First Su-34 squadron formed in Russia's Central Military District


The first squadron of Su-34 frontline bombers within the Central Military District (TsVO) has been established in the Southern Urals, according to the press department of TsVO.


First Su 34 squadron formed in Russia s Central Military District 001
A Russian Air Force Su-34 Fullback fighter jet
(Credit: Russian Ministry of Defence)


"The unit with increased number of maintenance personnel has joined an aviation regiment stationed in Chelyabinsk Region," the press department said in a statement.

At present, the crews are being trained to fly the new aircraft at the Lipetsk Aviation Training and Testing Center. The return of the pilots to the airbase is scheduled for the first half of 2018.

The Su-34 (NATO reporting name: Fullback) frontline bomber is designed to engage ground and surface targets, both stationary and moving, with the use of a wide range of air-launched weapons, including guided weapons. The aircraft can attack aerial targets as well. The aircraft accomplishes tasks round-the-clock in all weather conditions.

The Su-34 made its maiden flight in 1990 and entered service in 2014. The aircraft has a maximum speed of 1,900 km/h, a ferry range of 4,000 km and a crew of two. The aircraft is fitted with an in-flight refueling system. The Su-34 frontline bomber is powered by two AL-31F turbojet engines with an afterburning thrust of 12,500 kgf each.


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