11/30/2009. Sukhoi was authorized construction of two flying prototypes and a static-test airframe of its first jet aircraft in May 1944. The all-metal single-seat fighter/bomber, also known as Samolet (Aircraft) K, had strikingly similar general appearance to the Messerschmitt Me 262, and under-wing engine nacelles almost identical apart from having longer inlet ducts making engine nose bullet less visible.

The pilot was seated on an ejection seat in a pressurized cockpit with completely transparent enclosure, with canopy sliding to the rear. Armament consisted of one 1.46 in (37 mm) N-37 and two 0.9 in (23 mm) NS-23 machine guns, and belly racks for two 551 lb (250kg) FAB-250 bombs. The aircraft was propelled by two 1,984 lb (900 kg) st RD-10 turbojets (copied Junkers Jumo 004Bs), and had two U-5 (Uskoritel, accellarator) assisted take off rockets, each providing 2,535 lb (1,150 kg) for 8 seconds.

First flown by G. Komarov in August 1946, the Su-9 showed excellent handling and its performance was up to expectations. The NII (national test institute) recommended series-production but this was prevented by the lack of production capacity. (Reportedly Yosef Stalin rejected the type out of hand, due to its superficial resemblance to the Me 262.)

Span: 36 ft 9 in (11.21 m)
Length: 34 ft 7.3 in (10.57m)
Height: 12 ft 2.5 in (3.72 m)
Wing area: 217.87 sq.ft (20.24 sq.m)
Weight empty: 8,951 lb (4,060 kg)
Loaded weight: 14,065 lb (6,380 kg)
Max speed: 559 mph (900 kmh)
Climb: to 16,405 ft (5,000 m) 4.2 min
Range: 708 mls (1,140 km)