Sukhoi SU 80: Versatile Twin-Turboprop Aircraft Review

Introduction

The Sukhoi Su-80 is a multipurpose, twin-turboprop, twin-boom Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) transport aircraft developed by the Russian manufacturer Sukhoi. It was designed to serve regional and feeder airlines, offering a versatile platform capable of transporting both passengers and cargo. The aircraft was intended to replace older models like the Antonov An-24, An-26, and Yakovlev Yak-40, while also competing with more modern aircraft such as the Antonov An-38. Despite its promising design and capabilities, the Su-80 has had a turbulent development history, with delays in production and limited operational use.

This article will explore the design, development, performance characteristics, and operational history of the Sukhoi Su-80. We will also examine its role in both civilian and military aviation sectors, as well as its future prospects.

Design and Development

The development of the Sukhoi Su-80 began in the late 1990s as part of Russia’s post-Soviet efforts to modernize its aviation industry. The aircraft was originally conceived as a replacement for aging Soviet-era regional aircraft like the An-24 and Yak-40. However, due to financial constraints and other delays, the first prototype did not take flight until 2001 at the MAKS Air Show in Zhukovsky, Russia.

Key Design Features

The Su-80 stands out due to its twin-boom configuration, a design that is relatively uncommon in modern aviation but offers several advantages for STOL operations. This configuration allows for a rear cargo ramp, facilitating easy loading and unloading of freight—an essential feature for multipurpose roles such as cargo transport or military operations.

Some of the notable design features include:

• Twin-Turboprop Engines: The Su-80 is powered by two General Electric CT7-9B turboprop engines, each producing 1,750 horsepower. These engines are housed in nacelles located on the front of the twin tail booms.
• STOL Capabilities: The aircraft’s ability to operate from short runways makes it suitable for remote or poorly developed regions. Its take-off distance is approximately 840 meters (2,755 feet), while its landing distance is even shorter at 460 meters (1,509 feet).
• Passenger and Cargo Configurations: The Su-80 can be configured to carry up to 30 passengers or 3,300 kg (7,275 lbs) of cargo. This flexibility allows it to serve various roles in both civilian and military aviation.

Development Challenges

The Su-80 faced significant delays due to economic instability in Russia during the 1990s. Although initial plans called for the aircraft to enter service by the late 1990s, financial difficulties delayed its first flight until September 2001. Even after this milestone, production was slow to ramp up. By 2006, only a handful of units had been built at Sukhoi’s KnAAPO factory in Komsomolsk-on-Amur.

One of the major challenges was securing commercial orders for the aircraft. While several Russian airlines expressed interest in acquiring the Su-80—such as Blagoveshchensk Airlines and Polar Airlines—actual deliveries were limited. Similarly, military interest from countries like Kazakhstan and China did not materialize into significant orders.

Variants

Several variants of the Su-80 were proposed to meet different operational needs:

1. Su-80GP (S-80PC): A combination passenger and freight carrier designed for regional airlines.
2. Su-80TC: A light military troop transport variant.
3. Su-80A: An air ambulance version equipped with medical facilities.
4. Su-80F: A fishery patrol variant designed for monitoring maritime activities.
5. Su-80PT: A patrol transport version intended for use by Russian Border Guards; this variant could be armed with machine guns, light autocannons, rockets, bombs, and surveillance equipment.
6. Su-80GE: A geological support variant intended for use in mineral exploration.

Despite these ambitious plans for multiple variants, only a few prototypes were ever built.

Citations:
[1] https://skybrary.aero/aircraft/su80
[2] https://janes.migavia.com/rus/sukhoi/su-80.html
[3] http://www.thaitechnics.com/aircraft/su80.html
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukhoi_Su-80
[5] https://www.ge.com/news/press-releases/sukhoi-launch-test-flight-program-new-aircraft-fitted-ge-engines
[6] https://www.airport-technology.com/projects/sukhoisu-80/
[7] https://aerocorner.com/aircraft/sukhoi-su-80/

Performance and Specifications

The Sukhoi Su-80 was designed with versatility in mind, offering a balance between performance, fuel efficiency, and operational flexibility. Its twin-turboprop engines, short take-off and landing (STOL) capabilities, and robust design make it suitable for a variety of missions, including passenger transport, cargo hauling, and military operations. In this section, we will delve into the aircraft’s technical specifications and performance data.

Powerplant and Propulsion

The Su-80 is powered by two General Electric CT7-9B turboprop engines, each delivering 1,750 horsepower. These engines are renowned for their reliability and efficiency in regional aircraft. The CT7 series has been used in various other aircraft, including the Saab 340 and the Bell 214ST helicopter, making it a proven choice for short-haul flights.

