The Sukhoi Design Bureau, makers of Soviet and Russian military aircraft, designed the Su-26 in 1983 for unlimited aerobatic competition. The Su-26M is made of more than 50 percent composite materials and has a special symmetrical wing section and arched cantilever titanium landing gear. It was designed to handle loads from +12 Gs to -10 Gs and is a superior aircraft for the most highly skilled pilot. It can perform spectacular gyroscopic maneuvers and quick, multiple snap rolls, and can nearly hover from its propeller. Soviet pilots flew Su 26Ms to multiple aerobatic titles. Created by Eric Long Date Created 01/14/2020 Source Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Keywords Aircraft; Aviation; Competition Flight; Private Rights and Restrictions CC0
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.