Pugachev's Cobra

The Pugachev Cobra is a demonstration of the pitch control authority, high angle of attack (AOA) stability and engine/inlet compatibility at high AOA of fighter aircraft. The maneuver allows for very quick turns which can make an attack fail or put the pilot in a position to execute an attack. It is an example of Air combat manoeuvering (ACM). (Many experts on ACM believe this maneuver has absolutely no value in actual air combat.)

Related Topics:
Angle of attack - Fighter aircraft - Air combat manoeuvering

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The maneuver consists of the pilot disengaging the alpha limiter and pulling the aircraft to a 90°?110° angle of attack, then back down to zero. In a properly performed Pugachev's Cobra, the plane maintains a straight and level flight throughout the maneuver.

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The vertical form of this maneuver is called a Cobra, while performing it in the horizontal plane is known as a Hook.

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Vehicles known to be able to make the cobra maneuver are the SU-27 (from horizontal flight), and MiG-29 (from a 30 degree up angle). Thrust vectoring aircraft (such as the F-22 and Su-33 ) should be able to perform this maneuver more easily, though note that the air intake still needs to be able to handle the air inflow!

Related Topics:
SU-27 - MiG-29 - F-22 - Su-33

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