Sukhoi Su-26 M3

The refined aerobatic aircraft built for world championship performance

Overview

Sukhoi Russia ICAO: SU26 2003–Present Active $330,000

The Sukhoi Su-26 M3 is an advanced variant of the Su-26 aerobatic aircraft. Developed for unlimited competition, it incorporates structural and aerodynamic refinements. The aircraft has been flown by multiple world champions.

Live Fleet Activity (SU26)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
1 × Vedeneyev M-9F radial engine
Engine type
Piston
Power
430 hp · 321 kW
Avionics
Sukhoi system SKS-94M
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
1
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
22 ft 5 in  ·  6.83 m
Tail height
9 ft 6 in  ·  2.90 m
Fuselage diameter
—
Wing span
26 ft 11 in  ·  8.20 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
2,100 lb  ·  950 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
850 lb  ·  400 kg
Fuel capacity
70 gal · 300 L · 200 kg (AvGas)
Max cruise speed
168 kt  ·  193 mph  ·  311 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
62 kt  ·  71 mph  ·  115 km/h
Range
648 nm  ·  750 mi  ·  1,200 km
Fuel burn
22.89 nm/gal  ·  11.20 km/L
Ceiling
13,000 ft  ·  4,000 m
Rate of climb
3,500 ft/min  ·  18 m/s
Takeoff distance
360 ft  ·  110 m
Landing distance
980 ft  ·  300 m
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Sukhoi SU-26M

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Operational Context

Sukhoi Su-26 M3 — upgraded unlimited aerobatic aircraft

The original Su-26 first flew in the 1980s as a dedicated single-seat aerobatic aircraft. The M3 variant introduced improvements in structural strength and systems while retaining the core aerodynamic layout. It became widely used in international aerobatic championships.

Powered by a Vedeneyev M14P radial engine producing approximately 360 horsepower, the Su-26 M3 achieves roll rates exceeding 400 degrees per second. Maximum takeoff weight is around 2,100 pounds (950 kg). The airframe is engineered for extreme aerobatic loads.

The Su-26 M3 has earned numerous competition victories and remains active in advanced aerobatic circles. Its balance of power and structural integrity defines it as a leading unlimited aerobatic aircraft. The model continues the Sukhoi lineage of high-performance competition designs.