The main flight characteristics of the su 29. The difficult path of a light fighter: what will Russian military aviation be like
Su-27K (early)
Deck Su-27K, view according to the project of 1972 (drawing)
Development and production
Operation history
General design data
Engine
Armament
suspended
built-in
- 1 x 30 mm gun GSh-30-1
Su-27K/Su-29K "Lightning" and Su-28K "Groza"- a family of Soviet carrier-based catapult take-off aircraft, developed in 1971-1977 on the basis of the project of a promising front-line fighter T-10 under a common code Buran. They were intended to arm the nuclear aircraft carriers of the project. In connection with the cancellation of the construction of these aircraft carriers, the Buran project was postponed, although development work was continued. After 1984, as a development of this project, a new Su-33 fighter and an attack fighter Su-27KUB were developed, designed to take off from the TAKR springboard of project 11435.
History of creation
Project 1160 aircraft carrier, general form. The deck shows the silhouettes of fighters and attack aircraft of the Su-27K family (Su-28K, Su-29K)
On September 1, 1969, a resolution of the Council of Ministers of the USSR was issued, instructing the Nevsky Design Bureau (NPKB, Leningrad) to develop an advanced design for a nuclear aircraft carrier. A comprehensive research work (R&D) on the design and military-economic justification for the possibility of creating a nuclear aircraft carrier and its air group in the USSR bore the code "Order", and the aircraft carrier itself was designated as project 1160 "Eagle".
As part of the research work "Order", on June 5, 1971, the decision of the military-industrial complex No. 138 was issued, instructing the aircraft design bureau to submit in 1972 advance designs for deck-based aircraft of the classical type (ejection launch, finishing landing) for deployment on Project 1160 aircraft carriers.
The main strike aircraft for the aircraft carrier's air group was ordered to be developed at the Design Bureau of Pavel Osipovich Sukhoi at the Kulon machine-building plant. Initially, it was planned to create a carrier-based attack aircraft based on the Su-24 front-line bomber being developed at that time. Due to its large dimensions and weight, this aircraft was unsuitable for deck-based, so instead of the Su-24, the Design Bureau specialists proposed their T-10 project, the prototype of the Su-27 fighter that existed then only on paper, as the basis for the development of a carrier-based strike aircraft. By the end of 1972, on the basis of the design of the early T-10, the design bureau of P. O. Sukhoi prepared a preliminary design carrier-based attack aircraft Su-28K, and with it - heavy fighters Su-27K and Su-29K, as well as ship reconnaissance and target designator Su-28KRTs. By design, all these machines were conceived as unified as possible - both among themselves and with the ground-based Su-27 interceptor. This decision promised great savings both in production and in the maintenance of a combat-ready fleet of aircraft in the future.
Su-27K (Su-33), designed since 1984 and coming into service with the aviation of the Russian Navy since 1993. It has little in common with the early versions of the Su-27K
As a result, in 1973, it was decided to unify the air group of the Project 1160 aircraft carrier, instead of separate types of fighter and strike aircraft (MiG-23A and Su-24K), adopting a single family of vehicles based on the Su-27K. This family was assigned the code "Buran". Within common project"Buran" in the Sukhoi Design Bureau was developed for deck-based: multi-role fighter Su-27K with factory designation T-10K and code "Lightning-1"; long-range fighter-interceptor Su-29K with the factory designation T-12 and the code "Lightning-2"; double attack aircraft Su-28K with the factory designation T-11 and the code "Thunderstorm"; Su-28KRTS reconnaissance and target designation aircraft with the Vympel code. Work on the Buran project at the design bureau was headed by the lead designer S. B. Smirnov.
In September 1973, the research work "Order" was completed with the conclusion that it was still too difficult and expensive for the USSR to build ships similar to the Project 1160 aircraft carrier. However, the need for carrier-based conventional takeoff and landing aircraft along with VTOL aircraft was recognized, so the Su-27K project was not closed.
