The first of Sukhoi's series of delta-winged prototypes, the T-3. The elements of the Almaz (Diamond) radar were housed by the flattened cone above the air intake and the bullet fairing on the intake splitter. First flown on 26 May 1956, the T-3 was the forerunner of a series of experimental aircraft all employing a similar 60 deg delta wing. The T-3 was unofficially dubbed the "balalaika" reflecting initial doubts as to its ability to perform advanced aerobatics - the balalaika being unsuited for sophisticated music!

T-3

One of the many prototypes stemming from the T-3 was the T-49 which featured an unusual arrangement of box-type air intakes.