Sukhoi T-3
| T-3 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| General information | |
| Type | Interceptor |
| Manufacturer | SukhoiOKB |
| Status | Prototype only |
| Number built | 3 |
| History | |
| First flight | 26 May 1956 |
| Variants | Sukhoi Su-9 |
TheSukhoi T-3was a prototypeSovietfighter aircraft.
Development
[edit]Starting in the early 1950s, the development of the T-3 proceeded in parallel with the S-1 which would eventually become theSukhoi Su-7.While the S-1 was a conventionalswept wingaircraft (Sstood forstrelovidniy,стреловидный, swept wing), the T-3 had adelta wingwith a leading edge sweep of 57° (Tstood fortreugolniy,треугольный, delta wing).[1]Aside from the wings, the two aircraft shared the basic design as well as theLyulka AL-7turbojetengine. Since the T-3 was intended to be an interceptor, it was fitted with theAlmaz(Алмаз, Diamond)radarhoused in the air intake. The prototype first flew on 26 May 1956.
The T-3 was ordered into production at Factory No.153 but events overtook it when a revised specification was issued for the Interceptor fighter role. Three aircraft were completed and transported by rail to the OKB-51 factory near Moscow, where only one was to fly in as-built condition and all three prototypes were modified for various test programmes, becoming, for example, the T-39, T-49, PT-7, PT-8 and other experimental aircraft.[2]To investigate different radar radome configurations as well as develop radar and missile sub-systems, two of the prototypes were converted to become thePT-7andPT-8.The PT-7 had a variable intake ramp, while the PT-8 had an extended nose with a translating centerbody.[1]Although not proceeded with, the T-3 served as the basis for what would eventually become theSukhoi Su-9,forming the backbone of thePVOduring the 1960s.
Specifications (T-3)
[edit]Data fromGreen[1]
General characteristics
- Crew:1
- Length:16.75 m (54 ft 11 in)
- Wingspan:8.43 m (27 ft 8 in)
- Wing area:24.2 m2(260 sq ft)
- Powerplant:1 ×Lyulka AL-7Fafterburning turbojetengine, 63.7 kN (14,300 lbf) thrust dry, 88.8 kN (20,000 lbf) with afterburner
Performance
- Maximum speed:2,100 km/h (1,300 mph, 1,100 kn)
- Maximum speed:Mach 1.98
- Range:1,840 km (1,140 mi, 990 nmi)
- Service ceiling:18,000 m (59,000 ft)
Armament
- Missiles:2 ×Kaliningrad K-8orRaduga K-9air-to-air missiles
Avionics
- Almaz radar
See also
[edit]Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
References
[edit]- ^abcGreen, William. "The Great Book of Fighters". 2001. MBI Publishing.ISBN0760311943
- ^Gordon, Yefim.Sukhoi Interceptors.Hinkley, Midland. 2004.ISBN1-85780-180-6
Further reading
[edit]
- Gordon, Yefim.Sukhoi Interceptors.Hinkley, Midland. 2004.ISBN1-85780-180-6
- Gunston, Bill.The Osprey Encyclopaedia of Russian Aircraft 1875–1995.London, Osprey. 1995.ISBN1-85532-405-9
- Green, William. "The Great Book of Fighters". 2001. MBI Publishing.ISBN0760311943