An experimental T-10-3 aircraft performs a cable hook during testing at the Nitka complex, 1983
In April 1974, Order No. 177 was issued by the Ministry aviation industry USSR, instructing the Design Bureau of P. O. Sukhoi in the first quarter of 1975 to develop a technical proposal for the creation of a ship-based fighter and catapult take-off attack aircraft based on the Su-27K design, which gave the 1972 project a continuation. At this stage, not four, but only two types of aircraft were being developed - fighter Su-27KI "Lightning" and attack aircraft Su-27KSh "Groza"; they were to be based on the atomic large cruiser of project 1153. The 1975 project of the year received the general designation "Buran-75", and in August 1977, the draft designs of the Su-27KI and Su-27KSh were defended.
It should be noted that the first flying prototype of even the basic - land - version of the Su-27 had only been completed by that time (first flight - May 20, 1977), so the creation of the deck-based Buran obviously required considerable time. For these reasons, the simpler and lighter MiG-23K was supposed to be the main fighter of the air group of the large cruiser of project 1153, and the Su-27KI and Su-27KSh were developed for the future.
In 1977-1978, flight tests of the first T-10 prototypes revealed that the future Su-27 in this form would not provide the desired advantage over potential opponents in air combat. To overcome the shortcomings in 1979, it was decided to completely redesign the aircraft; the new version received the designation T-10S. In fact, it was already a different aircraft, which today is known as the Su-27. New Options carrier-based fighter subsequently based on the design of the T-10S, and in the future it was they who led to the creation of the serial Su-33. A Soviet government decree ordering this aircraft to be submitted for testing was issued on April 18, 1984.
However, the history of the early versions of the Su-27K did not end in 1979. It was decided to finalize three copies from the experimental series T-10 and use them in tests at the Nitka complex for taking off from a springboard, hooking on the arrester cable and landing in an emergency barrier. These tests were carried out in 1982-1983, and the data collected during this made it possible to accelerate work on the creation of the T-10K aircraft, the future Su-33.
Design Description
One of the first studies of the general view of the carrier-based fighter Su-27K "Lightning", 1972
Carrier-based aircraft of the Su-27K family, according to the project, were twin-engine jet monoplanes of an integral layout (with a load-bearing fuselage smoothly mating with the wing). From serial land-based Su-27, the deck versions should have been distinguished by a reinforced chassis, the presence of a landing hook and a leash for a catapult, a folding wing, the use of corrosion-resistant materials in the design, as well as a significantly revised composition of weapons and equipment.
Modifications
General view of the carrier-based attack aircraft Su-28K (Su-27KSh) "Groza"
In the framework of the Buran project, the Sukhoi Design Bureau in 1972 developed for deck-based: the Su-27K multipurpose fighter with the code Lightning-1; long-range fighter-interceptor Su-29K with the code "Lightning-2"; two-seat attack aircraft Su-28K with the code "Thunderstorm"; Su-28KRTS reconnaissance and target designation aircraft with the Vympel code. With the unification of the airframe and engines, these aircraft differed significantly from each other in the composition of equipment and weapons.
Since 1974, only two modifications have been developed - the Su-27KI "Lightning" fighter and the Su-27KSH "Groza" attack aircraft.
At the beginning of 1979, the Air Force command issued the P.O. Sukhoi Design Bureau an assignment also for the design of the Su-27UBK combat training deck aircraft based on the Su-27K design.
Fuselage
The first experimental aircraft T-10-1 (1977). The differences from the future Su-27 are clearly visible: a different arrangement of the chassis and keels, brake flaps in front of the main pillars, and different cockpit glazing.
The fuselage was integral with the center section, smoothly mating with the wing of the aircraft. In the head of the fuselage there was a nose compartment with a radar and an optical-electronic sighting system (OEPS, at an early stage its optical unit was placed under the fuselage), a cockpit, a niche for the front landing gear, an under-cabin and outside equipment compartments. The cabin was carried out single, pressurized; to open the glazing was moved back along the guides along the fuselage.
In the middle part of the fuselage were the main fuel tanks and niches of the main landing gear, and under it were the air intakes and the middle parts of the engine nacelles with air channels. Flush with the middle part of the fuselage, it was planned to place a retractable brake flap, later two flaps were made and moved under the fuselage - in front of the landing gear niches.
