Also Known As:
Fullback, Strike Flanker, Su-27IB, Su-32 (export version), Su-32FN, Su-32MF
Origin:Russia
Contractor/s:
NAPO, Sukhoi
Description:
Development of the Sukhoi Su-32 began in the early 1980s as a replacement for proven Su-24 Fencer long range, attack aircraft. It features the basic design airframe of successful Su-27 Flanker air defense fighter aircraft but introducing a new nose section with a two-seat, side-by-side ergonomic cockpit inside an armored titanium capsule and state-of-the-art avionics and liquid crystal displays.
The Su-32, also referred to as the Su-27IB, Su-32FN, Su-32MF or Su-34, has canard foreplanes, a flattened nose and two Al-35F engines for enhanced maneuverability. The spacious and pressurized cockpit with a galley allows the two-man crew to stand up and perform some exercise to relax themselves during long endurance missions.
The Su-32 multi-role aircraft can fly maritime patrol, anti-ship attack, day/night all-weather precision strike against small-size and moving targets, low level attack, and anti-submarine warfare missions engaging enemy aviation using short and medium range air-to-air missiles. In-flight refueling capability (one extends the aircraft range from 4,000 kilometers to 7,000 kilometers) enables the Su-32 to perform longer range tactical attack missions typically carried out by Tu-22 Backfire medium-weight bombers. Its advanced architecture allows operations in severe clutter and jamming environments.
The Su-32 aircraft is intended primarily to replace current Su-24 and Tu-22 attack aircraft in the Russian air force. The Su-32 is planned to be one of the three combat aircraft types (PAK FA stealth multi-role fighter and Yak-130/Mig-AT light attack aircraft) operated by Russia beyond the 2010-2015 timeframe. A navalized version intended for the Russian Navy features sea-surface surveillance, submarine reconnaissance, mine detection and capabilities facilitating attacks against enemy surface ships.
Russian officials have expressed their commitment on developing reconnaissance and electronic attack variants of the heavy-weight Su-32 aircraft to replace existing Su-24 derivatives. Moreover, Su-32 is expected to use existing and planned bombs and missiles in the Russian inventory.
In June 2003, the Su-32 completed successfully the first government validation tests. By 2004 the Novosibirsk assembly plant delivered the last of eight developmental Su-32/34 fighter-bomber aircrafts. According to Russian press the plane was cleared for service by the Russian Air Force in late 2004. The current plans call for the Su-32/34 to replace all existing Su-24 and Su-24M strike aircraft in the Russian Federation Air Force.
Specifications Accommodation: Crew 2
Guns: Main Gun Caliber 30 mm
Dimensions: Height 6 m, Length 23.4 m, Wingspan 14.7 m
Weights: Max Weight 45,000 kg (99,206 lb), Payload 8,000 kg (17,637 lb)
Engine/s Performance: Thrust 56,440 lb (25,601 kg)
Performance: Ceiling 15,000 m (49,213 ft), Endurance 10 hours, Max Range 4,000 km (2,160 nm), Min Range 1,270 km (686 nm), Top Speed 598 mps (Mach 1.80)
Russia / 26 