Sukhoi Su-11 (Fishpot-C)

History

When the more powerful Uragan 5B ("Hurricane") series interceptor radars became available for Soviet fighters, further development of the existing design was considered advantageous. The choice lies in the Sukhoi Su-9 "Fish Pot" for its traditional design lines and overall effect. New radar modifications, along with support for the new medium-range R-98 (AA-3 "Anab") air-to-air missile (AAM), led to the redesignation "Su-11".

This type will serve to strengthen the Soviet Union's interception capabilities on the vast frontiers of the Empire.

The size of the Urugan radar unit dictated an increase in the cross section of the Su-9's fuselage, so the fuselage became larger and the nose-mounted air intakes were modified to keep the airflow the same as the turbojets inside be consistent. Like the Su-9, the Su-11 is powered by a Lyulka AL-7F afterburner turbojet that produces 21,164 pounds of thrust. Also included is a revised fuel system, which means the addition of external piping to the rear of the fuselage, eliminating the need for internal changes in series production.

The returning tail and delta-wing main aircraft retain the original Su-9, completing the rather stylish look of the fast aircraft. The lone pilot sits under a bubble-like canopy, and the visibility around his plane is usually good.

The first flight of the T-47 prototype took place on December 25, 1958, with production spanning from 1962 to 1965, when only 108 prototypes were completed due to development delays. Since it was not introduced into service with the Soviet Air Force until 1964, NATO referred to the Su-11 as the "Fishpot-C" because it originated from the original "Fishpot" entry.

The Anab missile comes in two different forms - one semi-active, radar-guided, and the other infrared (IR)-guided. The Su-11 has a total of four hardpoints, each of which can be equipped with two missile types.

Radar allows the interceptor to be used in all-weather operations, but reaching the target still requires reliance on ground-based radar, which limits the Su-11's tactical value. Additionally, its speed, radar, and weapons make it purely a high-altitude deterrent against aerial threatspoints that explain the rather low yield (by comparison, the Su-9 completed over 1,100 units).

As such, the Su-11 had rather limited success in the Air Force stables, only replacing some of the older Su-9s in service. From start to finish, it was a makeshift interceptor design at best, and was retired in the early 1980s as the Air Force gained access to more advanced aircraft.

The series was also never exported to the then Soviet allies.

Specification

Basic

Production

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes