Sukhoi Su-37
Encyclopedia
The Sukhoi Su-37 (NATO reporting name
: Flanker-F) is an experimental single-seat, supermaneuverable
multirole jet fighter
, designed by Sukhoi
. A further development of the original Su-27 'Flanker'
, it was modified from the first-generation Su-35
(formerly "T10M") prototypes. The Su-37 features an upgraded avionic suite
and fire-control system
, but its most notable additions are the thrust-vectoring nozzles. Only two prototypes were converted.
During the Su-35 flight test programme, active controls during dogfight
ing maneuvers could not be attained. At the same time, Sukhoi was exploring the application of thrust-vectoring nozzles for fighter jets, giving it better dogfighting attributes. The first Su-37, converted from the 11th Su-35, performed its maiden flight
in April 1996 at Zhukovsky. It was joined by a second prototype in 1998. Throughout the entire program, the Su-37 demonstrated its potential to prospective operators at numerous air show
s, performing maneuvers which were previously thought as impossible, among which was a 360° somersault
. Despite its potential tactical advantage, the Su-37 did not enter production, and instead remained as a technology demonstrator for updated Su-27 family aircraft such as the export Su-30
and the Su-35BM.
studied two-dimensional (2D) vector nozzle, which was believed by the West to be the best way of controlling thrust. Sukhoi modified an Su-27UB-PS twin-seater with a 2D nozzle to verify the feasibility of this kind of nozzle. However, the design bureau's General Designer, Mikhail Simonov
, instead thought asymmetrical nozzles (3D) were more suitable. Experiments on 3D, and 2D, thrust-vectoring nozzles were carried out by the Siberian Aeronautical Research Institute (SibNIA) at the request of Sukhoi.
Meanwhile, Sukhoi was busy with the T10M (later renamed Su-35 in 1993) program, which was a comprehensive upgrade over the Su-27. The T10M would incorporate aerodynamic changes, better avionics
, and armament, and have a better propulsion system
, designed to give it greatly-enhanced agility
. The first Su-27M prototype (T-10S-70) made its maiden flight on 28 June 1988. Changes from the Su-27 include canards, upgraded engines, new radar, and a digital fly-by-wire
flight-control system. Later Su-35 prototypes added a glass cockpit
and modified vertical stabilizer
s. The Su-35's construction features increased use of composites
, including aluminium-lithium
(Al-Li) alloy. The aircraft, like the Su-27, could perform the "Pugachev's Cobra
" and tailslide, maneuvers never previously thought possible. However, it was discovered that active controls during these maneuvers could not be achieved because the flight control surfaces were ineffective at low speeds.
In 1995, the 11th T10M prototype, T10M-11, was delivered to Sukhoi's experimental workshop to be outfitted with exclusive systems. Built by KnAAPO
, its structure has increased carbon-fibre and Al-Li content. Installed is the 2D thrust-vectoring Lyulka AL-31FP, an interim measure pending the availability of the AL-37FU (Forsazh Upravleniye, "afterburner-controlled"). The Al-31FP, in fact, is a hybrid version combining the Al-31F and the vectoring nozzle of the Al-37FU. Being fitted with a 2D vector nozzle, the Al-31FU is only variable in pitch, plus or minus 15°. The engine not only incorporates a new generation 2D TVC nozzle but also is tough and resistant to engine surge
even during classic, inverted and flat spins, giving better reliability and maneuverability, such as when the angle of attack
is as high as 180°.
The fire-control system
was also improved. An upgraded Phaztron N-011M Zhuk-M
pulse-Doppler radar
was fitted. It can scan 180° horizontally and 55° up and down, and is capable of tracking 20 aerial targets and guiding eight air-to-air missile
s. In the aircraft's tail sting is an N-011M rearward facing radar, which has a 120° view horizontally (azimuth) and in elevation. The Su-37 also features an upgraded electronic warfare support measures package. It can carry air-to-air
and air-to-surface weapons
on 12 hardpoint
s. The vast range of weapons, of which the Su-37 can carry 8,000 kg (17,600 lb), is supplemented by the 150-round 30 mm GSh-301
cannon.
