Posted on 11/18/2010 3:20:21 PM PST by ErnstStavroBlofeld
Sukhoi plans to hand over a new batch of Su-34 fighters to the Russian air force by year-end.
The aircraft are currently undergoing flight testing at the Novosibirsk NAPO assembly facility, company officials say. Although they would not specify the total number, four aircraft are believed to be involved.
This will be the first batch to be handed over since the contract signing in 2008, which calls for the delivery of 32 fighter bombers through 2013. The air force already operates five Su-34 strike aircraft from the preproduction batch.
During the Vostok 2010 military exercise last July, these aircraft flew nonstop for the first time with inflight refueling from the European part of Russia to attack their targets in the countrys Far East.
The Su-34 is based on the Su-27UB design, but features a new forward section with a cockpit providing side-by-side seating for a two-person crew, increased takeoff weight and expanded combat load-out. The strike aircraft can engage land, sea-based and airborne targets with a vast range of missiles and bombs, including precision weapons. The Su-34s should gradually replace the aging fleet of Su-24 bombers.
(Excerpt) Read more at aviationweek.com ...
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