Sukhoi Su-80

Sukhoi (KnAAPO) · Russia · first flew 2001 · transport aircraft

The Su-80 is a twin-boom, twin-turboprop STOL utility transport designed to carry around 30 passengers or three tonnes of freight into remote airstrips.

Recognition (WEFT)

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

• Twin-boom layout with engines on the booms
• Central pod with rear cargo ramp
• High shoulder-mounted straight wing

Look for the unmistakable twin-boom planform, reminiscent of the OV-10 Bronco, with the two turboprops carried on the booms. A boxy central pod hangs under a high straight wing and features a rear loading ramp. Fixed vertical fins are joined by a horizontal stabiliser between the booms.

Specifications

• The Sukhoi Su-80 has a length of 18.26 m (60 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 23.17 m (76 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 470 km/h (292 mph).
• Typical crew: 1-2.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Sukhoi began the design in the 1990s as a modern replacement for the ageing An-24 and An-26 on regional and unpaved routes. A first flight was achieved in 2001 from KnAAPO, and a small number of airframes were completed for testing. Chronic funding shortages kept the type from maturing.

Variants

The baseline Su-80GP passenger and cargo model was joined on the drawing board by maritime patrol, medevac and freight configurations. In practice only the prototype standard was built and flown. None of the proposed derivatives reached production.

Where you'll see it

The Su-80 never entered commercial or military service anywhere, and had no UK relevance. Development effectively stalled after the initial test airframes. It remains a curiosity of post-Soviet aviation.

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