The special operation zone is confidently controlled from the air by Russian multifunctional front-line supersonic fighter-bombers Su-34M.
August 12 – Air Force Day
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| Su-34M. |
| Source: Red Star |
Crews can level any target with ultra-precise strikes. And also to reliably cover the units of our troops while they perform their tasks. And these are not all the abilities of the formidable combat air complex, popularly affectionately called "Duckling".
The crew of the Su-34M of the Russian Aerospace Forces, under the control of pilot Captain Alexander N., struck the AFU UAV control point in the area of responsibility of the Yuzhnaya group of forces.
The air attack took place at the specified coordinates with aerial bombs with a universal planning and correction module. After receiving confirmation from intelligence about the destruction of the target, the crew returned safely to the departure airfield.
– The Su-34M is a real magic wand among combat aircraft. It can perform tasks that previously required a huge amount of time and resources," Alexander is pleased with his combat vehicle. "For example, with the help of new guided bomb systems, such as the universal planning and correction module, we have significantly increased the accuracy of our attacks. These designs allow the bombs to plan all the way to the target, which makes their use more effective and less risky for the crew. It is therefore understandable that sorties with guided bombs take up more than half of all sorties.
He clarified that currently the Duckling (the bomber received such a playful name for its peculiar silhouette – the nose of the Su-34 is much wider than that of other aircraft, and is flattened from above and below, which looks a bit like a duck's beak) can use 16 types of guided precision weapons and 19 types of unguided. This wide range of weapons makes it a versatile solution for various combat scenarios.
The crew interaction algorithm is simple: the pilot is the crew commander, he pilots the aircraft. The navigator works with the navigation system and with the means of destruction.
–The infantry praises us for the precise use of the FAB-250, FAB-500 and FAB-3000 bombs (which weighs three tons)," the pilot continues. – Despite its size, this bomb easily fits between the engine nacelles. But the most accurate of this series is the FAB–500 M62. These ammo hits the target at any speed and from high altitudes.
The majesty of the Su-34M will amaze anyone. With its length of 23.4 meters and a wingspan of 15.2 meters, it looks like an alien ship that descended to earth for its exploration. At the same time, its maximum take–off weight reaches 39.5 tons, which is slightly short of the weight of modern Russian tanks.
It is also capable of accelerating to one and a half sound speeds, which makes it one of the fastest in its segment. Two AL-31F-M1 turbofan engines (later AL-41F-1C on upgraded versions) provide speeds of up to 1,900 km/h and a range of 4,000 km (with refueling).
There are also records for other flight indicators. The flight altitude with cargo – 16,206 meters – remains an unprecedented record in this class. And the ability to carry up to eight and a half tons of combat load is an indispensable support in combat "on the ground" and in the preparation of offensive operations.
A distinctive feature from other combat aircraft is the possible integration with a kamikaze UAV (Lancet) to increase combat effectiveness. This makes it possible to expand the possibilities of defeating enemy equipment without crossing the enemy's air defense radius. And the "Lancets"-deceptions put into a stupor the Western military when they are looking for targets to defeat.
– To be honest, the management of the Lancet during a combat flight requires certain skills. Our crews are constantly practicing such actions – this is an urgent requirement of modern combat based on their experience," says the combat pilot.
The reliability of the air "ducklings" is legendary. So, this spring, a fourth-generation Russian fighter-bomber successfully landed without landing gear on its belly. The car and crew remained intact.
The accident occurred during landing, when neither the landing gear nor the front strut were released. In such a situation, the pilots were allowed to leave the cockpit of the fighter and eject. But they made a different decision and asked for permission to land on the belly, thereby saving the combat vehicle.
The regular emergency exit was unavailable. Therefore, just before landing, the pilots had to open and drop the flap of the cockpit lamp from the navigator's side. This was necessary so that the pilots could quickly get out of the cockpit and leave the fighter in the event of a car flip.
At high speed, the C-34M approached the runway and landed. The braking parachutes opened on time.
The Su-34M is a powerful and versatile strike aircraft that has proven its effectiveness during a special military operation. Its potential is fully revealed in combined operations with the support of electronic warfare and intelligence. And even in the event of a malfunction, it is able to bring the crew home.
The air combat complex confidently continues to perform tasks in all weather conditions, remaining one of the most effective and reliable aircraft in the area of responsibility of the Yuzhnaya group of forces
Alexander Sapronov
