Su-32 Strike Flanker

The Su-34 is a derivative of the Su-27 which is considered the best in the world in terms of maneuverability and engine power. The S-34's original designation is Su-27IB. Though the NATO designation remains Flanker for this aircraft it is also called Platypus. The Su-34 is designed to be a replacement for the MiG-23 and Su-19 which are still active in the Russia air force. Most of the features of the Su-34 is same as the Su-27's.

Design

The Su-34's design is very much similar to that of the Su-27. Though there are some differences which are visible in this model. Though the airframe is the same for the Su-34 it has a different nose from that of the Su-27 this is because of the new radar which is used in this model of the Flanker series. This aircraft features side-by-side seat configuration to increase pilot to co pilot interaction and communication. The Su-34 also features a new rearward looking radar placed in the central tail boom similar to that used in the Su-35 Super Flanker.

Cockpit

The pilot and the co-pilot are seated on two K-36Dm zero/zero ejection seats. The pilots enter the aircraft through the bottom of the cockpit. This is through the door of the nosewheel bay. The Su-34 also features MFDs and other advancements in avionics which allow the crew to operate better.

Weapons

The Su-34 has a total of 10 hardpoints which carry a variety of weapons which are mostly air-to-ground.This plane carries a maximum payload of 8000 kgs. The Su-34 also carried a GSh-30 30 mm cannon with 180 rounds of ammo.

The air-to-air inventory of the Su-34 include the R-73 air-to-air missile and also the R-77 air-to-air missile.

The Su-34 also carries air-to-ground weapons including guided/unguided bombs, air-to-ground missiles of all types and rockets.

Engine

The Su-34 carries two Lyulka AL-31MF afterburning turbofan engines. These engines let out a maximum thrust of 27,557 lbs each. Due to the different configuration the Su-34 is considreabily slower than other versions of the Flanker series. The top speed of the Su-34 is Mach 1.8.

Technical Specifications
Length 23.34 m
Height 6.36 m
Wingspan 14.7 m
Weight (normal) 39,000 kg
Payload 8000 kg (Max)
Max Speed Mach 1.8
Ceiling 14,000m
Range 4500 km (max)

Source: Globalsecurity.org