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Sukhoi T-10 Prototype “Flanker-A”
Brief History:
This is meant to suggest the pre-production, prototype Sukhoi T-10 specifically the T-10-11 sub-prototype which included provisions for air-to-air missiles and combat avionics like radar and IRST. It would maintain the distinct ogival wing tips and vertical stabilizers mounted directly on top of the engine nacelles. Along with fixed engine nozzle housing, containing the AL-21F-3AI engines (Modified AL-21F-3 engines from Su-17 and Su-24 to work with the T-10).
The N001 Mech radar, OPES-27 IRST and SPO-15 RWR were tested on some prototypes of the T-10 and would make up the main sensor suite. For armament, dummy R-60s could be mounted on the wing pylons and may have been used in very early tests but ultimately the R-73 RMD-1 and R-27R/T missiles would make up the main weaponry.
Production was centered at Komsomolsk, Khabarrovsk territory.
Development of the T-10 had issues, resulting in two pilots dying before major airframe redesigns took place. This initial prototype model was considered too heavy and under-powered and thus was expected to be inferior to Western planes at the time, notably the F-15A. The avionics were much heavier than anticipated by “several hundred kilograms” which negatively affected flight performance significantly compared to later production Su-27S. It was decided to scrap the fighter and start almost completely over from scratch. This re-designed and re-designated “T-10S” would more closely match and eventually go on to become the production model of the Su-27S “Flanker-B”.
Prototypes design trademarks included:
- Ogival “curved” wingtips
- Tail fins mounted centrally above engine housings
- Rearward retracting nose wheels
- AL-21F-3AI engines
Specific information for the T-10 prototypes is difficult to find, especially as the prototypes changed rapidly, so some values have been borrowed from production Su-27 aircraft. If you see something that needs correction and have a source to back it up, please share it below.
Specifications:
Spoiler
Length: 21.9m
Height: 5.92m
Wingspan: 14.7m
Powerplant(s):
2x AL-21F-3AI turbojet engines
Engine Thrust:
Military power: 7800 kgf - 76.5 kN
Afterburner: 11,215 kpf - 109.9 kN
or
2x AL-31F turbofan engines
Engine Thrust:
Military power: 7800 kgf - 76.5 kN
Afterburner: 12,500 kpf - 122.6 kN
Max speed:
Sea level: Mach 1.13
High alt: Mach 2.35
Rate of climb: 300 m/s
Service ceiling: 19,000 m
Range: 1,340 to 3,530 km
Weight:
Empty weight: 16,380 kg
Max T-O weight: 30,450 kg
Internal fuel capacity: 5,600-6,350 kg
Wing area: ~62 m^2
Countermeasures: APP-50 dispenser
Avionics: N001 Mech radar, OPES-27 IRST, SPO-15 RWR
Radar:
N001 (RLPK-27) "Mech" Pulse Doppler Radar
High and Medium PRF
Diameter 1.075 m
Azimuth +-60
Elevation +60 -55
Power 1kW
Meant to compete with the F-15's APG-63 radar and be similar to the MiG-29 N019 radar.
Was replaced eventually by the N011 radar, but still used in export Flankers.
Weapons Loadout:
Spoiler
Cannon:
GSh-30-1 (150 rounds)
A-A Missiles:
2-4x R-60M (only for prototypes) OR 2-4x R-73 on wing pylons
4x R-27R/T on centerline and engine pylons
6 to 8 weapon hardpoints (depending on prototype subvariant)
Capacity up to ~4,430 kg.
(Early US intel hypothesizing on Su-27 capabilities.)
Photos:
Sources:
Spoiler
Famous Russian Aircraft: Sukhoi Su-27 - Yefim Gordon
OKB Sukhoi: A History of the Design Bureau and its Aircraft - Yefim Gordon
Soviet Secret Projects - Yefim Gordon
Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft 1986-87
DCS: Su-27 Flanker Manual - Eagle Dynamics
Sukhoi Flankers - The Shifting Balance of Regional Air Power
http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-Flanker-Radars.html
T-10 Su-27 FLANKER-A Prototype
MILAVIA Aircraft - Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker Specifications
Su-27 family cockpits – Su-27 Flanker Family
