SUKHOI SU-37 SUPER FLANKER

My goal with this model Su-37 was to duplicate the same wild maneuvers the full-size Super Flanker could do with a semi-scale, easy-to-build foam model. To provide the 3-axis thrust vectoring (TV), the model has twin electric motors with pusher props, each installed on a pivoting mount. Pitch TV is achieved by pivoting both motors up and down simultaneously, while roll TV is done by pivoting the two motors up and down and opposite each other. Yaw TV (rudder control) is achieved with differential throttle. The design also includes conventional flight controls including rudders and tailerons (combining aileron and elevator). All TV control is mixed in conjunction with the conventional flight controls. The TV system can be switched on and off as desired.

I used the 185W Little Screamers Park Jet motors. The Su-37 park jet has a top speed of around 80mph and unlimited vertical performance. Tailerons work well for pitch and roll control, eliminating the need for ailerons on the wing and making the model less complicated and lighter. Rudders are optional but are handy for aerobatics and improved slow flight control. The model’s canard surfaces are fixed for simplicity.

Although the twin-motor thrust vectoring system works very well on this model, it adds a considerable amount of complexity and