
Operators: Russia

In 1983 the first conceptual design for a new tactical bomber was made. The new aircraft was planned to replace the third generation fighter-bombers and tactical bombers; the Su-17, MiG-27, Su-24 and their derivatives, in the 1990s. The Su-27 would serve as the basis for the new aircraft, designated Su-27IB (factory designation T-10V). IB standing for Istrebitel-Bombardirovshchik or fighter-bomber. The Su-27IB incorporates the heavy payload and combat radius of the tactical bomber and the high manoeuvrability and speed of the fighter, so it could be deployed against ground, naval and also airborne targets. In this view, the Su-34 can be compared to the US F-15E Strike Eagle, which was also developed from a successfull and agile fighter into a multi-role tactical strike aircraft.

New Cockpit Design

The design was considerably changed from the basic Su-27/Su-27UB. To improve interoperability between the pilot and navigator, the cockpit arrangement was completely changed by side-by-side placed K-36DM ejection seats (as on the Su-24 tactical bomber). In addition the cockpit has been pressurized. The crew is able to lie down or prepare some food in the area behind the cockpit. To improve sanitary conditions the aircraft has also been fitted with a toilet. The cockpit is accessed via a hatch and ladder in the front nosegear well, which was placed more forward and is retracted backwards into the well.

Airframe Changes

To accomodate the new cockpit configuration, additional equipment and increased fuel internal fuel load, the fuselage has changed drastically. The nose section is shaped elliptical, which gave the aircraft the nickname 'Platypus'. The fuselage midsection has been changed to accomodate the increased size No 1 fuel tank. The engine intakes were changed from variable to fixed geometry air intakes. Also the rear of the aircraft underwent changes in the shape, the most recognisable is the new enlarged central tailboom. The wing panels and canards of the Su-35 was adapted for improved flight characteristics and larger fuel cells. All these changes ment an 1.5 increase of the take-off weight. The maximum cobat load increased from 28 tonnes of the basic Su-27 to 45 tonnes. To cope with the increased weight the mid section was strengthened and a new undercarriage was fitted, the main landing gear single-wheels have been replaced by two wheels placed in tandem.

Fighter-Bomber Avionics

The aircraft carries a multifunction phased array radar and built-in IRST/sighting system with incorporated TV and laser detection and guidance capability. A thermal imaging system for night operation would however be carried externally. Also the aircraft has been fitted with powerful ECM equipment and a rearward-looking radar, like the Su-35. The new systems ensured day and night, all-weather capability against both surface and airborne targets.

Fighter-Bomber Weapons

The Su-27IB can carry a large arrange of weapons. The air-to-air weapons inventory consists of Russia's modern air-to-air missiles, such as the RVV-AE, R-73 and derivatives of the R-27 missile. For ground targets the aircraft is capable of both guided and unguided weapons. Guided weapons include the Kh-29, Kh-25, Kh-59M missiles as well as KAB-500 TV/laser and KAB-1500TK TV/command guided bombs. Unguided weapons include 1,500, 500, 250 or 100kg bombs, rockets and rocket pods. Against maritime targets the aircraft can carry up to six Kh-31A or Kh-35 anti-ship missiles. Against enemy air defenses six Kh-31P passive radar homing anti-radiation missiles can be carried.

Su-34, Su-32FN and Su-32MF designations

As is common with Su-27 derivaties, also the Su-27IB has been given an alternative designation by company Sukhoi and aviation press. The Su-27IB has also been known as the Su-34 since its maiden flight.
When however the Su-34 was sent to its first international airshow, Le Bourget in 1995, the aircraft was given the designation Su-32FN. This commercial designation was adopted by Sukhoi, to stress the aircraft's potential as a shore-based maritime patrol and strike aircraft for potential export customers in search of a fast aircraft to be deployed against ships and submarines. The design called for special equipment and weapons to detect and destroy waterborne targets. No customer have been found yet, and the specific variant has remained on the drawing board.
In 1999, the Su-34 was now designated as Su-32MF on the MAKS 1999 Moscow International Air Salloon. This time to stress its multi-role capability. MF standing for the Russian equivalent of Multi Function. Though, no export customers have been found yet.
In 2003 it was reported by Western aviation press, that the Russian military adapted the Su-32 designated for the Su-27IB variant. However this was soon contradicted by other sources, and Russian Air Force officials have been using the Su-34 designation. For ease, we will continue to refer to this aircraft as the Su-34 on this website.

Status of the Su-34 Programme

Although after the break-up of the Soviet Union funding has been limited for a new tactical bomber, the development has continued at a slow pace. After the two prototypes (T-10V-1 converted from a Su-27UB, bort number '42', and T-10V-2 bort number '43'), two more prototype Su-34s have been series-produced in 1994/1995 (Su-34 '343' carrying bort number '44' and Su-32FN '349' bort number '45'). Later at least one more flying prototype was series produced, carrying number '47'. [EDITOR: Number '46' could have been a static prototype for ground tests???] These were based at the Sukhoi OKB testing base for flight trials until state trials began. The Su-34 was successfully tested in the Chechênia according to Russian authorities, and it also participated in combat exercises at Ashuluk in 1999.

Low initial production of two production Su-34 for the Russian Air Force was started in 2005. The first two Su-34 aircraft, bort numbers 49 and 48, were handed over to the Russian Air Force on December 15, 2006, for state acceptance trials. On August 3, 2007, the first aircraft was delivered to the 4th TsBP I PLS (4th Combat and Aircrew Conversion Training Centre) in Lipetsk, starting operational evaluation followed by conversion training.

Between 2007-2015 the Russian Air Force will procure a large number of upgraded Su-34 bombers, to replace the Su-24 'Fencer' fleet in primarily the ground attack role. In 2007 funding is available for a further six aircraft and ten more will be produced in 2008. In 2010 24 Su-34s are expected to be delivered for the first air regiment to be based at Voronezh. The first aircraft are expected to enter operational service before the end of 2009. And it is planned that the Russian Air Force would have as many as 58 Su-34s by 2015, equipping two or three bomber regiments.

Several plans have been drafted for tactical reconnaissance and electronic warfare variants. The aircraft has set a number of world records for flight altitude and payload capabilities. The Russian Air Force sees the Su-32/34 aircraft as its future main tactical bomber which will in conjunction with fourth generation derivatives of the Su-27, MiG-29 and MiG-31 fighters present the bulk of the Russian Air Force inventory in the 21st century.

Sources:
- Fomin, A., Su-27 Flanker Story
- ACIG.org Forums
- Air Forces Monthly 2002-2005
- Air Forces Monthly 2006: August
- Air Forces Monthly 2007: October, p. 21
- Websites (see related links)