[Coming Soon] Su-11: The Universal Bruiser

The Big and Medium Trophies contain a Soviet interceptor with the most powerful cannon armament of its era.

Historical note

Development of the Su-11 interceptor began in 1957 as a major modernization of the Su-9, intended to significantly improve its all-weather capability. The most notable change was the introduction of new TR-1 engines mounted in the wing plane. Flight testing of the prototype was completed successfully by mid-1961, and on July 9 the aircraft was publicly displayed at the Tushino air parade. In early 1962, the interceptor was formally adopted by the USSR Air Force, and serial production under the designation “Article 36” began at the Novosibirsk Aircraft Plant. The Su-11 was intended not only to replace the Su-9 in frontline units but also to become the core interceptor of the Air Defense Forces. However, the aircraft’s ultimate fate proved far more dramatic.

The first serial-production fighter made its maiden flight in July 1962. However, by October of the same year, one aircraft had crashed due to engine failure. Coming amid leadership concerns about the reliability of the earlier Su-9, the accident prompted a suspension of serial production and a thorough investigation. Ultimately, just over 100 Su-11 fighters were built before they were quickly replaced by more advanced designs.

Su-11 (Rank IX)

Brief Analysis

Strengths: Extremely powerful cannon armament. Good speed and acceleration. Carries bombs.
Weaknesses: Limited ammunition capacity for the 37 mm cannon. Demanding gun ballistics.
Role in Battle: A well-balanced, versatile jet fighter-attack aircraft.

In battle

One of the key additions in the upcoming War Thunder Mobile update is the Soviet Su-11 jet fighter-attack aircraft, designed to excel in both air combat and ground-attack roles.

The Su-11’s primary strength is its armament. Mounted in the nose are two 23 mm NR-23 cannons and a single 37 mm N-37, a combination capable of reliably destroying any aerial target, including fighters, attack aircraft, and bombers. These cannons are also effective against lightly armored ground vehicles. Its strike potential is further enhanced by external ordnance, with the option to carry two 250 kg or 500 kg bombs, suitable for engaging tanks and fortified positions.

Future pilots should note two key points. First, the limited ammunition supply, particularly for the 37 mm cannon, demands discipline and timely rearming. Entering a battle without replenishing ammunition after a prior engagement risks immediate disadvantage. Second, at high speeds the cannon’s rate of fire can feel inadequate, and the differing ballistics of mixed-caliber weapons become pronounced at longer ranges. For best results, fire short, concentrated bursts at the closest possible distance.

Powerful armament alone is not enough. Without strong flight performance, its advantages cannot be fully realized. In this respect, the Su-11 performs well. The fighter exceeds 950 km/h, and this speed can be reached across a wide range of altitudes. Its climb rate is also respectable. In terms of acceleration and climb dynamics, it is surpassed only by aircraft equipped with rocket boosters. Its maneuverability is typical for a jet fighter of its era. It cannot match late propeller-driven aircraft in sustained turns, but its handling remains fully adequate for ground attacks and air combat against contemporary opponents.

The Su-11 is shaping up to be a highly capable all-round jet fighter, with no major drawbacks and clearly defined strengths. You will be able to test this new aircraft in battle in the upcoming update.

Premium ♠Su-11♠︎ (Rank IX)

The Premium variant is an extra plane for your roster! The premium warplane maintains the same performance as the standard variant, though it comes in a unique camouflage. With this premium warplane you’ll be able to enjoy faster Silver Lion and Research Point gains, and earn some Golden Eagles in your battles.

If you’re lucky enough to unlock both the premium and the standard variants, you will be able to use them both in the same battle!

Premium version of the vehicle:

As a jackpot or as a random reward when attempting to open the Big Trophy.
By reaching the top-10 in the relevant Leaderboard.
From the Collector's Trophy after adding the vehicle to this trophy type;
In Special Offers.

Standard version of the vehicle:

As a jackpot or as a random reward when attempting to open the Medium Trophy.
Order vehicles for Silver Lions after collecting 1,000 blueprints.

Ways to get blueprints:

From the Medium Trophy: 700 pcs in the guaranteed reward, or 10 to 100 pcs per attempt.
From the Big Trophy: 700 pcs in the guaranteed reward, or 80 to 200 pcs per attempt.
In the in-game store: purchase for Silver Lions a Folder with a number of blueprints (even after the season ends).
In special offers.

*Vehicle specifications and camouflages are still a work in progress and may change upon release.

The Su-11 (Rank IX) aircraft will appear in War Thunder Mobile (WTM) in the seasonal update in the Medium and Big Trophies of the Aviation Campaign.