Sukhoi P-1

Sukhoi

Industry	Aerospace, Defense
Founded	1939
Headquarters	Moscow , Soviet Union

The Sukhoi P-1 represented a Soviet experimental interceptor aircraft.

Development

In 1954, Sukhoi initiated design work on what was later designated Izdeliye P, responding to an urgent directive from the Ministry of Aviation Industry (MAP – Ministerstvo Aviatsionnoy Promyshlennosti). Initial considerations included crew configuration, armament options (missiles, cannons, or a combination), and engine choices among the Lyulka AL-9, AL-11, Klimov VK-9F, Kuznetsov P-2, or Kuznetsov P-4.

The aircraft was tailored to accommodate the complex and sizable Uragan-1 (Hurricane-1) collision-course intercept radar system. This necessitated a two-person crew and side-mounted air intakes instead of a nose intake, while maintaining the delta wing design derived from the Sukhoi T-3 featuring a 57-degree leading edge sweep. Although the production variant was planned to be powered by the then-developing Lyulka AL-9 engine, the prototype utilized a less powerful Lyulka AL-7F engine.

First taking to the skies in July 1957, the P-1 underwent limited flight trials hindered by the unavailability of its intended engine and persistent challenges with its radar and missile technologies. Additionally, it faced limited support from the VVS (Voyenno-Vozdooshnyye Seely). OKB-51 continued efforts to promote the P-1 by proposing installation of a larger Tumansky R-15-300 afterburning turbojet engine, but enthusiasm remained low. Ultimately, the single prototype was assigned to experimental roles before being dismantled.

A subsequent concept, the P-2, envisioned employing twin Klimov VK-11 engines mounted in the rear fuselage; however, this project was terminated during the mock-up evaluation phase.

Specifications (P-1 as designed)

File:Sukhoi P-1 top-view silhouette.png

Sukhoi P-1 silhouette