Sukhoi P-1 (Perekhvatchuk-1)

History of the Sukhoi P-1 (Perekhvatchuk-1)

The Soviet Union promoted numerous developments regarding air defense as a result of the increased bomber capabilities of the United States and Britain in the West during the Cold War (1947-1991) . These included land-based missile systems and dedicated high-speed interceptors, one of which - one of the latter - became the Sukhoi "P-1". This example ended its days as a single prototype, largely due to expected radar and engine delays.

By 1954, the threat of high-flying jet American bombers was real, so Soviet engineers were tasked with developing design studies focused on new interception solutions. In addition to this, a new interceptor radar is being developed, the Uragan-1 ("Hurricane-1") X-band radar, which promises to support this role. However, the complexity of this system comes at a priceit is technically complex and bulkyand requires equally technically sophisticated large aircraft to transport it.

The Sukhoi OKB was tasked with developing the airframe and, together with the later P-1, simultaneously participated in the development of a like-minded interceptor form - the "T-3".

In terms of performance, it was decided to focus on the Lyulka AL-9 turbojet engine (suggested thrust 23,370 lbs afterburner) under development, one of which will be installed on the new aircraft. Since the radar seat will be installed in the nose, a nose-mounted air intake is not possible - this prompted Sukhoi engineers to develop a split side air intake (side) layout with two The air intakes take in the air for a single engine.

The hull is typically tubular. Due to the additional mission responsibilities associated with the new radar, a second crew member was added - two in separate cockpits under a heavy-duty frame with limited visibility. The cockpit location is at the rear of the nose cone assembly and forward of the air intakes. The wing plane changed to a tail delta configuration (following the arrangement in the parallel T-3 design), with the main plane essentially triangular, swept 57 degrees along its leading edge and spanning the hull. The rear wing is conventional, with a vertical rear wing with a low horizontal plane.

The tricycle landing gear completes the modern character of the aircraft, making it a sleek looking aircraft.

As the AL-9 engine was still in progress, the prototype was fitted with a less powerful Lyulka AL-7F turbojet during the transition. The Sukhoi prototype was designated "P-1" (Perekhvatchuk-1 = "Interceptor-1").

It has been suggested that the final version of the interceptor will carry 50x57mm spin-stabilized unguided air-to-air missiles against enemy bombers. This is in addition to the fixed forward-firing 37mm Nudelman N-37 automatic cannon and eventual support for underwing air-to-air missiles (AAM) (radar-guided "K-7" series).

The first flight of this test aircraft was recorded on July 12, 1957, although the Soviet Air Force was not entirely confident in the expected delays in the design and assembly of the radar and engines, which ultimately severely shortened the flight test phase. Only one prototype was completed, and little could be done to save the moribund project - including promoting a twin-engine version called the "P-2" (which reached the model stage).

With its official demise, the P-1 airframe underwent other low-key tests before being scrapped and scrapped.

Sukhoi engineers estimate their P-1 interceptor has a top speed of Mach 1.93, a range of 1,240 miles, and a service ceiling of 64,000 feet. Dimensions include an overall length of 70 feet and a wingspan of 32 feet.

Specification

Base

Year of Service

1957

Origins

Soviet Union

Status

Cancel

Development ended.

Crew

2

Production

1

Manufacturer

Sukhoi - OKB

Carrier

USSR (removed)

Roles

block

The ability to intercept incoming airborne threats with high performance, usually speed and rate of climb.

X-Plane (development, prototype, tech demo)

Aircraft designed for prototyping, technology demonstration, or research/data collection.

Dimensions and Weight

Length

69.9 feet

(21.30m)

Width/span

32. 2 feet

(9.80m)

Height

14.8 feet

(4.50m)

Cured weight

22,046 lbs

(10,000 kg)

MTOW

37,479 lbs

(17,000 kg)

Wgt Difference

+15,432 lbs

(+7,000 kg)

Performance

Installed:

1 x Lyulka AL-7F turbojet with afterburner producing up to 22,000 lbs of thrust.

Maximum speed

1,274 km/h

(2,050 km/h | 1,107 knots)

Maximum

63,976 feet

(19,500 m | 12 km)

Area

1,243 km

(2,000 km | 3,704 nautical miles)

Range (MPH) Subsonic: <614mph | Transonic: 614-921 | Supersonic: 921-3836 | Hypersonic: 3836-7673 | Hypersonic: 7673-19180 | Reentry: > 19030

Weapon

Recommended: 1 x 37mm Nudelman N-37 Internal Auto Cannon. 50 x 57 mm air-to-air (AA) unguided tail stabilized air missile. Optional: 2 x K-7 Radar Guided Air-to-Air Missiles (AAM).