[Coming Soon] Su-9 – The First Soviet Twinjet

Historical note

The development of the Su-9 fighter began in 1944 on the Sukhoi Design Bureau's own initiative. The project initially relied on the promising S-18 engines, but their destruction during testing and subsequent development delays forced the designers to switch their focus to captured German technology. The Jumo 004 engines (and later their Soviet copy, the RD-10) were selected for the powerplant, which drew parallels between the project and the German Me 262. However, the Su-9 was not a simple copy – it featured an entirely new design with a mid-wing configuration and tricycle landing gear.

The prototype's first flight took place on November 13th 1946, almost a year behind schedule. Testing revealed good handling at low and medium speeds, but serious stability issues at high speeds, which required modifications. In parallel, the improved Su-11, equipped with afterburning RD-10F engines, was also undergoing tests. Despite the Air Force's recommendation for serial production after the tests were completed in May 1948, the government opted for the more proven MiG-9 and Yak-15.

Su-9 (Rank IX)

SWOT Analysis

• Strengths: Good maneuverability, powerful cannon armament, bomb load.
• Weaknesses: Low rate of climb and poor acceleration, limited cannon ammunition.
• Opportunities: A versatile fighter, effective bomber hunter, fast attacker.
• Threats: More advanced jet fighters with superior energy and speed.

In battle

The Su-9 is the second Soviet jet fighter in War Thunder Mobile. It is a sturdy and powerful aircraft, centered around its cannon armament. Pilots will appreciate not only its high top speed but also its good maneuverability, which will be useful in both dogfights and ground attack missions!

Unlike the familiar Yak-17, the new Su-9 comes equipped with a pair of RD-10 engines (copies of the German Jumo 004). Its airframe is also significantly stronger and heavier – its final takeoff weight is nearly double that of the Yak. In the air, this aircraft is noticeably faster, and its stiffer wing provides greater stability and very good maneuverability for its class. The fighter retains energy well in sustained turns, so in a duel, the key is to avoid unnecessary sharp maneuvers to maintain your energy advantage.

The Su-9's armament is also more powerful – a devastating 37 mm N-37 cannon complements the pair of 23 mm NS cannons. All guns have a low fire rate and a relatively small ammunition count, so it is recommended to fire in short, controlled bursts and only when you have a sure shot. When used this way, its short, powerful volleys will make short work of both enemy fighters and heavy bombers.

The reinforced airframe and mid-wing design allow for the use of suspended armament: the central fuselage hardpoint can carry one 500 kg bomb, or one or two 250 kg bombs. In this configuration, and with armor-piercing rounds for its cannons, the Su-9 can effectively perform the role of a fast attacker. It is important to remember that early jet engines have modest thrust, so regaining speed and altitude after a ground attack run may take some time.

Premium ♠Su-9♠︎ (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!

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

The Su-9 (Rank IX) aircraft will appear in War Thunder Mobile (WTM) in the seasonal update in the Medium and Big Trophies of the Aviation Campaign.