Sukhoi T-3
| Company type | Experimental fighter aircraft prototype |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace |
| Founded | 1950 |
| Headquarters | Moscow , Soviet Union |
| Products | Fighter aircraft prototypes |
The Sukhoi T-3 was an experimental Soviet fighter aircraft prototype.
Development
In the early 1950s, the T-3's development occurred alongside the S-1, which later evolved into the Sukhoi Su-7. Whereas the S-1 featured a traditional swept wing design (with "S" representing strelovidniy, стреловидный, meaning swept wing), the T-3 was equipped with a delta wing characterized by a 57° leading edge sweep ("T" denoting treugolniy, треугольный, or delta wing). Aside from the differing wing configurations, both aircraft shared similar structural designs and were powered by the Lyulka AL-7 turbojet engine. Designed specifically as an interceptor, the T-3 incorporated the Almaz (Алмаз, Diamond) radar system installed within its air intake. The prototype completed its maiden flight on 26 May 1956.
Although production was initiated at Factory No.153, changing requirements for interceptor fighters soon overtook the project. A total of three units were built and delivered by rail to the OKB-51 facility near Moscow. Only one of these flew in its original configuration, while all three prototypes underwent modifications for diverse experimental programs, resulting in variants such as the T-39, T-49, PT-7, PT-8, among others. To explore various radar radome designs and advance radar and missile subsystem development, two prototypes were transformed into the PT-7 and PT-8. The PT-7 featured a variable intake ramp, whereas the PT-8 was modified with an elongated nose containing a translating centerbody. Although it did not enter mass production, the T-3 formed the foundation for what became the Sukhoi Su-9, which served as a principal asset for the PVO throughout the 1960s.
Specifications (T-3)
See also
References
Further reading
- Gordon, Yefim. Sukhoi Interceptors. Midland, Hinkley. 2004. ISBN 1-85780-180-6
- Gunston, Bill. The Osprey Encyclopaedia of Russian Aircraft 1875–1995. Osprey, London. 1995. ISBN 1-85532-405-9
- Green, William. The Great Book of Fighters. MBI Publishing. 2001. ISBN 0760311943