Russia to enlarge output of Sukhoi Su-34 bombers in 2013

The Novosibirsk aircraft plant of the Sukhoi Holding (NAPO) will increase the output of Sukhoi Su-34 multirole bombers in 2013, a source in the defense sector told Interfax-AVN on Saturday.

"In 2013 the Su-34 production at NAPO will be larger than in 2012," the source said.

"While setting off batch production of Su-34, NAPO is constantly enlarging their output," he said.

NAPO made two Su-34 aircraft in 2009, four in 2010, six in 2011 and ten in 2012, the source said.

NATO is executing two state contracts: one to make 32 aircraft before 2013 and the other to make 92 aircraft before 2020. "The total order is 124 aircraft," the source said.

"The introduction of new cost saving technologies and equipment, the so-called smart manufacturing, is a token of a larger output of Su-34," he noted.

The Su-34 multirole fighter bomber is capable of destroying land, sea and air based targets in any geographic location regardless of the time of the day and weather conditions with the entire range of air-based weaponry, including high-precision. The active protection system and advanced computers of the generation 4+ aircraft assist in precision bombing and maneuvering while under enemy fire. Perfect aerodynamics, large capacity of internal fuel tanks, in-flight refueling ability, and extra fuel tanks increase the range of aircraft operation to the range of medium-range strategic bombers.

The aircraft has high flight and technical characteristics and maneuverability, long-range targeting systems, and a modern system for cockpit communication and data exchange with ground control stations, Army units, ships and aircraft. Su-34 carries highly efficient long-range multi-channel guided air-to-surface and air-to-air weaponry. It has an intelligent system of radar countermeasure and defense. Su-34 has high survivability and an armored cockpit. New air weapons will be installed in Su-34 to build up its combat potential.


Source: Ukraine - Interfax News - 29 December 2012

Photo: The Novosibirsk aircraft plant of the Sukhoi Holding (NAPO) will increase the output of Sukhoi Su-34 multirole bombers in 2013. (Photo by army.lv)

(29.12.2012)