Tu-22 with the big stick.

http://russianplanes.net/images/to55000/054257.jpg

I somehow suspect Sukhoi engineers figured out how to pack a good internal load without resorting to something like a Conformal Weapon Bay…I really thought we were past Mk1 eyeballing things people.

so what are Irkut’s post Flanker plans if any info exists at the moment?

No clue. They have diversified their production via Yak-130, MS-21, Be-200 and UAV development, but any replacement aircraft for the Su-30 is far off.

I don’t think it will be Jo Askura. Irkut has made it plain they think Su-30 export potential will dwindle this decade, and that they will phase out production this decade. They would already be phasing it out were it not for the RuMOD order for the Su-30SM.

IMO of course, but KnAAPO has more long term plans for the Su-35.

Not rumor, it is an established fact at this point. 2 Su-34s took part in the campaign. Why did they send Su-34 down there? To test out new systems. Nothing like battle christening.

The real question is why did the entire RuAF not mobilize and perform massive airstrikes on any Georgian radar stations/airfields/military bases/troop concentrations/armored retreating convoys within 2 days of hostilities starting….

probably the lack of assets in the area, short nature of the campaign, small nature of the campaign and can you imagine the headlines ? Bloodthirsty Russian bear murders peaceful nation through aerial destruction!

Either way the war was in some ways a godsend to AF organization. One thing is for sure, they will perform much better next time around.

It was not really fully functional electronics wise until mid-later 80s.

It will have PS-90 at the very least, so range will certainly improve.