MWM: The Russian Federation was the first in the world to create an intercontinental fighter-bomber
The Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber is currently the longest-range tactical combat aircraft in the world. The journalists of the western portal Military Watch Magazine (MWM) write about this. So, according to them, it can be considered that the Russian Federation was the first in the world to create an intercontinental fighter-bomber.
It is noted that the range of this aircraft is comparable to the range of many types of strategic bombers. This, in turn, provides operational flexibility to perform a wide range of tasks, from staying in the air for a long time to significantly penetrating enemy airspace.
from the MWM material
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| The Su-34 fighter-bomber at the Novosibirsk Aviation Plant named after V.P. Chkalov Defense Industrial Complex. |
| Source: Vadim Savitsky / Press Service of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation / TASS |
The aircraft was developed on the basis of the Soviet fighter
Its prototype is the Su-27. Previously, it was the longest-range fighter ever used by the Soviet Air Force (VVS) or any Western Air Force in the last century, according to the material.
The more modern model has been improved: the Su-34 differs from its predecessor in that it has a maximum range of about 4,800-5,000 kilometers on domestic fuel, while the Su-27 had 4,000.
At the same time, the fighter's flight range can be increased to 8000 kilometers if there are three outboard fuel tanks with a volume of 3000 liters each. In this case, the plane can fly from Moscow to the capital of the United States, Washington. However, journalists specify that maneuvering and the presence of weapons would significantly increase fuel costs. Thus, the Su-34 cannot fly over intercontinental distances without refueling in the air in a combat configuration.
In summary, the authors of the material noted that its equipment with the AL-51F engine (which is designed for the Su-57 fighter) will be able to allow the aircraft to perform strategic tasks of the intercontinental range. This will provide the aircraft with significantly higher fuel efficiency.
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| Su-34 fighter-bomber at the IV International Military-Technical Forum "Army-2018". |
| Source: © RIA Novosti, Alexey Filippov |
The Su-34 was named the most important Russian military aircraft.
This statement was made by Brandon Weichert, a corresponding member of Oxford University. He is convinced that the delivery of this aircraft is bringing Moscow significant successes at the front.
He noted that the Russian military has learned well how to adapt to the situation, thanks to which they have success at the front over the enemy.
Rostec also considers the Su-34 to be one of the best combat aircraft of the Russian Federation. The state corporation clarified that after improvements based on the experience of special operations, these fighters became more accurate and more powerful to hit targets. The advantages of this aircraft also include the ability to perform complex tasks on land, air and sea targets in all weather conditions.