The fuselage was integral with the center section, smoothly mating with the wing of the aircraft. In the head part of the fuselage there was a nose compartment with a radar, a cockpit, a niche for the front landing gear, an under-cabin and outside equipment compartments. The cabin was pressurized, double with crew members landing nearby.
In the middle part of the fuselage, there were the main fuel tanks, the niches of the main landing gear, as well as the bomb bay for placing part of the weapons in it (on the Su-28KRTS, additional electronic equipment was located in the bomb bay). Under the middle part of the fuselage, on the sides of the bomb bay, there were air intakes and the middle parts of the engine nacelles with air channels.
The tail section of the fuselage included a central beam with compartments for aircraft equipment and engine nacelles, and a brake hook was also to be attached under it.
Su-27K/Su-27KI fighter
Attack aircraft Su-28K / Su-27KSh, reconnaissance - target designator Su-28KRTs
Wing and plumage
General view of the Su-27KI "Lightning" according to the project of 1978
arrow-shaped wing gave an animated shape with rounded ends. The sweep angle along the leading edge had to change smoothly from the influx to the tip. Mechanization of the leading edge was not provided, single-section flaps and ailerons were placed along the trailing edge. The wing according to the project was supposed to receive a significant aerodynamic twist. The wing span was 12.7 m, while in order to reduce the dimensions of the aircraft when it was placed on the deck or in the hangar of an aircraft carrier, the wing had to be folded (providing a transverse dimension of 9.3 m).
Consoles all-moving horizontal tail had oblique axes of rotation and were installed on the sides of the engine nacelles, below the plane of the wing.
vertical tail included two keels with rudders, fixed with a significant camber angle on the engine nacelles, and two ventral ridges.
Chassis
The chassis was planned to be the usual three-post, with an ejection leash on the front support. Apart from this leash, as well as the strengthening of shock absorbers and power elements, the chassis did not differ structurally from the basic (land) modification.
When operating from the deck - more even and smooth than a concrete airfield - it became possible to reduce the size of the pneumatics: one 930x305 mm wheel on the main racks (against 1030x350 for the ground version) and two 600x155 mm wheels (against 680x260 for the ground Su-27).
The chassis was planned to be three-post, with an ejection leash on the front support. The attack aircraft - heavier than the fighter - was supposed to receive a substantially redesigned chassis with twin bogies of the main supports.
Su-27K/Su-27KI fighter
Attack aircraft Su-28K / Su-27KSh, reconnaissance and target designator Su-28KRTs
Power point
For installation on a new fighter - both its ground-based version and deck ones - it was planned to use bypass turbojet engines with an afterburner thrust of over 10,000 kilograms. In the early 1970s, such engines were only being developed in the USSR. For installation on the Su-27 considered:
- AL-31F development machine-building plant"Saturn" (General Designer - A. M. Lyulka);
- D-30F-6 of the Perm Engine Design Bureau (chief designer - P. A. Solovyov);
- R-59F-300 MMZ "Soyuz" (General Designer - S. K. Tumansky).
In 1972, it was decided to equip the Su-27 with a power plant of two AL-31F engines, and in the future the project was developed specifically for them (full non-afterburning thrust of one engine 7770 kgf, afterburner 12500 kgf). By the time the first experimental T-10 aircraft were built, the new engines were not yet ready, so they were equipped with serial AL-21F-3 single-circuit engines with an afterburner thrust of 11215 kgf (full afterburner - 7800 kgf).
Armament and equipment
In terms of the composition of equipment and armament, the Su-27K / KI practically did not differ from the Su-27 "land" interceptor being developed for the Air Force and Air Defense Forces: the same Sword radar in combination with R-27 air-to-air guided missiles (medium range), R-60 and R-73 (for close combat). It also provided for the possibility of using unguided weapons against ground or surface targets (free-falling bombs or rocket projectiles).
In terms of on-board equipment, the difference between a carrier-based fighter and a conventional Su-27 was only in the presence of an autothrottle, which facilitates landing on a steep glide path, as well as in the provided possibility of pairing the sighting and navigation system (PRNK) with the ship's short-range navigation radio system (RSBN) "Resistor- B".
