Sukhoi T-3

The Sukhoi T-3 was a prototype Soviet fighter aircraft.

T-3
Role Interceptor
Manufacturer Sukhoi OKB
First flight 26 May 1956
Status Prototype only
Number built 3
Variants Sukhoi Su-9

Development

Starting in the early 1950s, the development of the T-3 proceeded in parallel with the S-1 which would eventually become the Sukhoi Su-7. While the S-1 was a conventional swept wing aircraft (S stood for strelovidniy, стреловидный, swept wing), the T-3 had a delta wing with a leading edge sweep of 57° (T stood for treugolniy, треугольный, delta wing).[1] Aside from the wings, the two aircraft shared the basic design as well as the Lyulka AL-7 turbojet engine. Since the T-3 was intended to be an interceptor, it was fitted with the Almaz (Алмаз, Diamond) radar housed 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 the PT-7 and PT-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 the Sukhoi Su-9, forming the backbone of the PVO during the 1960s.

Specifications (T-3)

Data from Green[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-7F afterburning turbojet engine, 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

Avionics

  • Almaz radar

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References

  1. Green, William. "The Great Book of Fighters". 2001. MBI Publishing.ISBN 0760311943
  2. Gordon, Yefim. Sukhoi Interceptors". Hinkley, Midland. 2004. ISBN 1-85780-180-6

Further reading

  • Gordon, Yefim. Sukhoi Interceptors". Hinkley, Midland. 2004. ISBN 1-85780-180-6
  • Gunston, Bill. The Osprey Encyclopaedia of Russian Aircraft 1875–1995". London, Osprey. 1995. ISBN 1-85532-405-9
  • Green, William. "The Great Book of Fighters". 2001. MBI Publishing.ISBN 0760311943
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