The Russian AF finally took delivery of its first two Su-34's last month. Now the Su-34 is probably my favorite aircraft in the world today. It just looks really cool! Though I think the aircraft its a little too to effect the overall disastrous situation in the Russian AF. The Su-34's will never be bought in the numbers and probably never actually meet the the vast requirements the air force thought it could. To say that one aircraft will replace both the Su-24 and the Tu-22M is a pretty tall order. What does everyone else think?
Russian AF Su-34's Too Little Too Late?
- Thread starter LancerMc
- Start date
It certainly looks good, IMO, as does the Su-27 it was derived from. From reading the specifications though I wonder if it is closer to the FA18F than to the F35. Either way, I think you are right LancerMc, when you say that the numbers planned ('up to 200') are too small to meet the needs of the Russian Air Force.
http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/su34/
http://www.globalaircraft.org/planes/su-34_fullback.pl
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukhoi_Su-34
Cheers
Reflects the change from a lo-lo-lo mission profile for more or less direct weapons delivery (Su-24) to a med/high altitude profile with stand-off weapons. Don't see any problems here.
Replacing the Tu-22M3 is a different thing. Su-34 has only about one third or half the combat radius of the Tu-22M3, and that with a much lighter warload. But then the North Atlantic mission of the Tu-22M3 does not exist any more.
I think a good deal of talk about replacing the Tu-22M3 is just born out of financial constrains, not operational requirements.
Replacing the Tu-22M3 is a different thing. Su-34 has only about one third or half the combat radius of the Tu-22M3, and that with a much lighter warload. But then the North Atlantic mission of the Tu-22M3 does not exist any more.
I think a good deal of talk about replacing the Tu-22M3 is just born out of financial constrains, not operational requirements.
Su-34 is more of an Su-24 replacement, and these planes only have one third of the fuel of the Tu-160, Tu-22M3 or even the old Tu-16.
I kind of think its evolutionary position is fairly similar to the Japanese F-2 and the FA-18E/F in respect to their predecessors. Functionally it's not an AA aircraft but works more like an F-111. I kind of doubt that the seating position is ideal for air to air combat too.
I kind of think its evolutionary position is fairly similar to the Japanese F-2 and the FA-18E/F in respect to their predecessors. Functionally it's not an AA aircraft but works more like an F-111. I kind of doubt that the seating position is ideal for air to air combat too.
Yes, Su-34 is mainly intended to replace Su-24 and partialy Su-25/Tu-22M (for some missions). Still Tu-22M and Su-25 will remain in service for at least next 15 years...and well, after that its impossible to predict anything. A swarm of (relatively) cheap UCAV's might entirely replace manned aircrafts.
SU-34 is a perfect aircraft for the Russian Air Force.
SU-34, TU-160 and SU-30. These three aircraft alone could replace all the Russian combat aircraft.
The SU-34 is probably a little late though. Russia already have alot of air worthy aircraft that can do the job.
It would have been better to just continue development of a stealthy JSF/F-22 like aircraft in the size range of the SU-30. Then Russia can put all its money into buying the single aircraft in enough numbers to make it cost effective.
No point buying 100 of aircraft A and 100 of aircraft B when if you put all your resources together you can buy one superior aircraft in superior numbers.
SU-34, TU-160 and SU-30. These three aircraft alone could replace all the Russian combat aircraft.
The SU-34 is probably a little late though. Russia already have alot of air worthy aircraft that can do the job.
It would have been better to just continue development of a stealthy JSF/F-22 like aircraft in the size range of the SU-30. Then Russia can put all its money into buying the single aircraft in enough numbers to make it cost effective.
No point buying 100 of aircraft A and 100 of aircraft B when if you put all your resources together you can buy one superior aircraft in superior numbers.
