Gladeus Gu-32
| Gu-32 | |
|---|---|
| |
| Gu-32 side view | |
| Role | Strategic bomber , maritime strike |
| National origin |  Velikoslavia
|
| Manufacturer | Gladeus |
| First flight | 14 September, 1982 |
| Introduction | 17 January, 1984 |
| Status | In Service |
| Primary user | Velikoslavia
|
| Produced | 1984-Present |
| Number built | 10 |
The Gladeus Gu-32 is a supersonic, variable-sweep wing heavy strategic bomber designed by Gladeus as a successor to the Gu-24, Gu-21, and Gu-18. It is by far one of the largest bomber aircraft ever made and carries a staggering weapons load. It was the last of the strategic bombers developed for the Grand Airforce of Velikoslavia in the 20th Century before the Strategic Aviation Directive was cancelled in favor of smaller, lighter aircraft.
Development
The Gu-32 originated as a Strategic Aviation Directive request for a supersonic bomber capable of initiating a large strike on the capital of Ludvosiya. While the Gu-24 was a powerful platform, it did not have the payload necessary to carry newer, heavier devices. The first prototype flew in 1982, possessing the massive AA-45 Turbofans. These engines were capable of enormous lift and thrust output. Several subsequent tests were followed by a production order for 20 aircraft, later decreased to 10. Production was approved at the new Gladeus Heavy Aircraft Factory in Eastern Velikoslavia in 1983 and delivery of aircraft continued up until 1988 when the final bomber was delivered.
Design
Variants
- Gu-32A - Initial production variant that entered service with the 192nd Heavy Bomber Regiment. Internal crew positions proved to be inefficient for workflow and it was decided to change the crew layout.
- Gu-32B - Rearranged internal crew space as well as a larger cockpit. All future production variants were switched to this standard as of 1984.
- Gu-32R - Reconnaissance variant introduced in 1985. Sixteen aircraft were produced.
- Gu-32E - Electronic warfare variant introduced in 1987. Twenty-two aircraft were produced for this purpose.
- Gu-32S - Variant introduced in 2007 with modern updated avionics, additional weight saving materials, and improvements to the engines. Forty aircraft have been chosen to be converted to the S variant with the remainder slated to be retired by 2018.
Operators
Specifications
General characteristics
- Crew: 4 (pilot, co-pilot, bombardier, defensive systems operator)
- Length: 54.10 m (177 ft 6 in)
- Wingspan:
(35.60 m (116 ft 9¾ in)) - Height: 13.10 m (43 ft 0 in)
- Wing area: 400 m² (4,306 ft²)
- Empty weight: 110,000 kg (242,505 pounds operating empty weight)
- Loaded weight: 267,600 kg (589,950 lb)
- Max. takeoff weight: 275,000 kg (606,260 lb)
- Powerplant: 4 × AA-45 turbofans
- Dry thrust: 137.3 kN (30,865 lbf) each
- Thrust with afterburner: 245 kN (55,115 lbf) each
Performance
- Maximum speed: Mach 2.05 (2,220 km/h, 1,200 knots, 1,380 mph) at 12,200 m (40,000 ft)
- Cruise speed: Mach 0.9 (960 km/h, 518 knots, 596 mph)
- Range: 12,300 km (7,643 mi)
- Combat radius: 7,300 km (3,994 nmi, 4,536 mi,) 2,000 km (1,080 nmi, 1,240 mi) at Mach 1.5
- Service ceiling: 15,006 m (49,235 ft)
- Rate of climb: 70 m/s (13,860 ft/min)
- Wing loading: 742 kg/m² with wings fully swept (152 lb/ft²)
- lift-to-drag: 18.5–19
- Thrust/weight: 0.37
Armament
- Two internal bays for 40,000 kg (88,185 lb) of ordnance including
- Two internal rotary launchers each holding 6× cruise missiles (primary armament) or 12× short-range nuclear missiles.