• Engine Model: General Electric CT7-9B
• Horsepower: 1,750 hp per engine
• Number of Engines: 2
• Propeller Type: Turboprop

These engines enable the Su-80 to achieve a maximum cruise speed of 250 knots (463 km/h), which is competitive for an aircraft in its class. While not as fast as jet-powered regional aircraft, the turboprop configuration offers better fuel economy, especially for shorter routes where high speeds are less critical.

Fuel Efficiency and Range

Fuel efficiency is one of the key selling points of turboprop aircraft like the Su-80. The Su-80 has a fuel economy of 1.22 nautical miles per gallon (0.597 kilometers per liter), which is relatively efficient for an aircraft of its size and capacity. This fuel efficiency makes it an attractive option for airlines operating in remote or underserved regions where fuel costs can be a significant operational expense.

The aircraft has a fuel tank capacity of 660 gallons (2,498 liters), giving it a maximum range of 760 nautical miles (1,408 kilometers). This range makes it suitable for short to medium-haul flights, particularly in regions with limited infrastructure where larger jets may not be able to operate efficiently.

Take-Off and Landing Performance

One of the standout features of the Su-80 is its ability to operate from short runways, thanks to its STOL capabilities. This makes it ideal for use in remote areas with limited airport facilities or rough terrain. The aircraft’s take-off distance is just 840 meters (2,755 feet), while its landing distance is even shorter at 460 meters (1,509 feet).

• Take-Off Distance: 840 meters (2,755 feet)
• Landing Distance: 460 meters (1,509 feet)

These performance metrics allow the Su-80 to access airstrips that would be inaccessible to larger or less capable aircraft. This feature is particularly important for airlines operating in regions like Siberia or Alaska, where airports are often small and poorly equipped.

Weight and Payload Capacity

The Sukhoi Su-80 has a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 13,500 kg (29,762 lbs) and a maximum landing weight of 13,550 kg (29,872 lbs). Its payload capacity is equally impressive; the aircraft can carry up to 2,730 kg (6,019 lbs) of cargo in addition to its passenger load.

Here’s a breakdown of the key weight-related specifications:

• Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW): 13,500 kg (29,762 lbs)
• Maximum Landing Weight: 13,550 kg (29,872 lbs)
• Maximum Payload: 2,730 kg (6,019 lbs)

This payload flexibility allows operators to switch between passenger and cargo configurations easily. In passenger mode, the Su-80 can accommodate up to 30 seats, making it suitable for regional airlines serving low-density routes. In cargo mode, the rear ramp allows for easy loading and unloading of goods.

Dimensions

In terms of physical dimensions, the Su-80 is a relatively compact aircraft compared to larger regional jets but offers ample space within its cabin for passengers or cargo. The cabin dimensions are designed to maximize comfort while maintaining operational efficiency.

Here’s a summary of the key dimensional data:

The cabin’s height and width provide sufficient room for passengers to move comfortably during flight while also allowing flexibility in cargo configurations.

Avionics Suite

The avionics suite on the Sukhoi Su-80 is designed to meet modern standards for navigation and communication systems while ensuring ease of operation in challenging environments like remote airfields or adverse weather conditions.

Key components of the avionics include:

• SBKV-P Strapdown Heading and Altitude System: Provides accurate heading and altitude information.
• VIM-95C Navigation System: Integrates VOR/ILS/SP/MRK systems for navigation and landing.
• SO-94R Radar Responder: Enhances situational awareness by providing real-time radar data.

These avionics systems ensure that pilots can operate safely even in low visibility conditions or when flying into poorly equipped airfields—an important feature given that many potential operators are located in remote regions with limited infrastructure.

Operational History and Market Reception

The Sukhoi Su-80 was developed with the intention of filling a crucial gap in the regional aviation market, particularly in remote areas with limited infrastructure. However, despite its promising design and capabilities, the aircraft faced several challenges that hindered its widespread adoption. In this section, we will explore the operational history of the Su-80, its reception in both civilian and military markets, and the factors that contributed to its limited deployment.

Civilian Market

The civilian market was one of the primary targets for the Sukhoi Su-80. Its short take-off and landing (STOL) capabilities, combined with its ability to operate in harsh environments, made it an attractive option for regional airlines operating in remote areas such as Siberia and the Russian Far East. The aircraft’s ability to carry up to 30 passengers or 3,300 kg (7,275 lbs) of cargo gave it a versatile edge over other regional turboprops like the Antonov An-38 or older Soviet-era aircraft such as the An-24.