The cockpit has four T-form Sextan Avionique
(Thales) LCD multi-function display
s (MFD) instead of traditional analogue instruments. These displays provide air data/navigation, systems status, weapons/systems selection and tactical situation information. The pilot, who sits on the K-36DM ejection seat inclined 30° to help counter the effects of high g-forces, is provided with a head-up display
(HUD). The pilot steers with a side-stick
and pressure-sensing throttles. The two-grip flying control configuration was designed to prevent the pilot from losing contact with the controls when the aircraft is engaged in fast vectored-thrust maneuvers. Both the fixed throttle and the side-stick controller provide secure points for the pilot to brace his hands.
on 2 April 1996, with Yevgeni Frolov at the controls. The nozzle was locked fully aft throughout the flight, and it was not until the sixth flight that tests on the thrust-vector nozzles commenced. Frolov was joined by Igor Votintsev, a Hero of Russia medal recipient. Within 13 days, the two had amassed 12 flights between them.
The 711 Blue was demonstrated to the press at Zhukovsky in spring 1996, by which time it was re-designated Su-37. Its debut to the general public came in September that year at the Farnborough Airshow, piloted by Sukhoi test pilot Yevgeny Frolov. It was a big talking point of the show with its agility, including performing the "Super Cobra
", when the aircraft pitched up to 180°, literally flying tail first, albeit for only a few seconds. This evolved into the 360° "Frolov Chakra
" somersault. The following year, at the Paris Air Show
, the Su-37 was permitted to participate after it was initially not included in the schedule. It arrived on 19 June—the fifth and last day of the show—in the exhibit code "344". The aircraft performed five aerial displays, but the fourth was marred by a minor incident when the emergency undercarriage extension handle was moved, preventing gear retraction. It appeared at that year's MAKS Airshow
and Dubai International Defence Exhibition
, as well as the 1998 FIDAE air show in Chile
; the last two Su-37s appeared under the enigmatic designation, "Su-37MR".
In 1998, a second Su-37 was similarly converted. The T10M-12 made its first flight on 23 March, the same year. Flight tests and demonstrations at air shows continued until 2000. In 2001, 711 was outfitted with the AL-31F and updated fly-by-wire flight control system and avionics. In December 2002, 711 crashed during a ferry flight, effectively bringing an end to the programme; the fault was later traced to a software malfunction. The Su-37 did not reach the production stage, although by mid-2000, Sukhoi introduced several modernizations of Su-27, such as Su-30MKI and second generation Su-35
, the Su-35BM, which feature similar improvements such as improved avionics and radar systems, and thrust vectoring
engines.
NATO reporting name
NATO reporting names are classified code names for military equipment of the Eastern Bloc...
: Flanker-F) is an experimental single-seat, supermaneuverable
Supermaneuverability
Supermaneuverability is the quality of aircraft defined as a threshold of attitude control exceeding that which is possible by pure aerodynamic maneuverability; in other words, a controlled loss of control beyond normal abilities...
multirole jet fighter
Multirole combat aircraft
A multirole combat aircraft is an aircraft designed to act in at least two different roles in combat. The primary role is usually a fighter—hence, it is as often called a multirole fighter—while the secondary role is usually air-to-surface attack. More roles are added, such as air reconnaissance,...
, designed by Sukhoi
Sukhoi
Sukhoi Company is a major Russian aircraft manufacturer, headquartered in Begovoy District, Northern Administrative Okrug, Moscow, famous for its fighters...
. A further development of the original Su-27 'Flanker'
Sukhoi Su-27
The Sukhoi Su-27 is a twin-engine supermanoeuverable fighter aircraft designed by Sukhoi. It was intended as a direct competitor for the large United States fourth generation fighters, with range, heavy armament, sophisticated avionics and high manoeuvrability...
