Sukhoi Design Bureau
Sukhoi Su-80
The Sukhoi Su‑80 is a twin‑engine, medium‑range transport aircraft developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Intended to replace the aging Antonov An‑24 and Yakovlev Yak‑40 fleets, the Su‑80 first flew on 6 December 1994 and entered limited service with the Russian Air Force in the early 2000s. Its high‑wing layout, retractable landing gear and rear cargo ramp give the plane a short‑take‑off and landing capability on unpaved runways, while the spacious cabin can be configured for troops, cargo, medevac or parachute operations. Powered by two Progress D‑27 propfan engines, the Su‑80 achieves a cruise speed of about 560 km/h and a range of roughly 2,300 km with a 5‑ton payload, striking a balance between turboprop efficiency and jet‑like performance. The aircraft’s modular interior, fly‑by‑wire flight controls and integrated navigation suite were advanced for Russian designs of the era. Although production numbers remained low, the Su‑80 demonstrated Sukhoi’s ability to diversify beyond fighters, influencing later transport concepts and highlighting the potential of prop‑fan technology in civilian and military aviation. It generated limited export interest, yet no sales materialized.
