Overview
The Su-10 was an experimental Soviet armored ground-attack aircraft developed by Sukhoi Design Bureau in the immediate post-World War II period. The program explored jet propulsion applied to heavily-armored close air support role, continuing the IL-2 Shturmovik tradition in the early jet age.
Development context
World War II demonstrated the effectiveness of armored ground-attack aircraft like the IL-2, prompting Soviet interest in transitioning this capability to jet propulsion. The Su-10 program investigated whether meaningful armor protection could be combined with early turbojet engines without unacceptable performance penalties.
Multiple prototypes were constructed and tested during 1947-1948, exploring different armament configurations and armor schemes. The program ultimately did not reach production due to performance limitations and doctrinal changes favoring fighter-bombers over specialized attack aircraft.
Design characteristics
Powerplant: Early Soviet turbojet engines (likely RD-10 or similar)
Armoring: Substantial armor protection around cockpit and critical systems
Armament: Heavy cannon armament and provision for rockets/bombs
Configuration: Single-seat, low-wing monoplane design
Role: Close air support and battlefield interdiction
Program outcome
The Su-10 demonstrated that early jet engines lacked sufficient power-to-weight ratio to effectively propel heavily-armored aircraft. The additional weight of armor protection severely compromised speed, climb rate, and maneuverability compared to contemporary fighters.
Lessons learned influenced subsequent Soviet attack aircraft development, with the IL-10M representing the final piston-engine armored attack aircraft before transition to unarmored jet fighter-bombers for tactical strike missions.
Historical significance
Technology exploration: Validating or invalidating jet-powered armored attack concept.
Doctrinal evolution: Contributing to shift away from specialized attack aircraft toward multi-role fighters.
Design knowledge: Informing understanding of jet aircraft capabilities and limitations in ground-attack role.
Related aircraft
IL-2/IL-10: Piston-engine armored attack predecessors.
Su-25 Frogfoot: Eventual successful jet-powered armored attack aircraft emerging in 1970s.
Fighter-Bombers (/guide/air/): MiG and Sukhoi fighters adapted for strike missions replacing specialized attack aircraft.
Su-10 documentation maintained as historical reference for early Soviet jet attack aircraft development.