, it was modified from the first-generation Su-35
Sukhoi Su-35
The Sukhoi Su-35 is a single-seat, twin-engined supermaneuverability multirole fighter. It is a derivative of the Su-27 'Flanker', and was initially known as the Su-27M. More than a dozen of these were built with some used by the Russian Knights aerobatic demonstration team...
(formerly "T10M") prototypes. The Su-37 features an upgraded avionic suite
Avionics
Avionics are electronic systems used on aircraft, artificial satellites and spacecraft.Avionic systems include communications, navigation, the display and management of multiple systems and the hundreds of systems that are fitted to aircraft to meet individual roles...
and fire-control system
Fire-control system
A fire-control system is a number of components working together, usually a gun data computer, a director, and radar, which is designed to assist a weapon system in hitting its target. It performs the same task as a human gunner firing a weapon, but attempts to do so faster and more...
, but its most notable additions are the thrust-vectoring nozzles. Only two prototypes were converted.
During the Su-35 flight test programme, active controls during dogfight
Dogfight
A dogfight, or dog fight, is a form of aerial combat between fighter aircraft; in particular, combat of maneuver at short range, where each side is aware of the other's presence. Dogfighting first appeared during World War I, shortly after the invention of the airplane...
ing maneuvers could not be attained. At the same time, Sukhoi was exploring the application of thrust-vectoring nozzles for fighter jets, giving it better dogfighting attributes. The first Su-37, converted from the 11th Su-35, performed its maiden flight
Maiden flight
The maiden flight of an aircraft is the first occasion on which an aircraft leaves the ground of its own accord. This is similar to a ship's maiden voyage....
in April 1996 at Zhukovsky. It was joined by a second prototype in 1998. Throughout the entire program, the Su-37 demonstrated its potential to prospective operators at numerous air show
Air show
An air show is an event at which aviators display their flying skills and the capabilities of their aircraft to spectators in aerobatics. Air shows without aerobatic displays, having only aircraft displayed parked on the ground, are called "static air shows"....
s, performing maneuvers which were previously thought as impossible, among which was a 360° somersault
Kulbit
The "Kulbit" is an aerial maneuver developed by Russian pilots, in which the aircraft performs an extremely tight loop, often not much wider than the length of the aircraft itself. It is an example of post-stall maneuvering, a type of supermaneuverability...
. Despite its potential tactical advantage, the Su-37 did not enter production, and instead remained as a technology demonstrator for updated Su-27 family aircraft such as the export Su-30
Sukhoi Su-30
The Sukhoi Su-30 is a twin-engine, two-seat military aircraft developed by Russia's Sukhoi Aviation Corporation. It is a multirole fighter for all-weather, air-to-air and air-to-surface deep interdiction missions.The Su-30 started out as an internal development project in the Sukhoi Su-27 family...
and the Su-35BM.
Design and development
The earliest records on thrust-vectoring technology research within Sukhoi began in 1983. The design bureauOKB
OKB is a transliteration of the Russian acronym for "Опытное конструкторское бюро" - Opytnoe Konstructorskoe Byuro, meaning Experimental Design Bureau...
studied two-dimensional (2D) vector nozzle, which was believed by the West to be the best way of controlling thrust. Sukhoi modified an Su-27UB-PS twin-seater with a 2D nozzle to verify the feasibility of this kind of nozzle. However, the design bureau's General Designer, Mikhail Simonov
Mikhail Simonov
Mikhail Simonov was a Russian aircraft designer famed for creating the Sukhoi Su-27 fighter-bomber, the Soviet Union's answer to the American F-15 Eagle. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Simonov coordinated the Su-27's sale to foreign governments, providing badly needed hard...
, instead thought asymmetrical nozzles (3D) were more suitable. Experiments on 3D, and 2D, thrust-vectoring nozzles were carried out by the Siberian Aeronautical Research Institute (SibNIA) at the request of Sukhoi.
