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

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 'Oriol' (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 an 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.

Specifications (Su-11-8M)

General Characteristics

• Crew: one, pilot
• Length: 18.29 m (60 ft 0 in)
• Wingspan: 8.43 m (27 ft 8 in)
• Height: 4.88 m (16 ft 0 in)
• Wing area: 34 m² (366 ft²)
• Empty: 9,000 kg (20,000 lb)
• Loaded: 13,600 kg (30,000 lb)
• Maximum takeoff: ?
• Powerplant: 1x Lyulka AL-7 F-1, 96 kN (21,164 lb)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 1,980 km/h (1,194 mph), Mach 1.8
• Combat radius: 500 km (312 miles)
• Ferry range: 1,125 km (703 miles)
• Service ceiling: 17,000 m (55,760 ft)
• Rate of climb: 8,200 m/min (27,000 ft/min)
• Wing loading: 400 kg/m² (82 lb/ft²)
• Thrust-to-weight: 0.71:1

Armament

2x R-98 (AA-3 'Anab') air-to-air missiles

Related content

Related development: Sukhoi Su-7 - Sukhoi Su-9

Comparable aircraft:

Designation sequence: Su-7 - Su-9 - Su-10 - Su-11 - Su-15 - Su-17 - Su-20