The basis of the onboard equipment was no longer the S-27 sighting and sighting system, standard for a conventional and carrier-based fighter, but the new Puma PrNK, optimized for working on ground and surface targets. The complex was supposed to include a multifunctional radar, a passive radar and a Kaira-12 quantum-optical station.
The complex made it possible to use all the same air-to-air missiles as the conventional Su-27 fighter (R-27, R-60 and R-73 missiles), and in addition to them, a wide range of air-to-air guided weapons. surface". The Kh-12 anti-ship missile was supposed to be the main weapon for operations against surface targets, and the use of Kh-25, Kh-29, Kh-58, Kh-59 and other types of missiles was also envisaged. The maximum bomb load was to reach six tons.
The Su-28KRTs Vympel, instead of armament and sighting and navigation system, was supposed to carry special equipment for conducting aerial reconnaissance (including electronic) in the interests of the strike formations of the fleet. Also, the aircraft was to be equipped with the “Success” hardware complex (similar to the Tu-95RTs aircraft and Ka-25Ts carrier-based helicopters in service), designed to issue target designation to anti-ship cruise missiles"Granite" or "Basalt".
Thus, the aircraft carrier of project 1153, equipped with Su-28KRTs aircraft and Granit missiles, could itself provide over-the-horizon target designation for its main shock complex, regardless of connection with space system"Legend"; compared to the Ka-25Ts helicopter, another deck carrier of the Success target designation complex, the Su-28KRTs aircraft had a significantly greater range and flight speed.
Su-29- two-seat aerobatic aircraft developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau.
Story
Modifications
Flight performance
| Characteristic | Index |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Sukhoi Design Bureau |
| Engine | 1xPD M-14P |
| Wingspan | 8.20 m |
| Length | 7.29 m |
| Height | 2.74 m |
| Wing area | 12, 24 m² |
| Empty weight | 735 kg |
| Normal takeoff weight | 862 kg |
| Crew | 2 |
| Maximum allowable speed: | 450 km/h |
| Max Speed horizontal flight: | 385 km/h |
| Range of flight | 1200 km |
| Maximum rate of climb | 1600 m/min |
| practical ceiling | 4000 m |
| Max. operating overload | 12 |
see also
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Links
Notes
Sources
- "Bulletin of Aviation and Cosmonautics", No. 3, 1999.
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An excerpt characterizing the Su-29
She could not sleep for a long time. She kept thinking about the fact that no one can understand everything that she understands and what is in her."Sonya?" she thought, looking at the sleeping, curled-up kitty with her huge braid. “No, where is she! She is virtuous. She fell in love with Nikolenka and doesn't want to know anything else. Mom doesn't understand. It's amazing how smart I am and how ... she's sweet," she continued, speaking to herself in the third person and imagining that some very smart, smartest and best man was talking about her ... "Everything, everything is in her , - continued this man, - she is unusually smart, sweet and then good, unusually good, dexterous - she swims, she rides excellently, and her voice! You can say, an amazing voice! She sang her favorite musical phrase from the Cherubinievskaya opera, threw herself on the bed, laughed at the joyful thought that she was about to fall asleep, shouted to Dunyasha to put out the candle, and before Dunyasha had time to leave the room, she had already passed into another, even happier world of dreams. , where everything was just as easy and beautiful as in reality, but it was only better because it was different.
The next day, the countess, having invited Boris to her place, had a talk with him, and from that day he stopped visiting the Rostovs.
On the 31st of December, on the eve of the new year 1810, le reveillon [night dinner], there was a ball at the Catherine's nobleman. The ball was supposed to be the diplomatic corps and the sovereign.
On the Promenade des Anglais, the famous house of a nobleman shone with countless lights of illumination. At the illuminated entrance with red cloth stood the police, and not only the gendarmes, but the police chief at the entrance and dozens of police officers. The carriages drove off, and new ones kept coming up with red footmen and with footmen in feathers on their hats. Men in uniforms, stars and ribbons came out of the carriages; ladies in satin and ermine carefully descended the noisily laid steps, and hurriedly and soundlessly passed along the cloth of the entrance.