The cold war era had ended, hence there is no need of intercontinentel bombers. Even US is scrapping it big bomber planes. So there is massive change in doctrine in russia. wht russia immediately needs is bomber like su-34 which can carry good tonnage of bombs, easy to maintain, can take of and land on any airfield. Like the big bombers you need massive airfields which make them locked to certain areas/airfields only.
the su-34 u can operate from any normal airfield. Plus the russian current enemies are within close distances. The days of inter continental attles are over. So according to me su-34 has eneterd in right time and also can get export orders looking at its specs
the su-34 u can operate from any normal airfield. Plus the russian current enemies are within close distances. The days of inter continental attles are over. So according to me su-34 has eneterd in right time and also can get export orders looking at its specs
The US seem to be very fine with their current bomber fleet. The B2 for first strike missions, the B-52H as a bomb truck and the B-1B as a workhorse.
Especially the B-1B is said to have worket extremely well during OIF and in Afghanistan and were part of the first wave against Iraq.
They were loved for their speed and ECM capacity in combination with a huge load and range.
So for Russia a mix of new build Su-34 together with modernized Tu-160 and Tu-22 might also be a good mix.
Especially the B-1B is said to have worket extremely well during OIF and in Afghanistan and were part of the first wave against Iraq.
They were loved for their speed and ECM capacity in combination with a huge load and range.
So for Russia a mix of new build Su-34 together with modernized Tu-160 and Tu-22 might also be a good mix.
I think it is a very capable aircraft and thought I love the SU-24...it is time for her to step down and let the SU-34 take over.
as for it taking over the TU-22M...not a chance. Thats like saying the F-15E will take over the mission of the B-1B (thought the B-1Bs days are numbered) it will not have a direct replacement...just the tired old B-52 and B-2s will take over that job.
again, it will be sad to see the SU-24s go...I got to play around with them in Uzbekistan. (as well as the SU-27s)
as for it taking over the TU-22M...not a chance. Thats like saying the F-15E will take over the mission of the B-1B (thought the B-1Bs days are numbered) it will not have a direct replacement...just the tired old B-52 and B-2s will take over that job.
again, it will be sad to see the SU-24s go...I got to play around with them in Uzbekistan. (as well as the SU-27s)
well, it's not that. If you don't have the budget to maintain the strategic bomber fleet, you want to at least maintain some long strange strike capability by getting like su-34.
I am not going to argue with you...you bring up a great point but, if you can not maintain strategic bombers, how can you afford very new, very modern, very expensive SU-34s?
Su-34 is not comparable to F-35 nor F-18 simply because of its weight. its almost 35tons - look at their main landing gear. they are designed for long range strike missions - they even have a small toilet behind the pilots. true that there isn't enough to meet internal demand, and I don't think they are exporting these babies.
The 3 planes you mentioned can't replace all russian combat planes. none of these can replace Su-25, nothing yet can replace Tu-142 nor Tu-22M3. You mention no replacement for MiG-29 - a front line superiority fighter that is small. There is no replacement for MiG-31M - although I must admit that the purpose of this plane is no more valid.
Russia do have many other choices now, but Su-24 are obsolete, the work load for the crew is too large and they urgently need a replacement for all the versions of Su-24.
I don't think they have the money for development of a 5th gen fighter and they cant afford the production of a large fighter - look at the fate of MiG 1.44. They simply don't have the money to do anything drastic right now and for the foreseeable future.
Yes you are correct here hudi82. In fact whilst the empty weight and payload is less the max take off weight puts it almost into the F111 class. The more I look at this aircraft the more I like the capability it brings for long range strike.
Cheers
see, Tu-160 are only based in 2-3 bases. they need a fleet of specialized vehicles and an army of men for maintenance. They use specialized fuel and parts are unimaginably expensive. Su-34 share (I think) 60-70% of common parts with the Su-27, they don't need specialized units for maintenance and can be based at any airport without special accommodation. You can't say the same about Tu-160, they need I think class 3 airports with long runway and high pressure allowance for them. Tu-160 cost a fortune but Su-34 are still acceptable (around 45mln?).
yes, its in the F-111 class and its designed to operate 10h at a time with inflight refueling.
Trust me, SSBN's costs even more than Tu-160. And? You cant compare apples and oranges here - Tu-160 and Su-34 serve completely different purpose. Either way, Russia DONT plan: 1. Retire Tu-160 2. Retire Tu-22M. 3. Retire Su-25.
yes, SSBN do cost more than Tu-160. But with all of the nuclear subs they are scrapping, I'm sure you will have more tu-160s than SSBNs.