Sukhoi Su-11

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Su-11

The Sukhoi Su-11 (NATO reporting name 'Fishpot-C') was an interceptor aircraft used by the Soviet Union in the 1960s.

1 Development
2 Operators
3 Specifications (Su-11-8M)
4 External links
5 Related content

[edit] Development

The Su-11 was an upgraded version of the Sukhoi Su-9 ('Fishpot') interceptor, which had been developed in parallel with the OKB's swept wing Su-7 fighter bomber. Recognizing the Su-9's fundamental limitations, Sukhoi began work on the Su-11, which first flew in 1961 as the T-47 prototype.

The Su-11 shared the Su-9's delta wing, swept tailplanes 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 powerful Lyulka AL-7F-1 turbojet 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-riding K-5 missiles were replaced by a pair of R-98 (AA-3 'Anab') weapons, usually one R-98MR semi-active radar homing and one R-98MT infrared guided. Like many interceptors of the period, it had no cannon. Even with the superior radar, the Su-11 remained heavily dependent on ground control interception (GCI) to vector its pilot onto targets. It had no capability against low-flying aircraft.

Production of the definitive Su-11-8M began in 1962, but development problems and accidents delayed squadron introduction with the Soviet Air Force/Air Defense Troops (VVS/V-PVO) till 1964. Production ended in 1965, after about 108 aircraft had been delivered, although it is believed that at least some Su-9s were upgraded to Su-11 form.

Sukhoi OKB considered the Su-11 to be a misfire, much inferior to the far more formidable Su-15 ('Flagon'). Nevertheless a few examples remained in operational status until early 1980s. The last Su-11s left front-line service around 1983.

A conversion trainer version, the Su-11U 'Maiden,' was also developed. Similar to the Su-9U, it had full armament and radar systems for training purposes. Because the second seat further reduced its already marginal fuel capacity, it was not really intended for combat use.