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Sukhoi Su-32/37/47 Berkut (Golden Eagle)

1997 4TH GENERATION MODERN AIRCRAFT X-PLANE

History of Sukhoi Su-32/37/47 Berkut (Golden Eagle)

The collapse of the Soviet Empire in 1991 hampered many projects in Russia, and Sukhoi continued to use its Su-37/47 "Berkut" ("Golden Eagle") technology demonstrator. The aircraft borrowed a lot from Sukhoi's other product - the Su-27 "Flanker" - except for the main wing assembly, which was cranked forward for improved agility at subsonic speeds, post-stall maneuvering Robustness and use - as yet unexplored - lightweight composites and advanced fly-by-wire systems in modern turbofan engine airframes. Although not officially adopted by the Russian Air Force, four working prototypes were eventually completed, leaving the Su-47 in aviation history.

However, the data collected during various Berkut test flights were used to develop the Su-35 (an advanced Su-27 model series) as well as the first Russian 5th generation fighter - PAK-FA "T-50" - a development aimed at In competition with the American Lockheed F-22 Raptor.

The use of forward swept wing assemblies offers some inherent advantages over the traditional swept attachments seen on almost all jets today. With this configuration, the aircraft is able to have excellent maneuverability at subsonic speeds, reduce takeoff and landing rolls, reduce radar signatures, and improve control at high angles of attack. The main disadvantage of this configuration remains the pressure exerted on each wing, forcing them to twist and bend in unnatural ways, which, under the right circumstances, could lead to an aerial catastrophe.

In the Su-37/47 design, the wings are intentionally constructed of twist/bend composite material to relieve this stress.

The Su-32/37/47 demonstrator was equipped with 2 Aviadvigatel D-30F6 turbofan engines capable of afterburning (the same ones installed in the Mikoyan MiG-31 Foxhound interceptor). Power is 18,700 pounds in "dry" thrust, with afterburner producing 32,000 pounds of thrust (raw fuel is pumped into the exhaust for a limited burst of thrust).

Advanced demonstrators should use two Lyulka brand AL-37FU/FP turbofans with thrust vectoring. The Berkut has a top speed of 1,066 mph and a cruising speed of 870 mph. Range is specified at 2,050 miles, service is capped at 59,000 feet, and climb rate is 46,200 feet per minute.

By comparison, the Su-27SK model (and the export-oriented single-seater) has a top speed of 1,550 mph and a range of up to 2,070 miles. Service is capped at 62,500 feet with a climb rate approaching 54,000 feet per minute.

The Su-37/47 was intended from the start as a technology demonstrator and was not formally armed. If it reaches the official adoption stage, it may include an internal 30mm cannon and various underwing and underfuselage hardpoints for carrying guided/unguided, powered/unpowered munitions to the same extent as other Flanker series similar.

For now, the Su-47 exists only in the above four prototypes, and it is believed that all active development of the series has ceased.

Specification

Basic

Year:

1997

Status:

Retired, out of service

Staff:

Production

[4 units] :

Sukhoi OKB - Russia/Soviet Union

Roles

- X-Plane / Development

Dimensions

Length:

22.6m

Width:

15.16m

Height:

20.67 ft (6.3 m)

Weight

Curb Weight:

16,375 kg

MTOW:

35,000 kg

(difference: +41.061lb)

Performance

2 x Aviadvigatel D-30F6 Vector Digitally Controlled Afterburner Turbojets, 32,000 lbs of thrust each with afterburners.

Performance

Maximum Speed:

1,684 mph (2,710 km/h; 1,463 knots)

Service Limit:

59,055 ft (18,000 m; 11.18 mi)

Maximum range:

2,051 miles (3,300 km; 1,782 nautical miles)

Rate of climb:

764 ft/min (233 m/min)

Armor

No. This is a tech demo. Production quality models may have been fitted with internal 30mm cannons and under-wing/under-fuselage hardpoints for ammunition and fuel storage.