Sukhoi Su-31
Sukhoi · Russia · first flew 1992 · light aircraft
The Sukhoi Su-31 is a single-seat unlimited aerobatic competition aircraft derived from the Su-26, featuring the same high-strength composite airframe and powerful radial engine optimised for extreme manoeuvring. It competes at the highest levels of aerobatic competition.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 6.83 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Single-seat unlimited aerobatic monoplane
- Radial engine in nose with large round cowling
- Tandem canopy version of the Su-26
A compact low-wing monoplane with a large round radial engine cowling, symmetric wing section, and minimal fuselage depth; almost identical to the Su-26 but with a single seat only.
Specifications
- The Sukhoi Su-31 has a length of 6.83 m (22 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 7.8 m (26 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 331 km/h (206 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed by Sukhoi as a pure competition machine, the Su-31 first flew in 1992 and went on to win numerous World Aerobatic Championship medals for Russian pilots. It features a +12/-10 g airframe and is optimised for unlimited aerobatic sequences.
Variants
The Su-31M is a slightly revised variant; a two-seat Su-31TM trainer version also exists.
Where you'll see it
Used exclusively in civil aerobatic competition; flown by national aerobatic teams worldwide including Russian, Swiss, and other European pilots.
Related aircraft
- Sukhoi Su-29
- Sukhoi Su-39
- Su-34
- Sukhoi Su-30
- Ayres Thrush 510
- Bede BD-10
- DG-505 Orion
- Edra Aeronautica Super Pétrel
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