Sukhoi Su-37 Terminator | ||
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Description | ||
Role | ||
Crew | 1 pilot | |
Passengers | ||
First flight | 2nd April 1996 | |
Entered service | Never | |
Manufacturer | Sukhoi | |
Produced | 1 | |
Dimensions | ||
Length | 22.18 m | |
Wingspan | 14.70 m | |
Height | 6.43 m | |
Wing area | 62.04 m² | |
Weights | ||
Empty | 18,400 kg | |
Loaded | 26,700 kg | |
Maximum takeoff | 34,000 kg | |
Powerplant | ||
Engine | 2 × Saturn/Ljulka AL-37FU | |
Power (each) | 142.2 kN | |
Performance | ||
Maximum speed | 2,496 km/h | |
Cruising speed | ||
Range | 3,680 km | |
Ceiling | 18,800 m | |
Rate of climb | 330 m/s |
The Su-37 Terminator (NATO codename: "Flanker-F") is a Russian technology demonstrator, with supermaneuverability, thrust vectoring and canards. Alongside with the Su-35 BM it is the most advanced Flanker derivative. In 1996, it was the first aircraft to perform a kulbit. The F-22 performed it later but the Kulbit was invented by the Su-37 pilots.
Development[]
The Su-37 Terminator is a related development of the Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker-E, which was called Su-27M at first. Development of the Su-27M began in in the early 1980s, while the first flight of the first prototype was in 1988. The differences in comparison with the Su-27P are the Canards, to boost manoeuvreability, more powerful engines, a new radar and a digital fly-by-wire system. In newer prototypes the cockpit was also redesigned. In the year 1993, the Su-27M was renamed to Su-35.
Actually the Su-37 Terminator is a Su-35 that was upgraded with 2D thrust vector control. Testing and the first flights of the Su-37 began in April 1996. The Su-37 was unveiled at the Farnborough Air Show 1996, where it was flown by testpilot Jevgeni Frolov.