MOSCOW. Dec 17 (Interfax-AVN) - The Russian Air Force is planning to commission the SU-34 frontline bomber during the implementation of the State Armaments Program for a period until 2010, Air Force Commander-in-Chief Vladimir Mikhailov said on Friday.
"The SU-34 commissioning is expected before the end of the program period under consideration," Mikhailov told Interfax-Military News Agency.
The frontline bomber belonging to Generation 4+ "can accomplish offensive and defensive missions within the operational and tactical ranges getting minimal information support from outside control systems," the commander-in-chief said.
This will become possible thanks to onboard up-to-date surveillance and sighting systems and a powerful electronic warfare system. The plane is capable of carrying and using a broad range of air-to-air and air-to-surface armaments, including while being used as part of large forces, Mikhailov said.
Earlier reports said that the SU-34 (formerly, SU-27IB Flanker fighter/bomber) is considered to be one of the Air Force's priority programs.
The SU-34 is expected to replace the TU-22M3 Backfire long- range bomber, as well as some of the SU-24M Fencer tactical bombers.
According to open sources, the SU-34 has a maximum take-off weight of 45t with combat payload of up to 8t. Maximum speed is 1,900kmph (M=1.8) at high altitudes and 1,400kmph at low altitudes, practical flight range is up to 4,000km without suspended fuel tanks and 7,000km with aerial refueling, and ferry range is 4,500km. The plane is fitted with two AL-31F engines developing a thrust of 12,500kg each. The crew consists of two people.