Meanwhile, Sukhoi was busy with the T10M (later renamed Su-35 in 1993) program, which was a comprehensive upgrade over the Su-27. The T10M would incorporate aerodynamic changes, better avionics
Avionics
Avionics are electronic systems used on aircraft, artificial satellites and spacecraft.Avionic systems include communications, navigation, the display and management of multiple systems and the hundreds of systems that are fitted to aircraft to meet individual roles...
, and armament, and have a better propulsion system
Turbofan
The turbofan is a type of airbreathing jet engine that is widely used for aircraft propulsion. A turbofan combines two types of engines, the turbo portion which is a conventional gas turbine engine, and the fan, a propeller-like ducted fan...
, designed to give it greatly-enhanced agility
Supermaneuverability
Supermaneuverability is the quality of aircraft defined as a threshold of attitude control exceeding that which is possible by pure aerodynamic maneuverability; in other words, a controlled loss of control beyond normal abilities...
. The first Su-27M prototype (T-10S-70) made its maiden flight on 28 June 1988. Changes from the Su-27 include canards, upgraded engines, new radar, and a digital fly-by-wire
Fly-by-wire
Fly-by-wire is a system that replaces the conventional manual flight controls of an aircraft with an electronic interface. The movements of flight controls are converted to electronic signals transmitted by wires , and flight control computers determine how to move the actuators at each control...
flight-control system. Later Su-35 prototypes added a glass cockpit
Glass cockpit
A glass cockpit is an aircraft cockpit that features electronic instrument displays, typically large LCD screens, as opposed to the traditional style of analog dials and gauges...
and modified vertical stabilizer
Vertical stabilizer
The vertical stabilizers, vertical stabilisers, or fins, of aircraft, missiles or bombs are typically found on the aft end of the fuselage or body, and are intended to reduce aerodynamic side slip. It is analogical to a skeg on boats and ships.On aircraft, vertical stabilizers generally point upwards...
s. The Su-35's construction features increased use of composites
Composite material
Composite materials, often shortened to composites or called composition materials, are engineered or naturally occurring materials made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties which remain separate and distinct at the macroscopic or...
, including aluminium-lithium
Al-Li
Al-Li alloys are a series of alloys of aluminium and lithium, often also including copper and zirconium. Since lithium is the least dense elemental metal these alloys are significantly less dense than aluminium...
(Al-Li) alloy. The aircraft, like the Su-27, could perform the "Pugachev's Cobra
Pugachev's Cobra
In aerobatics, Pugachev's Cobra is a dramatic and demanding manoeuvre in which a plane flying at a moderate speed suddenly raises the nose momentarily to the vertical position and slightly beyond, before dropping it back to normal flight. It uses a potent engine thrust to maintain approximately...
" and tailslide, maneuvers never previously thought possible. However, it was discovered that active controls during these maneuvers could not be achieved because the flight control surfaces were ineffective at low speeds.
Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Production Association
Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Production Association , based in Komsomolsk-on-Amur in the Russian Far East, is the largest aircraft-manufacturing company in Russia.- Overview :...
, its structure has increased carbon-fibre and Al-Li content. Installed is the 2D thrust-vectoring Lyulka AL-31FP, an interim measure pending the availability of the AL-37FU (Forsazh Upravleniye, "afterburner-controlled"). The Al-31FP, in fact, is a hybrid version combining the Al-31F and the vectoring nozzle of the Al-37FU. Being fitted with a 2D vector nozzle, the Al-31FU is only variable in pitch, plus or minus 15°. The engine not only incorporates a new generation 2D TVC nozzle but also is tough and resistant to engine surge
Compressor stall
A compressor stall is a situation of abnormal airflow resulting from a stall of the aerofoils within the compressor of a jet engine. Stall is found in dynamic compressors, particularly axial compressors, as used in jet engines and turbochargers for reciprocating engines.Compressor stalls result in...
even during classic, inverted and flat spins, giving better reliability and maneuverability, such as when the angle of attack
Angle of attack
Angle of attack is a term used in fluid dynamics to describe the angle between a reference line on a lifting body and the vector representing the relative motion between the lifting body and the fluid through which it is moving...
is as high as 180°.
