Sukhoi Su-12

Sukhoi Design Bureau

Industry	Aerospace, Defense
Founded	1939
Founder	Pavel Sukhoi
Headquarters	Moscow , Soviet Union
Products	Military aircraft, including Su-12 experimental reconnaissance plane

"Su-12" redirects here. For the Soviet self-propelled gun, see SU-12.

The Sukhoi Su-12 (also known as Aircraft RK) was a Soviet experimental reconnaissance and artillery observation plane developed during the period of World War II.

Development

In November 1943, the Sukhoi Design Bureau (OKB) initiated the development of an artillery spotting aircraft inspired by the German Focke-Wulf Fw 189. The original design featured a three-person crew and was powered by two Shvetsov M-62 engines. Although initial funding was refused, approval was eventually granted following advocacy by the Soviet Chief Marshal of Artillery, N.N. Voronov. As requirements evolved, the crew complement was expanded to four, and the engines were upgraded to more powerful Shvetsov ASh-82M units delivering 1,640 kW (2,200 hp).

The Su-12 prototype's maiden flight occurred on 26 August 1947, piloted by N.D. Fikson. Flight testing concluded by 30 October of the same year. Due to difficulties encountered with the ASh-82M engines, these were replaced with the more reliable but less powerful ASh-82FN models producing 1,380 kW (1,850 hp). This change resulted in the aircraft failing to meet its designated maximum speed and service ceiling targets. The Su-12 successfully passed state trials in September 1949 and received recommendations for mass production. However, limited manufacturing capacity within the USSR led to a proposal in October 1949 to manufacture the aircraft in Czechoslovakia. This request was ultimately rejected because the aircraft did not fulfill all performance criteria. Subsequent attempts by Sukhoi OKB to secure additional funding and continue development were unsuccessful.

Operators

Template:USSR

• Soviet Air Force

Specifications (Su-12)

File:Sukhoi Su-12 3-view.svg

References

• Antonov, Vladimir; Gordon, Yefim; et al. OKB Sukhoi. Leicester: Midland, 1996. ISBN 1-85780-012-5