| Su-11 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| General information | |
| Type | Interceptor aircraft |
| National origin | Soviet Union |
| Manufacturer | Sukhoi |
| Primary user | Soviet Air Forces |
| Number built | 108 |
| History | |
| Manufactured | 1962–1965 |
| Introduction date | 1964 |
| First flight | 25 December 1958 |
| Retired | 1983 |
| Developed from | Sukhoi Su-9 |
| Variant | Sukhoi T-49 |
TheSukhoi Su-11 (NATO reporting name:Fishpot-C) is aninterceptor aircraft used by theSoviet Union during theCold War.
TheSu-11 was an upgraded version of theSukhoi Su-9 ('Fishpot') interceptor, which had been developed in parallel with theOKB'sswept wingSu-7fighter bomber. Recognizing the Su-9's fundamental limitations, Sukhoi began work on theSu-11, which first flew in1961 as theT-47 prototype.
The Su-11 shared the Su-9'sdelta wing, swepttailplanes and cigar-shaped fuselage, as well as the circular nose intake, but had a longer nose to accommodate the more powerful 'Oryol' (Eagle;NATO reporting name 'Skip Spin') radar set. A more powerfulLyulka AL-7F-1turbojet was installed, providing 9.8 kN (2,210 lbf) more afterburning thrust for improved climb rate and high-altitude performance (and to compensate for increased weight). The Su-11 can be distinguished from the Su-9 by the external fuel pipes atop the fuselage, aft of the cockpit.
The Su-9's beam-ridingK-5 missiles were replaced by a pair ofR-98 (AA-3 'Anab') weapons, usually one R-98MRsemi-active radar homing and one R-98MTinfrared guided. Like many interceptors of the period, it had no cannon.
Production of the definitive Su-11-8M began in1962, ended in1965, after about 108 aircraft had been delivered, although it is believed that at least some Su-9s were upgraded to Su-11 form.
A conversiontrainer version, theSu-11U 'Maiden,' was also developed; Similar to the Su-9U, it had full armament and radar systems for training purposes, but the second seat reduced its already marginal fuel capacity and was not intended for combat use.
Development problems and accidents delayed squadron introduction with theSoviet Air Force (VVS)/Soviet Air Defence Forces (PVO) until1964 and only small number of aircraft were delivered.
Even with the superior radar, the Su-11 remained heavily dependent onground control interception (GCI) to vector its pilot onto targets. It had no capability against low-flying aircraft either, and Sukhoi OKB considered the Su-11 to be a misfire, much inferior to the far more formidableSu-15 ('Flagon'). Nevertheless, a few examples remained operational until the early 1980s. The last Su-11s left front-line service around1983.
Data fromOKB Sukhoi : a history of the design bureau and its aircraft[1]
General characteristics
Performance
Armament
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
