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Sukhoi Su-37

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Su-37
Role Multirole fighter technology demonstrator
National origin Russia
Manufacturer Sukhoi / KnAAPO
First flight 2 April 1996
Status Development ceased
Number built 2 (conversions from Sukhoi Su-35)[1]
Developed from Sukhoi Su-35

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 dogfighting 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 shows, 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.

Design and development

The earliest records on thrust-vectoring technology research within Sukhoi began in 1983. The 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, 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.[2][3]

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.[4] The first Su-27M prototype (T-10S-70) made its maiden flight on 28 June 1988.[5] Changes from the Su-27 include canards, upgraded engines, new radar, and a digital fly-by-wire flight-control system.[6] Later Su-35 prototypes added a glass cockpit and modified vertical stabilizers.[4] The Su-35's construction features increased use of composites, including aluminium-lithium (Al-Li) alloy.[7] 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.[2]

The Su-37 could perform the 180° "Frolov Chakra", which is an example of post-stall maneuvering, a type of supermaneuverability.[8]

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.[9] Installed is the 2D thrust-vectoring Lyulka AL-31FP, an interim measure pending the availability of the AL-37FU (Forsazh Upravleniye, "afterburner-controlled").[4] 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°.[10] 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°.[11]

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 missiles. 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.[12] It can carry air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons on 12 hardpoints. 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.[13]

The cockpit has four T-form Sextan Avionique (Thales) LCD multi-function displays (MFD) instead of traditional analogue instruments. These displays provide air data/navigation, systems status, weapons/systems selection and tactical situation information.[14] 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).[14][15][16] The pilot steers with a side-stick and pressure-sensing throttles.[14] 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.[16]

Operational history

The aircraft, painted in a disruptive sand and brown scheme, was given the code 711 Blue, later changed to 711 White.[17][18] The aircraft's maiden flight occurred at Zhukovsky 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.[16][19][20] Frolov was joined by Igor Votintsev, a Hero of Russia medal recipient. Within 13 days, the two had amassed 12 flights between them.[18]

Jet aircraft with yellow, tan and green colour scheme performing aerial displays.
An Su-35BM performing at the MAKS Airshow in 2009. This aircraft features thrust vectoring technology, similar to the Su-37.[21]

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.[4] 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.[9][18] 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.[22] 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".[23]

In 1998, a second Su-37 was similarly converted.[1] The T10M-12 made its first flight on 23 March, the same year.[24] 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.[25][26][27] 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.[28][21]

Specifications (Su-37)

Data from Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker: Air Superiority Fighter,[13] Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker[29]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1

Performance

Armament

  • 1 × 30 mm GSh-30 cannon with 150 rounds
  • 12 × wing and fuselage stations for up to 8,000 kg (17,636 lb) of ordnance

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

Citations

  1. ^ a b Gordon & Davison 2006, pp. 34–37.
  2. ^ a b Gordon 1999, p. 63.
  3. ^ Gordon & Davison 2006, p. 35.
  4. ^ a b c d Eden 2004, p. 469.
  5. ^ Gordon 1999, p. 62.
  6. ^ Wilson 2000, p. 132.
  7. ^ Williams 2002, p. 119.
  8. ^ Siuru, William. "Supermaneuverability". Airpower Journal. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
  9. ^ a b "Su-37 "Super Flanker"". Globalsecurity.org. Retrieved 13 July 2011.
  10. ^ Gordon 1999, pp. 64, 68.
  11. ^ Gordon 1999, p. 69.
  12. ^ Gordon 1999, pp. 64–66.
  13. ^ a b Gordon 1999, p. 148.
  14. ^ a b c Gordon 1999, p. 65.
  15. ^ Gordon 1999, pp. 145, 149.
  16. ^ a b c Tartar 1997
  17. ^ "Sukhoi Su-37". Airliners.net. Retrieved 13 July 2011.
  18. ^ a b c Gordon 1999, p. 66.
  19. ^ "Su-37 shows its thrust". Flight International, 28 August 1996. Retrieved 13 July 2011. {{cite journal}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  20. ^ Velovich, Alexander. "Thrust-vectoring Sukhoi Su-35 flies". Flight International, 8–14 May 1996. Retrieved 13 July 2011. {{cite journal}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  21. ^ a b "Su-35". Sukhoi. Retrieved 18 August 2011.
  22. ^ Gordon 1999, pp. 67, 69.
  23. ^ Gordon 1999, p. 68.
  24. ^ Gethin, Howard. "Sukhoi flies latest Su-37 demonstrator". Flight International, 9 September 1998. Retrieved 13 July 2011. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  25. ^ "Sukhoi demonstrator crashes during testing". Flight International, 31 December 2002. Retrieved 15 July 2011. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  26. ^ "Sukhoi Su-37 Terminator". Milavia.net. Retrieved 15 July 2011.
  27. ^ Fomin, Andrey. "Su-35, A Step from Fifth Generation" (PDF). Sukhoi, June 2007. Retrieved 14 July 2011. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  28. ^ "Su-30MK Multi-Role Two-Seater Fighter Aircraft, Russia". Airforce-technology.com. Retrieved 18 August 2011.
  29. ^ Gordon & Davison 2006, pp. 92, 95–96.

References

  • Eden, Paul (ed.). The Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft. London: Amber Books, 2004. ISBN 1-904687-84-9.
  • Gordon, Yefim. Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker: Air Superiority Fighter. London: Airlife Publishing, 1999. ISBN 1-84037-029-7.
  • Gordon, Yefim. Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker. Warbird Tech. Vol. 42. North Branch, Minnesota: Specialty Press, 2006. ISBN 1-58007-091-4. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  • Tartar, Easy. "Sukhoi Su-37". Fighter Tactics Academy, 18 August 1997. Retrieved 14 July 2011. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  • Williams, Mel (ed.). "Sukhoi 'Super Flankers'". Superfighters: The Next Generation of Combat Aircraft. London: AIRtime Publishing, 2002. ISBN 1-880588-53-6.
  • Wilson, Stewart. "Sukhoi Su-35/37". Combat aircraft: since 1945. Fyshwick, Australia: Aerospace Publications, 2000. ISBN 1-875671-50-1.
External image
image icon Su-37 image
  • Su-37 at EnemyForces.com
  • Su-37 at Russian Military Analysis
  • Su-37 at Airforce-technology.com
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