The fire-control system
Fire-control system
A fire-control system is a number of components working together, usually a gun data computer, a director, and radar, which is designed to assist a weapon system in hitting its target. It performs the same task as a human gunner firing a weapon, but attempts to do so faster and more...
was also improved. An upgraded Phaztron N-011M Zhuk-M
Zhuk radar
The Zhuk are a family of Russian all-weather multimode airborne radars developed by NIIR Phazotron for multi-role combat aircraft such as the MiG-29 and the Su-27. The latest versions are also known as the Sokol.- Description :...
pulse-Doppler radar
Pulse-doppler radar
Pulse-Doppler is a 4D radar system capable of detecting both target 3D location as well as measuring radial velocity . It uses the Doppler effect to avoid overloading computers and operators as well as to reduce power consumption...
was fitted. It can scan 180° horizontally and 55° up and down, and is capable of tracking 20 aerial targets and guiding eight air-to-air missile
Air-to-air missile
An air-to-air missile is a missile fired from an aircraft for the purpose of destroying another aircraft. AAMs are typically powered by one or more rocket motors, usually solid fuelled but sometimes liquid fuelled...
s. In the aircraft's tail sting is an N-011M rearward facing radar, which has a 120° view horizontally (azimuth) and in elevation. The Su-37 also features an upgraded electronic warfare support measures package. It can carry air-to-air
Air-to-air missile
An air-to-air missile is a missile fired from an aircraft for the purpose of destroying another aircraft. AAMs are typically powered by one or more rocket motors, usually solid fuelled but sometimes liquid fuelled...
and air-to-surface weapons
Air-to-ground weaponry
Air-to-ground weaponry is weapons used by combat aircraft to attack ground targets. The weapons include bombs, machine guns, autocannons, air-to-surface missiles, rockets, air-launched cruise missiles and grenade launchers.-See also:* Aircraft ordnance...
on 12 hardpoint
Hardpoint
A hardpoint, or weapon station, is any part of an airframe designed to carry an external load. This includes a point on the wing or fuselage of military aircraft where external ordnance, countermeasures, gun pods, targeting pods or drop tanks can be mounted.-Rail launchers:Large missiles and...
s. The vast range of weapons, of which the Su-37 can carry 8,000 kg (17,600 lb), is supplemented by the 150-round 30 mm GSh-301
Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-301
The Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-30-1 is a 30 mm cannon designed for use on Soviet and later Russian military aircraft, entering service in the early 1980s...
cannon.
The cockpit has four T-form Sextan Avionique
Thales Group
The Thales Group is a French electronics company delivering information systems and services for the aerospace, defense, transportation and security markets...
(Thales) LCD multi-function display
Multi-function display
A Multi-function display is a small screen in an aircraft surrounded by multiple buttons that can be used to display information to the pilot in numerous configurable ways. Often an MFD will be used in concert with a Primary Flight Display. MFDs are part of the digital era of modern planes or...
s (MFD) instead of traditional analogue instruments. These displays provide air data/navigation, systems status, weapons/systems selection and tactical situation information. The pilot, who sits on the K-36DM ejection seat inclined 30° to help counter the effects of high g-forces, is provided with a head-up display
Head-Up Display
A head-up display or heads-up display is any transparent display that presents data without requiring users to look away from their usual viewpoints...
(HUD). The pilot steers with a side-stick
Side-stick
A side-stick or sidestick controller is an aircraft control column that is located on the side console of the pilot, usually on the righthand side, or outboard on a two-seat flightdeck...
and pressure-sensing throttles. The two-grip flying control configuration was designed to prevent the pilot from losing contact with the controls when the aircraft is engaged in fast vectored-thrust maneuvers. Both the fixed throttle and the side-stick controller provide secure points for the pilot to brace his hands.
