Sukhoj „Su-26M“ – the USSR/ Russian/ Lituanian acrobatic aircraft

Su - 26 "Vladikus" (Rus. Су-26 "Владикус") is a single-seat sport-pilotage airplane, constructed at the Experimental CB of P. Sukhoj. The world's first sports plane, that can fly freely at an operating overload of 12g, the breaking overload reaches as much as 23g. For the first time in this type of aircraft, a pilot's seat with a very reclined backrest (45°) was used, which allows the pilot to lift loads more easily. Also, for the first time in the history of the production of sports planes, the designers mainly used composite materials: their share is more, than 50% of the plane's weight. This type of plane took to the air for the first time in the summer of 1984. This was the first work of the constructors of P. Sukhoj Experimental CB youth sub-section. The plane was developed according to the tactical and technical requirements of the USSR national team and was intended for flights in the World and European championships and other major competitions. Our most famous pilot - the acrobat Jurgis Kairys - also made a significant contribution to this plane's "going to the world". For several years he worked as a test pilot for P. Surhoj ECB. It is true, that the Su - 31 took to the air more often. Jurgis could often be seen with his own "Su-26" even in the skies of Lithuania and he was a regular guest and participant at aviation festivals for a long time.

It is quite difficult to turn the model into a "Lituanian" one, because all the colors, used by J. Kairis's plane are quite complex and require good photos and precise work with computer programs. A simple, but reasonably well-designed and detailed model, that, under the supervision of a more experienced colleague, even an advanced beginner modeler will stick together perfectly. The detailing of the cabin is average, there is no engine.