Almost every time a new carriage drove up, a whisper ran through the crowd and hats were taken off.
- Sovereign? ... No, minister ... prince ... envoy ... Can't you see the feathers? ... - said from the crowd. One of the crowd, dressed better than the others, seemed to know everyone, and called by name the noblest nobles of that time.
One-third of the guests had already arrived at this ball, and the Rostovs, who were supposed to be at this ball, were still hastily preparing to dress.
There were many rumors and preparations for this ball in the Rostov family, many fears that the invitation would not be received, the dress would not be ready, and everything would not work out as it should.
Together with the Rostovs, Marya Ignatievna Peronskaya, a friend and relative of the countess, a thin and yellow maid of honor of the old court, who led the provincial Rostovs in the highest St. Petersburg society, went to the ball.
At 10 pm, the Rostovs were supposed to call for the maid of honor to the Tauride Garden; and meanwhile it was already five minutes to ten, and the young ladies were still not dressed.
Natasha was going to the first big ball in her life. She got up that day at 8 o'clock in the morning and was in feverish anxiety and activity all day long. All her strength, from the very morning, was focused on ensuring that they all: she, mother, Sonya were dressed in the best possible way. Sonya and the countess vouched for her completely. The countess was supposed to be wearing a masaka velvet dress, they were wearing two white smoky dresses on pink, silk covers with roses in the corsage. The hair had to be combed a la grecque [Greek].
We arrived at the hangar that the Su-29 shares with the Guards Yak-52. Earlier you could see him on Severka. Cold hangar.
And here is Suchok. In 1990, the Sukhoi Design Bureau began work on the creation of a two-seat training and sports aircraft Su-29, which is further development Su-26M. The Su-29 two-seat aerobatic aircraft is designed for training, training and participation of pilots in competitions in aerobatics and demonstration performances at air shows, as well as to maintain flying skills by pilots of military and civil aviation.
In 1991, the construction of two aircraft prototypes intended for flight tests, as well as two for statistical tests, began.
At the end of 1991, the first experimental Su-29 took to the air, and in May 1992 the first serial aircraft flew. Serial production began in the spring of 1992 at the Lukhovitsky aircraft plant.
In 1994, an experimental Su-29KS was created, equipped with SKS-94 ejection seats, developed by the Zvezda association. The serial modification of the TCB with ejection seats received the designation Su-29M.
Su-29 plate, serial number 7506 and year of manufacture 1994. We don’t have an ejection seat, so just Su-29.
To date, more than 60 Su-29 aircraft have been produced. They are operated not only in Russia, but also in Australia, Great Britain, the USA, South Africa and other countries. More precisely, there are much fewer of them in Russia than in the rest of the world.
Evgeny Vyacheslavovich is mastering the cockpit.
In 1997, the Argentine Air Force decided to purchase seven Su-29 aircraft, which are supposed to be used to improve pilot training. The Argentine TCBs are fitted with a West German propeller, a Swedish-made cockpit canopy, and American landing gear wheels and avionics (including a GPS receiver). In 1999, the delivery of Su-29 aircraft to Argentina was completed.
The aircraft was created on the basis of the Su-26M and borrowed many structural and technological solutions from his predecessor. At the same time, Roman Nikolayevich told me that there are almost no interchangeable spare parts between 26 and 29. The design of the fuselage is completely different here: the farm is only where the pilots are, and the tail section is like a monocoque, unlike the entire Su-26?
At the same time, thanks to the widespread introduction of composite materials, the share of which in the Su-29 aircraft exceeded 60%, the weight of an empty aircraft increased by only 50 kg. When flying with one pilot, the aircraft is not inferior in its characteristics to the Su-26M.
External differences consist in a slight increase in the wing span and length of the aircraft. Several improved aerodynamics. Decreased static stability to increase maneuverability.
Guards Yak-52 from the other side
The Su-29 also came here from the USA, where it had the number N229SU, but how many of them are still in Russia or are they all over the hill?
