Su-11 Fishpot

Summary

Category Combat Aircraft
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
ManufacturerSukhoi
First flight1 January 1961
Year introduced1964
Number produced108 units

Technical specifications

Version: Su-11
Crew1 pilot
Operational range500 km (311 mi)
Endurance1 hours
Maximum speed 2340 km/h (1454 mph)
Wing area34 m² (366.0 sqft)
Wingspan8.5 m (28.0 ft)
Height4.7 m (15.4 ft)
Length18.2 m (59.8 ft)
Service ceiling18,000 m (59,055 ft)
Empty weight8,562 kg (18,876 lbs)
Max. takeoff weight13,986 kg (30,834 lbs)
Climb rate136.7 m/s (448.5 ft/s)
Powerplant1 x Lyulka AL-7F-2 delivering 99 kN each

Current operating countries

No country is operating the Su-11 Fishpot in 2026.

All operators

🇨🇳 Ex-USSR

Armament

Missiles payload:

  • Air-to-Air Medium-Range R-98 (AA-3 Anab)
  • Air-to-Air Medium-Range K-8

Su-11 Fishpot Combat photo
Sukhoi Su-11 Fishpot Combat profile drawing

Description

The Sukhoi Su-11 (NATO reporting name: Fishpot-C) was a Soviet interceptor developed as an upgraded version of the Su-9. Designed in parallel with the Su-7 fighter-bomber, the aircraft first flew in 1961 as the T-47 prototype. Production of the definitive Su-11-8M variant took place between 1962 and 1965, with approximately 108 aircraft delivered. Some existing Su-9 airframes were also upgraded to the Su-11 configuration.

The Su-11 utilized a delta wing, swept tailplanes, and a cigar-shaped fuselage with a circular nose intake. It featured a lengthened nose to accommodate the Oryol (NATO reporting name: Skip Spin) radar set. Power was provided by a Lyulka AL-7F-1 turbojet engine, which produced 9.8 kN more afterburning thrust than the engine used in the Su-9. The Su-11 is distinguished from the Su-9 by external fuel pipes located on the upper fuselage aft of the cockpit. Despite its updated radar, the aircraft lacked the capability to engage low-flying targets and remained dependent on ground control interception (GCI) to vector onto targets.

Armament consisted of two R-98 (AA-3 'Anab') air-to-air missiles. These were typically deployed as a pair featuring one R-98MR semi-active radar homing missile and one R-98MT infrared-guided missile. The Su-11 did not carry an internal cannon.

Developmental issues and accidents delayed the introduction of the Su-11 into the Soviet Air Force (VVS) and Soviet Air Defence Forces (PVO) until 1964. The aircraft saw limited production and was eventually superseded by the Su-15. The Su-11 remained in front-line service until approximately 1983, with some examples operational into the early 1980s.

Main Variants

  • Su-11-8M: The definitive production version of the interceptor.
  • Su-11U: A conversion trainer variant featuring a second seat, full armament, and radar systems, though it possessed reduced fuel capacity and was not intended for combat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of aircraft is the Su-11 Fishpot?
The Sukhoi Su-11 Fishpot is a combat aircraft aircraft developed by Sukhoi and entered service in 1964.
What is the maximum speed of the Su-11 Fishpot?
The Sukhoi Su-11 Fishpot has a maximum speed of 2,340 km/h (Mach 1.9).
What is the range of the Su-11 Fishpot?
The Sukhoi Su-11 Fishpot has an operational range of 500 km (310 miles). This range can vary based on payload, altitude, and mission profile.
When did the Su-11 Fishpot first fly?
The Sukhoi Su-11 Fishpot made its first flight on January 01, 1961. It entered operational service in 1964.
How many Su-11 Fishpot have been built?
Approximately 108 units of the Sukhoi Su-11 Fishpot have been produced since it entered service in 1964.
What is the service ceiling of the Su-11 Fishpot?
The Sukhoi Su-11 Fishpot has a service ceiling of 18,000 meters (59,055 feet). This is the maximum altitude at which the aircraft can maintain controlled flight.
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