01-Aug-1996

For the first time the new Su-37 fighter, whose reversible thrust engine makes it highly maneuverable, was shown in public display on 1 August, ITAR-TASS reported. According to the engineers at the Sukhoi Design Bureau, the plane has no equivalent in other airforces and is "the first plane of the 21st century." However, financial constraints mean that the Ministry of Defense has given no date for the start of mass production of the Su-37. -- Peter Rutland (OMRI)

31-Jul-1996

Sukhoi demonstrated the new Su-37 for the first time on 31st July. Here are pictures from the demonstration.
Speaking at the demonstration, Sukhoi test pilot Yevgeny Frolov said that unlike aircraft with conventional thrust, this vectored-thrust model could be recovered from spins or from stall attitudes at almost any altitude.
Frolov has made 30 flights on the Su-37 in the past four months.
Air Force Commander Petr Deynekin was also at the presentation. He announced that the Russian Air Force will definitely be a purchaser of the Su-37.

Engine thrust to weight ratio: 8.7
Weight: 25,670kg
Dry thrust: 8,500kgs
Afterburner thrust: 14,500kgs