Several Russian airlines expressed interest in acquiring the Su-80 for their fleets. These included:

• Blagoveshchensk Airlines
• Chukotavia
• Dalavia
• Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky Air Enterprise
• Polar Airlines

These airlines were primarily based in remote regions where the Su-80’s STOL capabilities would have been highly beneficial. However, despite these preliminary agreements, actual deliveries were limited. By 2010, only a handful of Su-80s were in service worldwide, with many airlines opting for more established aircraft models due to concerns about the Su-80’s delayed production schedule and certification issues[1][4].

Leasing Packages and Financial Incentives

To boost sales and encourage adoption among regional carriers, Sukhoi introduced a leasing package through Russian lessor Finance-Leasing (FLK). This package was aimed at making the Su-80 more accessible to smaller airlines that might not have the capital to purchase new aircraft outright. The leasing package was particularly targeted at carriers in Siberia and Russia’s Far East, where demand for rugged regional aircraft was high[3].

Despite these efforts, the leasing package did not result in significant orders. One of the key issues was competition from other regional aircraft manufacturers, both domestic (such as Antonov) and international (such as Bombardier and ATR). Additionally, delays in certification and production meant that many potential customers opted for more readily available alternatives.

Military Market

The military market was another important focus for Sukhoi during the development of the Su-80. Several military variants were proposed, including:

1. Su-80PT: A patrol or transport variant designed for border security and maritime surveillance.
2. Su-80TD: A troop carrier variant capable of carrying military units or conducting parachute training.
3. Su-80GE: A geological support variant intended for mineral exploration.

These variants were designed to meet a wide range of military needs, from troop transport to search-and-rescue missions. The Kazakhstan Border Guards tentatively ordered ten Su-80s for use in border patrol operations[1], while other countries—including China, Jordan, Malaysia, and South Korea—expressed interest in acquiring military versions of the aircraft[4].

However, much like in the civilian market, these military orders did not materialize into significant deliveries. By 2022, there were no reports of any active Su-80s in military service[4]. Several factors contributed to this lack of adoption:

• Competition from Established Aircraft: The Su-80 faced stiff competition from established military transport aircraft like the Antonov An-26 and Lockheed C-130 Hercules.
• Financial Constraints: Many potential customers opted for cheaper or more readily available alternatives due to budgetary constraints.

Certification Delays

One of the major hurdles that affected both civilian and military sales was delays in obtaining certification for the Su-80. The aircraft was originally expected to be certified under Russia’s AP-25 airworthiness standards by 2004[3]. However, this target date slipped multiple times due to technical issues and financial difficulties at Sukhoi.

The certification process involved extensive flight testing to evaluate the Su-80’s aerodynamics, handling qualities, avionics systems, and overall performance. Three different prototypes were used during this testing phase:

1. The first prototype focused on basic flight characteristics.
2. The second prototype was instrumented for high-angle-of-attack trials.
3. The third prototype underwent climatic testing to evaluate its performance in extreme weather conditions[3].

Despite these efforts, certification was not completed until 2006—several years behind schedule. This delay significantly impacted Sukhoi’s ability to market the aircraft effectively during its early years of development.

Current Status

As of 2022, there are no reports indicating that any Sukhoi Su-80s are still operational[4]. While eight aircraft were built and delivered between 2001 and 2010[1], none appear to be actively flying today. The reasons for this include:

1. Limited Production: Only a small number of Su-80s were ever produced due to financial constraints at Sukhoi.
2. Lack of Support: With so few units in service, operators may have struggled to find spare parts or technical support for maintenance.
3. Competition: More established regional aircraft like those from Antonov or Western manufacturers offered better support networks and lower operational risks.

While Sukhoi had initially hoped to capture a significant share of Russia’s regional airliner market—estimated at 350–500 aircraft by 2015—the Su-80 ultimately failed to achieve widespread adoption[3].

Citations:
[1] https://www.airport-technology.com/projects/sukhoisu-80/
[2] https://aviationweek.com/sukhoi-su-80
[3] https://www.flightglobal.com/sukhoi-secures-leasing-package-to-boost-su-80/48331.article
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukhoi_Su-80
[5] https://janes.migavia.com/rus/sukhoi/su-80.html
[6] https://skybrary.aero/aircraft/su80

Future Prospects and Conclusion

The Sukhoi Su-80, despite its promising design and versatile capabilities, has faced significant challenges throughout its development and operational history. While it was conceived as a modern replacement for aging Soviet-era aircraft, its journey has been marked by delays, limited production, and a lack of widespread adoption. In this final section, we will explore the potential future of the Su-80, including its prospects in both civilian and military markets, as well as the broader implications for Sukhoi’s regional aircraft ambitions.

