The Su-6 was an aircraft developed with the intention of surpassing the combat-proven Il-2, however both projects were very similar. The Su-6 started development in 1939, with the first prototype flying in 1941. Problems with the engine and relocation due to World War 2 doomed the first two prototypes, although the second one had very successful test results. The third prototype learned from the lessons of the Il-2 in combat and introduced a rear gunner armed with a 12.7 mm HMG. It also addressed the engine problems introducing the new M-71F radial engine. The aircraft also featured a pair of 37 mm cannons in the wings, instead of the conventional 23 mm cannons.

It was introduced in Update 1.63 "Desert Hunters". The Su-6 (M-71F) is a very conventional ground attacker: slow, not very manoeuvrable, but armed with a powerful armament. For air to air, the 37 mm cannons are not ideal when compared to the more conventional 23 mm cannons in the previous Su-6 and most Il-2s. However, these cannons are better suited for dealing with tanks if they are aimed properly. Compared to the previous Su-6, the bomb load was also increased, now being able to carry 2 x 250 kg bombs as well as rockets, which is a very decent loadout for ground battles, and if you aim properly, each bomb should be able to destroy a medium target, although they might struggle against heavily armoured vehicles.