NOTE: RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
The Sukhoi Su-26, the first in the line of Sukhoi aerobatic aircraft, got its start in 1983. It was then that a company design team took on the challenges of developing an aircraft to meet the standards proposed by the Soviet Union.
The new aircraft needed to have an airframe that could withstand high G maneuvers, yet be light enough to perform effectively. The wings and tail feathers would be enhanced for maximum maneuverability.
Pilots from the Soviet national aerobatic team, and experienced sports pilots gave their input with regards to what they would like to see in the new aircraft.
The Sukhoi Su-26 first took to the sky on June 30, 1984. Pilots appreciated the excellent all around view from the cockpit and were impressed by its fast roll rate. It, and all further Sukhoi aerobatic aircraft, would be able to maneuver at +12 to -10 times the force of gravity.
In competition with other aircraft of its class, it was soon realized that the overall weight needed to be reduced. New, space age composites, a new wing planform, and redesigned tail feathers were incorporated into the new aircraft. A special seat was designed for the pilot.
It was made to provide complete support under the high G loads the aircraft is able to generate. The seat was reclined rearward at a 35 degree angle. The aircraft wing root was more aerodynamically blended into the fuselage and rudder throw increased.
The Sukhoi Su-26M was the first airplane of its type to make such extensive use of space age composites. The results was an aircraft with an airframe that could withstand over 22 times the force of gravity in static tests. Its air frame was now lighter than any competing aerobatic aircraft.
Three Sukhoi Su-26 aircraft competed against some 70 pilots from 16 nations in the 1986 World Aerobatic Competition that took place in Great Britain. The Sukhoi Su-26 took first place and won almost half of the events.
The Su-26 was displayed at the 1987 Paris Air Show. It generated such enthusiasm that Sukhoi decided to manufacture a production version. The first four production aircraft were completed in late 1989.
The production aircraft were about 66 lbs. lighter than their predecessor. They had fuselage and wing enhancements for better aerodynamics, and additional air flow to the engine.
The production aircraft, designated the Su-26M-02, first flew in public at an air show in the United States in mid 1988. In 1989 the aircraft was again shown in the U.S.A. at the EAA AirVenture.
As a result of the enthusiastic reception to the aircraft in the United States, the first of 25 Su-26 aircraft destined for the country was delivered in March of 1990.
A total of 168 Sukhoi aerobatic aircraft of all types have been built. Of these, 141 were delivered outside of Russia.
Sukhoi Su-26 Specifications
Seats
one
Engine
M-14P
Power
360 h.p.
Length
22' 4"
Wingspan
25' 7"
Weight Empty
1,543 lbs.
Max. Weight
2,121 lbs.
Fuel
53 gals.
Cruise Speed
193 mph
Mx Speed Vne
286 mph
Climb Rate
3,540 fpm
Range
556 miles
Year Deployed
1988
Radio Control Airplane
CMP giant scale rc Sukhoi Su 26.
Radio Control Airplanes
Their are plenty of Sukhoi aerobat rc airplanes for sale. You should have no trouble finding the exact model you seek.
All the series share the same general shape, and rc airplane producers have taken liberties in the dimensions of their aircraft.
Park Zone has a micro ready to fly rc Sukhoi Su 26 with a wingspan of just 15 3/4".
E-Flite has a rc Sukhoi Su-26 ARF. It has a wingspan of 43" with a length of 39" and weighs about 2 lbs. Recommended is a Park 480 motor.
Pictured just above is the giant scale Sukhoi Su 26 from CMP, sold by Nitro Planes. Its an ARF with a wingspan of 87" and a length of 73". You will need a 50 to 60 cc gas
engine to power the model that weighs around 17 lbs.
In the first picture below is the giant scale Sukhoi Su-26 ARF for sale by Nitro Planes. Its wingspan is 101". Its length is 93" and weight is about 28 lbs.
The model is made from balsa and ply. It needs a 85 to 100 cc gas engine up front.
Hangar 9 has a rc Sukhoi Su-26 ARF for sale. Its wingspan is 97", length is 91" and weight is about 24 lbs.
You will need from a 58 to 85 cc gas engine for power.
Pictured next below is the rc Sukhoi Su 26 for sale by Global RC. It is made from balsa and ply with a 88" wingspan and 81" fuselage length.
For power you will need from 45 to 60 cc gas engines. Weight, all up, is about 17 lbs.
Global RC has a rc Sukhoi Su-26 ARF. Wingspan is 68", length is 65", engines are .90 to 1.20 two stroke or 1.20 four stroke and weight is around 10 lbs.
The third picture below is of the 30% scale rc Sukhoi Su-26 for sale by Performance Aircraft. Specifications are a wingspan of 87 1/2", a fuselage that is 80" long,
and a ready to fly weight of around 17 lbs.
Cermark sells a rc Sukhoi Su-26 ARF. Wingspan is 87", length is 80" and weight is around 16 1/2 lbs. Recommended engines are DA-50 or equivalent.
Kit Cutters has plans and kits for the rc Sukhoi Su-26M with a wingspan of 80". The plan is from Scale Plans and Photo Service.
Kit Cutters has plans and kits for the rc Sukhoi Su-26 from RC Modeler Magazine. Its wingspan is 76". It needs from 1.5 to 2.0 glow engines.
Cermark has a smaller rc Sukhoi Su-26 ARF for sale. Its wingspan is 49" and length is 46 1/2". Construction materials are balsa and plywood. Recommended motor
is a Neo-10. Weight is around 41 oz.
The larger rc Sukhoi Su-26 ARF from Cermark has a wingspan of 68" with a length of 65 1/2". It is made from fiberglass and wood and weighs around 9 1/2 lbs.
You can power it with from 26 to 28 cc gas, 1.20 two stroke, 1.40 four stroke engines, or a NEO-90 motor.
Did we leave out your favorite rc Sukhoi aerobat? If so, please email us.
Sukhoi Su-26
