Sukhoi Su-29

The Sukhoi Su‑29 is a two‑seat aerobatic trainer developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau in the early 1990s as a successor to the famed Su‑26 series. First flown on 26 May 1991, the aircraft entered limited production in 1993, targeting civilian sport‑aviation clubs and air‑show teams worldwide. Built around a stressed‑skin aluminium alloy airframe, the Su‑29 retains the high‑strength, low‑drag wing and empennage of its predecessor while incorporating a more powerful Yakovlev‑maintained VK‑2500 360‑hp radial engine, dual‑fuel tanks, and reinforced undercarriage to withstand +10 and –10 g manoeuvres. Its tandem cockpit offers full‑flight instrumentation and a side‑by‑side control stick arrangement, allowing both pilot and instructor to execute complex figures simultaneously. The aircraft’s symmetrical airfoil, large ailerons, and full‑span flaps provide exceptional roll rates and precise handling, making it a benchmark for modern aerobatics. In aviation history, the Su‑29 cemented Sukhoi’s reputation beyond fighter design, demonstrating the bureau’s capacity to translate combat‑aircraft technology into civilian sport platforms and influencing subsequent aerobatic trainers worldwide. Over 50 units have been delivered to more than 20 countries, and the type continues to be a staple at international competition circuits, underscoring its lasting impact on high‑performance flight training.

Sukhoi Design Bureau

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Design & Classification