Sukhoi SU-31 3m (118 ")

The Sukhoi SU-31 is a single engined aerobatic aircraft that is very popular in airshows. It is a lighter and more powerful version of the Sukhoi SU-26.

CARF-Models has looked at the SU-31 for quite some time, especially since our Yak-55 is so popular. A new “round cowl” airplane was needed, and we just didn’t want to jump on the Yak-54 hype, doing another Yak-54, as non-scale (thus not quite pretty) as all the others out there.

CARF-Models has gone a different route. We looked at the SU-31’s lines and came to the conclusion that with a slight stretch and a slight increase of side area behind the canopy, some repositioning of wing and stab, this plane could become even a better example of a perfect large scale aerobatic creation - maybe the best one out there after all.

The CARF SU-31 is still extremely scale, even though quite some modifications from the full scale have been done. But we kept the characteristic details, the large round cowl on the slightly boxy rear part of the fuselage, the louvers, the large wing fillets, to make this airplane stand out of the masses.

The large, round cowl comes in two-pieces, which makes installing and baffeling engines very easy. The motor dome is made so that one of the polular 200 cc 4 cyl. Engines would fit without moving the firewall, but if a 150- 170 cc two cylinder engine is to be installed, the included carbon fibre dome extension will be used to accommodate these precisely, too.

The fuselage itself has a huge opening, covered by a canopy frame and clear canopy. Mounts and tabs are factory installed. A pair of removable wing fillets create the beautiful and scale looks of the plane. A removable tank and electronics tray make service and maintenance easy.

The wings use our well proven airfoils, which have been already used at our line of Extras. Geometry is slightly adjusted to what we know works best. The huge ailerons are CENTER hinged, which is a new feature on a CARF 3m aerobatic plane. Deflections of 30 degrees and more are possible. 3 different combinations of aileron servo installation are left to your choice.

The stabs and elevators use the proven design techniques of the Yaks, with center hinged elevators allowing a deflection of over 50 degrees. The massive rudder is also center hinged and prepared for pull/pull or direct drive servo setup. Twin control horns are factory installed.

The long and strong landing gear legs have received a re-engineered gear mount inside the fuselage, which has proven to be extremely durable.

And flying this marvel is just out of this world… stay tuned for more reports!