Sukhoi Su-8
Sukhoi · Soviet Union · first flew 1944 · bomber
The Sukhoi Su-8 was a Soviet twin-engine heavy ground-attack aircraft of 1944, designed as an armoured Shturmovik successor offering greater firepower and range than the Ilyushin Il-2.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Heavily armoured fuselage tub visible in side profile |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Large twin-engine armoured ground-attack aircraft — heavier than the Il-2
- Twin ASh-71 radials in prominent wing nacelles
- Heavily armoured fuselage tub visible in side profile
A large, purposeful twin-engine attack aircraft recognisable by its broad mid-wing, two large-diameter radial cowlings, and the heavily armoured cockpit and engine bay — reminiscent of the Il-2 but significantly bigger.
Specifications
- The Sukhoi Su-8 has a length of 13.58 m (45 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 20.5 m (67 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 552 km/h (343 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Pavel Sukhoi's Su-8 was conceived to deliver devastating anti-tank firepower through a battery of large-calibre cannon, protected by extensive armour plating. Despite impressive capability, by 1944 the war's priorities and the established Il-2 production line meant the Su-8 never entered production.
Variants
Only prototypes were built; no production series followed.
Where you'll see it
Never entered Soviet Air Force service; remained a prototype.
Related aircraft
- Sukhoi Su-6
- Sukhoi Su-15 (1949)
- Sukhoi T-3
- Sukhoi P-1
- Avro Lincoln
- Beechcraft XA-38 Grizzly
- Boeing XB-39 Superfortress
- Bristol Brigand
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 4,893 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.