Su-11 Fishpot

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 as the T-47 prototype in December 1958. 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.

Design

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

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.

Operational History

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 The aircraft saw limited production and was eventually superseded by the Su-15.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.

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.