VLADIMIR KARNOZOV / MOSCOW
Sukhoi is offering a mid-life upgrade for 70 Su-26 sport aircraft, focusing on life extension and performance. The Su-26M3 was unveiled earlier this year at the 22nd World Aerobatic Cup in Lakeland, Florida, and offers a stronger fuselage, a lighter NPP Zvezda SKS-94M ejection seat, a larger oil radiator, new engine cowling and canopy, and empennage from the larger Su-31M stablemate. The M3 is powered by the Voronezh 420hp (315kW) M-9F, replacing the Su-26's M-14PF. The wing span has also been increased by 0.5m (20in) to accommodate larger ailerons.
Sukhoi has orders for four upgrades, with delivery set for year-end; 10 more are planned for 2004, says Sukhoi, which forecasts annual US sales of 10 aircraft.
Sukhoi says Su-26/29/31M family owners have been unhappy with its after-sales support. But plans to rectify problems are under way, Sukhoi adds, with the creation of maintenance centres in Europe and the USA, the first of which may open in Lithuania or Spain next year.
Meanwhile, Sukhoi is considering a second production line at its Lukhovitsy, Moscow base, building up to 20 airframes a year. The factory would also do further upgrade work on the Su-23M3, including installation of the M-9FS engine with a low-pressure fuel-injection system, three-blade, thin-airfoil glassfibre Vpered VV-9 propeller and new titanium landing gear, and a further 2kg (4.4lb) ejection seat weight reduction.
Source: Flight International
