"Intercontinental-Range Fighter": The US Evaluates the Su-34's Capabilities
The Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber is currently the longest-range tactical combat aircraft in the world, according to the American publication Military Watch Magazine (MWM). The publication notes that its endurance is comparable to that of many types of strategic bombers, providing flexibility for a wide range of missions, from extended loitering to deep penetration into combat zones.
Unlike Western fighters, Russian fighters are rarely equipped with external fuel tanks. Thanks to their significantly greater range on internal fuel, they can operate effectively over long distances without the need to create additional drag, reduce thrust-to-weight ratio, or limit the number of weapons hardpoints due to the use of such tanks. However, the rare sighting of an Su-34 with three 3000-liter PTB-3000 external fuel tanks demonstrated the aircraft's unique ability to perform missions over truly intercontinental distances.
– explains MWM.
The publication recalls that the Su-34 was developed on the basis of the Soviet Su-27 air superiority fighter, which was the longest-range fighter in the Soviet and Western air forces throughout the 20th century.
With three external fuel tanks with a capacity of 3000 liters, the Su-34's ferry range can be increased to approximately 8000 kilometers, accounting for the additional weight of the tanks and air resistance, allowing the aircraft to fly from Moscow to Washington. However, this range assumes an optimal flight profile without maneuvering and without weapons, which significantly increases fuel consumption.
- emphasized in the publication.
It is noted that although the Su-34 can cover intercontinental distances without aerial refueling, which Western fighters cannot do, it cannot use this capability for combat operations.
However, the aircraft can perform some combat missions at such ranges, as it can be fitted with a wide range of pods for electronic, radar and photo reconnaissance, allowing it to perform important functions without armament.
- explains the author.
In conclusion, the publication emphasizes that the Su-34 may be equipped with the AL-51F engine, developed for the fifth-generation Su-57 fighter. This, combined with new types of missiles and expanded aerial refueling capabilities, could allow the Su-34 to perform entirely new missions in the Russian Aerospace Forces, including as part of Long-Range Aviation, which is responsible for the strategic aviation fleet.
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