Su-37 Terminator, Sukhoi

A derivative of the SU-27 'Flanker', the Su-37 is a super-maneuverable thrust vectoring fighter. Designed from an SU-35 prototype, the Su-37 test aircraft (designated T10M-11) made its maiden flight in April 1996 from the Zhukovsky flight testing center near Moscow. The Su-37 powerplant features more standard thrust than all earlier 'Flanker' variants, including the Su-35. In addition, the hydraulically actuated nozzles of its Lyulka/Saturn AL-37FU (ForsazhUpravlaemoye meaning 'afterburning steerable') engines are steerable -15 to +15 degrees along the vertical plane. Thrust control is fully integrated into the flight control system, requiring no input from the pilot. An emergency system can automatically return the nozzles to level flight in the event of an onboard failure. The Su-37 has the newer, more powerful, NIIP NO-11M pulse-Doppler phased-array nose radar. A rearward-facing missile system and NIIP NO-12 rear-radar will give the pilot the ability to fire at enemy aircraft behind the Su-37, in addition to the front. While the Su-37 is the first Russian aircraft to feature thrust vector control comparable to that of the American F-22, it may not be the last. A new axisymmetrical (three-dimensional) nozzle is currently being developed by Lyulka for the future Sukhoi S-55 aircraft, a single-engined version of the Su-35. Nozzles are also being readied to make current Su-35s TVC capable.