Positive noises being made at NAPO regarding the Su-34, but potentially bad news for the An-38

Published: 6/22/1999

According to Russia's Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Nikolai Aksenenko, the Novosibirsk Aviation Plant (NAPO), could benefit from increased production of Su-34 long-range fighter bombers. During a visit to the plant, he announced that the government would consider increasing the state order quota for the production of Su-34 at NAPO. Until now, NAPO has been producing the Su-34 aircraft for the Defence Ministry. These comprise a side-by-side two seat development of the Su-27, the Su-27IB (designated Su-34 by Sukhoi) and the maritime long range strike version, the Su-32N. The aircraft has been produced in small numbers with four delivered in 1997. A further 12 were expected to be delivered in 1998, but may well have been abandoned. It was originally intended that the Su-34 would replace the Su-24 variable geometry bomber by 2005. Reports suggest that only one aircraft a year is currently being produced. Mr Aksenenko, however, maintains that the aircraft's prospects are good. He further commented that the An-38 aircraft, which is also assembled at NAPO within the framework of the conversion programme, could be used as a staff aircraft for the armed forces. He considered its export potential to be unlikely, owing to the limited capability of its engines. This is interesting, given that the An-38-100 uses US Allied Signal TPE 331 engines and currently has two prototypes flying, with the -200 following powered by the Omsk MKB 'Mars' TVD-20 engines. There is also a version planned with RKBM TVD-1500 turboprops. Originally developed by PZL Mielec as the An-28, the aircraft has been regarded as a strong competitor in the large potential market for replacement regional airliners and freighters in Russia. It is the most developed of the various Russian projects in the twin turboprop regional aircraft sector. Given the importance of the An-38 to NAPO, Mr Aksenenko may have been misquoted. His comments otherwise are extremely worrying for a plant that was reported to have180 'orders' for the aircraft. NAPO can have little hope in many genuine orders emerging from the government for additional Su-34s, given the current budgetary constraints that are unlikely to be relaxed in the foreseeable future.

Article ID: 614