Su9

The Sukhoi Su-9 (NATO reporting name: "Fishpot") was a Soviet-era fighter aircraft developed during the late 1950s as part of the USSR’s efforts to maintain air superiority in the Cold War era. Designed as a high-performance interceptor, it was intended to counter emerging threats from Western aircraft, particularly those capable of high-speed, high-altitude operations.

The Su-9 was based on the earlier Sukhoi Su-7 fighter-bomber, incorporating significant modifications to enhance its speed and maneuverability. Its most distinctive feature was its variable-sweep wing design, which allowed for improved performance at both subsonic and supersonic speeds. The aircraft was powered by a single Tumansky R-11F-300 afterburning turbojet engine, enabling it to reach speeds exceeding Mach 2. The Su-9 was equipped with a radar system for air-to-air targeting and carried a mix of air-to-air missiles, such as the K-8 and K-13 (AA-2 "Atoll"), along with cannon armament.

Production of the Su-9 began in 1960, and it entered service with the Soviet Air Forces in 1961. However, it was quickly superseded by more advanced interceptors like the Sukhoi Su-11 and later the Su-15, which offered improved range, payload, and radar capabilities. The Su-9 saw limited operational use, primarily serving as a stopgap solution before the introduction of more capable aircraft. It was gradually phased out of service by the mid-1970s, with most examples being retired or used for training purposes.

The Su-9 remains a notable aircraft in the history of Soviet aviation, illustrating the technological advancements of the era while highlighting the rapid evolution of fighter design during the Cold War. Only a few examples survive today, preserved in museums or as static displays.