Sukhoi

Sukhoi. Sukhoi is a major Russian aerospace and defense corporation, historically one of the key aircraft design bureaus of the Soviet Union and now a division of the state-owned United Aircraft Corporation. Founded by the eminent Soviet aircraft designer Pavel Sukhoi, the company has been responsible for a prolific series of highly successful and technologically advanced fighter and attack aircraft that have formed the backbone of the Soviet Air Force and its successor, the Russian Aerospace Forces. Its products, renowned for their agility, ruggedness, and powerful weaponry, have been exported to air forces worldwide, making it a central player in the global military aviation market.

History

The design bureau, officially designated OKB-51, was established in 1939 under the leadership of Pavel Sukhoi, a former protégé of Andrei Tupolev at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute. Its early work was interrupted by World War II, but post-war, it developed notable jet aircraft like the Sukhoi Su-7 and the Sukhoi Su-9. The bureau faced temporary dissolution in 1949 by order of Joseph Stalin but was reconstituted in 1953, embarking on a period of remarkable innovation. During the Cold War, Sukhoi produced iconic aircraft such as the Sukhoi Su-15 interceptor and the legendary Sukhoi Su-27 family, which achieved parity with contemporary Western fighters like the F-15 Eagle. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the company was reorganized into a joint-stock company and later integrated into the consolidated United Aircraft Corporation in 2006, navigating the challenges of the post-Soviet era while continuing new development programs.

Products

Sukhoi's product portfolio is dominated by highly capable combat aircraft. The Sukhoi Su-27 "Flanker," a long-range air superiority fighter, spawned a vast family including the carrier-based Sukhoi Su-33, the multirole Sukhoi Su-30, and the thrust-vectoring Sukhoi Su-35. The company also produces the Sukhoi Su-34 fullback strike aircraft and the Sukhoi Su-25 "Frogfoot" close air support aircraft. Its most advanced product is the Sukhoi Su-57, a fifth-generation stealth fighter. In the civil aviation sector, Sukhoi developed the Sukhoi Superjet 100 regional jet through its civil division, now part of Irkut Corporation, and was a partner in the Mikoyan MiG-29 program's early stages.

Design philosophy and technological features

Sukhoi aircraft are renowned for a design philosophy emphasizing exceptional aerodynamic performance, high maneuverability, and structural robustness. A hallmark is the widespread use of the Lyulka AL-31 and its derivatives, providing tremendous thrust. Many designs incorporate advanced aerodynamic concepts like relaxed stability and fly-by-wire control systems, first seen on the Sukhoi Su-27. The company pioneered the integration of thrust vectoring on operational fighters like the Sukhoi Su-30MKI and the Sukhoi Su-35. Modern aircraft feature sophisticated avionics suites, including Phazotron and NIIP radars, infrared search and track systems, and compatibility with a vast arsenal of Vympel NPO missiles.

Corporate structure and operations

Sukhoi operates as a holding company, PJSC Sukhoi Company, within the larger United Aircraft Corporation state conglomerate. Its core military design and development activities are centered at the Sukhoi Design Bureau in Moscow. Key production facilities include the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Plant (KnAAZ), which builds the Sukhoi Su-35 and Sukhoi Su-57, and the Novosibirsk Aircraft Production Association (NAPO), associated with the Sukhoi Su-34. The company collaborates extensively with other Russian aerospace entities like Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG, UAC, and engine manufacturers United Engine Corporation and Klimov. Its global operations involve major export and maintenance partnerships with nations including India, China, Algeria, and Vietnam.

Notable achievements and records

Sukhoi holds numerous aviation world records, many set by the Sukhoi Su-27 and its variants, including time-to-height and closed-circuit speed records ratified by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale. The Sukhoi P-42, a stripped-down Sukhoi Su-27, broke multiple climb records held by the F-15 Eagle. The Sukhoi Su-37 demonstrator famously showcased the "Cobra" and "Kulbit" post-stall maneuvers. The company's aircraft have been demonstration stars at international airshows like MAKS and the Paris Air Show, with the Russian Knights and Swifts aerobatic teams flying its jets. The Sukhoi Su-57 represents Russia's entry into the fifth-generation fighter club alongside the Lockheed Martin F-22 and Chengdu J-20.

Category:Aerospace companies of Russia Category:Companies based in Moscow Category:Aircraft manufacturers of Russia