Article Posted on : - Dec 14, 2011

Su-34. A Sukhoi photo.

MOSCOW (BNS): Four Su-34 frontline bombers have been delivered to the Russian Air Force for deployment at the air base in Voronezh.

Novosibirsk Aircraft Production Association (NAPO) will deliver two more aircraft in the next few days. A contract was signed in 2008 to supply 32 Su-34 frontline bombers to the Russian Defense Ministry, Sukhoi said in a statement.

The 4+ generation 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 weather conditionss using the entire suite of its airborne munitions, including high-precision types.

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, it said.

The aircraft has a 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 also equipped with a highly intelligent system of radar countermeasures and defense.

The Su-34 has a sophisticated survival system, including an armoured cockpit. The aircraft can perform missions at a low altitude in bypass and fly-by modes, it added.