External power and air
front cabin
general view of the front cabin. Very comfortable chair, you are reclining, very spacious and good view
a simple dashboard, as always without a horizon
flying only 760 hours?
pedal assembly with belts. Very comfortably
tank switching. Fuel is placed in the fuselage and two wing tanks with a total capacity of 276 liters. Basically something around 60 liters. Wing tanks are for haul only.
Photo 176.
Everything is done thoroughly. And why don't we make such planes now?
Rear, main cockpit. Flights with one pilot are operated from the 2nd (rear) cockpit.
view from rear cockpit
here the set of instruments is richer, but also mainly engine control instruments, from flight navigation only speed and altitude.
but at the same time, the cabin is an order of magnitude more spacious and more comfortable than the Yak-52, well, it seemed to me so ...
company logo
surprisingly, but here I quite get to the pedals
syringe, wedged in the cold
Photo 185.
everything is very functional
Photo 189.
no pillow anywhere
Cuba fills the main tank with 100th gasoline
The power plant consists of an M-14P piston star-shaped air-cooled engine with a three-bladed propeller.
The wingspan is a little more than 8 meters, for example, the Husky has almost 11 meters
what hollows for the head
Photo 198.
general view of the rear cabin
Oil tank capacity - 20 l.
In such a cold it is very difficult to be extremely accurate, but the guys try to keep clean.
Photo 202.
And Roman Nikolaevich creates, ties are a very useful thing
Photo 204.
Photo 205.
Tail wheel. It already looks like imported and tubeless molded rubber. Ours are usually larger and can be inflated.
Photo 207.
And the main stand is just a work of art
Photo 209.
Photo 210.
Why are there windows on the side of the fuselage?
Well, a general view of the aircraft
Photo 213.
Photo 214.
The frame that shows the angle relative to the horizon for aerobatics has been removed for now
Modifications
Su-29 - basic.
Su-29KS - experimental Su-29 with SKS-94 ejection seat (1994).
Su-29M - serial Su-29 with SKS-94 ejection seat.
Su-29AR - modification for the Argentine Air Force.
Su-29T (Su-31) is a single-seat aerobatic aircraft.
The price of the aircraft was 190 thousand US dollars then, now they are sold for more than 200 thousand ye in the United States
the other side is closed
and the engine keeps warming up
By the beginning of 2003, 153 Su-26, Su-29, Su-31 sports aircraft were produced, of which 128 aircraft were delivered to foreign customers. Offers for the sale of such aircraft, I mean Su-29 and Su -31 not so much.
everything is ready, we collect
Flight performance
M-14P engine
Takeoff power, hp 360
Dimensions, m:
wingspan 8.2
length 7.29
height 2.89
Wing area, m2 12.2
Weight, kg
empty 735
takeoff with 1 crew member 860
takeoff with 2 crew members 1204
Fuel reserve, kg 207
Speed, km/h
maximum 325
maximum dive 450
stall 115
Maximum allowable overloads:
positive 12
negative 10
Ferry flight range, km 1200
Practical ceiling, m 4000
Crew, pers. 2
Competition has always been a great incentive for technical progress. This state of affairs also took place in the former Soviet Union. This fact is confirmed by the numerous systems being developed at that time for the defense of the country, leading the competition for the right to be called the best.
Left - Su-27, right - MiG-29
One of the most obvious examples is the creation of excellent air interceptors that replenished military weapons at about the same time - in the early 80s of the last century. In particular, we are talking about Su-27 and MiG-29 aircraft. If we analyze the photographs military equipment, then the models look very similar. However, in fact, this judgment is incorrect, because the considered models belong to different classes and have a lot of differences. First of all, it is worth noting that the Su-27 is a heavy interceptor, and the MiG-29 is a light air force.
Technical indicators
Let's try to analyze more carefully how the Su-27 differs from the MiG-29, taking into account the opinion of experts. The decision to divide military aircraft into heavy and light ones was considered as early as the beginning of the 60s. According to experts, light interceptors would be able to carry out maneuverable air battles, called “carousels” by pilots. It is much easier for such models to carry out maneuverable combat due to the increased wing area and the small mass of the ship itself.