Operational history
The aircraft, painted in a disruptive sand and brown scheme, was given the code 711 Blue, later changed to 711 White. The aircraft's maiden flight occurred at ZhukovskyRamenskoye Airport
Ramenskoye Airport , also known as Ramenskoye Airfield or Zhukovsky Airfield, is an airport in Moscow Oblast, Russia located 40 km southeast of Moscow and near the town of Ramenskoye. It serves as a major aircraft testing facility since the Cold War years with the majority of the major Russian...
on 2 April 1996, with Yevgeni Frolov at the controls. The nozzle was locked fully aft throughout the flight, and it was not until the sixth flight that tests on the thrust-vector nozzles commenced. Frolov was joined by Igor Votintsev, a Hero of Russia medal recipient. Within 13 days, the two had amassed 12 flights between them.
The 711 Blue was demonstrated to the press at Zhukovsky in spring 1996, by which time it was re-designated Su-37. Its debut to the general public came in September that year at the Farnborough Airshow, piloted by Sukhoi test pilot Yevgeny Frolov. It was a big talking point of the show with its agility, including performing the "Super Cobra
Super Cobra
Super Cobra is a 1981 horizontally-scrolling shooter, arcade game. It was developed by Konami from the engine of the popular Scramble , and manufactured and distributed by Stern in the U.S..-Gameplay:...
", when the aircraft pitched up to 180°, literally flying tail first, albeit for only a few seconds. This evolved into the 360° "Frolov Chakra
Kulbit
The "Kulbit" is an aerial maneuver developed by Russian pilots, in which the aircraft performs an extremely tight loop, often not much wider than the length of the aircraft itself. It is an example of post-stall maneuvering, a type of supermaneuverability...
" somersault. The following year, at the Paris Air Show
Paris Air Show
The Paris Air Show is the world's oldest and largest air show. Established in 1909, it is currently held every odd year at Le Bourget Airport in north Paris, France...
, the Su-37 was permitted to participate after it was initially not included in the schedule. It arrived on 19 June—the fifth and last day of the show—in the exhibit code "344". The aircraft performed five aerial displays, but the fourth was marred by a minor incident when the emergency undercarriage extension handle was moved, preventing gear retraction. It appeared at that year's MAKS Airshow
MAKS Airshow
MAKS is an International Air Show held near Moscow, Russia on Zhukovskiy LII air field. The first show, Mosaeroshow-92, was held in 1992. Since 1993, it was renamed to its current name and is held on odd years .MAKS is an important event in Russian business...
and Dubai International Defence Exhibition
International Defence Exhibition
The International Defense Exhibition & Conference, or IDEX, is a biennial arms and defense technology sales exhibition. According to the Jane's Defense Weekly website, IDEX is the largest arms exhibition in the Middle East...
, as well as the 1998 FIDAE air show in Chile
Chile
Chile ,officially the Republic of Chile , is a country in South America occupying a long, narrow coastal strip between the Andes mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It borders Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east, and the Drake Passage in the far...
; the last two Su-37s appeared under the enigmatic designation, "Su-37MR".
In 1998, a second Su-37 was similarly converted. The T10M-12 made its first flight on 23 March, the same year. Flight tests and demonstrations at air shows continued until 2000. In 2001, 711 was outfitted with the AL-31F and updated fly-by-wire flight control system and avionics. In December 2002, 711 crashed during a ferry flight, effectively bringing an end to the programme; the fault was later traced to a software malfunction. The Su-37 did not reach the production stage, although by mid-2000, Sukhoi introduced several modernizations of Su-27, such as Su-30MKI and second generation Su-35
Sukhoi Su-35
The Sukhoi Su-35 is a single-seat, twin-engined supermaneuverability multirole fighter. It is a derivative of the Su-27 'Flanker', and was initially known as the Su-27M. More than a dozen of these were built with some used by the Russian Knights aerobatic demonstration team...
, the Su-35BM, which feature similar improvements such as improved avionics and radar systems, and thrust vectoring
Thrust vectoring
Thrust vectoring, also thrust vector control or TVC, is the ability of an aircraft, rocket or other vehicle to manipulate the direction of the thrust from its engine or motor in order to control the attitude or angular velocity of the vehicle....
engines.