The upgraded Sukhoi Su-24MFencer attack aircraft is expected to complete state acceptance trials by year-end. Two airframes are on trial at the Russian air force's GLITS flight test centre at Akhtubinsk.
Sukhoi general director Mikhail Pogosyan says the Russian air force requires a low-cost upgrade of the navigation and weapons system of its 400 Su-24s. The package, developed by Gefest, will make the bomber compatible with the Zvezda Kh-31P and new versions of the Zvezda Kh-25, Molniya Kh-29 and Raduga Kh-59 air-to-surface missiles.
Sukhoi's NAPO factory will perform the upgrade. Deliv-eries will be completed in mid-2004, says NAPO general director Aleksandr Bobryshev.
Source: Flight International