Potential for Revival

While the Sukhoi Su-80 has not seen significant success in terms of sales or operational use, there remains a possibility that the aircraft could see a revival in the future. Several factors could contribute to this:

1. Demand for STOL Aircraft: The demand for short take-off and landing (STOL) aircraft remains strong in remote regions with limited infrastructure. Countries with vast, sparsely populated areas—such as Russia, Canada, and parts of Africa—continue to require aircraft capable of operating from short, unpaved runways. The Su-80’s STOL capabilities make it well-suited for these environments.
2. Modernization Efforts: With advancements in avionics and engine technology, there is potential for the Su-80 to be modernized and reintroduced to the market. Upgrading its avionics suite to meet current international standards could make it more attractive to both civilian and military operators.
3. Military Interest: While the Su-80 has not seen widespread military use, there is still potential for military variants to be developed. The aircraft’s ability to carry troops, cargo, or surveillance equipment makes it a versatile platform for various military missions. Countries with limited defense budgets may find the Su-80 an affordable alternative to more expensive Western military transport aircraft.
4. Environmental Considerations: As the aviation industry places increasing emphasis on fuel efficiency and reducing carbon emissions, turboprop aircraft like the Su-80 may become more attractive due to their lower fuel consumption compared to jet-powered regional aircraft. The Su-80’s fuel economy of 1.22 nautical miles per gallon (0.597 kilometers per liter) positions it as a relatively eco-friendly option for short-haul flights.

Challenges to Overcome

Despite these potential opportunities, several challenges would need to be addressed for the Sukhoi Su-80 to make a successful comeback:

1. Competition: The global regional aircraft market is highly competitive, with established players like ATR, Bombardier (now part of Airbus), and Embraer dominating the sector. These manufacturers offer well-supported aircraft with proven track records, making it difficult for a relatively unknown model like the Su-80 to gain traction.
2. Production Issues: One of the key reasons for the Su-80’s limited success was Sukhoi’s inability to ramp up production effectively. If the aircraft were to be revived, significant investment would be required to modernize production facilities and ensure a steady supply chain for parts and maintenance support.
3. Certification Hurdles: The delayed certification process was a major stumbling block during the Su-80’s initial development phase. Any future iteration of the aircraft would need to undergo certification under current international airworthiness standards (such as EASA or FAA regulations), which could be time-consuming and costly.
4. Market Perception: The Su-80’s troubled history may have tarnished its reputation among potential buyers. Convincing airlines or military operators to invest in an aircraft with such a checkered past would require significant marketing efforts and assurances regarding reliability and support.

Sukhoi’s Broader Regional Aircraft Ambitions

The Sukhoi Su-80 was part of a broader effort by Sukhoi to enter the regional aviation market—a sector traditionally dominated by Western manufacturers like Bombardier and ATR, as well as Russian competitors such as Antonov. While Sukhoi is best known for its military jets (such as the Su-27 and Su-35 fighters), its venture into civilian aviation has been met with mixed results.

In addition to the Su-80, Sukhoi also developed the Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100)—a regional jet designed for short-haul routes with seating capacities ranging from 87 to 108 passengers. Launched in 2008, the Superjet 100 has had more commercial success than the Su-80 but has still faced challenges related to maintenance support and international sales.

The lessons learned from both the Superjet 100 and Su-80 programs highlight some of the difficulties faced by Russian aerospace manufacturers in competing on the global stage:

1. Technological Gaps: While Russian manufacturers have historically excelled in producing rugged military aircraft, they have struggled to keep pace with Western competitors in terms of avionics, engine technology, and passenger comfort.
2. Supply Chain Issues: The Russian aerospace industry has faced difficulties securing reliable supply chains for components—particularly those sourced from international suppliers—due to geopolitical tensions and economic sanctions.
3. Customer Support: One of the key factors influencing airline purchasing decisions is the availability of maintenance support and spare parts. Western manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus have extensive global networks that ensure quick access to parts and service centers—a critical advantage over Russian manufacturers like Sukhoi.

Conclusion

The Sukhoi Su-80 is an example of an ambitious project that ultimately fell short of its potential due to a combination of technical challenges, financial constraints, and market competition. Despite its impressive design features—such as its STOL capabilities, twin-turboprop engines, and versatile passenger/cargo configurations—the aircraft struggled to find a foothold in both civilian and military markets.

While there remains some potential for a revival—particularly in niche markets requiring rugged STOL aircraft—the obstacles facing such an endeavor are significant. Competition from established regional aircraft manufacturers, combined with lingering concerns about production reliability and customer support, make it unlikely that the Su-80 will achieve widespread success without substantial modernization efforts.

For now, the Sukhoi Superjet 100 remains Sukhoi’s primary offering in the civilian aviation sector, while the legacy of the Su-80 serves as a reminder of both the opportunities and challenges inherent in developing new regional aircraft models.