The aircraft carrier KILLER, a top-secret Russian design, is the Sukhoi T-4.

Sukhoi T-4, the aircraft carrier KILLER, a top-secret Russian design

The Sukhoi T-4, also known as "Aircraft carrier killer," was a top-secret Soviet-era aircraft design developed during the Cold War. It was conceived as a high-speed, high-altitude reconnaissance and strike aircraft. The T-4 was intended to be capable of carrying nuclear and conventional weapons and had a unique design for its time.

Here are some key points about the Sukhoi T-4:

Development and Purpose: The T-4 project was initiated in the 1960s by the Soviet Union with the primary purpose of creating an aircraft that could operate at high speeds and altitudes, making it challenging for enemy aircraft and air defenses to intercept.

Stealthy Design: The T-4 featured a delta-wing design and a forward-swept wing configuration, which contributed to its radar stealth characteristics. It was designed to have a reduced radar cross-section, making it difficult for radar systems to detect and track.

Speed and Altitude: The T-4 was designed to reach speeds of Mach 3 (three times the speed of sound) and to operate at altitudes above 24,000 meters (78,740 feet). These characteristics would have made it challenging for enemy interceptors and surface-to-air missiles to engage.

Cancellation: Despite its promising design and capabilities, the T-4 program faced several challenges, including technical difficulties and budget constraints. Ultimately, the project was canceled in the early 1970s, and the aircraft never entered operational service.

Secrecy: The T-4 program was highly classified, and details about it were not widely known until years after its cancellation. Its "Aircraft carrier killer" nickname likely referred to its potential role in attacking enemy aircraft carriers, which were considered high-value targets.