Heavy aircraft, as conceived by the designers, should successfully fight against bombers and destroy missiles launched by the enemy from a long distance. To fulfill the main purpose, such military equipment was needed, which had excellent speed, long-range powerful weapon, well-equipped radar. It was these characteristics that were inherent in heavy interceptors, so they were able to easily capture an enemy target and strike at the enemy from a long distance.
After analyzing the comparison of the characteristics of military vessels, it is not difficult to understand that much more is required to assemble heavy interceptions. Money. Probably, it is precisely for this reason that there are much fewer units of such military equipment in the fleet. And besides, this state of affairs can be explained as follows:
- large military aircraft are not always needed to perform complex combat missions;
- more expensive to develop and maintain air Transport more difficult to maintain
- many countries of the world acquire military-air equipment for status reasons, and not for protection against an actual nuclear threat.
Summing up the preliminary results, we can come to the following conclusion: the MiG-29 against the Su-27 loses in terms of size and level of equipment, but it is ahead of its "brother" in maneuverability and demand.
Main differences
Even after the military vessels in question were divided into 2 categories, a clear difference was not noted by the designers. Analysts of our time are also concerned about this issue, because after comparing the MiG-29 and Su-27, it is still not entirely clear why the specialists needed to create two very similar models of fighters.
Moreover, after some research, analysts came to the conclusion that light and maneuverable vehicles are not much cheaper to assemble than the heavy Su-27. However, experts still noted the main difference between these aircraft:
The light model was supposed to penetrate enemy territory for about 120–130 km in the event of hostilities. At the same time, ground posts will be able to control the aircraft.
Such characteristics were supposed to help save on the control composition, simplify the design of equipment, and reduce the cost of assembling the structure.
The technical equipment of light military transport was as follows:
- heat-seeking missiles R-60, later replaced by R-73;
- The radar had a detection range to detect R-27 missiles;
- an expensive communication and electronic warfare system was not provided for in the aircraft.
The main task of the Su-27 was reconnaissance of enemy territory, analysis and attack on its own. Heavy transport was supposed to penetrate enemy territory, intercept the target, and provide support to their bombers.
Since the ground services did not control the equipment, the fighter needed more powerful equipment:
- airborne radar, exceeding the range of vision of the MiG-29 twice;
- twice the flight range;
- the main armament of the R-27, as well as R-73 missiles for close combat.
Options
It is quite difficult to say exactly which model is considered the best, light or heavy. However, it is quite realistic to analyze the comparison of the MiG-29 and Su-27, based on flight performance.
MiG-29 parameters:
- average speed - 2550 km / h;
- rate of climb - 330 m / s;
- combat radius - 2100 km;
- weight of the loaded aircraft - 15240 kg;
- overall length parameter - 17.3 m;
- wing span length - 11.3 m;
- height - 4.7 m;
- total wing area - 38 sq. m.
Su-27 parameters:
- average speed - 2500 km / h;
- rate of climb - 300 m / s;
- combat radius of action - 3.9 km;
- equipped transport weight - 23,000 kg;
- length - 22 m;
- height - 5.9m;
- wing span length - 14.7 m;
- total wing area - 62 sq. m.
It is almost impossible to find differences in the design of the cockpit. Design engineers, despite the fact that fierce competition was visible during the assembly of the first models, nevertheless managed to achieve a mutual decision on this issue. And it was this moment that had a positive effect on the export interest in relation to two aircraft.
A comparison of characteristics proves that the Su-27 wins in terms of size, speed, combat range, but light transport is ahead of its counterpart in rate of climb and maneuverability. It is worth noting that when assembling both models, a two-dimensional scheme was used, which was noted as reliable and durable.
Today, it is not so important to determine how the Su-27 differs from the MiG-29, since they are being replaced by more advanced military aircraft. For example, light fighter successfully replaced the MiG-33, equipped not only with an improved platform, but also with modern aerodynamics and a large fuel tank. It is also worth noting another model, more advanced and modified - the MiG-35. The Su-27 was replaced by modern fighters - the Su-35 and Su-34, equipped with all the necessary devices that military equipment may need.
In contact with
The Su-29 model sports aircraft was developed at the Sukhoi Design Bureau based on the previous Su-26 sports aircraft model. The most significant difference between these machines is that the new machine had a double cockpit.
The history of the creation of the Su-29 aircraft
Many years of experience of designers has shown that many hours of pilot training are the basis for success in sports competitions. It was for these reasons that in 1991 the designers of the Sukhoi Design Bureau began to create a new project that was supposed to provide training for sports pilots. Due to the fact that the new car was designed in a two-seater version, this could reduce the pilot training time and training costs. In addition to athletes, military pilots also polished their skills on this machine.
The Su-29 aircraft was ready a year after the start of design. Such rapid production can be explained by the fact that most of the systems and assemblies were borrowed from previous version sports aircraft Su-26. The main differences are noticeable in the layout of the fuselage, since another cockpit has been added. The wingspan and hull length were also increased by 40 centimeters. Compared to the Su-26, the new Su-29 has become only 60 kilograms heavier, this was achieved through the use of a large amount of composite materials. Composite materials make up 60% of the entire structure of the apparatus. All this made it possible to have almost the same flight characteristics as a single-seat machine.
Even before the plane took off, it was demonstrated at the World Air Show in Paris. The aircraft made its first flight at the end of the summer of 1991 at the Zhukovsky airfield. As for factory flight tests, they were worked out simultaneously on three similar devices of this series. Factory tests were completed by the end of 91 and were marked by very positive results. The car received its first sports experience in 92 at the World Olympiad in France, where it was noted by experts as a very good and promising model. Almost immediately after these competitions, the manufacturer received an order from the United States for the supply of 12 Su-29 aircraft. In total, about 50 machines of this class were delivered to other countries of the world.
The Su-29 aircraft received a quality certificate of the IAC type in July 1994, and a year later it was allowed to operate as a training one. In 1996, this machine was tested by experienced pilots of the Russian Air Force. The result of the tests was confirmation that the Su-29 aircraft can perform such complex maneuvers as spins of varying complexity. But most main characteristic quality, it was noted that on this machine the pilots felt comfortable and had the opportunity to control every moment of the flight. The aircraft received all these characteristics due to the painstaking and thoughtful work of the designers of the Sukhoi Bureau.
The machine can be controlled by one pilot, while the machine corresponds to the flight characteristics of the Su-26. When creating an aircraft of the Su-29 type, the design of a single-seat machine took place in parallel, which received the designation Su-29T, and after a while new apparatus renamed Su-31.
Design features of the Su-29
The Su-29 type aircraft has a power plant, which is represented by one nine-cylinder propeller engine producing 360 horsepower. The M-14P type engine drives a three-bladed propeller of the MTV-3 model, which is custom-made in Germany. This sports car has a fairly low weight - only 735 kilograms when empty, and the maximum weight that the aircraft can lift into the air is 1205 kilograms.
The Su-29 aircraft can fly at speeds of more than 400 km/h, the aircraft's speed during flight and landing is only 120 km/h. The aircraft can be effectively operated at altitudes up to 4 kilometers. A special feature during takeoff is that the aircraft requires runway at 250 meters.
As for on-board equipment, it can be quite different depending on the wishes of the customer. For example, an aircraft can be equipped with foreign-made navigation systems. In addition, a GPS system can be installed on this machine.
The aircraft was manufactured at the Dubinsky Aviation Plant, which had rather large orders from different countries peace. Modifications were also made that differed in type ejection seats. One of the modifications was developed specifically for the Argentine Air Force.
Su-29 characteristics:
| Modification | |
| Wingspan, m | 8.20 |
| Aircraft length, m | 7.29 |
| Aircraft height, m | 2.89 |
| Wing area, m2 | 12.20 |
| Weight, kg | |
| empty plane | 735 |
| normal takeoff | 860 |
| maximum takeoff | 1204 |
| Internal fuel, kg | 207 |
| engine's type | 1 PD M-14PT |
| Power, hp | 1 x 355 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | |
| dives, km/h | 450 |
| level flight | 385 |
| Practical range, km | 1200 |
| Practical ceiling, m | 4000 |
| Max. operational overload | 12 |
| Crew, people | 1-2 |
